New exclusive offers have been unveiled for retired Qatari citizens, whether in Qatar or travelling.
Katara Hospitality has unveiled an exclusive benefits package tailored for retired citizens holding retirement cards, which commenced on 1 January 2024, to be renewed annually.
This comprehensive package includes a 25% discount on daily rates across all Katara Hospitality hotels, both within and outside Qatar. Moreover, this discount extends to all dining outlets housed within these hotels. In addition, recognising the significance of physical wellbeing, retirees with valid cards will enjoy an exclusive 25% discount on all spa and health club services at Katara Hospitality hotels.
The CEO of Katara Hospitality, Nasser Matar Al Kuwari, said, ‘In recognition of the valuable contributions of retirees in serving the Qatari community, we at Katara Hospitality are pleased to return the favour, even if with a little something, for these citizens who devoted decades of their lives to serving the country, society, and citizens.’
Director General of the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA), HE Ahmed Ali
Al Hammadi, said, ‘We value these discounts and benefits provided by Katara Hospitality, and we will work closely with them to ensure that all conditions are met to begin applying these benefits early next year.’
Further emphasising the significance of these exclusive benefits for retirees, Chairman of Qatar Tourism (QT), HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, said, ‘We aspire to see other entities and companies within Qatar following suit, offering special benefits to retired citizens. These discounts are anticipated to invigorate domestic tourism, reminding our citizens of the exceptional experiences and leisure opportunities available in Qatar.’
Katara Hospitality is a global hotel owner, developer and operator, based in Qatar. With 50 years of experience in the industry, Katara Hospitality actively pursues its strategic expansion plans by investing in peerless hotels in Qatar while growing its collection of iconic properties in key international markets. Katara Hospitality’s portfolio has grown to include 42 owned and/or managed hotels, encompassing over 8,000 rooms. As the country’s flagship hospitality organisation, Katara Hospitality supports Qatar’s long term economic vision.
Katara Hospitality currently owns properties spread across four continents in 12 countries: Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, and the US.
Hotels, resorts and clubs owned by Katara Hospitality in Qatar include Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha; Dana Club; Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas; Katara Towers: Fairmont Doha and Raffles Doha; Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha; Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel; Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel; and The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. Katara Hospitality plans to establish about 60 hotels in Qatar by 2030.
To see a full list of the hotels and resorts operating under Katara Hospitality in Qatar and abroad, visit katarahospitality.com
Traveling retirees
In December 2023, Qatar Airways also revealed a number of inclusive offers for Qatari retirees who possess retirement cards, as an appreciation for their dedication and hard work during previous years.
These offers were available from January 2024, according to which Qatari retirees receive discounted tickets by 25% for first class and business class, and 50% discount for economy class onboard all Qatar Airways flights to more than 170 destinations around the world.
According to the CEO of Qatar Airways Group, Engineer Badr Mohammed Al Meer clarified that the Qatari pensioners will be granted discounts up to 20% in the restaurants, cafes and retail stores in the Qatar Duty Free (QDF) at Hamad international Airport (HIA).
Retirement for Qatari citizens
The minimum retirement age is 50 years of age and the minimum required service period to qualify for a pension entitlement has increased from 15 to 25 years.
A gratuity is awarded by the pension fund for employees in the public sector who have contributed to the scheme for 30 years or more at retirement age. Pending Cabinet and the Minister of Labour’s approval, this entitlement may also apply to employees in the private sector in the future. The minimum monthly amount of pension payable to qualifying individuals in the public sector during retirement is now a minimum of QAR15,000, and in addition, a housing allowance of up to QAR6,000 will be paid. These minimum rates may also apply to qualifying individuals employed in the private sector, dependent upon approval of the Cabinet and the Minister.
The monthly contribution rate for Qatari nationals has risen from 15% to 21% of the total of an employee’s basic salary, social allowance and housing allowance. Employers of Qatari nationals in both the private and public sectors are required to contribute 14% and the employee is required to contribute the remaining 7%. The monthly contribution rate for GCC nationals is based on the applicable minimum monthly pension contribution rate of their home country. With approval of the Council of Ministers, the Public Treasury of the State may bear a percentage of the employer’s contribution for private sector employers, in accordance with any controls it sets in the future.
The General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA)
The General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA) was established by Law No 24 of 2002 on pension and retirement. It was reestablished by Amiri Decree No 38 of 2014.
With a budget allocated by the Ministry of Finance, the GRSIA aims to ensure both retirees and beneficiaries a decent life by applying Law No 24 of 2002 on civil pension and retirement, and Law No 13 of 2006 and its implementing regulations. It is responsible for managing both civil and military pension funds.
The Retirement Department at the GRSIA is subordinate to the head of the authority and is responsible as mentioned in Law No 38 of 2014 to organise the GRSIA.
For more information, visit grsia.gov.qa
Author: Ola Diab
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