I have just joined the BSAC club in Doha which is probably the one you are referring to. Its opposite the Oasis hotel (but hard to find). The people there seem really friendly and go diving twice a week.

They do complete courses for beginners on the British program. I have the Open Water PADI (American) which is not very highly rated by the BSAC or DSAC as it is here so I am doing a conversion course.

If you want to find out more go to the meetings every Tuesday at 7.30pm. They have a nice little bar so you can have a drink and chat to people before committing yourself.