Organized by the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute and attended by the Minister of Labour
A seminar on labor market challenges and career opportunities in Qatar and the MENA region
The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI), in collaboration with the College of Business and Economics (CBE) at Qatar University (QU), organized a one-day seminar on 18 October 2023, titled “Current Labor Market Challenges in Qatar and the MENA Region.” The seminar was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour; Dr. Omar Al-Ansari, President of QU; Dr. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU; Max Tuñón, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office; and Dr. Kaltham Al-Ghanim, Director of SESRI.
The seminar was also attended by a large number of faculty members and researchers, inside and outside of QU. This seminar comes as part of a seminar series on labor market challenges and employment opportunities in Qatar and the MENA region. In addition to Policy stakeholders, officials from government agencies, stakeholders from non-governmental organizations, academia, young researchers, graduate students (master’s and PhD) from QU, and other academic institutions in Qatar were also present at the seminar.
On this occasion, His Excellency Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, the Minister of Labour, spoke about the current challenges facing the Qatari labor market. He affirmed that over the last decade, it has witnessed unprecedented growth and continuous expansion in the number of jobs to achieve the first and second goals of the national development strategies, based on the four pillars of human, economic, social, and environmental development. This necessitated a significant increase in the workforce in both the public and private sectors, with substantial numbers being brought in, most of whom had intermediate to low levels of experience.
His Excellency also spoke about the projects and programs implemented by the ministry, to address the challenges facing the sector, including: providing programs to motivate Qatari citizens to seek employment in the private sector and offering them the necessary support; increasing the employment of Qatari citizens in both the public and private sectors by 2030; and enhancing the training and qualification efforts.
In her speech, Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, said: “The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) is honored to host this seminar in collaboration with the College of Business and Economics at QU, titled 'Current Labor Market Challenges in Qatar and the MENA region.”
She further added that today's seminar is the first in a series of seminars organized by SESRI regarding labor market issues in Qatar and the Middle East and North Africa region. This seminar aims to engage policymakers at the highest levels and labor market experts in discussing the issues surrounding the current state of labor market transformation and its consequences for Qatar and the MENA region.
In this regard, QU holds a significant strategic vision for contributing to national development, with a focus on creating opportunities to address the challenges of national policy by integrating science, evidence, and policy. This seminar discussion represents an important opportunity to address labor market issues deeply rooted in institutions, traditions, and policies, thereby requiring a comprehensive approach. I am pleased that the discussions in the first panel of this seminar series today will delve into and contemplate many of these critical questions regarding labor market issues, skill development opportunities, and comprehensive policy agendas.
In her address, Prof. Kaltham Al Ghanim emphasized the importance of the topic being discussed at the seminar. She expressed her gratitude to the attendees and highlighted the significant role played by SESRI at QU in conducting important research, surveys, seminars, and discussions that provide valuable information for decision-makers and policymakers. She mentioned that this seminar is part of a seminar series, with more seminars scheduled in 2024.
She also noted that SESRI is dedicated to sustainable development, social policies, urban quality of life, and human well-being through a wide range of population surveys, institutional research, and policy studies.
The seminar consisted of two sessions: the first was titled” Current Labour Market Challenges in Qatar and the MENA Region”, and the second was “Graduate Labour Market Challenges in Qatar and the MENA Region.”
The first session, “Current Labour Market Challenges in Qatar and the MENA Region,” was moderated by Dr. Mahmoud Abdellatif, College of Business and Economics, QU. Mr. Max Tuñón delivered a presentation about “Labour Market Challenges and Opportunities in Qatar: 3 Transitions”. Malak Al Hajri, Director of the National Manpower Recruitment Department, Qatar Ministry of Labour, presented “International Manpower Challenges and Opportunities in Qatar”. Dr. Mouyad Alsamara, Associate Professor of Economics, College of Business and Economics, QU, spoke about “Challenges on Four Fronts: The MENA Region's Complex Landscape”. And Dr. Salim Araji, Economic Affairs Officer, UN ESCWA, presented on “Labour Demand and the Diversification of Skills in the Arab Region”.
The second session, “Graduate Labour Market Challenges in Qatar and the MENA Region,” was moderated by Amani Ahmad Othman, QU, and included four presentations. Dr. Nader Kabbani, Director of Research and Senior Fellow, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, presented “Labor Market Issues Confronting Young People in Qatar.” Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Research Associate Professor, Gulf Studies Center, QU, presented “International Graduate Students and Labour Market Challenges in the Arab Gulf States: Ways Forward.” Prof. Sanaa Ashour, Professor, Gulf Studies Center, QU, presented “What are the Current Labour Market Challenges in Qatar and the MENA region?” And Khalid Jassim, QU Student/Alumni Affairs, presented “Youth Employment Opportunities and Challenges”.
The seminar discussed current challenges in the labor market in Qatar and the MENA region, as well as how government policies, interventions, and stakeholder engagement can provide the necessary support to overcome labor market challenges. It also explored opportunities for skill development and capabilities for the current workforce to acquire new skills and remain competitive in the job market. The seminar's target audience includes policymakers, government officials, and stakeholders from non-governmental organizations.