I kept my USA phone line and suspended it until I got back. I purchased an unlocked phone from the states(you can buy some here also) and bought a local sim card. I use Qtel which is the local cell provider and have the Hala prepaid plan. You can buy minutes all over the city and even online for your phone.

Hope this helps and gives you an idea. I use an unlocked Iphone and unlocked Nokia C3 as my phone of choice here in Qatar. Good luck