Doha, Qatar Report of what it's like to live there - 04/14/25
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 was not my first experience living abroad, but first time living in this region.
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?
Florida - There are several direct flights via Qatar Airways between 12 - 15 hours.
D.C. - Direct 12 hour flight from Dulles.
3. What years did you live here?
2024 - 2026.
4. How long have you lived here?
One year.
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?
Housing for USG is usually villa compounds for families and high-rise apartments from singles and some families choose to live in them as well.
As a single person, I live in a high-rise apartment. Many of the options are in Westbay, an active nice area in Doha with several restaurants, beach clubs, malls, etc. Housing options look like the Kempinski, Banyan Tree, etc so are great ones.
The commute time from the WestBay area to the Embassy is about 20 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Very easy to obtain. You can get groceries delivered to your door via Talabat, a local app here. Groceries are a bit cheaper than in the States (D.C.) area but can be pricier due to imported items.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I have been able to find everything I need in Doha. If you have preferred brands you like to use, I would bring them with you but you can also use DPO/Pouch for those kinds of items.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Doha is very multicultural so you can likely find foods mainly from South Asia, Asia, and the Middle East region in general. A lot of American fast-food chains everywhere. Caribbean food is hard to come by and there are a few African restaurants.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Nope, I have not had any.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO/Pouch. I have never used local postal facilities because there has not been a need to.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many families have nannies they hire to help care for children and help with household needs. It is definitely more affordable for this kind of care. I have seen nannies paid 3600 - 5000 QAR/month.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
The safest place I have ever been. You can walk around freely, even at night without any worries. Bike riding is available in certain areas, but I would not say it is extremely accessible, mainly in parks and along the Corniche. Not many places for hiking. It's safe to walk and run, but the heat in the summer will make you second guess doing so!
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Plenty of gyms in Doha and workout class options -- cycling, weights, Pilates, etc. but they can be a bit pricy. I do feel there are options for different budgets.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, cards are the primary mode of payment in Doha. I can count on one hand the amount of times I have needed cash during my one year here. Even small vendors always have card machines. They are very safe to use.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are churches here in Doha and services conducted in English, you'll just have to "shop" around.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is widely spoken. Arabic can be helpful in certain situations but really not needed at all. There are local language classes and a program offered at the Embassy for USDH.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
There are MANY services I have seen available for those with disabilities in Doha so accommodations can be made. There are many outdoor activities and events during the winter that can be crowded so that can pose an issue, but I believe someone with physical disabilities would be okay.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Doha has a metro system, taxi, free buses, and Uber is used. Uber is very affordable at $1.50 for short rides and $5 - $6 for a 20-minute ride. All modes of transportation are very safe and easy to use. The metro is not well connected everywhere but can help save money and can be taken from the Embassy.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
I don't have a car but many go for SUVs to avoid being "bullied" on the road and for road trips/off roading purposes.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is provided in the high rise apartments since it is part of the building. Not sure about the villas.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I use a local provider: Ooreedo. You can purchase a SIM card and service at a mall then download the app and reload your phone with minutes or data. It has worked great and I pay around 40 QAR every 2 weeks for data.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are a very organizations that offer volunteer opportunities but it doesnt seem to be a big thing.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Doha is a lot more liberal with dress code than I expected for the Gulf region. You can bring clothing for different types of occasions: brunch, beach clubs, formal events, clubs/nightlife outings, etc. In public, being covered is suggested and what I would recommend especially in public places as you risk being denied entry if clothing is too short in certain malls, etc. However, you will also see people wearing shorts from time to time and dresses that completely show arms. Formal events I would lean more toward being covered/long sleeve clothing.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Overall no, Doha is very safe, but I would still use situational awareness from time to time.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Doha has great hospitals and healthcare of amazing quality.
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?
Air quality is okay, getting worse to some people but I have not had any issues.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
If you have a food allergy, I would be very careful about eating out, as sometimes you can mention you can't eat a certain thing but it is still included in that meal or servers don't understand so be cautious.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very hot during the summer so a lot of shops are closed during the day and open at night. Doha in general is slow during the summer and a lot of people leave if they are not working to somewhere cooler.
The heat is very humid as well.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Doha is composed of mainly expats so you meet people from everywhere, but in a way it can take time too find your community outside of work.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Lots of clubs, groups, events, and third spaces.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Dating is interesting here to say the least. If you are coming single it will take time to find your people but is possible. Families love Doha because there is plenty to do for kids and it is safe. Couples also enjoy because they have each other and there is lots to do and explore.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not the best since LGBTQ+ people in Qatar can experience legal persecution. You can can meet other people of the same community on apps and certain spaces, just understand there are risks and people in the community are understandly more reserved as a result.
5. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Qataris tend to socialize with themselves, so no, but Doha is mainly expats so that leaves room to socialize with others often. There are definitely prejudices among groups, but as a Black woman I feel comfortable here.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Being a woman in Qatar has not come with any issues. Women can freely move around and enter spaces without any issues. certain facilities are separated by gender: waiting rooms, spas, etc.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Qatar does have a lot to do and there is a lot to see and explore. There are also different events and exhibitions.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Souq Waqif is a great starting point.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There are a lot of things to buy at the souqs, a lot of great artwork and crafts.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Very convenient, as you can get everything delivered quickly, easy to get around, low traffic, clean, very safe.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Don't throw away any clothing thinking your entire wardrobe has to be transformed to be very modest: you don't and there is an event/place for every outfit you probably have.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes
