Singapore, Best place for Expats. Qatar?
“This tiny island country is the best place to live if you're an expatriate, according to a study conducted by HSBC Bank International. If you can withstand the scorching summers and drenching humidity, you can have a life that is far more luxurious than the one you currently enjoy at home, including everything from a nanny for your children to a swanky central accommodation complete with a swimming pool”
The United Arab Emirates and the US tie for second place, followed by Belgium and Hong Kong.
Makes you wonder where Qatar stands in all this. Its archaic labour laws including sponsorship and exit systems, steep accommodation cost, restrictions in alcohol, unprofessional climate at the work place, lack of out of office entertainment etc etc.
The only reason one might come here is to ride the economic wave – which also translates to higher earnings during this boom. I’m bullish on this region and Qatar for the next 2 years but if Qatar has to attract good talented professionals it would need to improve in various areas. UAE is already far ahead and Qatar might find it very difficult to catch if it doesn’t have some reforms.
It is shocking when employers restrict employees from leaving their firms/company’s. Their pretext is that they have incurred a cost to recruit employees – so slavery is fine. My suggestion is that if it is a monetary thing I’m sure all employees would be willing to pay the cost of recruitment so that they can join another firm/Company. Else Employers should have financial bonds to cover their cost of hiring an employee – if the employee wants to leave, let him go and he/she will lose the bond amount. Ofcourse there should be a notice period inorder to find a replacement. Makes you wonder how insecure employers are if they require labour laws to enforce their slavery practices.
I am sure there would be people with influence on the decision makers of this country in QatarLiving (unless it is filled with unemployed housewives and a wolf :-)). This could help develop good practices in labour laws, tourism, environment, infrastructure etc to make Qatar a better place to live in else down the line it will fail to attract the best talent in the world and will have only leftovers and some gas.
Sorry not lavender. It is Lakeside after chinese Garden. sorry for the mistake :(
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
"Lived in Jurong West near Lavender MRT. So get your act together"
Am I using the same Singapore map as Charan??
Gin time... hic!
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"A LADY IS A WOMAN WHO MAKES A MAN BEHAVE LIKE A GENTLEMAN" Russell Lynes
Singapore is just one massive shopping mall that allows horrid bachaelors in ! Yippeee! They have 7 Louis Vuitton yah! Yipeeeeeeeeee!
Any 'real' Singaporeans around would like to comment on my last post?
No Charan ......... I am not referring to SPG's, maybe I should not have been specific on 'Singaporean Girls' I was only responding to Apple in this context. I should maybe have said that on the whole, Singaporeans in general are very polite and friendly. I apologise if that came over as a bit sexist.
As for the Old master himself, I would have to agree with you Charan, he is probably pulling the strings behind the scenes.
But has he not earned the right to do so .......... can he be compared to any other leader for what he has done for his people in a historically short time frame?
But I still feel that the Indian and Malaysian Singaporeans feel a bit left out politically.
What do you think about the new Singaporean contingent, the fourth race if you like, are the 'Eurasians'?. I dont think they are too involved with the political scene at the moment, but one day ..................
Where have you been Kampong Boy. finish Makan? if not let me know. I will bring you to buy a special Biriyani Rice. Let me know quickly
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
nothing will be changed. he is improving everything day by day. but the real power is the Grand Old Master himself :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
Charan .......... Do you think Lee Kuan Yew's son is making a capable Prime Minister?
What is your opinion of the political situation in Singapore? I only ask because I commented on this above and would like to know your thoughts.
Hmmm........
They recycle the waste water to pure drinking water:) I think he is refering to SPGs (Sarong Party Girls)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
Apple,
I am not Singaporean, but I find that on the whole, the Singaporean girls are always very polite and friendly.
I moved to UK when I was very young (as a kid with my family)and been there ever since. I do return to Singapore very often, and always find time to visit Malaysia.
Charan .... is right here, this is one of the biggest problems that Singapore has at present, an on going supply of fresh water.
They rely a lot on Malaysia, hence the large diameter waterline over the causeway from Jahore Baru.
I guess they need to keep on the good side of Malaysia for the time being.
However, I was reading in the paper this week about the near completion of a tidal barage to contain the Singapore river, a catchment for the rain water, this will eventually supply 10% of their water needs and a convenient water sports area.
And yes Apple, Malaysia is a superb place for a vacation and a place to explore. I have been many times and never tire of the place.
Apple - It was a part of malaysia after Brits left but they were thrown out by Malasians and formed as a seperate state by Senior Minister Lee Kwan Yu.
Do you know that even drinking water is bought from Malaysia & Indovesia by Singapore.
People always do Malaysia & Singapore Tour as a Combo :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
Tnx for the info! It used to be part of Malaysia? right?
Malaysia is one of the recommended place too, to visit for a travellers.:))
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"A LADY IS A WOMAN WHO MAKES A MAN BEHAVE LIKE A GENTLEMAN" Russell Lynes
Apple - Singapore is a city state. to travel from eastern Part (Changi Airport) to Western Coner (Jurong West) takes only 45 minutes on Highway. That's how big is Singapore :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
Though small country but nice place, clean and tidy....
If not mistaken, its capital city is the country itself?
China-->Are you a singaporean?:)) have one singaporean girlfriend, she used to work in a hotel here, very sweet and friendly woman, I say!
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"A LADY IS A WOMAN WHO MAKES A MAN BEHAVE LIKE A GENTLEMAN" Russell Lynes
I have been using my knowdledge for pretigeous projects in Qatar for 4 years and no need the advice of hollow minded person like you. You can shake your head your heart's content. nobody stop you.
and for your other lewd comments I will not go down to your pathetic level to answer you.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
charanmafiriyals said China Syndrome ...
"I won't pass my knowledge to a spoon feeder like. FYI I worked for DuPont and Dick Cheeney Co.'s Far East Branch situated at Anson Road and played for a Club at Balestire Road. Lived in Jurong West near Lavender MRT. So get your act together"
Charan, Charan, Charan (shaking head slowly LOL)
You continue to underline my point and belittle your self even further.
Now use your experience gained from 15yrs in S'pore with messrs Dupont, Dick Cheeney and Co. and see if you are capable of stringing a few words together in answer to the original post that actually make sense LOL
PS The club you played for, was it something to do with your willie ROFL
Obviously you have never been to a labour camp in woodlands area :(
The most priority thing in Qatar at the moment is a water park at the moment :)
Have you ever done a single bit to improve the conditions of workers in Industrial area? (ever been to a labour camp)
Talk only no acton :(
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
I won't pass my knowledge to a spoon feeder like. FYI I worked for DuPont and Dick Cheeney Co.'s Far East Branch situated at Anson Road and played for a Club at Balestire Road. Lived in Jurong West near Lavender MRT. So get your act together.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
rlasrado, I think you are right on the entertainment requirements. I think a big water park along the lines of Wild Wadi in Dubai is long over due. This would be at least something to do for the kids (and us adults), especially in the summer months.
As for entertainment in the Industrial area, that has been a long on going issue. It appears that the authorities have neglected the labourers that are sweating and breaking their backs to build them a better standard of living.
I really wonder if these people, sitting in the Starbucks, smoking, sipping coffee ever reflect as to how these places got built?
Maybe if they did, some compassion might be forth coming from the right people to make the workers lives a little better.
Can you imagine the out cry in S'pore if the same conditions existed there?
Stay down .................. dont keep getting up, this is too easy LOL
You refuse to say anything you know, coz you knows nothing!!!
I worked in S'pore for several yrs, so that dispels your theory .. again pure BS from Charan ..........
How the mods allow you to continue on QL when you have no intention of being constructive is a mystery.
I am guessing from the clubbing posts I have read over the yrs that you mix with regulars, some I guess are Mods, hence probable nepotism/favourtism, it certainly is not for your intellect value LOL.
Tell me Charan, lie on the couch ........... what did you do in S'pore: Who did you work for?
I refused use anything I know for spoon feeders like you. who cares you been to colombo. I am least bothered of this kind of new world information :(
You want to find about Singapore. find a job there 1st (althogh I suspect no singapore co. will ever employ you)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
All the bragging on QL of the time you spent in S'pore and you can not even use what you learnt there to post something sensible LOL
You might as well have spent your time with your head buried in the sand on a pretty beach near Colombo.
......... and b4 you say anything, yes I have been to Sri Lanka, it's a great place with great people, so I just got to ask, what the hell went wrong with you LMAO
I like contribute crap to absent minded people like you :( If you are disturbed what can I do???????? stay clear of Camels ;)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
........... I rest my case LOL
You are not capable of contributing anything but crap!!!
Even more disturbing, if your mind cannot produce any sensible post on this subject after 15yrs in Singapore LOL
wrong post:)
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"A LADY IS A WOMAN WHO MAKES A MAN BEHAVE LIKE A GENTLEMAN" Russell Lynes
I miss 4 floors of "Orchard Towers". Specially "Ipanema" & Crazy Horse"
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
China Syndrome - cry baby go & check with Singapore Embassy here :)contribute to what? for half baked truth :(
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
Charan ....., I really thought that after spending 15yrs in Singapore and several yrs here in Qatar, you could finally contribute something meaningful to a thread like this instead of your usual BS.
Are you capable of posting more than one line of crap? If so start here and prove all those who look on you as a complete moron wrong!!!LOL
From what you have said previously, you are the one who should be leading the way and responding with some sensible posts in answer to rlasrado ........ or are we to believe your claims of 15yrs in S'pore is also complete BS!!!
Personally i do not like Singapore. It is too "policed"
Ofcourse, work wise it is great professionally but at the end of the day work is not everything.
All places have their merits and demerits. One has to comprimise. Thats where priorities come in question.
All the best
In addition to progressive developments in its labour laws Qatar also needs areas of entertainment - life outside work.
I do wish that the Government develops some entertainment areas in the industrial area specifically for the thousands of labourers who come to the country. This would atleast give them some options rather than visit malls like villagio etc where they would not be allowed entry. I’m sure budget shops would love setting up their base there. Cumulatively this is a huge buying force – albeit for budget buys.
For the rest Qatar would need the following. This is my earlier post in response to a need for a water park
Why stop at water parks...qatar needs more of everything entertaining in nature...
1.Water theme parks (even bahrain has one now, Dubai’s go wild wadi)
2.Spas (not the ones attached to the hotels)
3.Beach resorts
4.Go karting circuits
5.more movie theaters (since it is a nightmare now to reach city center on the weekends)
6.Competition to QDC (besides allowable to be brought into qatar from the duty free - as other "normal" GCC states do.
7.More clubs
8.Shesha places
9.Dance bars (nothing wrong with this - they ain't strip bars) – besides it would save a lot of gas with Mr.Landcruisers always ending up in Bahrain for the weekends
Hi all,
Good discussion, some of them hit the nail right and some got astray, Rlasrado tried to draw attention towards very good point but some buddies tried to take it away from the topic. There is no doubt and it is needless to say the Qatar is making good progress in developing the infrastructures, Awesome to see that many highrise buildings and some good flyovers and Roas are under way and the Management is trying to catch UAE in respect of Infrastrures, BUT sorry to say that what the expacts workforce will get from this development rlasrado, was very right in saying that employees are slaves of Employeers, well understood that since the last couple of years the development is booming but the rules are getting worse, i listened that the Ban is now being extended from 2 to 5 years.. Is this also a part of good development???
Besides the materialistic developments the Policies and Laws should also be ammended in a better way. No doubt that we are here to earn money but at the same time we are very keen to see the Qatar developing and getting in the race of planned and aplauded countries
Cheers
Have you seen a proper one. if not come to me for directions.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
surprised...sri lankans are soft hearted and all but charan seems like a complete Dick
i agree with u nicaq25
S'pore with Qatar...there are numerous factors to consider, one of them is the cultural background of each country.
hmmmmmm
Marhabtain... give credit to Arien. For once, he made a right decision as a manager.... by deleting the dumb post...
SG,....... I still dont get it, why people get there for pleasure?
Thanks
WongQatar
Its just a massive Shopping Mall full of Chinks but at least they allow Jingly's! I see arien and his dumb air crash pics have been deleted = quite right too. I was so upset as no account was made of the Louis vuitton Luggage! Did it survive!?
rlasrado, dont worry about chara ..... he's just full of himself as you can see.
But I agree with your comments on the HSCB study, I would guess Qatar is way down the list.
Singapore is a great place to visit, has a long list of pluses. But living there is a different kettle of fish. I started school there when I was 7 yrs old, so I saw the place develope from rubber plantations and kampongs through to what it is today. It was done properly by professionals so that it has developed a sound infastructure.
Public works activities start and finish so quick, urgent road works etc for example start at night and are complete by morning, they are so organised, compare that to the state of affairs in Qatar where small jobs take weeks!!!! or longer.
But it is a "clinical' place to live, as somebody once described it 'A dictatorship that works'.
Best not to get involved in politics if you live there, you would not get very far.(not that you would be allowed to as a non Singaporean, and the fact that groups of 4 or more people are against the law, introduced as an excuse to clamp down on political gatherings. However, large groups are obviously allowed for other reasons i.e. social get togethers etc)
Then again, how far would you get in Qatar politics??
Qatar has so much catching up to do in lots of departments that I wouldn't hold my breath, I also think it is unfair to compare the likes of Qatar to Singapore, there is no comparison.
Flanostu....didn't I saw roaming around Geylang Road
flanostu ... it seems you are regular visitor to orchard tower :P
doha needs the equivalent of orchard towers.
I've been here for 30 years... its been developing all the while, its just that the pace picked up since 1995
I don't know for how long you've been in doha. But any one involved with the state infrastructure projects (roads, sewage, water & electricity) would tell you that during the 70-90's Qatar have undergone only 3 phases of expansion projects. but since 2000 more than 4 phases of infra structure projects are executed & ingoing.
People blames Ashgal , urban planning or Kahramaa are not aware that all infrastructure developing are running at the same time. Road work in the city till this day can be due to cable work & electricity reinforcement.
Qatar started developing less than a decade ago?... is that stretching things a bit... Its been around for a lot longer than that!
I think Comparing Qatar to Singapore is not fare. Qatar just started developing.Less then a decade ago, we were less then 100,000 (with the total population of around 600,000).People are expecting too much from a country that just started developing.
Singapore is a FINE CITY.
You'll get fined for spitting, chewing gums, not flushing toilet, littering, smoking, drugs, vandalism,eating in a public transport, etc. You'll get penalized to the smallest offence.
I am not doing admin work. Admin work for me.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
You will never achive my level. I understand English better than Singhalese or Tamil. do not take somebody's statement as gospal truth.It will not do a harm to learn about something 1st before blindly making statements.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
Any resident would love to showoff the place he is resident in. I would love to showoff Qatar to visitors including guys newly arrived/arriving to qatar on work. Unfortunately there are issues in Qatar which need to get resolved.
I am hopeful of the Change.
No need to show off. Qatar is Qatar as it is. visitors can adopt to that.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
Again Charan, i state that the Singapore opinion is HSBC's not mine. Seriously do i have to speak Tamil/Sinhalese to make you understand. Get back to your Admin duties!!
Sorry but i have to be harsh on this and get down to your level
Singers was my previous home prior to moving to Doha.
I miss the deborchery!!!!!
"i have been to singapore 4 times on pleasure and business"
What do you know about Singapore by visiting 4 times. next to nothing :(
Having Tax free is more important to me than a SUV. any idea of paying taxes in Singapore. Read well before putting this kind of nonsence on board?
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
Bragging about something i don't know. What are you talking about????
I guess having an SUV is pretty high in your list of priorities in life. I feel sorry for you
Anyways i don't want to get into a tussle with you and will not get to your level. I have not given singapore the highest rating. Please READ my article again.It is a study conducted by HSBC. My opinion was only wrt developing Qatar and taking the plus points from all the highly rated countries. Period.
And btw i have been to singapore 4 times on pleasure and business (although you seem pretty confident and sure that i have never been there)
Don't brag about Singapore. I lived there for 15 years before moving here. it is PAP (Pay & Pay)You even have to pay to use the toilet. I am sure you never been there. try to buy & use a SUV there.
Bragging about something you don't know :(
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
we lived there for 2 yrs before we came here. The place is nice ... clean and very well organized. Recently one of my friend who based in Singapore and did few months in Doha said that acommodation in Doha alot more expensive than Singapore.
You do have to pay income tax over there ... 20 percents we last heard. Car is almost unaffordable, you pay parking in every spots and you pay ERP in nearly every major road you pass, and of course with expensive fuel cost compare to Doha. On top of that there is GST 5 percents add up of every goods you buy around the island.
However ... living in Singapore is very easy to travel around. Only a short ferry trip to island like Batam and Bintan, 5 hrs bus ride to Kuala Lumpur. And anywhere in Asia wont take you long to reach from Singapore.
Food cost next to nothing ... you can eat out for 15 riyal and you walk away with full tummy.
And there is no exit permit ... you can travel anytime and any day ...