Qatar is a rapidly developing country located in the Middle East. It has grown significantly over the past few decades due to its oil and gas resources. This growth has led to an increasing demand for skilled workers across many industries in Qatar.
Rise in infrastructure projects
One major factor driving job demand in Qatar is the rise in infrastructure and construction projects. Qatar is investing heavily in developing its infrastructure before it hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2022. This includes building new stadiums, hotels, roads, public transportation systems and more. As a result, jobs in construction, engineering, project management and other related fields are in high demand.
Qatar has allocated over $200 billion for infrastructure spending ahead of the World Cup. Major projects underway include the $45 billion Lusail City development, $35 billion Sharq Crossing transportation initiative, and $5.5 billion Hamad International Airport expansion. These massive projects require hiring skilled technicians, engineers, architects, and construction workers.
Growth in oil and gas sector
The oil and gas industry continues to be the backbone of Qatar’s economy accounting for over 50% of the country’s GDP. Qatar has the third largest natural gas reserves in the world. As oil and gas activities expand, there is a constant need for hiring more petroleum engineers, geologists, rig workers, refinery operators and related professionals.
Qatar is also investing heavily in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and exports. The country plans to increase LNG output from 77 million tonnes per year to 126 million tonnes per year by 2027. This growth in production capacity is fueling demand for experts in gas processing and LNG supply chains.
Expansion of financial and professional services
Qatar has developed rapidly as a regional financial and business hub. Many international companies have offices in Doha due to its strategic location, business-friendly environment and political stability.
The Qatar Financial Center (QFC) has attracted firms in banking, insurance, investment and asset management. Demand is high for qualified accountants, financial analysts, compliance officers and related administrative professionals.
The healthcare, education, IT and tourism sectors in Qatar are also booming. This drives recruitment of doctors, nurses, teachers, professors, programmers and hospitality staff.
Population and economic growth
Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world due to its oil and gas revenues. Its population has expanded from under 1 million in 2004 to over 2.5 million currently.
The rising population and economic prosperity have increased demand for consumer products and services. Retail, automotive, marketing, entertainment and food service companies are hiring staff in Qatar.
Qatar is also investing in enhancing domestic manufacturing and agriculture under its Qatar National Vision 2030 plan. This is creating employment in supporting industries and vocational trades.
Preparations for 2022 FIFA World Cup
As the host of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar is undertaking massive projects to prepare for hosting millions of soccer fans. The country is building seven new stadiums and renovating one existing stadium for the tournament.
In addition, Qatar is developing new hotels, roads, public transport services, telecom networks and other infrastructure to handle the influx of visitors. Thousands of short-term jobs will be created in the lead up to the event in areas such as construction, hospitality, catering, transportation and security.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy – the body responsible for Qatar’s infrastructure development – is expected to recruit up to 20,000 new employees this year alone to work on World Cup-related projects.
Government investments and policies
The Qatari government is actively supporting economic growth and employment through investments, incentives and labor reforms:
- Allocating funds for infrastructure upgrades and mega projects
- Providing tax incentives and subsidies to key industries
- Boosting private sector partnerships and foreign investment
- Relaxing restrictions on foreign ownership of local companies
- Improving recruitment and training of Qatari nationals
- Attracting foreign talent and skilled expatriates
These policies are focused on accelerating development and creating jobs for Qataris and expatriates.
High-demand occupations
Based on the major employment drivers discussed above, here are some of the most in-demand jobs and occupations in Qatar:
Construction and engineering jobs
- Civil engineers
- Construction managers
- Architects
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Steel workers
- Interior designers
- HVAC professionals
Oil and gas jobs
- Petroleum engineers
- Geologists
- Drilling supervisors
- Refinery operators
- Rig and pipeline workers
- Gas processing technicians
- Chemical engineers
Financial and professional services jobs
- Accountants
- Financial analysts
- Auditors
- Banking and investment professionals
- Lawyers
- Compliance officers
- Human resources managers
- Administrative assistants
Healthcare jobs
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Lab technicians
- Physiotherapists
- Medical device professionals
Education jobs
- School teachers
- University professors
- Special education teachers
- Counselors
- Language tutors
Technology and digital media jobs
- Programmers
- Software developers
- Web designers
- Mobile app developers
- Data analysts
- IT support specialists
- Graphic designers
- Digital marketers
Tourism and hospitality jobs
- Chefs
- Waiters
- Bartenders
- Hotel front desk staff
- Tour guides
- Flight attendants
- Housekeeping cleaners
Retail and consumer services jobs
- Sales assistants
- Cashiers
- Delivery drivers
- Automotive technicians
- Beauticians
- Personal trainers
Manufacturing and agriculture jobs
- Factory workers
- Warehouse assistants
- Quality control inspectors
- Machinists
- Livestock farmers
- Food processing workers
- Textile machine operators
Job growth projections
Qatar’s Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics forecasts the highest rates of employment growth from 2017 to 2022 will be in:
Sector | Projected Growth Rate |
---|---|
Construction | 98% |
Finance and business services | 90% |
Transport and communication | 81% |
Manufacturing | 60% |
Mining and quarrying | 55% |
This data highlights the massive expansion occurring in construction, financial services, oil/gas, manufacturing, infrastructure and other key sectors in Qatar.
Recruitment channels in Qatar
Some of the top methods used by employers to recruit talent in Qatar include:
- Online job portals – Sites like Qatar Living, GulfTalent, and Bayt allow companies to post openings to reach millions of active job seekers.
- Recruitment agencies – Hundreds of agencies exist in Qatar to match candidates to available positions.
- Social media – Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook allow employers to directly source suitable candidates.
- Career fairs – Events held annually to connect job seekers with prominent employers.
- Newspaper classifieds – Local papers regularly feature help wanted ads.
- Business conferences – Industries like energy and construction hold major conferences to attract talent.
- College graduate programs – Companies recruit fresh graduates through campus drives and internships.
- Employee referrals – Existing staff recommend family or friends for open positions.
- Government employment centers – Qatar’s Ministry of Labor maintains databases of qualified local job seekers.
Conclusion
In summary, Qatar is currently seeing substantial demand for skilled construction personnel, engineers, finance professionals, healthcare workers, educators, and oil/gas experts to support its infrastructure build-up and economic expansion.
Construction and engineering jobs in particular are urgently needed to deliver the $200+ billion Qatar National Vision 2030 development plan. Roles in finance, technology, medical care and education are also a priority as Qatar diversifies from hydrocarbons.
Qatar’s recruitment outlook remains very promising as it continues investing in infrastructure ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The country is on track to generate over 1 million new jobs by 2030 as outlined in its National Development Strategy.