Doha - january 2013
Well...after a few weeks of headaches, tension, stress and sleepless nights as to what to do about a recent job offer in Doha , I have finally decided to accept the offer and come to doha. I figured that it was possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity and more than that, I was fearful of having regrets if I didn't come. So, over the next couple of months I need to pack, put possessions into long term storage, and give my house a lick of paint in preparation for renting it. I'm feeling apprehensive and somewhat anxious, which I think is normal (????), but feel I need to go there and give doha a try. I am particularly upset that I will be parting with my dog who mum has agreed to look after for me, but I will be devastated not having her with me. I was just wondering if anyone could share their experiences and words of wisdom about when they moved from uk to Doha. Are my anxieties normal? Practically what should I be planning now ? If you had your time of moving to Doha again, would you do anything differently ? Many many thanks! Hope to meet some of you when I arrive. Cheers!
life is diffinatley what you make it here. best plan is to move into temporary accommodation and do your research on where you would like to live. If your single and have a good salary then city centre is excellent for apartments,hotels, shopping and getting to the Cornish (walk way runs along the coast)
There are various social groups, from ladies day time to various nationalities ie ANZIQ, and an expate meet up group. its a good idea to link into various group on facebook.
also usefull entertainment guides, Time out, HQ & Aboad for best places to eat and party.
There is also culture with free museums, Qatar Philharmonic & Doha player to name a few.
Hope you have a fun time in Doha.
Why can't you bring your dog????? Lots of expats relocate here with their pets. It is very modern here.
Contact a group called QAWS on Facebook, they will tell you how.
Best wishes, your feelings are very normal, especially when it's your first time traveling to GCC or for that matter, anywhere outside u. k.
ride the waves of life, and chill, everything will be fine.
i documented our experience at http://waggingthedog.wordpress.com/category/qatar/ and hope to keep updating.
In terms of nervousness etc... it was about my 40th move and was my fourth move between countries so it was probably less nerve wracking than it is for you. When I cast my mind back to past moves I can tell you that each has been a fantastic positive experience and a growth opportunity.
Relatives and friends have enjoyed the chance to come and visit as well. You will find that many of the people you leave behind will very quickly forget you. In my experience the majority of people will expect that, as you moved away, it is your task to stay in touch. Be prepared, although there are always exceptions.
You are coming to a country that is trying very hard to find its way into the first world and, while there is a long way to go, I think they are sincere. You will find that it is a fairly safe place to be (in terms of crime as you would expect it in the EU) and that people are generally warm and friendly.
In these days of Skype, Facebook and email you are very close to home in many ways and you can always get on a plane and go home at relatively short notice. As an EU citizen you are amongst a lucky group.