A Career in Sports Medicine in Qatar: Opportunities, Licensing, Salaries, and Benefits

The people of Qatar have a huge love of sports, from kite surfers in the bay and children playing volleyball on the beach to thousands of fans cheering for their favourites at one of the world-class stadiums. Football, racing, golf, volleyball, tennis and athletics are celebrated at this leading destination for global sports tournaments.

Football is defined as Qatar’s national sport and is the most popular sport, enjoyed by locals and expatriates alike. However traditional sports pre-date it and the heritage sports of falconry and camel racing date back centuries and are still enjoyed by the Qatari population.

Qatar National Sports Day is the second Tuesday in February each year, a day to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

Qatari Sports

• Football: the nation's favourite sport with no less than 8 stadiums and games with the Qatar Stars League
• Volleyball: a hugely popular sport with men's and women's teams competing internationally
• Athletics: Athletics is Team Qatar’s most successful Olympic sport with two bronze medals and one silver. Mohammed Suleiman won Qatar’s first-ever Olympic medal at the Barcelona ’92 Olympics with a bronze in the 1500m. Mutaz Barshim became Qatar’s most successful-ever Olympian when he won silver in the high jump at Rio 2016 to add to the bronze that he won at London 2012. Qatar hosted the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 for the first time in the Middle East.
• Tennis and Squash: Khalifa International Tennis Complex hosts major tournaments including WTA and ATP
• Watersports: Kitesurfing, wakeboarding, para sailing and diving in Qatar's watersports haven
• Golf: an up and coming destination for golf
• Motor Racing: exhilarating racing at Qatar's world-class motor racing circuit which hosts Formula 1®, MotoGP, and World Endurance Championship races.
  

Licensing Requirements

To practise as a sports medicine physician in Qatar, obtaining licensure from the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP) is mandatory. The process involves several key steps:

1. Credential Verification: Submit your medical qualifications and professional experience for primary source validation via DataFlow..
2. Examination: Depending on your specialty, you may be required to pass assessments such as the Prometric exam, which evaluates medical knowledge pertinent to practice in Qatar.
3. Licensure Application: Complete the application through the QCHP's online portal, providing all necessary documentation, including proof of experience and training.

It is advisable to consult the QCHP's official resources for the most current and detailed information regarding the licensing process.

Career Opportunities

Qatar's healthcare sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by substantial government investment and a commitment to enhancing medical services. This expansion has led to an increased demand for healthcare professionals, including sports medicine physicians who are sought after by both athletic and sports organisations as well as medical facilties.

Salaries and Benefits

Physicians in Qatar benefit from competitive, tax-free salaries. According to available data, a sports medicine physician can earn between 35,000 QAR and 65,000 QAR monthly, depending on experience and qualifications.

In addition to attractive salaries, benefits often include:

• Housing Allowance: Financial support for accommodation.
• Transportation Allowance: Assistance with commuting expenses.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for physicians and their families.
• Education Allowance: Support for children's education.
• Annual Leave: Entitlement to paid vacation,

Employment Terms

Employment contracts in Qatar typically outline the following terms:

• Contract Duration: Often ranging from one to three years, with possibilities for renewal.
• Working Hours: Standard working hours are generally 40-48 hours per week, depending on the institution. There may be additional on call commitments.
• Professional Development: Most employers encourage continuous medical education (CME) and may provide support for attending conferences, workshops, and additional training.

Conclusion

Pursuing a career as a sports medicine physician in Qatar offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to a progressive healthcare system which is an integral component of the country's rapidly growing status in the global athletics and sports sector. The challenge of working with emergent athletes and footballers whilst assisting their progress is supplemented with a competitive tax free compensation package and comprehensive benefits which provide a comfortable lifestyle.

Take the first steps towards finding a sports medicine physician job in Qatar by searching our advertised jobs or registering your CV. Find out more information about other careers in sports medicine or contact us to discuss further.