Opportunities for UK recruiters to invest in Qatar are ripe, according to ATSCo.

The body, which represents technology recruiters, recently set up an international forum to discuss staffing opportunities outside of Europe and its first port of call was Qatar.

Ann Swain, ATSCo chief executive, told members: “Qatar is a less mature market than Dubai. There are very few recruiters operating there at the moment, so Qatar represents an excellent opportunity for UK staffing companies to be the first on the block.

“There’s a huge demand for technology professionals in the region, fuelled by the engineering and construction boom. If you are after a quick win it maybe early days for Qatar but if you’re in construction or engineering it is undoubtedly the place to be.”

Craig Coverman, managing director for technology and telecoms recruiter Eutopia, sources staff all over the Middle East and started recruiting in Qatar four years ago.

He told Recruiter: “It’s an emerging market and as a specialist in emerging markets and the investment in the region it ticked all the boxes for us.

“Qatar has a very good relationship with the UK. They are also very receptive to ex-pat workers [there are 500,000 living there].”

He said the need to employ a local figurehead was waning now and more senior management roles were going to ex-pats.

The pace of life may be less frenetic than Dubai but don’t be fooled, said Coverman. He explained: “Contracts have to be watertight in Qatar and you have to be culturally aware; they do business at their own pace, which means getting paid in a timely fashion can also be an issue.”

Coverman’s advice for aspiring recruiters itching to try the market is to get compliance advice, contact the government body UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) for advice and possible funding, and most importantly get local legal advice and set up a local partnership.

“Set up contracts compliantly with a local solicitor,” he added. “Prepare joint agreements in Arabic and English, and make sure they are signed off and stamped; you cannot drag people back to a British court. However, we have been surprised at their fair judicial system, but make sure you have everything documented. Qatar can be quite official and bureaucratic.

“Set up local partnerships and get to know senior local managers in the industry. It is a big benefit if you have Arabic speakers; it really helps the relationship with the client.”

There are also teething problems with getting quality accommodation and demand is outstripping supply with international school places.

ATSCo is planning to host a trade delegation to either Qatar or Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, later in the year.