Under Article 9 of Qatar's Labour Law, Arabic is the official language for all employment contracts, documents, and written instruments required by the law. This means your primary, legally binding contract must be drafted in Arabic.
However, the same article also allows your employer to attach a translation of the contract in another language — such as English — alongside the original Arabic version. This translation is there for your understanding and reference. Importantly, if there is any dispute or discrepancy between the Arabic text and the English translation, the Arabic version will take precedence in legal proceedings.
As a practical step, always ask your employer for an English translation of your contract before signing, and take the time to compare both versions carefully. If you are unsure about any clause, consider consulting a bilingual legal professional or contacting the Ministry of Labour for guidance. Never sign a contract you do not fully understand, as it is legally binding once executed.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Qatar.