Doha, Qatar Report of what it's like to live there - 10/26/10
Personal Experiences from Doha, Qatar
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes, first expat experience.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington DC-a 12-hour straight flight to Doha.
3. How long have you lived here?
14 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I am associated with the US Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most everyone lives in compounds. Most are very nice. All Al Afardan compounds are suitable. There are a few others that are nice as well. The villas are quite large, with all-tile floors. No matter what, commutes are horrible. There is constant traffic in Doha.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is more expensive then in the states, but if you stay away from the western-type grocery stores (like MegaMart), you won't spend too much more then what you are used to.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
You can really get just about everything in Doha if you are willing to pay for it. Or you can at least find a substitute for it. The only item you can't get is vanilla extract.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Every nasty american fast food chain is there, Hardees, McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, Dunkin' Donuts, Coffee Bean, Chili's, Applebees, Bennigan's, Fuddrucker's, etc. There are also a few cheap places to eat that are good. But other then that, prepare to eat out at hotels and prepare to spend alot of money.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
There is a new company that imports organic food from europe that is becoming more popular. It is still very expensive, though. If you are vegetarian you will do just fine.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through the embassy. There is a pouch and an APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Most everyone has help. You can either grab help from someone who is leaving or fly someone in. The costs are getting more expensive. Paying about $400-$500 a month for a live-in is typical but they are getting more expensive.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Almost all compounds have a gym.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
No problems using credit cards or ATMs.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is a born again christian church, catholic and LDS that I know of.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes. Not sure on the cost.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. Everyone speaks English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lots. There are no sidewalks or any special systems put into place for people with physical disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are fine and safe. Not too expensive. I don't know anyone who has ever taken a local bus. And there are no local trains.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Most everyone drives an SUV. It's not necessary, although the driving is horrible, so most people feel safe in them. Because of traffic, speeds are never very fast, and if they are it won't matter what car you are in if you get hit by one of the crazy Qatari drivers speeding down the street. SUVs are really only necessary if you plan on going to the desert. If you are bringing a car, be sure that there is a service center for that type of car. I can tell you that Nissan, Hyundai and Toyota are all fine.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Its not super fast but not super slow either. I think it was about $40.00/month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get one. Everyone uses them. Qtel is the provider and it's fine.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There are two vet clinics. Both are decent. There is also a government-sponsored clinic that is fine as well, plus it's very cheap or free.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Yes. Lots of my friends were able to find work if they wanted to.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Conservative.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I never felt unsafe, but just keep in mind that you are in the middle east.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
None really. The medical care is better then I would expect. Hamad hospital is respected. Unless its life threatening, you will be fine.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Pretty good, however there always seems to be dust in the air. But its not polluted.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
HOT, HOT and HOTTER.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The American School is good, as are some English schools.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Most everyone has a nanny/maid. Most everyone also sends their kids to a preschool -- or nursery, as they are called. For kids 4 yrs and above, ASD (American School) has a nursery. Park House, CESK, and DESS (English schools) also have great nursery programs for kids 3-5 yrs. All are very good. For the younger ones, there is a slew of nurseries, but only a few are worth mentioning: Appletree, Starfish, Tots' Corner, and Rising Stars. All have LONG waiting lists and are expensive.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
For little kids, Aspire has a great program that is very cheep. But prepare to wait in line at the end of the summer and hope for a spot. There is also a My Gym there that is incredibly over priced. There is a "play ball" program that is expensive but doable. There is also t-ball for kids 4 and above. There is ballet for girls 4 and above, but the waiting list is about a year and a half long, and I don't know anyone that has ever actually gotten in. But it's a great opportunity for your kids to learn how to swim, and swim well.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
LARGE. Lots of oil people.
2. Morale among expats:
If you are with an oil company, you love it. Everyone else is biding their time.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Hotels, clubs. Lots of parties at houses.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families do very well. I have also heard that there is a decent single scene if you are into clubs and restaurants. I think couples have a harder time.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Uh, NO. This is a Muslim country.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes. Qatari men are at the top, western men are just fine, then women below that. Everyone else is pretty much a menace in their minds.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Leaving Qatar.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Leaving the country. But there are the sand dunes, and people like them, as well as desert camping, the malls, the pools, and the sub-sub-par beaches.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nothing.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Travel within the Gulf is cheap via flydubai. Also, travel to India and Sri Lanka is not expensive either.
11. Can you save money?
It's hard, but if you don't leave the country every other month and stay away from hotels and imported food you can.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No, Doha is a pile. I am greatful for the friends that I made, but it had nothing to do with Doha. However, its not a hardship country. If it's your one shot at living overseas, take it. But if you have somewhere else to go, consider your options. The Qatari's are un-friendly and are always watching. The way they treat the people who are basically building and running their country is despicable.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter coats.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen.
