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Population
Qatar has a population of approximately 2.9 million people (as of 2023), with the majority consisting of foreign workers. Only about 12% of the population are Qatari nationals, while the rest are expatriates, mainly from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Arab countries.
Capital
The capital of Qatar is Doha, a modern metropolis located on the Persian Gulf. Doha is the economic and political center of the country, known for its impressive skyline, luxurious shopping malls, and a blend of traditional and modern architecture.
Economic Strength
Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, heavily reliant on its vast reserves of oil and natural gas. The export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) accounts for the majority of government revenue. In recent years, Qatar has made efforts to diversify its economy, particularly in tourism, finance, and infrastructure. Qatar has a very high per capita income and is a major player in global energy markets.
Culture
Qatar’s culture is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and Arab Bedouin heritage. Hospitality plays a key role, and religious customs influence many aspects of daily life. Major religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are important celebrations. Art, poetry, and falconry are also central to Qatari traditions. Alongside this, Qatar has developed a modern infrastructure with international cultural institutions like the Museum of Islamic Art and Katara Cultural Village.
Currency
The official currency of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 1 USD = 3.64 QAR.
Health Insurance and Social Security System
Qatar provides free state healthcare for its citizens, offering some of the best medical services in the region. Foreign workers typically receive private health insurance from their employers. Qatar is currently developing a universal health insurance system that would cover all residents, including expatriates. The social security system provides pensions and social benefits for Qatari citizens, but foreign workers do not have access to a similar pension system.
Employer Costs
Employers in Qatar are responsible for various employee costs, including salaries, health insurance, and accommodation. For Qatari citizens, employers also contribute to pension schemes. There are no mandatory pension contributions for foreign workers, but employers must cover health insurance and often provide housing and transport allowances.
Salary and Bonuses
Salaries in Qatar are high by international standards, especially in the energy sector and for highly skilled professionals. There is no legal minimum wage, but the minimum wage for foreign workers has been set at 1,000 QAR per month since 2021, with additional allowances for housing and food. Bonuses are common, particularly at the end of the year or during religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr.
Payroll
Employers are required to provide employees with a monthly payslip that details the base salary, allowances, bonuses, and deductions such as health insurance contributions. Payslips must clearly list overtime and any other compensation in a transparent manner.
Public Holidays
Qatar observes several public holidays, most of which are religious:
- Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
- Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
- National Day (December 18)
Religious holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar and thus vary each year.
Working Hours
Standard working hours in Qatar are 48 hours per week, spread over six days, with 8-hour workdays. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslim employees work reduced hours, typically 6 hours per day. Overtime must be compensated according to legal regulations.
Vacation
Employees in Qatar are entitled to at least 3 weeks of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. In some sectors or with longer tenure, vacation time may increase to 4 weeks. Employees also receive time off on public holidays.
Sick Leave
In case of illness, employees are entitled to paid sick leave, provided they submit a medical certificate. Workers are entitled to 2 weeks of paid sick leave in their first year of employment, and after that, extended sick leave may be offered with partial or no pay, depending on the length of illness and company policies.
Termination/Severance
Both employers and employees must provide at least one month’s notice when terminating an employment contract. Employees who have worked for more than one year are entitled to severance pay, usually calculated at 3 weeks’ wages for each year of service. Severance is typically based on the employee’s most recent salary, and higher severance may be negotiated in the employment contract.