Doha, Qatar Report of what it's like to live there - 03/24/12
Personal Experiences from Doha, Qatar
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I've lived all over South East Asia and the Far East.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Chicago, 16 hours with a layover in DC. Qatar airways flies direct to DC, and I connect.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I work in the IT department in a Qatar government company.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The rich ones live in compounds named Bel Air, Palm Springs, etc., (you get the picture). The not so rich ones live in shabby condos. The poor ones (laborers from Asia) live in tiny tin roof shacks, many without air conditioning.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Not expensive, if bought in bulk like in Costco.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Salsa sauce and baked beans!
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All the nastiest of the nasty American giant chains are here, and they all deliver. Cost is comparable to that of the States. There are some good Arab restaurants, and some good Indian ones too.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
I haven't seen any.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None, there are tiny german cockroaches.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
The postal system is a mystery. Everybody has a post box number.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Expensive filipino housemaids.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Plenty, there are many good local gyms.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are everywhere, and credit cards can be used in most big stores.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Islam. Period.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Local English newspapers, which carry the king's stomach upset as a headline.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
A lot, if you interact with local Arabs. Others know English well.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Too many, there are no sidewalks mostly. It is very difficult even for the able bodied.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Buses are nice and affordable, but they are very infrequent and don't go everywhere. Taxis are affordable if you can find one of those green government run taxis. There's a huge network of "illegal taxis," which most Americans and some Asians use. Make sure you get into a clean one, and reduce the rate significantly before you step inside one.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Don't bring any, you can buy Hummers, and maybe even bigger gas guzzlers here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
They say internet is fast, but if snails are fast, so is the internet here.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You get all cellphones without contract.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
They hate dogs. Cats are everywhere.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
An illiterate Arab will earn US$25,000/ month for being an Arab (government really gives free money to keep them quiet).
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Formals, and decent casuals. Nothing revealing is allowed.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really, getting run over by an Arab is scary, they drive very badly. That being said, Qatar is safer than the USA, where self-appointed neighborhood watch captains kill at will.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Health care is spotty. The Sheikh Hamad hospital is big, but waiting times are long and surly nurses and doctors. Many people get medevaced to Bombay, India, for serious issues. Oh, and Sudafed is OTC, so is Prozac and many other dangerous meds!
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Very unhealthy, we had one of the worst sandstorms last week, and it deposited a not so thin layer of red dust everywhere, maybe in the lungs too!
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
This year has been weird, we are the end of March, and summer's not here yet. June-September sees temperatures over 100 on all days, with temps touching 120 on some days in July and August.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are many schools here, some good, but I wouldn't bring my family and kids here, Arab kids are spoiled rotten and will spoil your kids too.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Special needs kids are considered a curse. Enough said.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Many, especially during summer when kids would be inside.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Many Indians, although they are leaving in droves. Many Nepalese, filling in the voids left by the Indians. Caucasians are there too, and many are at the base here.
2. Morale among expats:
Low to none.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
None.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
No for all. Singles will have to go to a mall to kill time. Couples will have to interact with others from their own countries. Families, the men work, women watch TV all day.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No, this is a medieval Muslim country.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
None, marking time is great!
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The Villagio was touted as a modern mall. However, it was too kitschy inside with cheap artificial skies and clouds. And also a tacky venetian canal with a tacky motor-powered gondola. I found the place so disorientating that I soon started gasping for breath, and ran away.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
None, all local items at the souq are rip offs.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
None, except saving money. Even the souq (traditional middle east market) is sanitized and westernized.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, if you live like the hapless Asians, and not go to the overpriced, tacky malls.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I will leave this place like a bat out of hell when I get my chance.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Hopes that this is a rising middle eastern power. They think money is a solution for all issues, how wrong they are.
3. But don't forget your:
Patience.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Any Egyptian move will prepare you somewhat for life in the Gulf.
6. Do you have any other comments?
This is a hardship posting, everything here is fake and plastic. Medical care is bad. People come here out of sheer desperation. You can see many sad faces counting their days left here.
