Butcherboy. That's interesting, but Qatar is an independant state, not a member of the UAE.

It's true that some employers in Qatar retain the passports of their employees, but even if you have possession of your own passport in Qatar, you cannot leave unless your employer (sponsor) approves your exit permit.

If you hold a 'Residents Permit' in the UAE and you are in possession of your own passport, you can leave any time you want to, that is the difference.

"It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I never had the courtesy to thank her for it." W. C. Fields.