Canadian with potential to move to Qatar
Recently I've been introduced to the idea of moving to Qatar for work and after a fair bit of thought I've really considering it!
For a number of years I've always had the want of moving out of Canada to experience life in a entirely different country and my chance to do so may be here.
I hope this is the right place to ask these questions so here they are:
- With English as my only language and would probably be slow at picking up a new one would this big a reason to not move?
- As a Canadian moving to Qatar which I would be an immigrant from another country is it frowned upon by those living in Qatar?
- Are there motorcycle enthusiasts in Qatar? I love my motorcycle and I know MotoGP uses a track in Qatar but I cannot seem to find much online with there being motorcycles on the roads in Qatar?
- As a Canadian living in Qatar is there areas of the country I should stay away from to stay out of trouble?
Any suggestions for sites to visit that give a overall general feel for what I should be looking into ... aside from this site of course :-)
I'm sure I will have more questions but this is a start :-)
Thank you!!!
I want to move to Canada. Any thoughts on the job market over there and which city has the best opportunities?
We are a very happy Canadian couple here in Doha. My believe is that people are as nice with you as you are we them. Welcome to Qatar.
Thank you for the varying of comments from everyone! If I were to move it would be for a job with a contract and it would be for a job of I love to doing daily.
Welcome. I'm sure you will be able to find a job. Use recognised agencies and read the small print..
And don't forget your backpack with the flag... :o)
1) If you let go of the idea of a move to Qatar based on some of the comments above; it will be truly your loss. Those comments are from people who are here in spite of all that they hate here, probably are doing well for themselves and for some reason will still be here a while more considering how bad they find it here.
2) Qatar is cosmopolitan and there is no place you can't go or would like to steer clear of as a Canadian for safety reasons.
3) There is a huge car/bike culture in the Middle-east. You'll find many like minded biking clubs/buddies. The place is shot through with the love of speed which does result in reckless driving and accidents. However, for every bad statistic you show me, I'll show you someone who's spent there life here without so much as a fender bender. Completely manageable. Your bike might be ideal for the winter months and increased traffic post the economic boom.
4) As for your job, it is up to you to do your research, get in touch with the right places and give yourself the best deal possible. Luck is when prep meets opportunity.
5) I hate a few things about Qatar too but there's no where else on earth I'd rather be. Just being able to go for a drive along the beautiful seaside in winter makes most issues pale into insignificance. Best of luck and hope you can find a good scene here.
There are many happy Canadians here. Don't let the comments of a few killjoys prevent you from coming. Doha is a great place to live and to grow your career. I'd suggest looking for work with the College of the North Atlantic, Qatar (out of NFLD) or the University of Calgary, Qatar.
some balanced feedback.
The one thing I would like to add to the discussion is with regards to your career and its a biggie considering that's the only way you can live here.
You can pretty much kiss career growth,advancement and/or expanding your skills sets goodbye.Expect to be stuck in a role that you get hired in.I thought it was just me initially, but I continue to see people around me who were all "ready to go" when first hired transform into frustrated,bitter and jaded folks.It can be a bit too laid back at times for you own good.And this is at one of Qatar's and regions top financial institution !
On the personal front,the place offers a VERYYY good work-life balance. Work-hours are not long.Money of course is good. Haggle haggle haggle on the compensation package details when you get a job offer !
Helps if you have a short term 2-3 year plan initially.Enjoy the place.Bank it during these 2-3 years and at the end if you are happy,stick around for a bit longer :-) !
And yes, there seems to be a pretty active local biking scene.I see large groups out and about all the time on weekends(cruiser/choppers & sport bikes).
Now its summer here in qatar and in few days maybe the temperature will reach more than 50 degrees celcius, if you really wanted to experience dry and super heat environment its your choice. WELCOME TO QATAR.
The above answers are quite understood...but let us be realistic and fair to this country....we all heard about the bus accident in Switzerland...it was a devastating news to parents who willingly sent their kids to a skiing trip from Belgium to Switzerland...what I meant to say that accidents happen and yes we are entitled to blame the mall authorities for negligence...but let us not forget how many of us were offered in qatar a great financial opportunity to enhance our families future...
I strongly encourage you to come and explore your chances in this great country.....the heat is quite high here but as Canadian you know how winter is there.so you only need to weigh your options and go from there....
I am surprised with the negative answers you've received and the fire at the mall, despite how sad it is, remains a rare incident in Qatar.
1. English is widely spoken here, as immigrants in Qatar represents around 80% of the population. definately there is no need to learn Arabic.
2. Qatar in my opinon, is one of the safest countries, I have been here for more than 11 years now and I never faced any trouble related to security.
3. I have to agree, driving is terrible.
4. When you reach, you should buy a booklet called Marhaba.
5. motorcycles, i see a lot of them during spring & fall, but not during summer season.
6. The country is expensive, especially Accommodation, but i would think it is compensated for in your offer.
7. Just like Canadians, Qatari People are very friendly and helpful.
Regards,
1. no real need to learn arabic. EVERYONE speaks english- or at least tries to.
2.80% of the population are immigrants
3.Doha roads are the most dangerous in the world. DO NOT ride a motorcycle here. It literally will kill you.
4.Qatar is usually very safe. Not today, I'm afraid
Learn about the sponsorship system before you decide and Yes, get a job BEFORE coming here. That is a must
Have you picked another day to ask, you may get different answers from above. Unfortunately, there was a fire in one the main malls in town today and many innocent lives were lost, a national tragedy.
First you need to be recruited for a job, then you can move here for a temporary period of time that cannot exceed your working contract. So, if you have a good job lined up, come on over. Just expect some hassle, a lot of heat and eventually a broken heart and dashed dreams. No one stays here forever and it usually doesn't end well. Sorry, it's been a bad day.
Mandi
Sorry to burst your bubble as it may seem, but stay away from this country, especially if u have kids. Just goggle this topic and you will understand what I mean. Fire in villagio mall. Nice country but safety is not regarded as anything important. And people drive like lunatics here..... Am on my way out soon.......