Working in Doha: Jobs, Salaries & Guide 2026

City Overview: Doha

Doha is the capital and largest city of Qatar, a compact but extraordinarily wealthy nation on a peninsula jutting into the Arabian Gulf. With a population of approximately 2.4 million (representing over 80% of Qatar's total population), Doha is effectively synonymous with the country itself for most practical purposes. The city's skyline of futuristic towers along the Corniche waterfront is one of the most recognizable in the Gulf region.

Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world, driven primarily by its immense natural gas reserves. The North Field, the world's largest non-associated gas field, supplies liquefied natural gas (LNG) to global markets and generates the wealth that has transformed Doha from a modest pearling town into a world-class city in just two generations. QatarEnergy (formerly Qatar Petroleum), the state energy company, orchestrates this industry and is the economic anchor of the nation.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup was a transformative event for Doha, leaving behind world-class stadiums, a new metro system, expanded airport capacity, and enhanced hospitality infrastructure. Post-World Cup, Qatar is pivoting toward tourism, sports, education, and technology as growth sectors. The city hosts Education City (home to branch campuses of Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, Northwestern, and other universities), the Qatar Science and Technology Park, and an emerging startup ecosystem supported by the Qatar Development Bank.

Top Industries Hiring in Doha

Energy (LNG & Oil)

QatarEnergy and its joint ventures with international energy companies (Shell, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips) form the backbone of Doha's economy. The North Field Expansion project, a $28.75 billion investment to increase LNG production capacity by over 60%, is creating massive demand for engineers, project managers, HSE specialists, and technical professionals. Salaries in the energy sector are among the highest in the GCC, with mid-level engineers earning QAR 18,000-35,000 monthly and senior professionals commanding QAR 40,000-70,000+.

Construction & Infrastructure

While the World Cup construction boom has peaked, ongoing projects continue to drive employment. Lusail City, the planned metropolis north of Doha built for the World Cup, continues to develop with residential, commercial, and entertainment additions. The Doha Metro is expanding, and various hospitality and cultural projects are under construction. Civil engineers, architects, MEP engineers, and project managers remain in demand.

Finance & Banking

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has attracted international banks, insurance companies, and asset managers to Doha. Qatar National Bank (QNB), the largest bank in the Middle East and Africa by assets, is headquartered here. Commercial Bank of Qatar, Doha Bank, and numerous international institutions operate in the city. Finance roles in corporate banking, wealth management, compliance, and Islamic finance offer competitive packages.

Aviation & Hospitality

Qatar Airways, consistently rated among the world's best airlines, is one of Doha's largest private sector employers with over 50,000 staff globally. Hamad International Airport, regularly voted the world's best, employs thousands in operations, retail, and services. The post-World Cup hospitality sector includes international hotel chains, restaurants, and tourism operators increasingly targeting leisure visitors.

Education & Research

Education City, a 14 square kilometer campus hosting eight international university branches, is a unique feature of Doha. Qatar University, the national university, and numerous international schools create steady demand for educators, researchers, and academic administrators. Qatar Foundation, the organization behind Education City, is a major employer in research, community development, and media (Al Jazeera).

Media & Broadcasting

Al Jazeera Media Network, headquartered in Doha, is one of the world's most recognized news organizations. BeIN Sports, also based in Doha, broadcasts sports globally. These organizations and the broader media ecosystem employ journalists, producers, digital media specialists, and broadcasting engineers.

Major Employers in Doha

• QatarEnergy: State energy company managing Qatar's LNG, oil, and gas operations. The single most important employer in the country.
• Qatar Airways Group: World-class airline employing 50,000+ globally, with headquarters and main hub in Doha.
• QNB (Qatar National Bank): Largest bank in the Middle East and Africa, with operations in 30+ countries.
• Qatar Foundation: Non-profit organization behind Education City, Al Jazeera, and numerous community and research initiatives.
• Ooredoo: Telecommunications company headquartered in Doha with operations across Africa and Asia.
• RasGas / QatarEnergy LNG: LNG production and export operations employing thousands of technical specialists.
• Aspire Zone Foundation: Sports and events organization managing World Cup legacy facilities.
• Al Jazeera Media Network: Global media company employing journalists, producers, and technical staff.

Salary Overview

Qatar's salaries are among the highest in the GCC, reflecting the country's extraordinary wealth. There is no personal income tax.

Typical monthly salary ranges in Doha:

• Entry Level (0-2 years): QAR 6,000-14,000
• Mid Level (3-7 years): QAR 14,000-28,000
• Senior Level (8-15 years): QAR 28,000-55,000
• Executive/Director: QAR 55,000-150,000+

Energy sector packages are particularly generous and typically include furnished accommodation or housing allowance (QAR 5,000-15,000/month), annual flights for the family, children's education allowance, comprehensive medical insurance, and end-of-service gratuity (21 days per year of service). Some companies in the energy sector provide fully furnished housing in compounds like Al Waab City or The Pearl.

Cost of Living in Doha

Doha's cost of living has moderated since the World Cup construction peak but remains on par with Dubai for most categories.

Housing (Monthly Rent)

• 1-bedroom in West Bay: QAR 5,000-8,000
• 2-bedroom in The Pearl: QAR 8,000-14,000
• 2-bedroom in Al Sadd: QAR 4,500-7,000
• 3-bedroom villa in Al Waab: QAR 8,000-14,000
• Villa in compound: QAR 10,000-20,000
• Room sharing: QAR 2,000-3,500

Transportation

• Doha Metro single ride: QAR 2-6
• Taxi (typical ride): QAR 15-40
• Ride-hailing (Careem/Uber): QAR 12-35
• Petrol: QAR 1.75-2.10 per liter
• Car lease: QAR 1,500-3,000/month

Daily Living

• Groceries for a couple: QAR 1,500-2,500/month
• Dining out (mid-range): QAR 40-100 per person
• Utilities (Kahramaa): QAR 300-800/month
• Mobile plan: QAR 150-300/month
• Gym membership: QAR 200-500/month
• International school: QAR 30,000-80,000/year per child

A single professional in Doha needs approximately QAR 12,000-18,000 monthly for a comfortable lifestyle. Families should budget QAR 25,000-40,000 depending on housing choice and schooling.

Neighborhoods and Areas for Expats

• West Bay: Doha's central business district with gleaming skyscrapers. Home to many corporate offices, luxury hotels, and high-rise apartments. Premium pricing but excellent for professionals working in banking and corporate sectors.
• The Pearl-Qatar: Artificial island with Mediterranean-style architecture. Luxury apartments, marina living, restaurants, and retail. One of the few areas where non-Qataris can own property. Popular with affluent expats.
• Lusail City: The newly built city north of Doha, originally developed for the World Cup. Modern infrastructure, waterfront living, and a growing community. Prices are moderating as more units come to market.
• Al Sadd / Bin Mahmoud: Central residential areas with more affordable options. Good access to souks, restaurants, and the metro. Popular with mid-income professionals.
• Al Waab: Residential area with villa compounds popular with families. Close to schools, parks, and Villaggio Mall.
• Education City area: Surroundings of Qatar Foundation's campus. Academic community, green spaces, and modern facilities. Ideal for education sector professionals.

Transportation in Doha

• Doha Metro: A modern three-line metro system (Red, Green, Gold) opened for the 2022 World Cup. Clean, efficient, and affordable. Serves major areas including West Bay, Education City, Lusail, and Hamad International Airport.
• Lusail Tram: Light rail serving the Lusail City development.
• Ride-hailing: Careem and Uber are widely used and reliable.
• Personal vehicles: Many residents drive. Roads are well-maintained with modern highways. Traffic can be congested during peak hours, particularly around West Bay.
• Buses: Mowasalat (Karwa) operates the public bus network covering the city and suburbs.

Job Search Tips for Doha

1. Target QatarEnergy projects: The North Field Expansion is the largest energy project underway globally. Check QatarEnergy's career portal and those of joint venture partners (Shell, TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips) for positions.
2. Apply to Qatar Airways: Beyond cabin crew and pilots, Qatar Airways hires extensively for IT, finance, engineering, marketing, and operations roles. The airline is one of the best private sector employers in the country.
3. Explore QFC opportunities: The Qatar Financial Centre provides a regulated environment for international financial services firms. Check QFC's directory for registered companies and their career pages.
4. Leverage Education City: If you are in academia or research, Education City's university branches recruit internationally. Qatar Foundation's career portal lists positions across its diverse portfolio.
5. Network through sports and events: Qatar's investment in sports (Formula 1, MotoGP, tennis, football) creates a growing events industry. Post-World Cup legacy projects continue to hire.
6. Work with Qatar-focused recruiters: Agencies like BAC Middle East, Al Bawaba, and Charterhouse have strong Qatar placements. GulfTalent and Bayt.com list numerous Doha positions.

Insider Strategies: Succeeding in Doha

Long-term Doha professionals share these advanced insights:

• Understand the kafala system evolution: Qatar has reformed its labor sponsorship system, introducing more flexibility for job changes. Understanding your rights under the new framework ensures you can manage your career proactively.
• Leverage the small-market advantage: Doha is a compact city with a relatively small professional community. Building a strong reputation spreads quickly through networks. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and be visible.
• Time your applications around project cycles: QatarEnergy projects have distinct planning and execution cycles. Major hiring typically occurs 6-12 months before project phases begin. Track project announcements to time your applications.
• Consider the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway: A planned bridge connection to Bahrain (similar to the Saudi causeway) will significantly change the dynamics of the region when completed, potentially opening new career opportunities.