Shubhanshu Verma Nov 18, 2024

Cybersecurity Job Trends and Opportunities in Doha, Qatar

A recent Edoxi study published in November 2024 highlights Doha's vibrant cybersecurity job market.  As per the study, Doha has a remarkable cybersecurity vacancy rate of 434.09 per 100,000 population, making it the second-highest in the Middle East. 

The demand for cybersecurity positions in Doha has surged by 40.34%, driven by activity across seven key job platforms, including LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, The Muse, Bayt, Naukri, and Foundit. 

Currently, there are 1,034 available positions, positioning Doha fourth in total cybersecurity job openings in the region, which accounts for 10.5% of all vacancies. 

The demand for cybersecurity professionals in Doha has increased by 12% from 2023 to 2024. Leading employers actively recruiting talent include IBM, Orion, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Airways, and Kinetic Technologies Pvt Ltd. This robust job market underscores Doha's growing significance in the cybersecurity sector. 

Below is a bar graph which illustrates the cities in the Middle East with the highest number of cybersecurity job vacancies. Each bar represents a city, with the height indicating the number of available vacancies.

Bar graph of top 5 cities with high cybersecurity job vacancies in the Middle East

Cybersecurity Job Vacancies and Salaries in Doha

The table below provides the numerical figures of the top 10 vacancies for cybersecurity careers in Doha based on Edoxi’s research report.  The average salary of each job role is also provided in the table. 

Job Roles Level Average Monthly Salary No. of Vacancies
Security Engineer Entry-level QAR 10,000 238
Security Analyst Intermediate-level QAR 12,000 169
Information Security Analyst Intermediate-level QAR 13,500 109
Network Security Engineer Entry-level QAR 11,800 86
Cybersecurity Specialist Intermediate-level QAR 9900 82
Security Consultant Professional-level QAR 15,119 81
SOC Engineer Entry-level QAR 8750 56
SOC Manager Professional-level QAR 12,000 51
Fraud Investigator Intermediate-level QAR 7840 to QAR 39,228 49
Security Auditor Entry-level QAR 11,118 41
Tabular representation of the top 10 cybersecurity job vacancies, level and average salaries in Doha

 

Let's have a look into these job roles in detail, 

1. Security Engineer

The Security Engineer job role has a vacancy rate of 99.92 per 100,000 population in Doha. This is the highest vacancy rate for a Security Engineer role in the Middle East. According to Edoxi’s Research, there are 238 vacancies for this job position. 

A Security Engineer implements and maintains security measures to protect the organisation's digital assets from cyber-attacks. Security Engineer is an entry-level job that requires knowledge of programming, scripting languages and DevSecOps practices. 

Job Responsibilities of Security Engineers

  • Respond to and investigate security incidents, ensuring timely resolution.
  • Perform penetration tests to identify weaknesses in the system.
  • Create and maintain security policies, standards, and procedures.
  • Train employees on security best practices and awareness programs.
  • Maintain documentation of security incidents, audits, and assessments.

Skills Required for Security Engineers

  • Networking Knowledge
  • Security Technologies
  • Operating Systems
  • Incident Response
  • Penetration Testing
  • Data Encryption 
  • Cryptography
  • Risk Assessment 
  • Security Architecture
  • Cloud Security
  • Threat Analysis

Educational Qualification for Security Engineer Job Position

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field is typically required. 

Work Experience  

  • 0-2 years of IT experience, focusing on networking and security. 

Salary of a Security Engineer in Qatar

  • The average salary of a Security Engineer in Qatar is QAR 10,000 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A Security Engineer

  • CompTIA Security+
  • CEH 
  • CompTIA Network+
  • GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
  • Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

2. Security Analyst

The job vacancy rate for security analysts is 70.95 per 100,000 people in Doha.  According to Edoxi’s Research, this is the highest vacancy rate for a Security Analyst role in the Middle East. 

There are 169 openings in Kuwait City for this intermediate-level job. As a Security Analyst, one has to analyse the impact of cyberattacks and identify the cause of data breaches.

Job Responsibilities of Security Analysts

  • Identify the cause of security breaches, data leaks, and other incidents.
  • To ensure that systems are restored quickly and effectively after cyberattacks.
  • Install, configure, and manage security tools such as firewalls, antivirus software, IDS/IPS, and encryption tools.
  • Evaluate the organisation's infrastructure for potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
  • Implement Security Policies and Procedures
  • Design, test, and implement the latest security measures. 

Skills Required for Security Analysts

  • Network Security
  • Incident Detection and Response
  • Ethical Hacking 
  • Threat Intelligence
  • Malware Analysis
  • Cloud Security
  • Risk Management:
  • Vulnerability Assessment:
  • Compliance Knowledge

Educational Qualification for Security Analyst Job Position

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity Or equivalent work experience or certifications in place of a degree.

Work Experience

  • 2–5 years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, or a related role. 

 Salary of a Security Analyst in Qatar

  • The average salary of a Security Analyst in Qatar is QAR 12,000 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A Security Analyst

3. Information Security Analyst

The job vacancy rate for the Information Security Analyst is 45.76 per 100,000 people in Doha.  This is the highest vacancy rate for a Security Analyst role in the Middle East. As per Edoxi’s findings, there are 109 openings for this job role. 

Information Security Analysts continuously monitor networks, systems, and applications to respond to security breaches. This intermediate-level job position demands knowledge of SIEM (Security Information and Event Management). 

Job Responsibilities of Information Security Analysts 

  • To implement corrective measures against security breaches.
  • Perform security vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to evaluate potential threats.
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS).
  • Identify and mitigate risks to minimise the organisation’s security vulnerabilities.
  • Proactively hunt for potential cyber threats before they escalate.
  • Create detailed reports on security incidents, findings, and recommendations.

Skills Required for Information Security Analysts

  • Crisis Management
  • Network Security
  • Incident Response
  • Threat Intelligence
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • Cryptography
  • Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge

Educational Qualification for  Information Security Analyst Job Position

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field. 
  • Relevant certifications or equivalent work experience can also be considered in place of formal education for some roles.

Work Experience

  • 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity or information security roles.

 Salary of an Information Security Analyst in Qatar

  • The average salary of an Information Security Analyst in Qatar is QAR 13,500 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become An Information Security Analyst 

4. Network Security Engineer

The Network Security Engineer job vacancy rate is 36.10 per 100,000 population in Doha. This is the second-highest vacancy rate for a Network Security Engineer job role in the Middle East. According to Edoxi’s Research, there are 86 vacancies for this job position.  

Network Security engineer plays a critical role in maintaining secure, efficient, and resilient network operations. This is an entry-level job position in cybersecurity to design, implement, and manage network security measures.

Job Responsibilities of Network Security Engineers

  • Auditing and Compliance of Network Security Protocols. 
  • Develop and maintain incident response and disaster recovery plans.
  • To mitigate network security breaches and incidents. 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to ensure end-to-end security implementation.
  • Conduct network security awareness training for staff to reduce cyber risks.
  • Implement and manage zero-trust security frameworks.

Skills Required for Network Security Engineers

  • Firewall Configuration (Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Checkpoint)
  • IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems)
  • Internet Protocol (IP)
  • Data Encryption Techniques:
  • Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP)
  • SSL/TLS Protocols
  • Network Protocols
  • Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
  • Troubleshooting
  • VPN (Virtual Private Network)
  • Endpoint Security Solutions
  • Incident Response Procedures
  • Zero Trust Architecture

Educational Qualification for Network Security Engineer Job Position

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Network Administration, or a related field is often required.
  • Master's Degree in Cybersecurity.

Work Experience

  • 0-2 years of relevant experience in networking or security

Salary of a Network Security Engineer in Qatar

  • The average salary of a Network Security Engineer in Qatar is QAR 11,800 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A Network Security Engineer

  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
  • Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamental

5. Cybersecurity Specialist

The Cybersecurity Specialist jobs have a vacancy rate of 34.42 per 100,000 population in Doha. This is the third-highest vacancy rate for a Cybersecurity Specialist role in the Middle East. There is a total of 82 vacancies for cybersecurity specialists. 

Cybersecurity specialists act as first responders to cybersecurity incidents. It is an intermediate-level cybersecurity job that requires expertise in various domains, including threat analysis, security architecture and compliance. 

Job Responsibilities of Cybersecurity Specialist

  • Continuously monitor networks and systems to locate vulnerable points.
  • To identify the presence of malware in the system.
  • Investigate and resolve security breaches or cyberattacks.
  • Configure and maintain security systems, such as firewalls, anti-virus, and SIEM tools.
  • To ensure compliance with security standards.

Skills Required for Cybersecurity Specialists

  • Network Security
  • Incident Response
  • Risk Management
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • Encryption
  • Cyber Threat Intelligence
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM)
  • Cloud Security

Educational Qualification for Cybersecurity Specialist Job Position

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field. 

Work Experience  

  • 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, or related roles.

Salary of a Cybersecurity Specialist in Qatar

  • The average salary of a Cybersecurity Specialist in Qatar is QAR 9900 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A Cybersecurity Specialist

6.Security Consultant

Security consultants have a vacancy rate of 34.01 per 100,000 people in Dubai. This is the second-highest vacancy rate for a Security Consultant job position in the Middle East. As per Edoxi’s research, there are 81 vacancies for this job role. 

Security Consultants assess an organisation's current security posture, identifying vulnerabilities, and designing strategies to improve security measures. This is a professional-level job which involves providing support during security incidents.

Job Responsibilities of Security Consultants

  • Conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Create and recommend security policies and best practices to clients.
  • Assist clients in developing incident response plans.
  • Ensure clients comply with relevant cyber laws, regulations, and industry standards.
  • Prepare detailed reports and documentation outlining findings, recommendations, and security measures.

Skills Required for Security Consultants

  • Risk Assessment and Management
  • Network Security
  • Security Architecture
  • Incident Response
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • Compliance Knowledge
  • Security Tools
  • Threat Intelligence
  • Data Analysis
  • Problem-Solving

Educational Qualification for Security Consultant Job Position

  • A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field

Work Experience 

  • 5-7 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on client management and advanced security knowledge.

Salary of a Security Consultant in Qatar

  • The average salary of a Security Consultant in Qatar is QAR 15,119 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A Security Consultant

Start Your Journey to Becoming a Cybersecurity Specialist Today!

Prepare for certifications like CEH, CISM, and CISSP to launch your career as a Cybersecurity Specialist.

7. SOC Engineer

SOC engineers have a vacancy rate of 23.51 per 100,000 population in Dubai. This is the third-highest vacancy rate for a SOC Engineer job position in the Middle East. 

According to Edoxi’s Whitepaper, there is a total of 56 vacancies for this job.

SOC Engineer is an entry-level cybersecurity job that involves responding to security alerts, analysing security events and performing initial triage to contain threats. They actively search for suspicious activity and vulnerabilities within the organisation’s infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities of SOC Engineer

  • System and Network Logs Analysis: Review system and network logs to identify unusual activity.
  • Develop Playbooks and Procedures: Create incident response playbooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling security incidents.
  • Security Tools Management: Manage and configure security monitoring tools, firewalls, and IDS/IPS.
  • Forensics and Root Cause Analysis: Perform forensic analysis during and after incidents to identify the root cause and propose long-term solutions.
  • Reporting and Documentation: Prepare detailed reports on security incidents, metrics, and threat analysis for management and compliance purposes. 

Skills Required for SOC Engineers

  • Incident Response
  • Threat Detection and Analysis
  • Network Security Monitoring
  • Malware Analysis
  • Forensics and Investigation
  • Vulnerability Management
  • Knowledge of Security Frameworks
  • Scripting and Automation
  • Risk Assessment and Management

Educational Qualification Required for SOC Engineers

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically required. 

Work Experience

  • 1-3 years of experience in IT security.

 Salary of a SOC Engineer in Qatar

  • The average salary of a SOC Engineer in Qatar is QAR 8750 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A SOC Engineer:  

8. SOC Manager

Doha has the highest vacancy rate for SOC Managers in the Middle East. The city has a vacancy rate of 21.41 per 100,000 people for the SOC Engineer job role. 

There are 51 job openings for SOC Managers in Doha. 

SOC Manager is a professional-level role in cybersecurity to manage and lead a team of security analysts. They ensure effective operations are carried out within the SOC.

Job Responsibilities of SOC Managers

  • Oversee the incident response process, including detection, analysis, containment, and recovery from security incidents.
  • Develop and manage security monitoring strategies and provide regular reports on security incidents and trends to upper management.
  • Implement threat intelligence feeds and enhance security posture based on identified threats.
  • Enforce security policies and procedures within the Security Operations Centre.
  • Provide training and mentorship to SOC staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.
  • Collaborate with other IT security teams to ensure a cohesive approach to cybersecurity.

Skills Required for SOC Managers

  • Incident Response
  • Threat Intelligence
  • Network Security
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
  • Malware Analysis
  • Vulnerability Management
  • Cloud Security
  • Problem-Solving
  • Analytical Thinking

Educational Qualification Required for SOC Managers

  • A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.  

Work Experience

  • 7-10 years of relevant experience, including management responsibilities and extensive knowledge of security operations.

Salary of a SOC Manager in Qatar

  • The average salary of a SOC Manager in Qatar is QAR 12,000 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A SOC Manager 

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • GIAC Security Management (GSLC)
  • Certified SOC Analyst (CSA)

9. Fraud Investigator

Doha has the highest vacancy rate for Fraud Investigators in the Middle East. Doha has a vacancy rate of 21.41 per 100,000 people for the job role of Fraud Investigator. According to Edoxi’s research report, there are 49 job openings for this position. 

A Fraud Investigator is an intermediate-level cybersecurity job role for investigating cases of digital fraud and financial crimes. Fraud investigators should stay updated on emerging fraud trends and techniques to tackle them.

Job Responsibilities of Fraud Investigator

  • Analyse financial statements, transaction records, and other relevant documents to identify fraudulent activities.
  • Collect and preserve evidence, including documents, electronic records, and witness statements, to support investigations.
  • Conduct interviews with employees, clients, and other relevant parties to gather information related to fraud cases.
  • Document findings in detailed reports, outlining investigative processes, evidence collected, and recommendations for remediation.
  • Work with law enforcement agencies and legal teams when necessary to facilitate investigations and prosecutions.
  • Educate staff on fraud prevention techniques and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
  • Tracing the digital footprints and gathering essential details.

Skills Required for Fraud Investigators 

  • Fraud Detection Tools
  • Financial Acumen
  • Cybersecurity Knowledge
  • Interviewing Techniques
  • Evidence Collection
  • Surveillance Techniques
  • Critical Thinking
  • Data Analysis
  • Problem-Solving Abilities
  • Time Management

Educational Qualification Required for Fraud Investigators 

  • A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.  
  • Having a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Finance & Accounting and Business Administration will be an added advantage. 

Work Experience

  • 3-5 years of experience in fraud investigation, financial analysis, or compliance roles.

Salary of a Fraud Investigator in Qatar:

  • The starting salary of a Fraud Investigator in Qatar is QAR 7840 Per Month. Fraud Investigators can earn up to 39,228 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A Fraud Investigator

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS)
  • Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF)
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

10. Security Auditor

Doha has the third-highest vacancy rate for Security Auditors in the Middle East. The vacancy rate for Security Auditors is 17.21 per 100,000 people. As per Edoxi’s findings, there are 41 vacancies for this job position. 

Security Auditor is an entry-level job for performing regular audits of systems, networks, and applications to evaluate security controls. The duties and responsibilities of Security Auditors are mentioned below, 

Job Responsibilities of Security Auditor

  • Conduct penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications.
  • To ensure the organisation adheres to regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 27001, PCI DSS).
  • Document findings and provide detailed security audit reports to management, outlining security gaps.
  • Investigate security incidents and provide post-incident audit reports.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of access controls to ensure authorised personnel have appropriate permissions.
  • Categorise risks and suggest mitigation strategies to the clients.
  • Ensure security measures are maintained through follow-up audits.

Skills Required for Security Auditor

  • Risk Assessment and Management
  • Audit Planning and Execution
  • Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge
  • Information Security Frameworks
  • Incident Response and Recovery
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • Data Analysis and Reporting
  • Communication Skills
  • Problem-Solving Skills

Educational Qualification for Security Auditor Job Position

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance. (Optional)

Work Experience  

  • 1–3 years of experience in IT security, network security, or a related field is required for entry-level auditing positions.

Salary of a Security Auditor in Qatar

  • The average salary of a Security Auditor in Qatar is QAR 11,118 Per Month.

Certifications to Become A Security Auditor

  • CompTIA Security+
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) 
  • GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH v13) 
 
 
Discover the Cybersecurity Job Trends for 2025 in the Middle East.
 
 

Conclusion

Doha has one of the highest vacancy rates for cybersecurity jobs in the Middle East. This makes Doha an ideal city in the Middle East for starting a cybersecurity profession. Edoxi’s Whitepaper will give insightful information to cybersecurity job seekers in Doha. 

If you are considering starting your cybersecurity career,  stay equipped with the latest cybersecurity skills. Edoxi offers the best cybersecurity courses in Doha to help you take your first step towards becoming a successful cybersecurity professional. 

Are you interested in pursuing a career in Cybersecurity?

Discover the top strategies through Edoxi’s Cybersecurity Courses in Doha!

Shubhanshu Verma is a cybersecurity trainer and a contributing writer for Edoxi’s study hub. He holds several certifications, including CPEH, C|EH, C|HFI, CNSS, CEI, and CISA. He has notably contributed to leading organisations like Social27, Microsoft, Cyber Management Alliance, and Balsam Institute of Science and Technology. His training offerings include CEH, CND, CHFI, ICS/SCADA Cybersecurity, ECSA, WCNA, and ISO 27001:2013 for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).

Shubhanshu's expertise spans various penetration testing areas, such as web/application and infrastructure testing, wireless network testing, VoIP, and firewall rule set reviews. He is proficient in programming languages including HTML, Python, Java, and SQL, and adept with tools like Metasploit Framework, Burpsuite, Nessus, Splunk, Acunetix, and Threat Connect.

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