Market snapshot
Qatar’s construction market is growing again in 2026, and employers are hiring. Construction was the fastest-growing part of Qatar’s non-oil economy in late 2025, expanding 9.1% year on year, and output is forecast to grow 5.2% in 2026.
After the FIFA World Cup 2022 many assumed Qatar’s building boom was over. Instead the focus has shifted from stadiums and hotels to energy, transport, housing and tourism, driven by Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.
| Indicator | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Construction market size | $54.5bn, forecast to reach $66.7bn by 2031 |
| Government capital projects budget | QAR 62.8bn (about $17.3bn), up 5.7% on 2025 |
| Ashghal (Public Works Authority) infrastructure tenders | About $13.5bn planned for the year |
| Forecast growth | 5.2% in 2026, then around 4.5% a year to 2030 |
The project pipeline driving hiring
Energy, transport and new urban districts are now the main sources of work. These are the programmes shaping demand for construction and programme management talent:
| Programme | What it involves | Why it matters for hiring |
|---|---|---|
| North Field LNG expansion | Raising LNG output from 77 to 142 million tonnes a year by 2030 | Large EPC and PMC teams, with major industrial and marine works |
| Hamad International Airport expansion | Growing capacity to over 65 million passengers a year | Aviation, MEP and interface management expertise |
| Qatar–Saudi high-speed rail | A 785 km electric line, due around 2032 | Rail design, PMC and systems integration roles over many years |
| Doha Metro Phase 2 | Network extension, due around 2026 | Rail systems, testing and commissioning, and operations readiness |
| Lusail City | A $45bn smart city for around 200,000 residents | Real estate, infrastructure and facilities management |
| Simaisma and Gewan Island | New tourism, waterfront and residential destinations | Hospitality, residential and marine works |
| Renewables | Target of 18% renewable energy by 2030, including 4GW of solar | Energy and utilities project delivery |
Ashghal alone has around $22bn of infrastructure planned over its five-year programme to 2029, alongside more than $19bn of private-sector tenders.
In-demand roles
The roles in highest demand reflect the shift towards energy, transport and complex mixed-use developments:
- Programme and project directors who can lead multi-billion-dollar programmes for government clients such as Ashghal and QatarEnergy
- PMC and PMCM professionals, including project controls, planning and cost management
- Rail and systems specialists for Doha Metro and the Qatar–Saudi rail link
- MEP and interface managers for airport, hospitality and high-rise projects
- Contracts and commercial managers with FIDIC experience and strong dispute avoidance skills
- HSE and quality leads with experience of major government and energy programmes
Employers consistently value previous GCC experience, a strong record on large government-funded programmes, and the ability to work across multinational teams. Experience from Qatar’s World Cup era remains highly regarded.
Working and living in Qatar
Doha is one of the most family-friendly cities in the Gulf, but it is not cheap. Housing and schooling make up most of a family’s budget, and a family of four can expect to spend around QAR 30,000–35,000 a month in total.
| Cost | Typical range (2026) |
|---|---|
| 3-bedroom apartment, central Doha | QAR 11,300–15,000 per month |
| 3-bedroom apartment, outside the centre | QAR 8,500–13,000 per month |
| Mid-range international school (British, American, IB) | QAR 40,000–55,000 per year |
| Premium international school | QAR 60,000–70,000 per year |
| Groceries, family of four | QAR 2,000–3,500 per month |
| Utilities including cooling | QAR 200–600 per month |
Bringing your family. To sponsor your family you need a salary of at least QAR 10,000 a month, or QAR 6,000 if your employer provides family accommodation. Salaries are checked through the Wage Protection System, and applications are made through the Metrash app, typically taking 2–4 weeks. Unlike Saudi Arabia, Qatar has no monthly levy on dependents; fees are roughly QAR 800–1,000 per family member in the first year.
Tax and insurance. There is no personal income tax on salaries. Basic health insurance is a legal requirement for expatriate residents.
Frequently asked questions
Is Qatar still hiring construction professionals after the World Cup?
Yes. Construction was the fastest-growing part of Qatar’s non-oil economy in late 2025, and output is forecast to grow 5.2% in 2026. Work has shifted from stadiums to energy, transport, housing and tourism.
What are the biggest construction projects in Qatar in 2026?
The largest programmes include the North Field LNG expansion, Hamad International Airport’s expansion, the Qatar–Saudi high-speed rail link, Doha Metro Phase 2, Lusail City, and new waterfront developments at Simaisma and Gewan Island.
Which construction roles are in demand in Qatar?
Demand is strongest for programme and project directors, PMC and project controls professionals, rail and systems specialists, MEP and interface managers, contracts and commercial managers, and HSE leads.
How much salary do I need to bring my family to Qatar?
You need at least QAR 10,000 a month, or QAR 6,000 if your employer provides family accommodation. There is no monthly dependent levy in Qatar.
How much does it cost to live in Doha with a family?
A family of four typically spends around QAR 30,000–35,000 a month, with rent and school fees making up most of that.
Do I pay income tax in Qatar?
No. There is no personal income tax on salaries in Qatar.
Thinking about your next move in Qatar?
One95 Global has supported construction and infrastructure professionals in Qatar for many years, including on landmark programmes such as Hamad International Airport and the Doha Metro. Whether you’re hiring for a major programme or considering a move to Doha with your family, we’ll give you an honest view of the market.
Speak to our team or browse our latest roles.
Sources: Oxford Business Group, GlobalData via Yahoo Finance, Wathim, People and Qatar. Figures are indicative and change often.