Good things about Doha....?

You're from the west. You would definitely love staying here. Why? Because Westerners are treated here like Kings and Queens..They get the highest pay here, well, aside from locals of course and they get the nicest accommodations/houses.

Another good thing you will love in here, you don't need to worry about your job. You can just relax in your office and pass whatever things you need to do to your other Asian workmates. They work hard and will not complain about unpaid overtime or that they have a lot of work than you even if their salary is not even a quarter of what you are getting. Arabs like western people. Arab thinks they are the most intelligent people in the world.

hey man do you have any info on S2000's in Qatar or how i can get one here. would really appreciate any info

cheers mate

hey man do you have any info on S2000's in Qatar or how i can get one here. would really appreciate any info

cheers mate

uncertain if i can last here and learned to love the place..aside from the weather is killing me...bad impression outnumbered good sides....Yet, its still early to speak final verdict

EmmaS, I haven't seen this thread to comment on it, but I still can't...

I love most of the things in Qatar, so it would be much simpler to talk about what I hate...

[quote:] "there really wouldn't be anything for anyone else to do within my business besides legitimise it."

It is possible this way too.. You only need a local sponsor for the business for a fraction of the profit..

[quote]: "Qatar seems like a good place to be a Mum"

Yep.. Expats enjoy excellent health services covered by insurance.. There are excellent nurseries and schools all over Qatar..

I just hope you don't have asthma! Sand storms are terrible :)

Thanks Qatari Lady, I'm really looking forward to learning more about your culture!

I'm not sure about getting a Qatari business partner, as a photographer I pretty much function as a one (wo)man band, there really wouldn't be anything for anyone else to do within my business besides legitimise it.

I'm sure I'll figure something out though, probably we'll start a family, Qatar seems like a good place to be a Mum, sounds like you have a good health system too!

[quote]: "Don't any Qatari Locals have nice things to say??"

Welcome to Doha, Emma..

Qataris are comfortable about and love Doha as locals but we don't really know how expats feel about it..

I went through the posts and am glad to hear all those good things..

Qatar is doing her best to make life comfortable for expats.. the major pitfall that I hate is the lack of professionalism and slow routine in most governmental offices but things are getting better..

About setting up a business.. very easy just get a Qatari partner..

Generally Qataris are nice and welcoming but they expect exapts to respect their traditions..

Have a nice stay!

It's safe, clean,and close to the sea. Amazing range of restaurants that are affordable for a family ( unlike the UK), petrol is cheap,lots of world class events happen in Doha and it's sunny most of the time.

>

May your dreams take you travelling all through your life.

I like here's cleanliness most.

its beauty.., the cornich.,

Qatar is much safer,

i admire about the respect and security towards ladies here...

being an Islamic country., its not rigid,(regarding the dresses we wear in certain extent..)

can earn and save much here...

as mentioned cars and petrol is cheap,,,

its a very calm country,

no one interfere in anyone's business,.

good salary..etc etc etc etc... m..... i just love Doha...

Because many of us are expats it seems that people in Doha are more welcoming and willing to go out of their way to make friends. There are many more opportunities for occasions to meet people than I find at home. And I've been very charmed at how gracious the locals have been. I start stumbling in Arabic and they seem delighted to hear even a few phrases. So welcome to you and hope you enjoy Doha as much as I do!

Mandi

Thanks Dude, that would be awesome.

Emma,

I will put you in contact with an amazing photographer. Take it from there.

Sponsorship, always work under your Husband.

and you can buy anti-depressants over the counter :-)

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

yes you can set-up your own business.however,its part ownership with a Qatari national (51% shares)

My husband has been offered a fantastic career opportunity hence the move, I was hoping to continue working as a photographer but it might have to become a hobby for a while as I didn't realise it was so difficult to set up your own business as a non-Qatari.

tax free shopping!!!if you love high-end to generic stuff,,theyre all here.

also,,,youll fall in love with the old/new improved souq waqef.

love dhow cruises during winter;

tennis,cricket and motorcycling events;

love Ramadan,garangau and Eid;

hmmmm,will tell you more...:)

To Bahrain - Bahrain airways.

The rest, just find that out 'on the spot' it largely depends on the season.

Qatar is in essence excellent... just take the bullshit for what it is and enjoy your life.

If you are slightly social.... you'll be fine.

You'll do photography?

yeah I'm definitely looking forward to the travel opportunities. To get anywhere from NZ you're looking at a 12 hour minimum flight. What are the best budget airlines in Doha??

No chance of that dude,Luckily for you I'm already married and happy to pay for my own drinks thanks! But good to hear you like it in Qatar. :o)

Ow...

Wait...

What also RULES....

Is being in the middle of the world...

Fly anywhere exotic.... within 4 hours.

I did India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Lebanon, Bahrain, Dubai...tickets... cost... a scratch... the holidays, short yet amazing.

Ow...

What I love, just love....

I am Dutch.. but have not one friend from the Netherlands.

I like multi-cultural. My friend are Qatari, Greek, Jordanian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Lebanese and so on....

Kiwi's I know 2.

First of all Emma...

Lets pray your Mother will never be my mother in law because even though her statement may be true for the sake of peace, just shutting up will never change anything, will it?

So,

What to like about Doha.....

EVERYTHING.

- People are nice

- Life is easy

- With exception for a few small issues, life is fairly free

- Some bars are nice

- Some parties may be nice

- Quality of life, depending on your reality, is nice

- Food is diverse

- Accommodation often proper and includes pools, health clubs and such

- Cars are cheap

- Petrol is mighty cheap

- Banks are easy with loans

As for the negative, it mostly flows out of disorganized and slow processes which you may expect in a young and developing nation. There are a couple of issues, mostly employment related, that do no make sense to westerners but all the bullshit buys you the above mentioned. Plus that males here are complete donkeys when it comes to females. This, you may encounter, yet if you are a strong woman you will manage and get some free drinks out of the 'buggers'.

A smart person in Doha send a portion of his/her salary home every month and lives on what remains. An idiot lives like a king and goes home empty-handed.

Don't any Qatari Locals have nice things to say??

Thanks for those of you who have commented, very encouraging. Especially Ram, your answer seemed very heartfelt. And also I guess thanks to those of you have have refrained from commenting in a negative way.

Looking forward to endless sunshine, I hate the cold, although I love winter fashion.

The last time I lived away from NZ was Dublin, Ireland. Like every expat does I guess, I moaned constantly about the things I didn't like. People were rude, buses never stopped, no-one could understand my kiwi accent, I wasn't used to living within a class system, the endless vomit on the streets drove me nuts, the marmite was a funny consistancy and weetbix was called weeta-bix (weird). Then I moved back to NZ and found myself missing things, the diversity of nationalities, the dry Irish humour, Pat the window cleaning man who always made me laugh and actually said "top of the morning", amazing live music from street buskers to regular pub gigs.....

I really wished I'd taken more notice of these experiences at the time rather than just focussing on saving euros for my "real travel", so I'm hoping not to make the same mistake twice, sometimes its good to point out the seemingly obvious.

P.S no offence to any Irish folk reading this, I love you guys!

The best thing that i like about here is that the cops r really very civilized (specially the original qatari) and not the converters

the way i've been asked for license checking as if i'm driving a Porsche .. n not corolla ..

I appreciate their standing in the heat when the roads get blocked ..

I love the winter here than in egypt .. it's fkn cold in egypt .. and i need a defroster for my bones .. lol

i like my childhood that i spent it all in qatar .. i love roaming around the old houses that me and my family where living in when i was 6 yrs old until 16 yrs old ... it's kinda refreshing when u remember ur memories ..

and i like that they r paying me my salary for posting here on QL .. lol ..

I liked meeting with different ppl from different nationalities and different cultures .. i must admit it .. i learned a lot ..

Although it's too dusty here .. but it's way too clean than my country ..

================================================

My Music: http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/LittleGuitarist

My Photographing:

You can't teach experience...

You get to meet people from all over the world here, which is always interesting, and it is a safe country. Also, the sunshine, personally, is always a plus, I'm not a winter person.. If you live on a compound you can have access to a pool, or the hotels have pools and beaches you can visit.

I went to the Honda dealer to ask about a S2000. They said that it doesn't meet Gulf Specs , so they don't stock it.. BUT you can import one from Dubai..

Nah, working on a Honda S2000.

There's something else I like here - you can use a ragtop car more than back in UK :o)

Good for you ! That's nearly as much as UkEng earns in a month :o)

You'll be able to afford that classic Ford Cosworth turbo soon ...

Brit, Any of the corner shop barbers. NEVER use a hotel barber or Lebanese/Pinoy. Indian up the street or Banglashi across the road both charge 15.

Another thing I like about living here is that I'm saving an absolute fortune - my bank account is getting close to six zeroes!!!! :o)

15 Rads for a haircut... Where ?

I like walking on the corniche and watching all the different people go about their business.

I like that I can get from one side of Doha to another in less time than it takes me to travel a mile in central London

I like the weather, although it can get a little too hot

I like the diversity of peoples.

+1 nicolidus.

I have a bigger, more diverified circle of friends than I ever had back in UK.

I like the fact that I can afford to drive a 4.8 litre car and afford to fill it with petrol once a week.

I have a better house than than UK.

It's already half way to SE Asia = cheaper holidays.

I can eat like a king for a pauper's salary.

A haircut costs me 15 Riyals and not 15 quid!

For me, I earn more here than I could in the UK and it's tax free. I prefer sunshine to rain and the country is safe. While I wouldn't say I'm completely happy here, you do get used to the life here and 'content' would be the best way to describe my current situation. I do not regret at all moving to Qatar.

Well, I don't live there. But I'm stoked that almost all restaurants/takeaways actually deliver to your door for a reasonable price.