I would advise getting an updated map of doha and what kind of area you want to live in. We got here first, got in touch with the major real estate companies who are also developers of most compounds, stand alones and apartments in Qatar. These are Al Emadi, Ezdan and Al Fardan. Al Mana group advertises their houses thru Century 21 and Better Homes)both agencies which they own as well. They will each assign an agent of theirs to take you to view one or two available properties per day. You need to let them know how many bedrooms you want, whether you want a house or an apartment, your budget, which area you want or what type of area you prefer & other preferences eg swimming pool, garden, balcony etc. You can try and contact them ahead but the demand for housing here is too much for them to hold a property for you until you get here. We found a property within a month of arriving. There are serviced apartments for temporary rent like Frazer Suites with kitchen etc if you have a family to think of. For a car here, you need to get a Qatari driving license to drive in Qatar. International driving licenses are not recognised by police here. You will have to take their road sign test & driving test. Then you can hire a car from any of the airport car rental companies until you decide to buy a car here. Toyotas are recommended.
I would advise getting an updated map of doha and what kind of area you want to live in. We got here first, got in touch with the major real estate companies who are also developers of most compounds, stand alones and apartments in Qatar. These are Al Emadi, Ezdan and Al Fardan. Al Mana group advertises their houses thru Century 21 and Better Homes)both agencies which they own as well. They will each assign an agent of theirs to take you to view one or two available properties per day. You need to let them know how many bedrooms you want, whether you want a house or an apartment, your budget, which area you want or what type of area you prefer & other preferences eg swimming pool, garden, balcony etc. You can try and contact them ahead but the demand for housing here is too much for them to hold a property for you until you get here. We found a property within a month of arriving. There are serviced apartments for temporary rent like Frazer Suites with kitchen etc if you have a family to think of. For a car here, you need to get a Qatari driving license to drive in Qatar. International driving licenses are not recognised by police here. You will have to take their road sign test & driving test. Then you can hire a car from any of the airport car rental companies until you decide to buy a car here. Toyotas are recommended.