Q. Hi! I am interested in working in the Middle East, particularly in Qatar. How is the job market like there, and what is the best way to find a job in Qatar? Also, what can I expect in terms of salary packages and cost of living? Thanks! – Jason C.
A. Hi Jason! Due to their tax-free salaries, great lifestyle options and relatively low crime rates, GCC countries are indeed a popular choice among expats looking for work.
When starting your job search outside your country it is important to do your research thoroughly and take into account not only the offered salary and benefits, but also the expenses and cost of living.
A recent report by Qatar National Bank (QNB) indicates a bright outlook when it comes to the country’s economy. Indeed, Qatar’s GDP will grow 6.5% this year and is set to grow at a higher pace of 6.8% in 2014. This translates to more job opportunities, as the country also gears up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar. The upsurge, particularly in Qatar’s infrastructure projects, is likely to be a key growth driver for the country.
Demand for talent in Qatar
Demand for qualified professionals during the coming months will definitely be high in Qatar. According to
The Bayt.com Job Index Survey – August 2013, six out of 10 employers surveyed in Qatar (63%) state that their company will be ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ hiring in the next 3 months, with 74% claiming the same in a year’s time from now. Six out of 10 employers (62%) indicate they aim to fill up to 10 positions. Of these, 25% claim that they will look to fill between six to 10 positions.
Qatar’s projected investment in large-scale public sector infrastructure projects will translate to economic activity in sectors like construction, financial services, and housing.
The Bayt.com Job Index Survey – August 2013 results confirm this, and show that Qatar is a fertile job market for professionals qualified in engineering, business management, and administration. Topping the list of candidate requirements by employers are candidates with good leadership skills (56%), but also team players (53%) and those with good communication skills in both English and Arabic (49%). In terms of experience, employers in Qatar are looking to hire people who have the ability to manage a team (36%). Professionals who have mid-level experience (33%) are desirable, as are those who have administrative and engineering experience (30% for each).
Who's hiring in Qatar?
The Bayt.com Job Index Survey – August 2013 results show that the most attractive industries in Qatar are perceived to be: construction (51%), oil, gas and petrochemicals (49%), and banking and finance (35%). Also, half of respondents (46%) believe that the country is much more attractive as a job market than other Middle Eastern countries.
Finding a job in Qatar
The multi-million dollar projects in infrastructure such as the construction of the Qatar Rail and the expansion of the road network means that you are likely to find hundred of suitable vacancies from entry-level to management positions in big regional companies like:
Qatar Airways,
Qatar Rail,
Qatar Foundation, and more.
Online recruitment is the preferred medium for both employers and job seekers. Bayt.com has a regularly updated list of
jobs in Qatar, showing a good mix of public and private sector companies from over 80 different industries. So to kick start your job search, start off by getting registered online on Bayt.com. Here is a
quick video to help you get started!
Salaries in Qatar
The
2013 Bayt.com MENA Salary Survey has revealed that 22% of Qatar professionals expect a raise of more than 15% in 2013.
In terms of their current salary, a quarter of Qatar respondents (24%) receives a basic salary only; while 65% receive a basic salary plus benefits. A third (36%) states that 51-75% of their salary package is a basic monthly salary. Additional benefits received from Qatar companies include personal annual air ticket (50%), housing allowance (40%), and personal medical insurance (39%).
To get an in-depth look at salary levels offered by employers in Qatar, take a look at
Bayt.com Salaries as it lists salaries shared by professionals themselves working in various organizations there.
Cost of living and savings in Qatar
The
2013 Bayt.com MENA Salary Survey results show that a third (35%) of Qatar respondents save up to 15% of their monthly personal income; four in 10 (41%) repatriate 15% or more.
About six in 10 (59%) Qatar respondents state that the cost of living increased by more than 15% in 2012. They believe this is mostly due to rising food and beverage costs (78%), increased rents (72%), and increased education costs (39%). Eight out of 10 (78%) believe that the cost of living will continue to rise in 2013.
Quality of life in Qatar
Qatar respondents believe that they enjoy a standard of life that is mostly either ‘on par’ with or ‘above’ the standard of other residents in the same generation; 38% state that their standard of living is ‘about average’, 30% claim to be ‘somewhat better off’, and 16% are ‘much better off’. (The
2013 Bayt.com MENA Salary Survey).
Additionally, the Bayt.com ‘
Happiness and Wellbeing in the MENA’ survey, July 2013, has revealed that respondents in Qatar are satisfied with life in general. The top reasons for their satisfaction are general safety and security, the availability of utilities (drinking water, electricity, etc.), and stability of the political environment, with 62%, 60% and 54% for each respectively, indicating they are ‘extremely satisfied’ with these aspects of their general life in Qatar.
