The State of Qatar is an Arab emirate in the Persian
Gulf with a total estimated population of 2.4 million. Of these, it is also estimated that about 88%
are non-Qataris.
In 2010, Qatar had the world's highest GDP, and is rate of
economic growth was the fastest in the world.
The majority of Qataris live in urban areas and 80% of the
population is concentrated in the capital city, Doha.
Expatriates in Qatar
The labour force in Qatar relies heavily on foreign workers,
resulting in an ethnic makeup (2010
estimates) as
follows: Qatari Arab 15%; other Arab 13%; Indian 24%;
Nepali 16%; Filipino 11%; Sri Lankan 5%; Bangladeshi: 5%;
Pakistani 4%; other: 7%
(e.g., American, Canadian, various European, etc.). Qatar
offers regionally competitive wages that attract highly
skilled professionals from around the world. Employment
income in Qatar is tax-free and Qatari tax is collected only
on income from business activities. Non-citizens in Qatar
can buy land in Doha in designated areas, and they can obtain
a renewable residency permit, which allows them to live and
work in Qatar. Craft and related trades workers account for
the greatest portion of the labor force (29%), which is
mainly in the construction sector.
Women in Qatar
According to a 2010 Gulf
News article, because of
the high proportion of foreign male workers (particularly in
the growing construction sector), women comprise only one-
quarter of the population of Qatar. Female life expectancy
and literacy rate have increased over the past several
generations, and there is a high proportion of women in the
education sector. The wife of the Emir, Sheikha Mouza has
been a strong advocate for women's rights, supporting
women's education and career opportunities. An April 14, 2011
article on GulfNews.com reported that
Qatari women made up 27% of the country’s workforce in 2001, rose to 36% in 2008 and 2009, and is expected to reach 42% by 2016.
