Working In Doha, Qatar

A Profile On What To Expect When Working In Doha, Qatar

The following information may be of help in deciding whether you would be interested in a quantity surveying or construction job based in Doha, Qatar.

Currency

The currency in Doha is the Qatar Riyal (QR).
The latest exchange rates and currency conversions can be obtained by clicking here.

Political / Religious Climate

Qatari culture revolves almost entirely around Islam. Most Qataris adhere to the austere Wahhabi sect of Islam which also dominates Saudi Arabia . Qatari Wahhabism, however, is less strict. For example, there is no prohibition on women driving cars although women should dress in modest clothing for business with covered legs, elbow length sleeves and modest necklines. Arabic is the official language in Qatar , though Doha's sizable population of Pakistanis make Urdu, the Pakistani language, seem more useful. English is also widely spoken.

Culture and Leisure

There are a range of leisure time activities to keep you occupied in Doha with many of the hotels offering pool and gym facilities. Qatar also boasts 350 miles of palm fringed seafront which is arguably one of the most breathtaking in the Gulf.

Doha has a wide range of well stocked, modern shopping arcades but it's also worth visiting the old souk for a taste of local handicrafts.

Alcohol, which is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia, is freely available in Doha. It's worth noting that Thursday and Friday make up the Doha weekend and also that Ramadan, which takes place at a different tim e each year on the Western calendar, is strictly adhered to throughout Doha . This means that eating, drinking or smoking in public from sunrise to sunset is frowned upon.

Weather/Climate

Summer lasts from May to September, and temperatures at that time generally average 35°C (95°F), although it can get up to 50°C (122°F). The 90% humidity adds to the discomfort. The winter months (December-February) are much milder with pleasant, cool evenings. Throughout the year, but especially in spring, Qatar is subject to sandstorms, and the rainstorms that hit the country in December and January cause many of the roads to close.

Accommodation/Transport/Education

Standards of accommodation are generally good in Doha , with some first-class properties available.

Qatar does not have a bus or service-taxi system, so regular taxis and rented cars are your only options for getting to and from the airport and around the country. You can rent a car on most foreign licences without a problem.

There is a selection of suitable fee-paying schools for expatriate children in Doha for children up to 18 years of age. Teaching is in English and they follow the British and American curriculum.

Maxim Recruitment can not offer any type of financial, taxation or immigration/visa advice to current or intending jobseekers, however we are aware of some organisations that are specialists in offering expatriates such advice.

Search Vacancy Database

Search through our extensive database of construction jobs in Qatar here:

Search Construction Jobs in Qatar

Newsletter

Get construction industry news relating to the UK, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and other worldwide locations.

Subscribe

Testimonial

“Maxim Recruitment is an excellent recruitment company that puts a lot of effort into supporting its candidates. I worked with Daria throughout a recruitment process. Daria was very patient, answered all my queries in a calm and friendly manner, and supported me during the process, including with interview preparations. When I secured the Associate Director role, Daria helped me negotiate personal terms, ensuring a net positive outcome for me. Overall, I am happy with the professional recruitment service that I received from Maxim Recruitment and Daria.”

N.M. Associate Director Procurement | October 2024

Send Us Your CV

Need help finding the ideal job? Want to save time when searching?

Let us find your next job.

Send Us Your CV

Register for Job Alerts

Maxim Insights

How to Attract Top UK-Based Quantity Surveyors for International Projects

We specialise in helping global firms source the best UK-based talent for overseas opportunities. Here's how to optimise your recruitment strategy and stand out in a busy construction job site marketplace.…

Read more »

The Real Cost of a Bad Hire | And How Specialist Recruiters Reduce the Risk

Whilst on the face of it, using a construction recruitment consultancy may seem to increase the cost of recruitment, if you are looking to build a high quality and profitable workforce that meets client needs, a construction recruitment consultancy service is well worth the cost. Lets take a look at this further.…

Read more »

What’s the Difference Between a Quantity Surveyor and an Estimator?

At first glance, both Quantity Surveyors and Estimators are concerned with costs. They work with numbers, evaluate drawings and specifications, and aim to ensure that construction projects remain financially viable. However, their involvement in a project's lifecycle—and the purpose of their cost-related work—differs significantly.…

Read more »

Working abroad | How international jobs can transform your life and career

Working abroad as a Quantity Surveyor isn’t just a career move — it’s a life-changing experience. Whether you’re drawn to the innovation of Norway, the tax-free rewards of Dubai, the relaxed pace of Barbados, the natural beauty of Canada, or the structured progression in the UK, each destination offers a unique blend of opportunity, growth, and lifestyle.…

Read more »

Need Fast Access to Top Talent for Open Roles?

In today’s fast-moving construction and infrastructure markets, whether you're delivering building developments in the UK, civil engineering projects in Canada, or handling international infrastructure assignments, hiring the right people swiftly makes all the difference.…

Read more »

Industry News

Opinion: How to fix the Building Safety Regulator

Comment by Lee Powell, managing director of Henry Boot Construction

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 9 July, 10:58

Read more »

CROSS goes official

CROSS-UK has won the tender to be the official voluntary occurrence reporting system for building safety until 2028.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 9 July, 07:33

Read more »

Top house-builders agree £100m payment to head off CMA

Seven leading house-builders have agreed to pay a total of £100m to affordable housing programmes following an investigation by the competition watchdog.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 9 July, 07:16

Read more »

Gamuda moves to phase two in Woolwich

Plans for a £41m expansion of a south London student accommodation development have been unveiled.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 9 July, 06:33

Read more »

Peel reveals Manchester Waters vision

Waterside regeneration specialist Peel Waters is planning to regenerate the remaining 25 acres of brownfield land on Manchester’s Pomona Island into a new waterfront district.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 9 July, 06:32

Read more »