Possible move to Qatar
Salaamu aleikoum and hello everyone,
My husband was offered a promotion in his company. The promotion would involve relocating to Qatar. No formal proposal was offered yet, but I would like to find out more information so when we get the formal proposal we can weigh the options. I have looked throu the Internet (via google) and also the forums here. But I have still some questions. If anyone, can help me I would appreciate it.
A little background about us:
We're an Algerian family. My husband, me and 4 children - ages: 13,3, 2 and 7 months. My husband's current position (here in Algeria) he is the Chief Accountant but (if this goes through) would be promoted to Financial Manager in Qatar. My 13yr old is in school - grade 7. But the rest of my children have not entered school yet. And while, I have formal education right now I am a stay at home mother.
My questions/concerns:
- Looking around the Internet I have not been able to come up with an average salary in Qatar for a Financial Manager position. One place mentioned 15,000, another 20,000, another 13,000, another 35,000 and finally the last one mentioned 50,000. Can anyone tell what is the average or least minimum salary given for this position in Qatar?
- I have concerns about my 13yr old's education. I've read that there are several international schools in Qatar, but I wonder how my child would do there. We speak the Algerian dialect of Arabic in the home but also English. And school she learns classical Arabic and also French. But I think she would still still not at the level of children her age outside of this country. How big are the class sizes? How much attention is giving to each child? Are there tutors? How much are they?
- Housing. For my family I would think 3 bedrooms is enough. And looking around, collecting info, I can except to pay about 10,000QR for a decent place? Is this correct? I read the housing options are flats, villas or compounds? Which is better, decent option for families with children? I'm not looking for anything luxurious. Something simple, clean and safe is what we are looking for. My husband's company is located in Al Sadd. I'm not familar with the area, but are there decent affordable housing around this area for families? Again, we don't have any details about the income and package but I'm trying to gather info.
- Out of preschool what activities, if any are there for small children? Parks? Playgrounds, etc?
- Is it easy to make friends there? Esp with neighbours? Here in Algeria, we are friendly people always in good relation with our neighbours.
- Here we use public transport. There I've read it is limited. So other then cars, do people walk or ride bicycles there? Men and women? Or is this not done in the Qatari culture?
- We are Muslims. I know Qatar is a Muslim country. But there being more foreigners living there, are there many foreigners there? Are there islamic courses/halaqas for children or women? Or any gatherings for Muslim women?
BarakAllahu fikoum -- thank you for the help. And everyone had a beautiful and blessed day! =)
Hi Heni, for a 3 bedroom villa in Al Saad area would be around QAR13,000 (that would be in a compound). In a compound there would generally be a pool, playground and a clubhouse, thereby providing activities for your children and neighbours in the compound would generally be friendly to you. Make sure your husband's package outlines the housing allowance and school fees allowance he will get. Also medical coverage, although healthcare for children are free in HMC. If his package is really good, it might include travel allowance (tickets back to Algeria, car allowance). You can enquire about that. Hiring a family sedan car is about QAR2000 a month unless you go for an older model car which would be cheaper. Only the very brave or desperate cycle in Doha. Would not advise doing so in summer months here (too hot). If your husband's salary per month in Qatar is lower than QAR10,000, I understand that he will not be able to obtain a family visa for you and your children. As Deedee said, Doha is a friendly place and very family centred. There is an enormous park near Al Saad called Aspire. Good luck.
Thank you Deedee for replying. So then we should make sure the company pays for the schooling. And what happens if there isn't space in the schools? 10,000QR is on the low side? What is more realistic number for a decent home for a family our size? Thank you again, I appreciate all your help! =)
#1 Salary. There is no average salary. It varies widely. Doha is an expensive place to live, accept only you think is an upgrade for your family. Do your research on the cost of living in Doha (lots of stuff on QL)
#2 Schools. Very hard to get into in Doha. You need to determine which international school system is best. British? French? Many schools are listed here in the guide. BE SURE YOU GET SCHOOL FEES PAID BY YOUR EMPLOYER! and be sure you know how many children they will pay for. You never know how long you may be in Doha.
#3 housing. flats are apartment living--not ideal for a large family. Villas are simply stand alone houses. Compounds have from several to hundreds of villas in a gated community. Each compound has certain amenities. Look through the classifieds for ideas. 10,000 is on the low side.
4.Tons of activities for children. Google Doha Mums and try to join asap
5. Doha is a very friendly place.
6. Public transportation is a nightmare here. The taxis are too few, expensive, and unreliable. The buses are mostly used by the laborers and most women and children would feel uncomfortable on them. You will need a car. People DO NOT walk or ride bicycles on the streets here. Completely totally unsafe to do so.
7. All readily available.