People to avoid in Qatar
Okay, you’ve made the move and you’re in a foreign land. Everything is new and you’re out to work, build your social network, and begin your new journey. So much to do, so much to see. Well, after numerous discussions with many expat friends, we were able to build a few distinct groups of people that one can usually find in Qatar. Here’s the thing, we are hoping to help you identify them, so that when you find yourself having a Karak with one – you can then swiftly run in the opposite direction soon after. There are still awesome people abound that you can make friends with.
Almost as soon as you land, you will find the group of miserables, that’s what I call them anyway. They make it clear that they hate the Arabs, they hate Qatar, and quite frankly – deep deep down (I believe) they hate themselves.
Step number 1: Stay away from them. Their negativity will wear on you. I have never met so many well-paid miserable ungrateful people. And yes, those folks I’m talking about are well paid. No, I don’t have any friends who are labourers – and you know what reading friend? You likely don’t either.
After the miserables you meet the pretend aristocrats, these are some peculiar folks. All they do is talk about how fabulously wealthy they were “back home”. I’m always left looking at them wondering “who are you kidding?. If I were, indeed, a “Princess of Canada”, I likely wouldn’t have trekked to the GCC for better opportunities. Nonetheless… we can all pretend. I assume this charade must be exhausting for people to keep up. No one cares how rich and fabulous you were in some other galaxy or life, just be normal, be genuine and you’ll find a great group of like-minded friends. I have met some fabulous Canadians – and none of us pretend we are part of a royal family that doesn’t exit nor, that we were raking in 7 figures (in dollars) back in Canada. It’s utter nonsense. Don’t do it.
And finally, there are the crazy cheap folks. So there are these expats that are terrified they may have to leave Qatar tomorrow and they need to save every dollar possible now. Sorry, every riyal possible. They come from every country, religion, and nationality. Avoid this group like the plague. Why? Part of their saving scheme is getting their friends to spend. I still feel a bit of envy though because these folks are so disciplined that there is never a single dirham wasted. They don’t eat out, shop, never buy a coffee (unless you’re paying of course), it’s incredible, really.
If you avoid these people, and it’s often obvious from the first meeting if they fit one of the above groups, you’ll have a great time. Canada is home to the immigrants that flock there. Qatar is a building point for the people that come here, everyone knows they will eventually leave. Since the community is so transient, people can be weird. There are still wonderful people every where, I am lucky to meet them often. Still these distinct groups are prevalent and hard to miss and… best to avoid.
Litto, Keep them at some distance ................
MM:Ok why not..the one I always meet at work.."My story is better than your story" type...it was entertaining at first,but after a few times it started to get annoying lol
Next week is my 4th year in Qatar, and I am disappointed to know this article from beginning.
You cant make everybody happy, neither do god.
Avoids is a skill, but everybody met for a reason.
i want QatarLiving to request for 100 likes button lol. well said dear. I met all three categories and had so many problems. good post for new comers to Qatar.
I do not agree with the spending part. Take the examples of South Asians and Africans who are usually paid less than other nationalities. If they don't save, their families back home will have nothing to eat. Let us stop giving sermons abut spending. Not everyone is privileged here.
MM: What reason would anyone have for "reporting" my comment ?
The Rule is very Simple...
Do Good to others unconditionally without hoping for return. You will be blessed with what you would never thought of. thats a true virtue & Positive contribution to the society. we have no right to judge people from our typical perspective.
it reminds me an Algerian Man's Words - he came from no where to help us out and while moving he said ""Brother someday you will see people in a same situation - please stop & help them. your mother is alive? Please pay my Salaam to her and request her to pray for me by my name"".
Please share with us .....one type may be . The one who borrows your money & sends to his wife before sunsets ?
I'm just a few months shy of a complete 5 years in Qatar and I have met more than these 3 types of people to avoid...
Perdian , Ya, Never sit with a back biter , his aura may affect yours over time. I do keep them at a sticks length away ........
Canadian, These miserables are not always from well paid I know a few who were almost beggers one week back and pose them as Financial Directors in the next ! ....
Sorry. I suggest you get back to school and learn the meaning of the word "Racist." I also realize your understanding of the English language is very poor.
There are always two sides to every picture. I had just shown a bright side of things here. I guess it upset your stomach! The art of living is to live with all types of people around you in this world and get along with them in the humdrum of everyday life. That demands maturity and thoughtfulness, patience and good sense, judgment and understanding.
And not avoiding or staying from them.
You did see the title states "People to avoid...", thus why would "helpers and advisers" be in that post?
Canadianrunaway: There is still another group which I guess you have not come across so far and hence you did not mention in your post. They are the "helpers and advisers" who have spent quite some time in Qatar and know how the ball moves. They provide guidance and assistance (sometimes even financially) to friends and colleagues in need. They give psychological support to their colleagues when they find them depressed due to family issues back home. One finds such people mostly in the lower income group. Such people are contented and remain smiling in all types of situations. They have a definite aim for being here, and they work towards achieving that aim.
Liked the third category. Met few of them and still entertaining a little. Life has to be enjoyed and not every buck shud be remitted across
the last part of people I can relate to. I know a lot of this types - as I have met them, some of them was "used to" be friends of mine. it is also pointless to tell them to change even a fraction of mindset to this types, as they are really desperate on saving money. so much as they even try several times to hitch a ride so as to save taxi or transport money (in a daily basis!) I have no issues with them taking a ride, but for this types always asking for small change for some reason, is quite appalling.
@WT - yes u said u have been in Qatar for 21 yrs, that really amazes me u have not seen some EXPATS (not Qataris) behave as per above example. probably, most of your friends are Qataris? well Qataris are different case, most of them are very generous and will even get out of their way just to help others in need. that I will agree with you.
WT: What people don't realise is that Qatar or for that matter most GCC countries allow you to meet and interact with all types of peoples - many of whom you would never meet "back home".
The key is to embrace them all - the good and the bad. You may disagreee with many, but on the whole , you will benefit. They will open your eyes and mind to things you would probably normally consider or think about. they will definitely help you braoden your outlook
It all helps you grow as a human being.....
A very subjective view, indeed. I don't know any of the people you've mentioned although I've been living here for 21 years now. I found Qataris who had camped where I had, coming in the morning with fish they had caught offering it to me for breakfast. I met Qataris who stopped in the middle of nowhere and emptied a carton of Masafi water into the radiator of my old Buick because it was leaking and the house I wanted to reach was about 2 km away. I met Qataris who invited me to stay (live) in their beach house in Dakhira for three (!) years. I met an Indian guy who knew as much as I do and we finished two bottles of Jack Daniels on our trip to the Inland Sea. I knew a Lebanese guy who generally is called "the Heart of Doha". The nationality has never been a matter for me. I guess, your friends are like you are. Who ever is your friend is a mirror of your own. That's my (subjective) view on the people in Qatar.
Hundred likes !!!!
For a moment there I thought you were going to name the :O)