Doha, Qatar – Several Qatari real estate companies have secured spots among the top 25 Best Workplaces in Real Estate across the GCC, according to the 2024 ranking released by Great Place to Work Middle East.
The prestigious list is based on employee feedback gathered through the organisation’s Trust Index™ survey, which evaluates company culture, trust, innovation, and employee well-being. The ranking highlights real estate firms that not only perform financially but also lead in creating exceptional workplace environments.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Jules Youssef, Managing Director for Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain at Great Place to Work Middle East, emphasized the significance of this achievement.
“Several Qatari firms featured in this year’s list are not just thriving businesses—they are also prioritising people,” Youssef stated. “These companies scored up to 30 percent higher than industry averages in employee engagement and retention. It’s a clear sign that culture is a business advantage.”
Youssef pointed out that strong workplace cultures directly contribute to business resilience and innovation. Companies ranked highly on the list were found to be twice as likely to be ready for innovation and employee-driven improvement initiatives—a crucial advantage as Qatar’s real estate market advances toward sustainability and smart urban development.
Real Estate Evolution in Qatar
The real estate sector in Qatar has undergone rapid transformation in recent years, propelled by the legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the long-term goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Developers are increasingly focused on sustainable practices, digital integration, and community-oriented design.
According to Great Place to Work Middle East, firms that prioritize trust, collaboration, and inclusion are the ones best equipped to lead this shift and capture new market opportunities.
Cultural Excellence Driving Investment
Beyond internal performance, the report notes that companies with strong workplace cultures attract greater interest from investors and strategic partners.
“Our research shows that companies certified as great workplaces are four times more likely to be seen as attractive by external stakeholders,” Youssef explained. “This isn’t just about HR anymore—it’s about market positioning. Investors are taking note of employer branding, employee advocacy, and business agility.”
Qatar’s real estate firms are already reaping the benefits of this shift, with increased investor interest and expanded business opportunities becoming more evident.
Youssef added that companies fostering positive, trust-based cultures are viewed as lower-risk, more sustainable investments—qualities that resonate with stakeholders looking for long-term value.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the strong showing, Qatar’s real estate industry faces ongoing challenges, particularly in attracting tech-savvy professionals and responding to shifting market dynamics. Youssef highlighted that the top-ranked companies are those that demonstrate greater agility and resilience.
“These organisations are three times more likely to retain talent and four times more likely to foster innovation,” he said. “To navigate future disruptions, companies must continue building trust-based cultures, support local talent development, and embed sustainability at the core of their operations.”
The inclusion of multiple Qatari firms in this year’s Best Workplaces in Real Estate list signals a broader shift in the country’s economic landscape—one where people-first strategies are gaining increasing recognition as a core driver of national growth.