Haron

I am negotiating a job offer in Doha. One of the things I was surprised to know is the long working hours, which is 50 hours per week. I asked for 40 hours a week, but the prospective employer said the Labour Law in Qatar defines 49 hours as the working load per week, excluding all breaks. Is this normal?, knowing that the job is Engineering Manager. If this is the case it means 1.5 days for the weekend and no room for anything during the week!

mikewot

In Dubai the law is 48 hours a week in your contract. Thats only 10 hours a day for a 5 day week, 0800 - 1800 each day. You'll find that there is a difference between whats in your contract and actual working practices. Particularly during Ramadan.

Crewegirl

My husband works 8am-6pm here in Qatar which includes lunch break. He gets every weekend off(Friday,Saturday)
from what I can gather its normal working hours here.
Ramadan he only works 9am-3pm.
Good luck

scrubbedexpat141

What hours do you currently work?

Depending on the answer to that....what if the project is entering a critical stage? Do you just work 9-5 still?

Check whether it's 5 or 6 day week.

britexpat76

Most people I know here work 50 Hours + a week. You get the financial rewards here but as the higher paid westerner they expect their pound of flesh.

Also bear in mind that all your staff will love sticking a knife into you and telling people when you are not there, the mentality is totally different.

Haron

I work currently 40 hrs a week, with Sat and Sun off. The prospective job they work Sat to Wed 9 hrs a day and Thu 5 hrs. this makes it 50 hrs a week or more than 2 months a year more than what I work currently.

co durham boy

Stick another 10 hrs on your 50 hrs and you'll maybe get close . No room for anything during the week , are you coimng on holiday ?

Bahtatboy

Life's full of balances and compromises. And luck. Its up to you to make the choices, and--as much as you can--make your own luck.

britexpat76

Seems I cannot give you any Karma at the minute, But I love the last line.

Haron

At least some time daily with kids. Is it too much?

Haron

I agree

co durham boy

All depending on your employer and what the project demands are . If you need to work 14 hr days 7 days a week then you have to , if you don't and need an early dart a few times a week for the kids then fine .

You take the rough with the smooth . I wouldn't employ anyone that was stipulating hours in a senior overseas position , they should already know what is required of them .