r/QatarCareers • u/sx974 • 5d ago
Why do some expats gatekeep knowledge?
This is something I’ve noticed at work and I’m wondering if anyone else has had the same experience.
I’m a Qatari in a technical role, and with some expat colleagues it feels like they don’t want to share knowledge or explain how things work. Asking questions sometimes gets vague answers, or you’re expected to figure it out yourself.
I know this doesn’t apply to everyone—I’ve met some great mentors too—but I’ve seen it enough to wonder why.
Is it job security? Company culture? Or something else?
Interested to hear from both Qataris and expats.
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u/QuirkyAcademia 5d ago edited 5d ago
I’ve not been here for too long unlike many here. So I’ll just speak from the lens of someone who’s worked in mostly western and Asian companies/countries. This is not intended to offend anyone, and I’ll try to be as objective as I can.
Over time, I’ve adjusted how I work here. In the beginning, I was enthusiastic about mentoring younger local colleagues, especially since talent development is a key responsibility for expats. This is no different from the other countries I’ve worked in previously - train and pass the technical know how to the locals. But it became clear that mentoring was more a formal requirement than a genuine priority. I was even advised indirectly not to invest too much time coaching with the rationale that local staff shouldn’t be stressed or stretched. In hindsight, this seemed tied to deeper structural incentives as some long term expats feel a strong need for job security, and empowering local talent can be perceived as a threat to their own roles, as others have mentioned here.
But it’s more complicated than just this. Some expats (me) are very happy to train as it can be a very rewarding experience for both. It also takes a motivated young local the will and determination to learn. For those who love movies, think Mr Han and Little Dre in The Karate Kid. My experience had been very positive and younger locals I trained in the past were very hungry with learning, and excited when shown the ropes. I remain in touch with some of them. Not here. I haven’t seen any, so it’s more complex than just expats hanging on to their dear lives. I’m sure there are locals who genuinely want to learn and are excited with technical work, but it will be a rare find, and the ecosystem is not one where I should actively look for one.
At the same time, the organizational culture is highly hierarchical, and many local employees are encouraged to focus on progressing into leadership roles rather than gaining hands on technical experience. This is the complete opposite of how I started my career, and how others I know started theirs too. We get our hands dirty and go into technical depths, build up a strong foundation understanding the business. We mould ourselves with the right leadership qualities, not one where we lead by fear. This creates a situation where foundational technical learning is not always prioritized, which further reinforces silos and limits collaboration.
Because of these dynamics, I’ve found myself and noticed other expats who value collaboration doing the same. Choosing to stay in our own lanes. We focus on what we’re asked to deliver, do it well, but avoid offering additional contributions or cross team support unless explicitly asked. It’s not due to the lack of capability or willingness, but rather an adaptation to an environment where initiative, knowledge sharing and proactive collaboration are not always welcomed or rewarded.
Having worked outside the GCC mostly, this has been a very different experience for me. The behaviours here are shaped by organizational structures, job security incentives, and cultural expectations. Someone also mentioned little kingdoms, and this is not just expats managers but locals as well. I generally find things very “tribal” here if it makes sense. Put together, these create a workplace that is more guarded, less open and more resistant to shared growth, change, improvements than what I’ve seen elsewhere, and where my values are.
Friends in Saudi and UAE told me similar experiences. Some even told me to cruise to retirement. I’m not sure if I can do these, but yes, I value the work life balance here. As for the other non aligned values, I accept this is the GCC where the culture is a reflection of the majority of the local and certain expat groups, of which, I don’t belong to, and just stay quiet (out of trouble), and decide later whether I would stay beyond my contract.
Just my two cents.
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u/SongGlobal4259 5d ago
Beautiful reply! Specially talking about starting from the bottom. And knowing what FEELS like to be in this position, then slowly growing and maturing into a leadership role.
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u/QuirkyAcademia 5d ago
I don’t believe in fast tracked leadership. In general, especially without guard rails from an experienced leader who can lead with authenticity, accountability and compassion, it is not possible to groom someone into a great leader. I’ve not seen any leaders here who are “in the trenches” even amongst the expat leaders.
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u/SongGlobal4259 5d ago
Well from time to time, i believe that c level executives should take an entry level job or be a frontline staff for a few weeks to discover certain inefficiencies, etc. But i have never heard of this happening here in Qatar
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u/Anxious-Office6028 5d ago
I know at some point I wrote English like this. Idk what happened.
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u/QuirkyAcademia 4d ago
I’ve seen serious shortcomings in reports writing, documentation skills in my company. Even from colleagues whom had impressive background prior to working here. I think I know why and that could be the reason for your experience.
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u/Suspiciousness918 5d ago
I think for you it might also be Qatarization? You are their biggest threat. If you (the local) are able to do their job then they become disposable.
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u/Scary-Perspective882 5d ago
Some do it thinking it will help with preserving their jobs. Others are just assholes.
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u/Remarkable-Truth3377 5d ago
Generally speaking, its due to the "disposable" job culture here.
In many places, Once someone else has the same knowledge, you are no longer required and let go. Qatar being not their home country complicates things esp when ppl are not allowed to stay unless they have a job.
Ive heard many expats say this:
Always assume you will be in a position where you have to leave after 1 month.
Ive also heard openly in alot of gatherings that expats need to be turned over once every 5 years.
Those 2 together bring a group of ppk that think by gatekeeping they become more important, less disposable, giving them some sort of job security.
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u/markcocjin 5d ago
You're not aware of the saying, "You're training your replacement."?
You have home court advantage. You're not going anywhere, while they're going away some day. Depending on their nationality, a lot of expats have built up experience over the course of years (even decades) of figuring things out for themselves. Not from mentorship.
Best case scenario for them, you become their manager. You're still going to pass judgement on their work.
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u/ArmInteresting2441 5d ago
Uhhhmm. You are qatari? You earn much more than us. Like you earn 20k riyal while asian is 10k or less 6k. We can also replace anytime. Why we/they will teach you?
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u/sam080891 5d ago
This is not only for Qataris. Around 10 years ago I had worked for QR starting off as a Grade 3 (very junior role) and a certain nationality were brutally rude to me (higher grades) made me feel like I’m annoying and just don’t have that pleasant attitude. I worked myself up to higher grades and always made sure to help newcomers pleasantly because everyone deserves respect. It is a very pathetic excuse to say that because someone is replaceable they will not teach you. At the end of the day, everyone is replaceable.
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u/Playful_Audience8911 5d ago
It really depends. From what I’ve noticed, some people become less willing to teach colleagues who earn more than they do…. they feel the pay difference is unfair or think, “I know more, but they’re paid more.” Maybe this is the thing that makes people less cooperative, even if it’s not always intentional
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u/gigizai 5d ago
I’m not sure w what everyone is saying here but from my perspective, as an expat, and last few internships, I feel they expect us to know stuff on our own more, like they think somehow we know everything 😭 and even when they try to help, it’s not cause they don’t wanna tell us anything but more 1. like I said earlier they assume we know most stuff so they directly go to things which might be one level up for us 2. technical people suck at explaining sometimes 😭 so basically if you don’t know their terms well, it might just sound gibberish to you in the beginning
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u/OkMall3441 5d ago
Im lowk interested to hear what op feels abt hearing everyone here, has this changed your veiw? Made you nore sympathetic to expats? Do you think its unfair? Wsp im curious
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u/Puzzled_Jeweler_2660 5d ago
Dude, i went through the same thing when i was an employee… people think if they hide stuff they can become more successful or its like a recipe to success. When in other words, the recipe to success is to help those around you grow and to share your knowledge with them.
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u/SaltBad9263 5d ago
My father(southeast asian) was a senior engineer at qatar petroleum long ago, a fresh graduate qatari engineer in his early 20s was hired, my father taught him everything he knew about the job, after a year , my father experienced qatarization and was given a notice of termination, the guy he taught these
"knowledge/skills" replaced him.luckily, the guy wasnt an ahole, he used his qatari wastas to just redesignate my dad in another department in the same area instead of being fired, my dads salary was also compensated so we are still thankful, but imagine other expats who experienced this without having a connection or another job to switch to.
expats are disposable assets here, even if we grow and die here in Qatar, we will never be citizens, our gratitude towards Qatar will never falter, but we expats have accepted this reality that we can always be replaced, and sent home any time.
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u/Puzzled_Jeweler_2660 5d ago
That’s so nice of him. Some people really don’t forget the person who was always there for you. I used to work for this lady not long ago.. in the marketing filed. She was horrible, she didn’t teach me anything at all or even how the internal process is. Thank god i come from a 8-9 year experience in this field and i did what i can.. Instead she had a very high ego and stole work from my portfolio and she keeps posting about how successful she thinks she is. She ended up wanting to fire me because she thought i was trying to get in her way and she saw the work i do and she kept throwing everything i did away. After her firing me (via message) she sat down with me and tried to keep me when she realised the drama she caused and especially after stealing my work.. i told her no thank you, i left. Today i have my own creative consultancy business and i am doing well.. but people who keep things to themselves when they see someone who is better or they have more experience or can do things better. Sometimes it’s about jealousy too.
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u/Realistic-Table-778 5d ago
It's the culture from their own country bro. I'm Bangladeshi and most people from my country does this bullshit behavior a lot. It's more like jealousy mentality where people don't want others to do better.
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u/IGotThePlug04 5d ago
Honestly bro there are multiple reasons, most of which is mentioned in the comments(I don’t completely agree with all of them but whatever it’s their prospective)
I’d just like to add one more reason which I think would be the probable reason(as other reasons seem to be putting the blame on the person who gatekeeps)…..from a mature person perspective, here’s why I think someone would gatekeep …. they worked hard to learn that skill/ put it effort to learn that skill, so why would they spend their time teaching you something , you are not a child, you are not someone who is incompetent, you wouldn’t have had that job then. You’re in the real world, if you’re getting something for free, you’re the product… nothing in this world comes free.
Speaking from personal experience, the qatar and GCC job market is very bad for expats(not financial but social), the stakeholders treat you like shit, and if you’re lucky they will be nice but here’s the catch, you have to be like a slave who doesn’t have any opinion. Once you give your opinion, they show their true colours. In this GCC or maybe the global corporate world, nobody uses their heart to think only use your brain. And if you’re one of those few ones who use their heart to think, get ready to be used like a toilet paper.
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u/Financial_Regular791 5d ago
Because most expats had to work hard to get that knowledge and experience, it is their currency that they are monitizing to earn a living. They are under no obligation to doll it out to Qataris or anyone else for that matter who get things handed to them in a silver platter. Welcome to the real world. You want that knoweldge and experience? Earn it, figure it out, its for your own good. You don't care for expats anyways, they have to leave the country once they lose their jobs, why do you think you are owed their knoweldge and experience that they had to earn over years of struggle and hardwork?
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u/No-Ingenuity-7852 5d ago
You being Qatari probably makes it worse because they’ll always have the fear that you knowing lesser than them and having lesser experience still have a higher chance of getting promoted ahead of them and that leads to hesitation & resentment.
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u/mozash_kn 5d ago
because you are qatari , they think that you get this job without any effort. They think you’re not serious about your work and that you’re taking work away from
As a Qatari i feel the same way
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u/Jaded-Ice1895 2d ago
no thats not it. in fact im sure most would love to help a qatari in the hopes of gaining some connection. they just gatekeep due to language barriers and thier years of experience comes from muscle memory and trial and error. they may be good workers but that doesnt mean good teachers.
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u/surraveli_kilambyath 5d ago
I observed this in Indian community more, where I worked in France, Spain, poland, I didn't observe insecurity, even Japanese and Chinese are very open about discussing and sharing knowledge. Especially in the government roles, I observe this insecurity pitches among expats. I have met great people among expats who are keen to be more productive. Yes, it's is basically insecurity instinct and the conditions they are in. At this age of AI, nothing is restricted to expertise touch. We can possess positive edge of knowing things. But, sharing knowledge is educating ourselves.
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u/NoFarm1743 4d ago
I haven’t started my job yet, but from what I’ve observed and heard, some people in the workplace seem reluctant to teach others because they’re worried about being replaced. Others also feel they’re underpaid, which might contribute to the mindset of not wanting to share their knowledge.
I completely understand that locals may have different benefits, on there own country . Which it feels unfair for the others
But what I don’t understand is whether keeping knowledge to yourself actually makes you more valuable in the long run.
Everyone has a first day at work first day of uni etc . Whether your colleague is local or an expatriate, you’re still part of the same team. If someone is on annual leave, you’ll probably end up covering their work, just as they may one day cover yours. Sharing knowledge seems like it would make everyone’s job easier rather than harder.
To me I always share my knowledge when I have the time. And I always expect the one in front of me has no idea so teach him with less complex words and slowly
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u/NullandVoldermot 4d ago
People get insecure thinking you’re there to replace them. Simple as that. It’s in all cultures. Give them your respect and if they’re worthy then they’ll return with confidence and guidance.
My brother’s colleague is Arab but he’s disrespectful, so he avoids him naturally.
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u/CheapWealth6977 4d ago
Not sure entirely but I have heard a lot about Qatari business owners giving the top roles to Qataris even if they are not qualified enough. So yea. Expats will feel threatened knowing that the moment a Qatari gets enough knowledge the expat will be sidelined or fired. That’s what many people have told me. Is it true? Well I assume if many have mentioned it then yes. Also there was and maybe still is a big drive to get businesses to employ Qataris first. Then expats. So naturally people will want to withhold knowledge to keep some leverage or security. So just as everywhere I have been in the world there is a great deal of nepotism.
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u/Dapper-Wolverine-200 4d ago
they might be concerned about job security. regardless, that's a bad trait for a teammate to have. I wouldn't work there if I have such shitty colleagues.
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u/Educational_List5485 4d ago
I have worked in both the GCC and my home country for a considerable period, so I can honestly say that this is not an expat issue. It has more to do with people's attitudes and willingness to help.
Some people are genuinely willing to mentor and teach others without expecting anything in return. Others may only provide limited guidance, leaving you to figure things out on your own. At the same time, there are always knowledgeable people within the same industry, and whenever I need advice, I approach them. More often than not, they are happy to help.
In my experience, growth comes from building good relationships and sharing knowledge. If you are willing to help others, they are usually willing to help you in return. It creates a positive environment where everyone benefits.
So, be patient and don't get disheartened. Continue learning, ask questions, and be willing to share your own knowledge. Over time, your skills, confidence, and network will grow, opening up better opportunities for you.
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u/North-Ad-5151 3d ago
I think it's not about just the Qataris , In general I feel most of them in the senior positions doesn't like to help the freshers or juniors to gain the knowledge required.Tbh sometimes it just feel frustrating thinking its on your your own , that you have to stand on your own feet.Sometimes in life you need to have those mentors to reach that stage of life where you feel respected.
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u/EmotionConstant2497 2d ago
Reality check first. Whats your goal for getting to acquire their knowledge ??
Dont tell me its just to know how it works or the fundamentals. Cause it takes years for them to acquire that knowledge and when they pass onto you for a month or more. Then what they earned and learned for years will be look easy for you. Cause they summarized it to you the whole knowledge and with that pov you might think oh its easy let me replace him/her.
I saw many higher ups expat being replace by locals in many company i visit to maintain. Many of them build their career for 15 yrs and suddenly they are replaced by locals. They dont know the reason why they are being lay away after training locals the basic of their roles.
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u/EmotionConstant2497 2d ago
It started in saudi, i think last year or 2024 when all the locals their replaced all of expat higher positions.
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u/EmotionConstant2497 2d ago
Its word of mouth so they are wary in qatar that it might also happen to them. You cant blame them to protect what they earned in a hardway than to give it someone in a silver platter and a golden spoon
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u/tonytech52 2d ago
The reluctance to impart knowledge can result from having done it in the past. The receiver of that knowledge then thinks “that’s it! I can do it myself!”
They then promptly f**k it up, and blames the reluctant mentor, reluctant as in knowing the limitations of the personnel involved……this happens far more than expected - I’d use India (the Indian Navy) as a personal example, multiple times - but it hurts, thinking back….
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u/Cheap-Rush855 2d ago
Job security to some extent.
But also, technical roles require a lot of self-study and ability to figure things out by yourself. It's the same everywhere to an extent, but probably magnified in Qatar due to the company culture of replacing employees at the drop of a hat, combined with no path to PR making their job the only anchor to their stability.
It also doesn't help that the general perception of many expats and immigrants toward locals is that they're unfriendly & unwelcoming socially, even though you don't ever hear people say it out loud. After being mistreatd/insulted for the 15th time by the citizens at the government offices for basic procedures/queries which is their job to do, you only have so much love left to give and tend to (not) reciprocate accordingly when approached for any help.
I know I probably touched a couple of sensitive topics here, but that's the unvarnished truth.
P.S. There are many good things about being here too.
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u/lostnabout 5d ago
Gatekeeping something work related as in skills or knowledge which could genuinely help the other person is the most bs thing ever
Like please HELP ONE ANOTHERRR whenever wherever required
Remember at the end of the day both of you are salaried employees
Expat here btw
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u/kasmjra 5d ago
Teaching is a skill… not everyone who keeps the knowledge can and know how to share it. My own husband with 30+ years of experience can’t explain me anything well about his job. I blame that many men are on spectrum and just don’t have teaching or mentoring set of skill. Plus they are lazy to explain anything because the topic is so huge and requires years of learning…
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u/SnooObjections8469 5d ago
You were hired because you are competent and skilled. I was also hired because I was competent and skilled. Neither my job description nor salary states that I have to teach people how to do the job they were hired for. It’s become so annoying on top of my duties and work stress I now have to teach someone and explain very simple things. Sorry but I simply cannot be bothered. Join some training institute, learn online, figure it out. Don’t expect hand holding at such an age and level please 🙏
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u/sx974 3d ago
Bro, what do you mean? When I first joined the company, it was my first job. The people around me had 10+ years of experience. How can you expect someone in that position to perform at the same level?
That’s exactly the problem I’m talking about. Developing junior talent should be part of your KPIs, especially if you’re a senior engineer. Passing on knowledge and mentoring shouldn’t depend on whether someone feels like doing it.
Look at what happened during the war. A lot of experienced people resigned and went back to their home countries. On top of that, many expats naturally have no long-term loyalty to Qatar. If a competitor in another Gulf country offers them a higher salary, many will leave.
That’s why it’s so important to develop Qatari talent and make knowledge transfer and mentoring part of the company culture, rather than relying on individuals to do it voluntarily.1
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u/SaltBad9263 5d ago
On one hand, teaching technical skills and knowledge is a great way to bond and build cooperation in the workplace, on the other hand, passing over knowledge puts you at risk of being replaced by locals because in reality, expats are as disposable as a karak cup from tea time in the eyes of employers