Doha, Qatar Report of what it's like to live there - 12/22/09
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?
5th expat experience.
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?
Wonderful direct flight from Dulles - about 13 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
3-year assignment.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Nice villas throughout the city in housing compounds with people that look the same as us but make tremendous amounts of money through their oil companies. Everyone we've met is from Texas and is affiliated with an oil company. Their salaries and glamorous lifestyles make it difficult for government-salaried individuals to play in the same sand box. Villas are big, but the have virtually no closets or storage, so plan accordingly. Bring armoires or storage units. Limited green space. Wonderful children's parks, swimming pools and workout facilities.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More children's clothes and toys. Just bought a Barbie at Toys R Us and paid $75(!)Everything is here but very expensive.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Tiny ants are everywhere -- after all, it is the desert, and the ants take full advantage of the sand. Black flies are also a problem, but there are no disease-carrying or too-scary critters to mention.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO or DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available mostly from the Phillipines or Sri Lanka. Most want sponsorship and live-in. We pay about $500/month for a live-in helper.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Wonderful facilities on every compound. No need to join any fitness club.
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?
You will need to use your credit card, as everything is so expensive in Doha. You will fast run out of cash.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
This is a Muslim country, and proselytizing is illegal. One must be very respectful and mindful of this at all times. That being said, there is a Christian non-denominational church, a Roman Catholic one and active LDS.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
AFN and/or local cable showing almost every channel available stateside.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, but learning a few Arabic phrases goes a long way. All signs and such are in English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Doha is set up very well for individuals with disabilities. Remember my previous comment about traffic accidents? Those that survive traffic accidents tend to be disabled and require a lot of assistance. Villas and embassy housing, however, are not set up for individuals with disabilities. There are a lot of stairs, bathtubs for showers and such.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are safe, as are limo services. Doha will be wonderful in 10 years when their public transportation system is complete. Buses are for day laborers...although they still look plenty safe to me.
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?
Bring a four-wheel drive with working A/C. Every car dealer imaginable is in Doha. It's quite possible to purchase your car here, either from a departing expat or directly from a dealership.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Available and reliable.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You will need one.
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)?
Great vets in Doha. Remember that dogs are not welcome here, so yours will be on your compound at all times. Sad.
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?
Yes. Many with excellent pay. Women, beware. Some jobs are posted "men only". There are some good EFM jobs available, too.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Conservative, smart.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate to unhealthy. Very limited, if any, industrial pollution. The sand dust often makes it difficult to breathe.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Your usual Middle East terrorism threats against soft targets: schools, housing compounds, shopping malls. Qatari driving is the biggest perceived threat. There are more traffic fatalities in Qatar than anywhere else in the world (The Economist Oct 2009). Petty crime is virtually non-existent. We feel very safe. Excellent RSO.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Excellent.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Doha is extraordinarily hot from April through November. The heat and humidity are crushing and prohibit any outdoor activities. Have a dog? Forget daily walks, as paws are literally burned! December through March the weather maintains at around 70 degrees with a couple of rainstorms. Beware, there are no drainage systems, so the roads flood.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
ASD is fantastic. Beautiful campus. Amazing facilities - but it is very far from all housing communities. Kids spend over an hour each way on the bus. Bidder beware! The school is often not in session, making it impossible to not have childcare if both parents work. All U.S. holidays are given many days off, then add in Ramadan, two weeks for Eid(s), half-Tuesdays every week, and copious amounts of teacher work days. The kids are just never in school. As of this post, the kids have already missed over 7 weeks of school, and it's only December! Further, if you are embassy affiliated, don't assume that your child has guaranteed admission. The school is full, and they are reserving spots for those companies that contribute a lot of money. They have a formula that they go by. If ExxonMobil contributes said amount, then they will allow said amount of kids in. Fair? It seems the Dept of State's contributions to security/land and such is of little concern. Bidder beware.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Minimal accomodations. ASD has the right to refuse kids that present too much of a "challenge" to the staff. There's a huge wait list to get into ASD, so the administration is fine with turning kids away. Children must meet entrance exam requirements.
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?
Nannies are available if needed. Sponsorship is required. Most are from the Phillipines.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Tons! You name it, it's here.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
GIANT.There are over 20,000 Americans living in this small country. I feel like we've moved halfway around the world to live with Americans.
2. Morale among expats:
Oil folks are loving life. Those of us with government salaries are a bit shell-shocked at the cost of living. Life is easy and safe in Doha. There are many more difficult posts, so morale ranges from good to great. Surround yourself with positive people and you will do well.
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?
Mostly done at homes.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Probably best for families. Although everyone seems to find their niche and do fine.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There are no gay Muslims, right?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Absolutely. This is a conservative Muslim country.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Sand dunes, beach, malls and then repeat.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Save your money for your next post! Everything is imported from China, India or the U.S.
9. Can you save money?
No. It's cheaper to live in WADC, even with the added bonus of free housing in Doha. We're astonished at the cost of living.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Our children are enjoying their time here. This is an easy post, however desert fatigue sets in early, and the lack of cultural opportunities is disappointing, so I'm not sure.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
expectations of experiencing ancient Middle Eastern culture. Even the goods sold in the Souqs are from China. Doha is an easy place to live, but it's like Tyson's Corner, only Muslim and on the water.
3. But don't forget your:
Good manners and your positive attitude.
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?
Doha is a lovely city and this is a family friendly, safe place to be.
