I would agree with Mandi unless you can exchange your driver's license for a Qatari one, getting a license here is a very painful experience. Lots of lessons required from driving schools who are generally very disinterested in you or your calls. It takes a whole lot of patience to go through everything to get a driver's license in this really hot country and then some. With 3 young ones, you'd probably need to hit the ground running. Would suggest that you either book in one of the serviced apartments in Doha if you can afford it (cos they can call taxis for you) or rent a place right next to a shopping mall or a petrol station. Petrol stations in Doha tend to be in a square lined with shops where you can buy food or cooked food, pharmacies, small grocery shops, bakery or two etc. Bear in mind walking in this heat will dehydrate you fast, people drive crazy here most of the time and public transport is negligible to non-existent in some areas. If you rent a house in a compound and make friends fast with neighbours who drive, they might help out a bit with shopping expeditions while you get your bearings. Some compounds have reception staff who can help you out in getting taxis, laundry done and you can buy cooked meals at their cafe (not during daytime in Ramadan though.
I would agree with Mandi unless you can exchange your driver's license for a Qatari one, getting a license here is a very painful experience. Lots of lessons required from driving schools who are generally very disinterested in you or your calls. It takes a whole lot of patience to go through everything to get a driver's license in this really hot country and then some. With 3 young ones, you'd probably need to hit the ground running. Would suggest that you either book in one of the serviced apartments in Doha if you can afford it (cos they can call taxis for you) or rent a place right next to a shopping mall or a petrol station. Petrol stations in Doha tend to be in a square lined with shops where you can buy food or cooked food, pharmacies, small grocery shops, bakery or two etc. Bear in mind walking in this heat will dehydrate you fast, people drive crazy here most of the time and public transport is negligible to non-existent in some areas. If you rent a house in a compound and make friends fast with neighbours who drive, they might help out a bit with shopping expeditions while you get your bearings. Some compounds have reception staff who can help you out in getting taxis, laundry done and you can buy cooked meals at their cafe (not during daytime in Ramadan though.