Doha: Assistant Undersecretary for National Manpower Affairs in the Private Sector at the Ministry of Labour (MOL), Shaikha Abdulrahman Al Badi, announced that the recently established sectoral councils aim to enhance and develop the national workforce in Qatar by identifying key gaps in the labor market and aligning efforts among stakeholders to address future needs.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Badi explained that based on the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030, nine sectoral councils will be established across strategic sectors vital to the Qatari economy's growth and diversification. These sectors include food and agriculture, education, healthcare, IT and digital services, financial services, logistics, tourism, manufacturing, construction, and real estate.
Al Badi emphasized that the development of these sectors is crucial for achieving Qatar's economic ambitions, ensuring flexibility, and maintaining regional and international competitiveness. She stated that the growth of emerging sectors and the development of existing ones will create new economic opportunities for the national workforce, particularly in the private sector, by offering highly skilled and quality jobs.
The sectoral councils are integral to achieving the National Strategy for an Effective and Highly Productive Workforce 2024-2030, focusing on a sustainable economic future led by Qatari citizens and residents. Al Badi noted that the councils will help exceed the objectives of the National Development Strategy by 2030 by developing national workforce skills, creating new jobs, and transforming local human capital.
She also highlighted the councils' role in designing and implementing programs to support a 2 percent annual growth in labor productivity, increase Qatari private sector participation to 20 percent by 2030, and contribute to the growth of economic indicators across various sectors. The councils aim to align the human capacity development system with market needs by collaborating with stakeholders to design educational and training programs for Qatari professionals.
The councils will strengthen partnerships between MOL and the private sector, fostering dialogue between policymakers, employers, educational institutions, and regulatory authorities. This collaboration will ensure national strategies meet labor market demands and private sector requirements, enhancing the national workforce's competitiveness.
Through a comprehensive approach to human capital development, the councils will design effective initiatives based on data analysis and evidence-based decision-making. They will bridge the gap between supply and demand for skilled labor, promote continuous education and training, and increase workforce productivity. Moreover, they will play a crucial role in implementing the nationalization plan by developing policies and training programs to integrate Qatari professionals into the labor market.
Al Badi noted that the councils were created to address labor market challenges and develop solutions in partnership with the private sector. Initial priorities include data collection and strategic planning to identify skills gaps and develop initiatives promoting nationalization and workforce readiness. The councils will facilitate social dialogue among stakeholders, integrating national efforts to achieve strategic objectives.
As the official launch of the sectoral councils approaches in the second quarter of this year, further details will be shared to enhance transparency and encourage stakeholder engagement. The councils will publish an annual report on their achievements and labor market developments, with continuous updates on MOL's digital platforms to invite public participation.
Al Badi confirmed that the project represents a significant step toward cross-sectoral integration, with councils expected to officially start operations in the second quarter of 2025. The design of the councils aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and allows for future adjustments to meet evolving economic needs. Public sector engagement is also a key component, with government representatives actively contributing to council initiatives.
The councils aim to promote national workforce employment in the private sector while enhancing skills readiness for future demands in both public and private sectors. They adopt a holistic approach to workforce development, analyzing skills gaps, and implementing targeted training programs, thereby contributing to the career development of Qatari professionals.
Al Badi concluded by emphasizing the councils' role in advancing the nationalization agenda and fostering social dialogue among stakeholders to drive workforce development objectives forward.