Thank you so much for the positive reply Skander_UK (and others!), it really has eased my mind alot.

It certainly looks like i'll have to drive, i'm sure i'll get used to it and hold my patience with other drivers!

Drinking doesn't particuarly bother me (especially if it's expensive!), if anything it will save me some money and do my liver some good! I just worried about sitting on my own in my apartment every night. But it sounds like the AJE crew are pretty lively, so hopefully i'll get into the swing of things.

I don't plan to stay out there for too long, but who knows, I may love it out there. I'm certainly looking forward to the experience!

And VERY glad to hear that shopping is good over there..I did nearly faint when I saw a Dorothy Perkins shop in a picture of a shopping mall in Doha..didn't expect to see it there at all!

Thank you again everyone :-)