Average IQ in Qatar: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
80
Global Ranking
#77
out of ~199 countries
Region
Middle East
Important note: National average IQ scores are estimates based on limited sample sizes and vary across studies. These figures are heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors, access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and testing conditions. They do not reflect the intelligence or potential of any individual from that country. IQ scores measure specific cognitive skills and should be interpreted within their proper scientific context.
Education System in Qatar
Qatar has invested massively in education transformation through its Education City project, which hosts branch campuses of elite global universities including Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, and Northwestern. The Supreme Education Council has implemented comprehensive curriculum reforms in government schools. Qatar has near-universal literacy among nationals and the highest education spending per student in the world. However, the large expatriate majority and segmented school systems create complexity in measuring national educational outcomes.
To understand what IQ scores measure and how they're calculated, see our guide on what IQ is. For a breakdown of what different score levels mean, visit our IQ score ranges page.
Qatar Compared to Middle East
Middle East IQ Comparison
Here is how Qatar compares to other countries in Middle East that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Qatar | 80 | #77 |
| Israel | 95 | #45 |
| Azerbaijan | 87 | #66 |
| Jordan | 84 | #74 |
| Turkey | 90 | #75 |
| Lebanon | 82 | #75 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Qatar:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | 89 | #67 | Central Asia |
| Thailand | 91 | #68 | Southeast Asia |
| Mongolia | 101 | #68 | East Asia |
| Nepal | 78 | #69 | South Asia |
| Sri Lanka | 91 | #70 | South Asia |
Understanding IQ Distribution
It's crucial to remember that national averages represent the middle of a wide distribution. Within every country, individual IQ scores span the full range from below 70 to above 130 and beyond. A country with an average IQ of 80 will have many individuals scoring well above and below that number. Factors like socioeconomic status, nutrition, education quality, and access to healthcare play significant roles in cognitive development and test performance.
The Flynn Effect — the observation that IQ scores have risen substantially over time in many countries — suggests that environmental improvements like better nutrition, healthcare, and education access can significantly impact cognitive test performance at the population level. Many developing nations are experiencing rapid improvements in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Qatar?
Qatar's average IQ is estimated at 80, ranking #77 globally. Despite having the world's highest per-capita income and education spending, Qatar's average reflects its complex demographic composition with a large expatriate population from diverse educational backgrounds.
Why does Qatar score 80 on average IQ despite its wealth?
Qatar's score reflects the complex interplay of its segmented society: Qatari nationals represent only about 12% of the population, while the large expatriate majority includes workers from South Asia with limited education access. Averaging across this diverse population produces a moderate national score despite massive education investments for citizens.
How does Qatar compare to the UAE?
Qatar (80) scores below the UAE (86). Both Gulf states have oil-funded education systems and large expatriate populations, but the UAE's earlier start on educational reform, more diverse economy, and broader range of elite university partnerships have contributed to stronger average outcomes.
Explore More Countries
See the full list of all countries on our Average IQ by Country page, or take our free IQ test to see how you compare.
MyIQScores Editorial Team
Researchers in cognitive psychology, psychometrics & educational science
Last updated
May 10, 2026
All content on MyIQScores is reviewed for scientific accuracy against peer-reviewed research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics. Our editorial team cross-references each article with published literature before publication and updates pages whenever new research warrants a revision.