What is it like to live in Qatar as an ex pat?

Busbaby
By Busbaby

I am curently living in UK and my husband has got a job in Qatar. He wants me to move out with him, this will mean leaving a job I love for a life I know nothing about, can any expats give me a profile of life out there and the bad point? Thanks

By OzAl• 19 Nov 2012 22:12
Rating: 5/5
OzAl

Hi

I’ve been here mainly on my own for a year now. I cant say I like it but the alternatives I had were not good. It can be a very boring place unless you are prepared to make something of it. If you enjoy an outdoor life or have family you will be okay.

I agree that visiting for a week or two isn’t like living and working here. The culture and its people in general can be difficult to adapt too. Especially for western ladies, But I have known some who like it here.

It’s difficult to weigh everything up. For most it comes down to the money factor. We’re not here for fun.

If you can give it a go and make it rewarding financially then all well and good. Make some friends and make the most of the experience. Knowing nothing about the life is all a part of the adventure.

Pros:

• Petrol is cheaper than water - You can run a 6 Liter V12 if you feel like it

• Tax Free income

• Cheap taxis

• All year round sun

• Geographically good location for seeing some interesting places in Asia or surrounding countries

Cons:

• Almost nonexistent public transport

• Poor food quality unless you pay a lot

• Horrendous driving conditions

• Expensive housing and schooling

• Searing heat in summer

• Lack of Freely available beer, decent bars and expensive alcohol

That’s my perspective anyway

Good luck

By britishwoman• 17 Nov 2012 09:54
Rating: 5/5
britishwoman

I came here 3 years ago and worked full time in England, but I can honestly say it's the best thing I ever did. I gave up work and now do not have time to fit it in if I wanted too. This country is great, no tax, no rain, friendly people and constant sunshine. The downside is the driving it's horrendous, but taxi's are cheap. Join Tuesday Ladies Group and use it as a spring board to make new friends and join lots of clubs. People say there is nothing to do here, this week my husband and I went to a dhow exhibition,photograph exhibition and this afternoon we are going to a Harley Davison show. You just have to look and you can find lots of thing to do.

If you need further advice contact me through this webpage and I will be pleased to help.

By nadeem1970• 17 Nov 2012 00:44
Rating: 5/5
nadeem1970

I can only share my experience here, I moved from Florida a few months back and have been second guessing myself eversince. Compared to the UK, the cost of living will be much higher and standard of living much much lower in Qatar. But that's the least of an expat's problems who comes here from Europe or North America. From bad healthcare to very expensive education to lack of rights to limited housing choices to worst drivers to bad parkers to overstuffed malls to lack of street signs to not enough for entertainment, everything will become a challenge if you kept comparing it with the UK. Give yourself a year to compromise. This place humbles you. What makes it easier to adjust here is the financial bottomline beyond your expectation. Since it will require you to leave your dream job, the worst thing would be you regretting your decision especially if the financial bottomline in Qatar is not really that good. I say, take a sabbatical if you have a choice and do a dry run. All the best.

By Busbaby• 17 Nov 2012 00:17
Busbaby

Thanks all I have just spent a week there and loved it but living can be different, I have a lot of thinking to do

By anonymous• 16 Nov 2012 21:32
anonymous

The best idea is to come over on holiday, at least a couple of weeks, and experience life here for yourself.

By alemrac2012• 16 Nov 2012 20:36
Rating: 5/5
alemrac2012

IT HAS ITS PROS AND CONS; I TOO HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCE AS YOU-( THOUGH I'M A FILIPINA AND I WAS REFERRING TO DUBAI -MY LAST WORK AND SECOND HOME...)

PROS-SAME AS DUBAI-ALMOST NON EXISTENT CRIME RATE

TAX FREE INCOME - ( IF YOU HAVE WORK )

GOOD PACKAGES-SALARY ETC.ESP.IF YOU'RE CAUCASIAN.

CONS-QATAR RIGHT NOW HAS ONLY LIMITED PLACES TO VISIT

NO DEVELOPED BEACH,LIMITED PARK ( ONLY A FEW AND AMENITIES ARE NOT THAT COMPLETE )

SOME MALLS ( WHICH CARRY LIMITED DESIGNS OF CLOTHING -AND PRICED HIGHER AS COMPARED TO DUBAI )

TRANSPORTATION ( STILL TO BE DEVELOPED )-HAVING YOUR OWN CAR IS A MUST IF YOU WANT TO GO AROUND DOHA

SO I GUESS WHAT I'M SAYING IS BE PREPARED TO BE BORED....

REGARDING WORK-I'M AN ARCHITECT AND I'M FINDING IT HARD TO GET A JOB...FOR FEMALE POSITIONS IN THE TECHNICAL FIELD...( I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS REALLY THE CASE,OR IT'S JUST MY LUCK TO BE UNEMPLOYED TILL NOW...)

HAVING SAID IT ALL ( IT WAS MY CHOICE TO BE WITH MY HUSBAND HERE AND STILL FEELS BLESSED THAT HE HAS A JOB THAT COULD SUPPORT US BOTH...HERE IN QATAR) I'M JUST LOOKING FORWARD TO DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO ENJOY MY 3RD HOME :)-LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE...

By QAMARANSARI• 16 Nov 2012 20:12
Rating: 4/5
QAMARANSARI

FOR SHORT TIME OF PERIOD IS OK AND IF U LIKE U CAN CONTINUE I THINK IF U COME HERE U LIKE IT

By xpatadventure• 16 Nov 2012 19:38
Rating: 4/5
xpatadventure

As for me, I love it here. Just give yourself an open mind.

By RADIUS• 16 Nov 2012 19:09
RADIUS

Just imagine living in a country with crime is next to zero.

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.