That's a sad story to read. Unfortunately like many expats, staying in Qatar permanently is not an option. I would love to stay here and call this home, however I am not allowed to retire here so that will never happen. I can't buy property so I'm forced to rent at extremely high cost. Everything here is overpriced if you are an expat. As for friends moving away, nearly all the people I met 3 years ago have left due to loss of jobs.
Hope you realise your not on your own.
People are only a plane ride away.