What's Qatar like?
The GCC; lands of magical carpets, camels, and deserts? Not really. Once you board a plane, you are never entirely sure what you are going to find on the other end. Qatar is a really diverse and dynamic place. It's a land of immense opportunity, deep culture, and really expensive cars (read: REALLY expensive).
Coming over as an expat entails getting ready to leave your home country, leave your family and friends behind, and venture across the globe - a pretty daunting experience to say the least. I am going to try and allay your concerns. I was born and raised in Canada, never lived abroad until I moved to Qatar. Overall experience? Pretty great. Was everything perfect and easy to get used to? No. Would I do it all over again, knowing now what I didn't know then? Yes.
So, let's get started, shall we?
Firstly, Qatar is not Saudi Arabia. For some odd reason, whenever I speak to people in Canada about living in Qatar, they begin to ask the same set of questions... eleven years later, it's STILL the same questions. I'll go over them and answer them once and for all.
Do you have to cover and wear the burka?
NO. You should dress conservatively, but no one is forced (or expected) to cover their hair or wear a burka. Simply make sure your mid-drift, shoulders, and knees are generally covered and you're good to go. You can still dress fabulously and most people do...
Is it safe?
Yes, and very much so, more so than most places in North America. Crime is limited here and most often it's petty crime.
I guess everyone only speaks Arabic?
Considering I "only" speak English (and a bit of French) – the clear answer is no. The native language of Qatar is Arabic, but English is widely used and is everywhere. You'll never struggle with a language barrier here.
Are women allowed to drive?
Yes.
Do they cut off your hand if you steal?
Nope – but you still shouldn't steal... just sayin'.
Moving on to the next set of questions that people are often curious about.
Do people ride on camels?
I wish! Camel-riding is definitely on my bucket list. Doha is an extremely modern city with highways, high rises, and modern infrastructure.
What do people do to have fun in Qatar?
Well, different people do different things. Considering the impact of globalization, you'll find people participating in the same recreational activities all over the world. Whatever your scene is, you'll likely find some of it in Qatar.
Is it easy to make friends?
Absolutely, the country is mostly comprised of expats so people are more open to new friendships here. I find Qataris are very welcoming too.
Are women treated poorly?
Not at all. I find women are bit spoiled here – and I'm not complaining.
Is it easy for non-Arabs to live there?
Of course, Qatar possesses a multicultural society and the Arabs are often very open.
Is it all desert?
No, after 11 years I still haven't made it to the desert – which is apparently beautiful.
What do people eat?
Anything they want. Qatar serves up everything from everywhere. The grocery stores are filled with imported goodies from around the world. The hardest find is a place that serves authentic local Qatari food (we are open to suggestions!).
Is it hot?
Extremely. We have a few cooler months during the winter, but otherwise once things heat up there is A/C everywhere.
Qatar is a land of immense growth and opportunity. People have been able to climb in their careers aggressively and avail learning opportunities and skill sets that would have taken years to develop or achieve back home.
It's a great place to raise a family with fabulous schools and diverse curriculums, with tons of resources and lessons for kids, plus various mom groups.
Thus if you're interested in coming to Qatar, I would say that half of your personal experience will be dictated by your own personal perspective and outlook. The best advice would be to stay positive, remain open, and be prepared for a new experience.
Photo Credit: Ameer Abdul Razak
WT is a great guy, he donot know what hate is .............
Dear Mr.Rai,
Good question.
Yes the labor accommodation level is very poor particularly for the people who pay 300 QR and stay. It's congested and the hygienic level is very poor.
May be a small solution within our hand like providing free food or fund for a near by labor camp or labor accommodation once in a way. (My personal opinion only). I try this some time.
I am sure their should be some kind of implementation on the subject of 300 QR single accommodations to uplift the standard.
Thank you and wish everyone a event full week.
sorry I mean did anybody ask same question with low paid worker? Did their daily routine matters to any one? what do they eat?
somebody anybody ask same question their cleaner, office boy or labor?
Dear Mr.Mufti Shahid,
Thank you for your question and with my all respect the answer is below.
The comment about hereafter posted on my point of view and i realized it is to be commented.
In your point of view, you made your comment.
Btw: Any further question i may answer on an appropriate time as i am rushing to Umsaeed now.
The temperature is too high though let me manage with low AC condition in my car as I like to have the taste of how the labors and other truck drivers suffer on a hot sun.
Gentlemen, My respect for different opinions from different corners. Respect human. Right path for right people.
Thank you and wish you a very good afternoon ahead.
Great post. No surprise to see Wild Turkey finding a reason to hate on Qatar even when there isn't one...
ROFL..
Having a friend is just normal... you can have four boyfriends too...
I have 4 girlfriends but never four wives, just kidding :)
Lol @ Prize. Ya, WT will become redundant, that's what MM wants to see happen also.
MM, You 'r very smart, u want to send WT into a cave ? He 'll never do that specially for u.
WT, Leave all what you are UNABLE to comprehend ............ nobody will object to that ..........
There can't be any knowledge about Hereafter. Nobody has yet returned from the Hereafter. So, everything is only rumors and assumptions. But, many people believe in it.
Mufti: perhaps he's comparing Qatar to Valhalla
WT, Eat what you find in the stores ............ Ask your neighbours for the skills to choose & decide on the food ............... .. Your salary is also different than your native place ......... surprisingly you don't find any difficulty in that area ...... !!
I look to go to Valhalla with the sun on my face
QL Team, You have rightly pointed out a few NEGATIVE comments from the likes of WT is not going to affect our image ....... People are wise ........
Fully agree with Canrun, appreciated from the core of my heart ........
mohamed800- how did hereafter come into picture. What is the context?
Global knowledge and hereafter knowledge are two different types. However I realize some of the participant in this forum have great knowledge about the globe and I am undoubtedly learning from them in different occasions.
I wish as much as people know about globe, If they can have a tiny amount of knowledge about hereafter would make things in perfect balance. Also a non-believer has given the highest priority of being in the heaven only for the reason he becomes a believer on this day.
Proposal is mine and acceptance or rejection is your choice.
Mufti Shahid this article alone has received several thousand reads. A few negative comments is hardly a reflection of the general population. It has also been shared widely. It seems people would rather read something positive than burry themselves in negativity and hating the country that is hosting them.
Canadianrunaway...your PR exercise is not going well with people here..not many takers...
The answer is not simply "yes". The answer is "yes, if you have a liquor permit".
I think WT means that it is not readily available to all expats - especially the lower paid ones...
As far as women being allowed to drive - well that's another topic for another post :O(
Wild Turkey can you eat pork in Qatar?
Simple answer = yes.
Mallethead, Qatar Airways runs the shop, and Qatar Airways is a Government owned establishment. So, you are not at all offending the "local" culture! When there is money to make, "culture" doesn't mean much.
Why thank you, Mallethead. Also, I'm a "she" for future reference :)
Wild Turkey, I believe he is pretty spot on with his assessment. I honestly did not know you could get a pork permit here, but I would be hesitant to do so as I don't want to offend or insult the local culture.
And four Mothers in law :O(
I agree that we can have fun here.. Although I still can't find anyone good enough to play tiddlywinks against :O(
They could, but most don't. Who wants to live with four headaches?
Popular question: Do men have four wives?
What do people eat? "Anything they want." - Is a blatant lie! People can eat pork products ONLY if they get a permit from QDC. And not everybody can get it. Your research is a bit flawed, I guess.