Qatar Jobs: 8,500+ Qataris Hired by Private Firms Since 2022
Qatar jobs update: more than 8,500 Qataris have joined private companies since 2022, as QNB, Ooredoo and Microsoft win the first Qatarisation awards.
QatarIn brief
- More than 8,500 Qataris have been appointed to private-sector jobs since 2022, according to the Ministry of Labour.
- Qatar aims to lift the Qatari share of private-sector jobs from 17% to 20%, adding about 15,400 nationals by 2030.
- The first Qatar Private Sector Nationalisation Award drew 426 applications across nine sectors.
- QNB, Ooredoo, Microsoft Doha, Commercial Bank and Visit Qatar were among the winning employers.
| Country | Qatar |
|---|---|
| Organization | Ministry of Labour, Qatar |
| Official source | Qatar Tribune – First Qatar Private Sector Nationalisation Award ceremony ✓ qatar-tribune.com |
There is good news for Qataris weighing up Qatar jobs outside government. Figures shared on 27 October 2026 show that more than 8,500 Qataris have been appointed to roles in private-sector companies since 2022. The numbers came out at the first Qatar Private Sector Nationalisation Award ceremony, where the employers doing the most to recruit and develop national talent were honoured.
Bigger hiring targets ahead
Qatar wants many more nationals working for private firms. Under the National Development Strategy 2024–2030, the plan is to:
- raise the Qatari share of private-sector employment from 17% to 20%
- add about 15,400 Qataris to the private-sector workforce
A law on localising private-sector jobs (Law No. 12 of 2024) took effect in April 2025, and the award was set up to reward companies that go beyond the minimum.
The award in numbers
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Applications | 426 (59% individuals, 41% companies) |
| Sectors covered | 9 |
| Field visits to shortlisted firms | 56 |
| Interviews with shortlisted individuals | 59 |
| Qataris appointed in private firms since 2022 | 8,500+ |
| Next edition | 2028 |
Two categories – healthcare services and manufacturing – had no winner because entries did not meet the criteria.
Employers that stood out
These are useful names for any Qatari job seeker to watch:
- QNB – won the most awards, including best at attracting national talent and best new-joiner programmes for both university and high-school graduates
- Ooredoo – IT and digital services
- Katara Hospitality – tourism
- Education Above All Foundation – education
- Hassad Food – food and agriculture
- United Development Company – construction
- Economic Zones Company – logistics
- Microsoft Doha – flexible working
- Commercial Bank – leadership development
- Visit Qatar – support for Qatari women
- Qatar Red Crescent Society – preparing future talent
Labour Minister Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri said success is not just about how many Qataris are hired, but also about the skills, career paths and future leaders those jobs create.
What it means for job seekers
- Look beyond the public sector. Banks, telecoms, hospitality and logistics firms are actively competing for national talent.
- Target graduate programmes. QNB was recognised for programmes for both university and high-school leavers – ask employers about structured entry schemes.
- Ask about development. Award-winning firms were judged on training and career growth, so raise these points in interviews.
- Apply directly on each company's official careers page and keep your profile with the Ministry of Labour up to date.
Banks have been among the busiest recruiters – see our report on the QIB open recruitment day for Qataris.
More openings: all Qatar jobs
Frequently asked questions
How many Qataris have been hired in the private sector?
Over 8,500 Qataris have been appointed in private-sector establishments since 2022, according to figures shared at the award ceremony.
What is Qatar's target for Qataris in the private sector?
The National Development Strategy 2024–2030 aims to raise the Qatari share from 17% to 20%, which means about 15,400 more nationals in private jobs.
Which companies won the Qatarisation awards?
Winners included QNB, Ooredoo, Katara Hospitality, Hassad Food, Microsoft Doha, Commercial Bank, Visit Qatar and Qatar Red Crescent Society.
When is the next Qatarisation award?
The second edition of the award is planned for 2028.
Apply only through the official source.
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