Established under Amiri Decree No. 27 of 2025, the Award aims to strengthen workforce nationalisation, foster competitiveness, and support the objectives of the “Empowering Qatar” National Plan in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Labour has officially inaugurated the 2026 Qatar Nationalisation Award for the Private Sector, a landmark initiative recognising and promoting the contribution of Qatari talent across the nation’s private sector.
The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and in the presence of Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani bin Hassan Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs.
Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour, highlighted that the Award “embodies the vision of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, which recognises human capital as the nation’s true wealth. The Award highlights Qatar’s strategic foresight in translating this guidance into measurable impact on workforce development and national transformation,” according to Ministry of Labour report.
Al Marri stressed the importance of preparing Qatari talent through education and training systems, ensuring integration into the workforce based on merit, competence, and achievement. He added that recognising excellence not only rewards outstanding performance but also establishes a role model for society and future generations.
The Ministry continues to improve work environments, raise national workforce participation, and position the private sector as a strategic partner in strengthening Qatar’s economy, enhancing productivity, and supporting sustainable development.
The Award aligns with a wider strategy to prepare a future-ready national workforce. Through policies and programmes grounded in capability, competence, and sustainability, the Private Sector Nationalisation Law of 2024 provides the framework to incentivise participation and enhance the effectiveness of nationalisation efforts.
The National Strategy for an Effective and Highly Productive Workforce (2024–2030) aims to increase Qatari workforce participation from 17% to 20%, with more than 15,400 Qatari nationals targeted, and partnerships with private companies have already employed 7,861 Qatari citizens and children of Qatari women.
Khames Mohammed Al Naimi, Assistant Undersecretary for National Manpower Affairs, highlighted that the Award represents “a practical step in translating visions and policies into tangible outcomes.”
He explained that nationalisation now offers real opportunities for growth, leadership, and ambition within the private-sector economy. The Award converts strategic guidance into actionable measures, creating jobs, career development, and leadership pathways that empower citizens to shape the future of Qatar’s workforce.
The governance of the Award is overseen by a Board of Trustees, chaired by the Minister of Labour, ensuring fairness, transparency, and professionalism. The Award draws on international best practices while reflecting Qatar’s labour market context, with a digital platform, “Himmah,” enabling seamless registration and participation.
Its framework prioritises workforce nationalisation, specialised training, youth empowerment, the advancement of women, and the creation of sustainable work environments, translating strategic objectives into measurable impact.
Excellence is recognised across two main categories, Institutional and Individual, spanning nine economic sectors, including Financial Services, IT, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education, Tourism, Logistics, Construction, and Food & Agriculture.
Institutional awards celebrate achievements in recruitment, onboarding, leadership development, empowering women, and fostering flexible work environments. Individual awards honour top-performing employees, emerging leaders, and innovators in each sector.
Eligibility criteria require private-sector institutions to hold valid commercial registrations, employ Qatari citizens or children of Qatari women, and comply with the Private Sector Nationalisation Law.
Individuals must be active Qatari employees, with awards considering leadership, competence, and potential as key metrics. Evaluations assess recruitment, training, empowerment, retention, work environment, and professional development.
The Qatar Nationalisation Award 2026 reflects the Ministry of Labour’s commitment to organising the labour market efficiently, enhancing private-sector contribution, and promoting national talent through innovative growth models. By celebrating success stories and fostering positive competition, the Award empowers citizens to contribute to a sustainable, competitive, and future-ready economy.
Eligible participants are invited to apply via www.himmah.gov.qa, with submissions assessed on employment outcomes, training programmes, equal opportunities, and recognition of exceptional national talent.
