The Land of Eternal Sunshine: How to Hire the Best Talent from Qatar

We’ve still only scratched the surface of reasons to hire in Qatar. Here are three takeaways you need to understand about the Qatari workforce.

• Migrant Labor Dominance: Qatar has a migrant labor force that comprises approximately 95% of its total labor force, making it one of the most diverse workforces in the world. This vast pool of international talent brings a range of skills and experiences to the country’s labor market.
• Workforce Adaptability: Following changes to the kafala system in 2020, workers in Qatar now have more flexibility and can change jobs at any time after a notice period of up to two months–indicating a shift towards greater workforce mobility and adaptability in the country.
• Young, Dynamic Workforce: A survey of Qatari workers found that 75% of respondents were millennials, and also highly educated, with 85% holding professional roles, higher than the 73% global average.

How does that sound? We know this is a lot of information to take into consideration. That’s why at Multiplier we pride ourselves on offering dedicated, 24/5 support tailored to specific countries–so you can sit back and relax in the knowledge that the professionals have things under control. 

Now you’re speaking their language

Picture this scenario: you’ve hired and onboarded talent from Qatar, and now you’re wondering what makes them tick. Consider these tips for effective communication with your Qatar colleagues, starting with the stuff that helps no matter where they’re based:

1. Clear Communication: Clearly communicate job expectations, company culture, and goals to ensure alignment. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help keep everyone on the same page.
2. Leverage Technology: Use technology to facilitate collaboration and communication. Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Trello can help manage projects effectively.
3. Integration: Make efforts to integrate remote workers into the company culture. Virtual team-building activities or occasional in-person meetings (if possible) can foster a sense of belonging.
4. Legal Compliance: Ensure all employment contracts and practices comply with Qatari labor laws, even when hiring remotely. Luckily, with Multiplier, our easy-to-use platform ensures compliance is guaranteed, with automatic contract generation that dots the Is and crosses the Ts.

But connecting with a Qatari colleague requires more than just ticking boxes. Sport, for instance, is close to the heart of many Qataris–as part of the country’s efforts to diversify, it has hosted more than 500 international sporting events in the past 15 years, including major tournaments like the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Formula One Qatar Grand Prix. More traditional sporting events are rooted in Qatar’s nomadic past and include Arabian horse racing, camel racing, and falconry. 

Beyond sports, Qatari culture is a vibrant blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. From the bustling Souq Waqif marketplace to the state-of-the-art Museum of Islamic Art, there’s a wealth of cultural highlights to bond over. So whether your Qatari colleague or candidate is a sports enthusiast or a culture aficionado, there’s plenty of conversation starters to delve into.

Speaking the truth

Of course, if you really want to impress your new hire, you could try picking up some Qatari terminology. When it comes to greetings in Qatari Arabic, “Marhaba” serves as a casual way to say “hello”. If you want to bid someone farewell, “Ma’a as-salaama” is a polite way to say “goodbye”. These phrases are not only useful for everyday communication but also serve as an excellent ice-breaker when interacting with Qatari colleagues.

Now, as you’re interested in hiring a Qatari to work for your organization, some business terminology might come in handy. Terms you might come across include “Amal” which translates to “work” and “Mudir” which means “manager”. An important cultural note is that Qatari business etiquette values respect and courtesy, so using polite phrases like “Min fadlak” (please) and “Shukran” (thank you) in professional settings will probably get you far!

Tech terminology in Qatar largely follows international standards due to the prevalent use of English in the tech industry. However, efforts are underway to make Arabic and the world of technology more compatible and interoperable. As Qatar continues to evolve as a tech hub, the blend of Arabic and English in tech discourse is leading to a unique linguistic landscape. Neat!

Did you know?

Now that we’ve got the serious business out of the way, let’s have a quick look at some Qatar fun facts. Qatar’s modern history began in 1766 with the migration of families from Kuwait, including the Khalifah family. In 1971, Qatar gained complete independence from Britain and has since emerged as one of the world’s leading producers of oil and gas.

When it comes to famous individuals, Qatar is home to several notable personalities. One prominent figure is Mutaz Essa Barshim, a high jumper who won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, marking Qatar’s first-ever Olympic gold, notably sharing the honor with Italian Gianmarco Tamberi.

We can’t finish without mentioning Qatari cuisine. Traditional dishes include “Machboos” or “Kabsa”, a fragrant dish of rice, meat, and vegetables similar to biryani. For dessert, “Luqaimat”, sweet dough balls drizzled with date syrup, is another must-try. Delicious!

Hungry for more Qatar info?

We’ve got you covered! So far we’ve talked about the big picture, but our talent wiki page contains all the nitty gritty information you need to make your Qatar hiring plans an astronomical success. Click the link for details on statutory leave, public holidays, talent sourcing locations, and much, much more!

• Taxes: Employers must contribute 10%

• Employee benefits: Labor laws in Qatar ensure that employees are well covered through their statutory benefits, but employers can go above and beyond the mandatory benefits to give their employees more perks.

1. 1. Housing Allowance
   2. Supplemental Health Insurance
   3. Transportation Allowance
   4. Life Insurance
   5. Children Education

• Visa requirements: Employees needing to work in Qatar for a short period of time must get a work permit, which varies depending on the type of work.