New to Qatar!!!
By LewisHamilton •
My wife and I will be moving to Qatar in September, can anyone give us some info of what to expect and basic advice? Also I am an ex pro footballer looking for a decent standard football any clues to contacts etc and how i get involved out there?
It's a scam!
They don't have even a cabinet! :(
FOR SALE: Trophy cabinet - unused. Enquiries to Arsenal Football Club :o)
Mostly any beach in the Mediterranean Sea, some in Southeast Asia, South America and Australia... just kidding. Beaches here look nice in pictures but often there are not that great (mainly because of the sand which is earthy dusty and the extreme heat starting in May.
Here in Doha city, they destroyed all public beaches and all we have left are the hotels (Intercontinental Hotel, perhaps the most popular, not necessarily the best as the beach is artificially prepared the sea floor is construction debris covered with algae.
Recently they have built a series of artificial beaches, between the Intercontinental and the Pearl, in Qatara (a cultural village partially operating).
The beaches are prepared to be public but they are subjected to a cover fee.
All these beaches are artificial so expect dusty sand and sea bed with construction debris.
If you want a natural sandy beach with the desert dunes in the back set, you need to drive to the Sealine (you need a 4x4).
There are a few others spots along the Qatari coast, often the water is too shallow, crowded or no facilities at all.
Desert beaches - no entry fee
Qatar New Artificial Beach - should be a small amount as is meant to be public (20 QR aprox).
Hotels - 100 to 200 QR/day or you may join annual membership 7000 - 25000 QR/year
oh okay I see understandable. So what are the names of the best places i.e the private beaches and hotels to got o and what's the cost to go there?
In private (hotel) beaches, both for men or women, there are no restrictions (just like elsewhere).
In public beaches, for men there is no restrictions. For women, its not so much about the official restrictions, its more to do with the fact that many people (guys) are not prepared (educated) to behave in the presence of a women in a bikini. Reactions and consequences may vary.
thank you all for your quick response, that really helps.how do I find the QL football group? we will be moving to west bay, are there many football clubs semi pro/club level? I am an arsenal fan lol please I have heard all the jokes already!!! With regard to the beaches are you allowed to sunbath? can men go around topless? what do non muslim women/men wear on the beach? or is there specific places people go for this kind of thing? and are you allowed to hold hands in public etc? are you a footballer Mr M?
Read this lot first:
http://www.qatarliving.com/the-qatar-guide
LewisHamilton,
Here is an honest report:
Be prepared to often put your patience levels beyond your limits in many daily situations.
The driving here is insane and extremely risky.
The professionalism levels are quite substandard when compared to the developed world.
Services here are generally very poor.
You will witness all around you, extremisms of social segregation and exclusion, where laborers and maids are marginalized and excluded from the main stream society.
During the summer months (May to September) the heat is extreme, it can reach + 50 C. Many people leave Qatar and those who stay, stay indoors. During those months, life is all about work, home and shopping malls.
No rain and sand storms instead. Your home and car will be covered with fine brown dust (as thin as cement or talc powder) when can damage your electronic appliances and your health.
You'll always have to be aware and think of how not to offend (such as what you wear, what you say, what you drink and eat and when - during Ramadan, you are not allowed to even drink water in public during day time, regardless your religious background).
In spite of the proximity of the sea, there is no beach culture and those who go, have to be always behave "family friendly". If your wife wears bikini, it may attract unwanted attention.
No public display of affection.
You need an exit permit issued by your sponsor, every times you wish to leave the country. (
On the positive side:
No taxes and no harsh winter.
When there is no sand or dust storm, you'll get nice days from October to April.
Qatar Airways flies to many destinations, which allows you to temporarily escape easily.
You may negotiate for a multi-exit exit permit.
Most of us encounter some difficulties to grasp all the above and the adaptation process maybe stressful but on the other hand most end up getting used to it and manage in a way or other to stay here for a while.
Mr M very well said, if you are a football soccer player before then you will be a football fanatics now, Im sure you will have alot of fun living here..
Lewis first of all,wellcome to Qatar in advance,you will slowly find out that Qatar is a nice and safe place to live and raise your family as well.The weather here in September is quite pleasant,but a bit humid.When you are in public,be sure not to wear clothes that offend local customs and traditions.Women can wear what they like but again,it shouldn't be too revealing or transparent.More importantly,to avoid unwanted attention from other men.You say you play football,you can join QL football group,you will updated on whats happenning around Doha,football-wise.And btw,which team do you support?.
These are just a few tips you can find more here in this site using the search option.