Another making the move from Dubai to Doha
Well,
My company is transferring me (against my will, I might add), to start an office for them in Doha. I spend a reasonable amount of time as it is flying to Doha for specific projects, but it's looking like it'll be permanent.
Big sticky issue - Wife is pregnant and cannot fly. I can't find any ferry or boat services to Qatar, we're American citizens so driving to Doha isn't an option due to the Saudi crossing (unless I'm mistaken). So how in the world can I get her there? Any ideas?
Second - there are a lot of posts about people transporting their cars and furniture to Doha from Dubai, but since I still have bank loans on our two cars - is this still possible? Don't I have to have the title or whatever to ship a car?
Third - Assuming I get my cars in country, can I drive around with Dubai plates until the company registration gets approved, and my residents visa is finally approved? I understand that this could take months. I'd die without my wheels!
Fourth - Any of you who've done this move, do you recommend any moving services?
Fifth - Housing allowance is about 19k QR monthly. Where's the best to look for a 3 bedroom in this price range? Any properties with easy beach access? I'm moving from Palm Jumeirah, and again am not very thrilled with it!
Thanks in advance for any advice!!
-Dirk
My family is planning to drive from Doha to Abu Dhabi at Eid. Everyone (including company hr people) have advised me and my daughter to wear an abaya and to cover ourselves during the Saudi portion of the drive. I think you should take a scarf just to be prepared.
OOoh here's a good question - It's going to take ages to get the company license set up, and my visa finally done - However my wife can get a Visa from her work very easily. She's masters level US degree and in Dubai I could technically qualify to be under her as a spousal visa. Does Qatar have the same system?
Might make things easier in the short term.
Hah, I personally think our PRO is a bit of a dolt. We'll see, though. I appreciate the advice.
...is your car's log book (Rego/Pink slip) call it what you will.
No worries at all on the covering up. Most of the time she'll be 'covered' by your car, and there's very little between Batha and Salwa in KSA to get out for!
It is possible to keep two residences despite what some may say, but you will need a good Mandoob/PRO/GRO whatever you call him with lots of 'wasta' and a large degree of luck not to get caught!!
Did you Google it first?
Nanou - The drive isn't an issue, it's the pressure changes in the plane that can cause a big problem. For instance, if we were going in a low flying puddle jumper it wouldn't be an issue since the pressure change is negligible.
At least, this is what the doctors are saying!
I'm trying some way to postpone this until after the baby is born but when my company says jump, my response really isn't expected to be "In a few months!".
Sigh..
Thanks to everyone for the advice so far, much appreciated!
-Dirk
Interesting. She doesn't have to be covered, eh? That's good news.
I'm not sure what you mean by Estamara. Estamira means "we" in Portuguese, but I'm not thinking that's what you're talking about. So I'm basically keeping my DXB residency AND getting a Qatar one?
is forbiden for your wife, are you sure that a long drive that not represent any harm for her or for the baby ??
There is no requirement for your wife to be covered, and if she gets out of the car, 'modest' dress will suffice.
I've been driving on Saudi plates for a year now, but my circumstances are a little different. Best bet is to go to Dubai Traffic and ask for Export Plates. You can drive on these till your residency is complete.
If the Estamara is in your name there should be no problem to bring the car otherwise your bank might object especially if you are going 'exit only'. If you ask your company to keep your residency open though, this should not be an issue as they would then be gaurantor on your account.
Did you Google it first?
Wife has complications in pregnancy where it's very dangerous to fly. I'll see about getting a transit Visa. I just assumed since it's impossible to get a visit visa to saudi without invitations and all that stuff, it would be near impossible for two Americans to get a transit visa.
Thanks for the note - Once I get in Qatar I assume it's okay to drive around with Dubai plates until we can switch registration?
Dirk, I'm sorry for all your hassles. But you and your wife can transit Saudi together in your car. She will have to be covered and with you, and you will have to arrange for transit permits. She is over 28 weeks? The airlines will fly at least up until then and after that with a note from her doctor. Good luck.
Mandi