I am certainly most concerned with school for the kids. One of the interviewers told me has also had to put his kids in below average schools for a few years when he first arrived, until they were finally admitted to the school of his choice.

As far as vehicles, we are getting a car allowance of about 2K/month. I am planning to also sell my car here in the States, and use the money to possibly purchase a second car.

I am also sure there is no shortage of free beaches in Doha, so I am not planning on getting hotel memberships. Possibly gym memberships, but that's about it.

I agree with you Mary that almost all foreign nationals are expendable in the Gulf, but that comes with the territory.