Labour reforms in Qatar: continuity and change in perceptions and attitudes among citizens and migrant workers

Hosting the FIFA World Cup was a pivotal moment for Qatar and the broader Arab region, attracting attention, tourism, and economic benefits. However, it also intensified global scrutiny of Qatar's labor laws that govern the lives of migrant workers. In response, Qatar implemented significant labor reforms to address criticisms and enhance the business environment. Despite these efforts, ongoing evaluation is crucial for assessing reforms' effectiveness. To understand public attitudes, a 2021 nationally-representative telephone survey targeted Qatari nationals and migrant workers. The survey explored how recent employment system changes affected their lives, perceptions, and attitudes. Findings reveal the potential for substantial change, driven partly by international pressure promoting reform. Continuous research and monitoring are vital for sustaining these changes and navigating challenges. This comprehensive approach is essential for grasping the intricate dynamics shaping Qatar's evolving socio-economic landscape.NPRP grant # NPRP11S-1205-170065 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation)

Interest in volunteering for the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar: a nationally representative study of motivations

Qatar is the first Muslim and Arab country to host the FIFA World Cup. The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the organisation responsible for providing the required infrastructure, host country planning and operations, is already offering volunteering opportunities across numerous activities, events and tournaments. However, few studies have examined citizens and resident expatriates’ attitudes toward volunteering for such mega-events in both Qatar and the rest of the Arabian Gulf. In the following paper, we address this research gap by exploring the determinants of Qatari citizens and expatriates’ interests in volunteering for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Drawing on two waves of nationally representative surveys from Qatar, we explore various elements that affect Qataris and expatriates’ interest in volunteering. In general, and after controlling for a wide range of demographic variables, our study found that previous volunteering experiences, interest in football, and positive attitudes about Qatar hosting the games had the strongest effect on the respondents’ interest in volunteering for the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar. The study provides a non-Western perspective and insight into volunteering motivations and, as such, is an important tool for event organisers developing volunteer recruitment and retention strategies.We would like to thank the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) for funding this study and allowing us to use the data for publication purposes. Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.Scopu