Gulf states shaking up cushy public sector amid oil slump
Add BT as a preferred sourceDoha
AHMED, a Qatari civil servant, used to arrive at his office at a government ministry in Doha late in the morning and leave for home after lunch, collecting a monthly salary of 40,000 riyal (S$15,700) and a generous housing and travel allowance.
But last month a government official made a surprise spot check on the ministry's offices and found dozens of employees absent. "Punctuality is a duty," said a letter Ahmed received from the minister's office. "Qatar expects the best of its citizens."
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
TRENDING NOW
US-China rivalry and the Kindleberger Trap: Why inaction – not escalation – is the biggest risk
Middle East-linked energy supply shocks put Asean Power Grid back in focus
Thai and Vietnamese farmers may stop planting rice because of the Iran war. Here’s why
Strengthening Asean’s economic resilience through RCEP’s 2027 review
