Some lifestyle questions - please help!
Hi, I am looking to move to Doha with wife and 2 kids. We are CDN citizens, currently living in Canada. My wife was born and raised here in Canada, I was born in Pakistan and moved to Canada as a child.
We are excited about a chance to move to Qatar, but concerned about culture shock. We have the following questions for which we would really appreciate answers:
1. We are Pakistani muslims but very "Canadianized", does Qatar operate under Sharia law? Does this fully law apply to us as visa-holders? Are my wife's rights (as a CDN citizen) going to be fully protected as far as her right to half of our assets (in case we divorce or I die)?
2. Will my 4-year old boy be able to get into a Canadian or American school immediately if we move in December/Jan? If not, what happens? Does he go to a local school?
3. Driving, police, etc. Who am I to believe? Those who say that it's crazy, that policy frequently discrimiate against foreigners, that you can be jailed for "nothing" OR those who say that's not true, and that the Qatar police and justice system is fair, equitable and does not discriminate except against criminals.
4. My wife has never lived outside Canada/US. Can someone frankly tell me whether a sudden move to Doha will be "too much" of a change for her?
Ali
I guess since you are canadians, all your legal issues as divorce, inheritance, etc. will stay under Canadian legal regulations. Qatar has nothing to do with that. You are not Qatari national. If you want to divorce, you have to do it through Canadian lawyer, not in the Qatari court. Even if you wish, you cannot get divorced in Qatar. You have to do it in Canada.
Driving is bad. Very bad. Extremely bad... specially after driving in canada.
Be also prepared to “culture shock” and “a sudden move to Doha” very possible could be "too much" of a change for your wife... But can you “move NOT suddenly”?? ..lol...And on the other hand, I think you are aware about muslim traditions and culture. I am sure your parents raised you in a traditional manner as much as it’s possible in Canada. So you will be all right. There are buddies here from all around the world, a lot of them never even heard arabic language before coming to Doha, never really knew about any muslim traditions... And they are doing fine.. some of them r learning arabic, and we are all learning a lot about muslim culture and traditions...So welcome to Doha and enjoy your life here. And as I always say: If one day I get really sick and tired of all that, I can just pack up my stuff and go back home...I've got one, Hamdullillah!
Yes, SOME of the Qatari drivers are bad but not all of them...and I would beg to suppose that maybe your taxi driver picked up at least some of his bad driving habits from where he came from.
Don't tar us all with the same brush please... a simple 'some' before the Qatari bashing would be nice ;)_______________________________________________________
Love is the answer...
Dear Ahasnain,
The shortage of school places in Qatar is a perennial theme on QL. It does not seem to make much difference whether you want your child to go to a Canadian school or an American school or whatever. The reality is a waiting list, a longer waiting list and a "closed" waiting list. That does not mean that it is impossible to find a school place for your child. It probably does mean that you won't find one straight away, at your first choice school.
Many people in Qatar are not Muslims because there are a lot more expats in Qatar than there are Qataris. Qatar is more relaxed than Saudi Arabia, on the one hand, but in some respects it is a bit stricter than Egypt. I know a few "Muslim" ladies in Doha who don't wear abayyas and like a drink or two with their boyfriends.
If you are going to be on a compound with plenty of American or Canadian expats, then my guess is that you and your wife will love it here. I am afraid that I cannot help you with Sharia inheritance law, just in case you were thinking of dying or getting divorced. My advice would be to stay alive and married, so that this problem will not really affect you.
Yes, the awful rumours about the traffic in Doha are TRUE. The Qatari drivers are a menace, of course, but the bad news is that a lot of expats soon pick up the local bad habits. (My taxi driver this morning was trying to talk on TWO mobile phones while driving me to work. He is frm Pakistan.)
You have to understand something. My wife and I are of Pakistani origin, but we have pretty much lived in Canada all our lives. When I say we are "Canadianized", what I mean is that we are used to life here. I'm sure everyone on the forum will agree that life in Canada (ie social system, etc) are different from Qatar to some degree. Therefore, a move to Qatar, even though we are muslims, is going to be a HUGE HUGE change for us, particularly for my wife who has never even lived outside of Canada.
If you have any real advice to offer, I'm all eyes and ears! PS dont believe the media so much.
How can Paki muslims call themselves as canadians when the media depicts something different? Are they that modern that they lose touch of their roots so easily.?? Really confusing...... About this whole issue.....
Driving is bad, there are heaps of maniacs on the road (the mainacs are almost all Qatari, other nationalities are bad drivers too by driving too slow/ erratic) but you will not go to jail for 'nothing'. you could go to jail if you deeply insult a Qatari but, mind your manners and you should be fine :-)
I think inheritance will follow Sharia Law whereby your wife gets something paltry and your 4-year old son will get the lion's share. not sure about divorce though...
My Confession Booth is open for discussion of the Sharia Law and the Inquisition.
The Red Pope of Qatar Living
Sharia Law does apply to Muslims, although it is not always applied as strictly as some other countries. For exact information on Qatar Law you could try the
#2 - school - your child will more than likely have to go on the waiting list for a school. There are more options than just the 2 schools you mentioned. Have a look around when you get here and find one you like and get on the list. You will not want your kid going to a local school.
#4 - I had never lived outside the US before I moved here either. I think the biggest adjustment for me has been the landscape (or lack of)and the lack of a yard. Your wife can be a busy as she wants. Moms are always meeting for coffee or playdates. Tell her to check out the Qatar chatboard on expatwoman.com. Loads of information.
We don't regret the move and best of luck to you and your family.