Doha, Qatar Report of what it's like to live there - 04/09/12
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?
Third expat experience. Lived in Belgium and France before.
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?
DC. It is a 13-hour direct flight into Dulles.
3. How long have you lived here?
Nine months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse's job with the DOS.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Large, comfortable housing in safe compounds with excellent amenities.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Learn to buy regional products and you can save money on groceries.e.g. Saudi Feta cheese is $2/pound!Still, you can find every expat comfort food you might crave. You'll just pay $$ for it.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More cool-weather clothes!
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All the major fast food places are here but we prefer the excellent Indian and Middle Eastern options which are inexpensive and delicious.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Yes, organic produce and gluten-free are readily available at select shops. We even have a Dean & DeLuca!
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Minor... small ants and spiders as it heats up. Flies may pester you at a picnic but it's not bad.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We use the APO.The local mail system is a mystery to me.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and affordable. We have a live-in maid who has made my life so much easier!
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes! I have a compound gym across from my house. It is easy to stay fit here.
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?
Easy to use ATMs.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. I am learning some Arabic phrases but English is ubiquitous here.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
This is not a walking city. You drive everywhere. I believe it is becoming more accessible as the infrastructure is developed.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are safe and cheap thought not always easy to find. Many people use private car services which are also pretty affordable.
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?
We bought a used SUV here. The expat auto market is robust and you can find what you need. SUVs are helpful as there is a lot of construction about.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Q-tel is in the process of upgrading us to fiber optic internet which will be awesome.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You definitely want a cell phone. Easy to get here with affordable plans.
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?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes. We like the Canadian vet.
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?
Possibly. I telecommute to California from here.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Slightly more casual when it's crazy hot. Just remember: Women should cover shoulders and knees. Just be respectful and you'll be fine.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This is a very safe place. My children are able to play freely in our compound which is priceless. As a woman, I feel very safe alone in the evening in public places. Criminals are quickly removed from this country and I have no problem with that.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Good health care. Excellent private hospitals. Be prepared to pay for the services and then submit to insurance for reimbursement.
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?
Moderate air quality. We had some bad sand storms in early spring that kept us indoors for a few days. Otherwise, it's not bad.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Great weather eight months of the year. Colder in the winter months than we expected: low-50s at night, low 60s during the day in Dec/Jan. In early April, it's now warming up to a summery low to mid 90s. Expect HOT weather May through September... well into triple digits. You get used to it. In the summer, we swim every night after the sun goes down at 6 pm.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We love the American School of Doha. My girls are incredibly happy!The teachers are dedicated and innovative. There are myriad after school activities too-- free of charge and late transportation is available. Big thumbs up.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
There are schools here for special needs. Look at the Compass School and ACS.
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?
Yes! Many!!!
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large... expats from everywhere!
2. Morale among expats:
Decent to high. Some people are bored... but they're not miserable. A lot of families find reward in the contentment of their kids here.
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?
We dine out at the hotels about once a week (the only place you can buy a beer or a glass of wine).We get together with friends at home, meet up with friends at the pool, spend a day at the beach, etc. It's low-key and lovely.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
EXCELLENT for families. I might be bored as a single person or someone without kids.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There is a bit of a caste system when it comes to South East Asians as they are the labor force here.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Don't come here expecting Big City life. Doha is a sleepy suburban-like place where you can find great friends, make your own fun, and watch your children thrive. Don't come here for nightlife, museums, or a cafe culture.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Please note that this is not Paris!There are a handful of tourist places to visit and, otherwise, you make your own fun by the pool, on the tennis court, on your patio, etc. We like the souq, walking the Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art, Katara Cultural Village, and the malls. Dubai is an hour flight and it's a hoot!
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Shisha pipes, prayer beads, camel bone boxes, lanterns, and carpets.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
My children love it here! Safe, great weather eight months of the year, kid-friendly activities, excellent schools, good housing, and easy living.
11. Can you save money?
Not really, maybe.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes! This is a wonderful place for a family. Living is easy (although sometimes dull) but you can make your own fun.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Bad attitude, prejudice against the Middle East, and strapless dresses.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunglasses, sports equipment, jackets, and open mind.
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:
6. Do you have any other comments?
I am sorry the March reviewer had such negative (and often erroneous) things to say. This really is a fine place. It is up and coming and growing pains abound, but it has become "home" for us and we're glad to enjoy two years here.
