Moving family to Qatar
Hello, I am new to the forum. I just got a job offer from my current employer for a position in Doha. I have a family, including two young children; a 6 year old boy and a 2 year old girl. This position will be great for my career. I am also very interested in foreign cultures and I would like the opportuniy to live in Qatar. I have never been there and I was wondering how family life is there as far as schools and activities for English speaking children. I have been to Kuwait and although it is nice, I would not like the idea of my wife driving there. I would really appreciate any input or advice.
 Thanks
Your annual salary will work out to just over 23,000 Riyals per month. Since you'll have your family with you suitable acommodation will cost you anywhere in the region of 8000-14000 Riyals. Factor in school fees (very expensive), trasnporatation/car ownership and cost of living and it's not worth the move.
Dweller is right, any self-respecting company in Doha should provide good furnished accommodation or a generous housing allowance, pay your kids' school fees and give you a company car or trasportation allowance.
Hi jneel.
To be perfectly honest without housing I think you would be struggling. Housing would take up a massive chunk of that your salary (it works out at about QR21,000 per month).
I will be surprised if your company are not offering housing if they are aware of what is happening to rents in Qatar.
Schooling is also expensive.
It is normal for all international companies to provide exceptional pay and allowances (housing, schooling, transport etc) to their secondees
Thanks for the info. If I take the job, I'm sure I will be there for a few months before I am able to get my family there. That will give me a chance to check everything out. I just got the official offer today and it was a little lower than what I was hoping for. With bonuses included I would be making about $76,000 U.S. I don't think they are going to offer any housing allowance....I am checking on that now. In your opinion, is that enough to live comfortably in Doha?
Thanks
You need to book schools as early as possible though... long waiting lists at some schools.
Angel
We've been here 19 years... raised five kids here, three of which have returned to work here. I love the place, and so does the rest of the family it seems... except husband who works long hours..!! He works a split shift day, which sounds nice to be able to come home for lunch/nap but then goes back until 7ish, and then some, but maybe thats the curse of management level work.
Family life is good though, and lots for the kids to do.. maybe too much at times... Scouts, Guides etc, Sailing Academy, Soccer clubs, Scientific Clubs, Ball sports,...Dance lessons, Music schools, Creative Arts... in fact as much as you can handle.
Its very safe here compared to countries where you need to be checking who is lurking around your corners ready to swipe your children. No muggings etc. Driving is little crazy so I'm told, but with no road rage. Just silly maneouvers by careless drivers, which most women (taking the kids to school) learn to handle quite well judging by the amount of ladies on the road here. I feel safer driving here actually than in Greece or back in the UK, which are my normal haunts when I go abroad.
Hope this helps.
Angel