Just thought. If you're planning on hiring a car here bring an international Driving Permit with you (If it's not too late).You can get one at the PO. With an IDP you can hire a car but this has to be done before HR start processing your RP. Once they start applying for your RP then you have to wait for it to come through before you can hire a car.You can also get a temporary qatari License but again this has to be done before RP is processed.(Will also cost about £50). You will be provided with a driver to take you to and from school for about 4 weeks then you have to make your own arrangements. Hopefully someone in your apartment block will also be teaching at Al Maha so you can get a lift.
I have been here since 26th Oct and still waiting for my RP.Hopefully coming through soon.
If there's anything else you need to know, ask and I will try and answer. Still very new to it all myself!!!