If you can find some books written on the culture that would help too.
As far as I know, most of the better compounds and apartment buildings do have inclusive gyms and pools. My husband is in a temporary apartment right now, which does not have anything, but hopefully will be moving soon.
I really don't know about the dress code inside of the compounds, but when I lived in Saudi we were free to wear whatever we wanted. Unfortunately, as soon as we stepped outside we had to wear the abaya and carry a head scarf just in case. From everything that I have read, on this site and others, you can dress as you want. Just no short skirts or shorts. Capris and I would think the burmuda shorts are fine, no low cut shirts, I don't know about the sleeveless part though. Wish I could give you more info, but I have not been able to make my first visit yet. I have a 14 year old here with me and that keeps me pretty busy. Everytime we try to plan a visit something comes up.
As for the laws. I don't really know if they are easier on Westerners or just a lot harder on someone without a Western passport. That just seems to be the consensus of some of the things that I have read here. I know life was easier for us in Saudi for the most part compared to other nationalities.
I spoke to my husband just a few minutes ago and he said that he thinks a tourist visa is good for one month. He wasn't really sure. That would be great if your husband's employer can help you in that department. Hmmmm, maybe he just needs to break down and make an honest woman of 'ya (just kidding).
I hope some of this helped. I see you are in Hawaii right now, I would give my right arm to be there. I am down in cajun country in Louisiana, where we bleed purple and gold for our LSU Tigers. If you have any othere questions you can reach me at this e-mail address [email protected]. I have been researching this sight for a little over a week now and there is a lot of helpful info.
You're welcome Lacey. Here are a few of the web sites that I have looked at
http://www.qatarembassy.net
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5437.htm
http://www.explore-qatar.com/
If you can find some books written on the culture that would help too.
As far as I know, most of the better compounds and apartment buildings do have inclusive gyms and pools. My husband is in a temporary apartment right now, which does not have anything, but hopefully will be moving soon.
I really don't know about the dress code inside of the compounds, but when I lived in Saudi we were free to wear whatever we wanted. Unfortunately, as soon as we stepped outside we had to wear the abaya and carry a head scarf just in case. From everything that I have read, on this site and others, you can dress as you want. Just no short skirts or shorts. Capris and I would think the burmuda shorts are fine, no low cut shirts, I don't know about the sleeveless part though. Wish I could give you more info, but I have not been able to make my first visit yet. I have a 14 year old here with me and that keeps me pretty busy. Everytime we try to plan a visit something comes up.
As for the laws. I don't really know if they are easier on Westerners or just a lot harder on someone without a Western passport. That just seems to be the consensus of some of the things that I have read here. I know life was easier for us in Saudi for the most part compared to other nationalities.
I spoke to my husband just a few minutes ago and he said that he thinks a tourist visa is good for one month. He wasn't really sure. That would be great if your husband's employer can help you in that department. Hmmmm, maybe he just needs to break down and make an honest woman of 'ya (just kidding).
I hope some of this helped. I see you are in Hawaii right now, I would give my right arm to be there. I am down in cajun country in Louisiana, where we bleed purple and gold for our LSU Tigers. If you have any othere questions you can reach me at this e-mail address [email protected]. I have been researching this sight for a little over a week now and there is a lot of helpful info.
Take caer and I wish you the best.
Lisa