moving to Doha with two small children
Hello -
My family is considering moving to Doha, and we need some advice and feedback as soon as possible to help us make the decision.
- My son will turn 4 in November. At what age do children start school in Qatar? He is English speaking, but we would like him to learn Arabic, as well. Does anyone have receommendations/ suggestions for schools? Is it difficult to get a place?
- I also have a 7 month old and was wondering if there are baby and toddler groups that meet. Are there activities for babies and toddlers, such as music classes, arts and crafts, sports, etc.?
- I understand that it gets very hot (50+ C degrees) in the summer. What is there for families with small children to do when temperatures are so high? Are the beaches good for swimming and play all year round? Is the sea safe for swimming?
- Is it common to have domestic help (houekeeper, nanny, etc.)? If so, what nationality is the help usually, and approximately what would a good salary be?
- I am interested to know what the quality of life is there. Is it a family friendly place? How are women regarded generally? I would love to hear any experiences you would care to share.
Many thanks,
Alma
Hi Prachi,
which school do you send your kids to? how do you find it. I am trying to find a good schoold for my son.
What does DPS MIS stand for
Thanks
Stop in at least once to the Expatwoman.com coffee morning Wednesdays at Columbus Coffee at Villagio (10 am) and try the Tuesday Ladies Group and the American Women's Group as well. Even if you "hate" coffee mornings it's worth the information you will receive. Church is also a good place to make contacts and friends quickly.
Mandi
For water temperature control, turn off the hot water heater and train yourself to use the taps "backwards". The water in the "hot" water tank will be cooled by your air conditioning and the water from the roof tank (usually the "cold" water) will be mixed in at the ambient temperature = warm to hot.
i am now very relaxed to read all these comments.I am moving to Doha in the first week of july.Very excited now:)i love shopping.i have kids ages 12yrs,7yrs,and 2yrs.anyone have kids as similar ages pls contact me.or any ladies who is moving to Doha lets meet ,we can arrange a coffee morning.We can share our experiences:).
Thank you to everyone for your comments. It's nice to have some differing perspectives, and to Expat Sueno, thanks so much for the link to Doha Mums.
I have moved to doha a month bak and running to uk for two months to aviod its heat....doha is nice, u get everything, women are mostly treated in a special way..like u will get priority as a women in offices etc.... but there is one thing, its so difficult to keep kids happy and busy these days...no schools and no outdoor activity due to heat...u have to keep them inside the house whole day .... i live with two small kids...we go to corniche in the evening but frankly speaking i don even enjoy that.....dont forget to bring lot of indoor activity for ur kids.... yes hot tape water is one phenomenon u ought to deal with....i got good solution here...mixing geyser water :))
housemaids are availabale but you have to spend good money to get one initially...... shopping is crazy and real good, but how much can u shop after all...all the malls and shopping centre seem,sound and feel the same after some time....
traffic rush keeps u alert and alive...
good luck for your stay here....but ITS REALLY REALLY REALLY A WRONG TIME TO BE IN DOHA....i came here first time in january and i liked doha so much
for your it will be second home which you will like more then your first
Imagine life without tax and being treated as first citizen away from your home country
roobatuba -
Definitely check out Doha Mums at http://www.dohamums.com We offer an average of 80+ events per month - ranging from playgroups to Mums Night Out to coffees, cooking classes, holiday parties and much more.
I'll be back with you next week in regards to your other question. . .Doha Mums is hosting a HUGE Summer Market and I'm face-down in that right now :)
Welcome, in advance, to Doha!
Z.Arshad Zaidi.....'tea', yeah thats a nice idea...:)
Since I stay single didn't realise the water from geyser can run short for a family...:)
happygolucky...yeah i do that but not enuff for the household or a bath. i have been living in Dubai so same problem there. but at this time of yr its hot like crazy.
just the right temperature to dip the teabag and enjoy tea :)
Z.Arshad Zaidi...for the issue of hot water in the taps... use the stored water from the Geyser to mix and get the right kind of temperature for the water....:)
good info Santro
- Its not easy to get admission in good International
Schools. There is a long waiting list for most schools. You
can Choose Arabic as 2nd language in most schools. Qatar Academy, American School of Doha, Qatar International school, Doha English Speaking schools are some of the good schools.
- There is a Mom's Group in Qatar living, who meets up
Regularly with their toddlers and play groups.
- Yes Summer is horrible here. Most of the people
travel abroad during summer. Its not advisable to take
kids for outdoor activities during summer. Most of good
compound villas have covered Swimming pool. From Nov to
March you can enjoy all outdoor activities.
- Domestic help is available here, you need to sponsor
them. They are mostly from countries like, India,
Srilanka, Philippines, Indonesia etc. and most of them can speak/understand basic English, the normal Salary
is QR.1500 plus food and accommodation.
- Doha in general is a safe and family friendly place.
Driving is bit difficult initially, but after some
time you get used to it. Modestly dressed women do
not face much problems. Quality of life for American
Expat are really good.
There are lots of Americans and Europeans who are living happily here.
You could try the Doha Mums Group, check out their website. I am planning to join the group as it sounds interesting. Been in Doha for around 3 weeks now, and if you are used to planning trips with your kids and going around generally, let me tell you that there is nothing much you can do as it is a very small place. The malls are huge and shopping is not a problem. Women can move around freely and the only caution you have to exercise is to dress decently without showing too much skin. It will help once you start driving around.
i am new in Doha, just been a month. Am a housewife so life is a bit boring for me.
not aware of any other thing, but i can add on about women and food in Doha. you can be independant, shop around, drive, work and enjoy. food variety is good and many options for the whole family.
SUmmers are terrible in the middle east. Hot water in the taps..u run it any time of the day/night. this is the worst part.
@foryousantro: good piece of suggestion for places, speacially beach and water sports.
i am new in Doha, just been a month. Am a housewife so life is a bit boring for me.
not aware of any other thing, but i can add on about women and food in Doha. you can be independant, shop around, drive, work and enjoy. food variety is good and many options for the whole family.
SUmmers are terrible in the middle east. Hot water in the taps..u run it any time of the day/night. this is the worst part.
@foryousantro: good piece of suggestion for places, speacially beach and water sports.