Doha, Qatar Report of what it's like to live there - 05/12/15
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?
previously lived in several cities in Africa, Asia, and Europe
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?
DC - 13 hours and 59 minutes direct
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
work
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
full range from apartments to villas, from an hour commute to walk to work
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
groceries are readily available but expensive. Everything is imported.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
larger car, yeast.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
all types of fast food. prices are high. comparable to London.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
none
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
expensive.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
gyms readily available if you live in a good housing compound - but the air is not filtered so combine that with a high pollution index .....
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs everywhere.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
most; just limited location.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
depends on what you do - if you're doing business with locals, you'll need Arabic; for everything else English is okay.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
taxis are okay.
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?
any auto will work. major roads are good standard. but locals drive the largest vehicle they can find as fast as they can. so look for something safe.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
yes. It varies with location.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
get one. you'll look out of place if you don't hold one to your ear constantly when out in public.
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?
if you can get a visa and sponsor. There is no job changing without sponsor permission.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
formal
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
regionally it's not a nice neighborhood. In country, you're more likely to be injured in traffic
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
several hospitals in nice buildings but there's a lack of qualified doctors and lack of equipment.
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?
the WHO ranks ambient air pollution as unhealthy
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
hot with occasional sand storms and then there's a two-week period of surprisingly cold in December
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
many schools, all full.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
huge. Out of 2 million people in country, locals are only 250k. Most expats are ready to leave after two years.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
leave for a short break
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
maybe families. no public display of affection. unmarried couples risk arrest if caught alone.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
prejudice based on class or ethnic origin is so prevalent that it's mentioned casually.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
every flight out
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
none
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
air tickets away
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Absolutely none. It's an expensive (US$15/beer), isolated, hot (130F), barren piece of land with polluted air.
9. Can you save money?
not a chance
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
nope
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
desire to improve your Arabic, driving etiquette, and winter clothes
4. But don't forget your:
sense of humor
