Doha, Qatar Report of what it's like to live there - 04/01/21
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?
This is our third overseas tour.
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?
From Virginia, the direct flight on Qatar airways is about 14 hours.
3. What years did you live here?
Since 2019.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There are really just two compounds for families. One is better, but in my opinion is far from comfortable. The villas have three levels, and the laundry is in the third level, as is the fourth bedroom. Here rules are different, and a family of six has the same house of a family of four. The ranks are also different, which is good for us, probably not that good for bigger families with higher ranking. Other expats live in really nice villas with a private beach and it is my understanding they say that they pay as much as the three level villas cost.
The houses have a really small backyard, and people with older kids seem to like the compound life a lot. I always see kids playing, riding their bikes, playing with their skates, etc., here at the compound, and older kids seem to be happy here. The compounds have pretty good customer service, but in my opinion appliances are not good. Work orders performed by the compound seem to be done quickly.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find pretty much everything. but more expensive, if you have babies is way better to order everything.
Baby stuff here is madly expensive, also cleaners, shampoos, all these kind of stuff. You can find them but expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Baby/toddler stuff all what you can. Toys, here they are expensive.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
They have everything, the most common and affordable is Indian food. They also have Lebanese food and all kind sof fast food, more expensive, but affordable.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I heard about mice, ants, flies and mosquitoes. We've never had these inside the house.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
This is an issue now. We used to have APO, but they just said that it is not working anymore, and now we have to use the pouch which is very restrictive, in my opinion.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help is not inexpensive (about 1,000 USD per month for a live in). You will also need to provide live-in helpers with meals, one round-trip home each year, and whatever is needed for working in the home.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The compounds have a decent gym, but they are closed now because of the Covid restrictions.
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?
They accept credit cards everywhere and it is safe. ATMs are also safe.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, they have Protestant and Catholic services in English.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Everyone here speaks English.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The metro is really nice, They also have Uber, and it's less expensive than in DC.
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?
I've seen all kind of cars, big ones, small ones, and gasoline is cheaper that in the States. People seem to like 4X4s because they can use them in the sand dunes.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, they have internet and is pretty good actually, and it took us about three weeks to have it.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use Oredoo.
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?
We don't have pets, but a friend told me that the shipping from the States was really difficult. I really don't know, just that they do not need quarantine. I've seen a lot of dogs and cats for adoption here.
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?
There are not many jobs in the Embassy for EFMs. The only jobs available are with the State Department. However, there are many EFMs (State and other agencies) applying for the positions.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
I try to do not wear shorts and so. but you can wear whatever here. It is pretty hot during the summer.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
We feel really safe here.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
I just needed an OB GYN and it was almost impossible; I was on the wait list for months!
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?
Sand storms make it really dusty, and in my opinion, it's bad for babies to be out during these days.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Winter is nice, though summer here is the hottest I've ever experienced.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I don't use them yet, but I heard that the American school is very nice and good, and people are happy there. I have heard that not everyone who applies is accepted to the school.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
They have some gymnastics, swimming, martial arts classes in the compound, but they've been suspended during the pandemic.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge! I've actually see very few Qataris. Morale depends, I've heard some people love it and some people are really miserable.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think families have more support here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I don't think so.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Expectations.
3. Do you have any other comments?
We moved and a few months later the pandemic started, so I can not talk too much about some things.
