QL has freaked me out

Abo's of course! Although that one can border on offensive.

also,

ugliest chicks on the planet are all regularly put on a plane (cargo) and shipped here and they are then sent to a brain-washing camp to get them convinced they are models.

If you love boys, u'll be fine

If you love girls, u better start dating your left hand ( if you are right handed ) or vise versa..Some think sitting on your hand for 3 minutes makes it numb and it totally feels like a different person's hand.

H

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If language did change since then, meanings of words & phrases changed as well. Written guidelines and rules must reflect the present.

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@ ace :It is not about the media, it is more about some people try to satisfy an inner need to do stuff that they couldn’t do in their countries. Take as this: if I start swearing at you in Arabic, you might not be even insulted because you won’t understand it. But I know inside that I am doing something that I can’t do somewhere else, so I am satisfying myself more than insulting you. Same with the “Paki” tag.

About racism and classes things, Yes, it is there,big time. reading about the family day thing and how security people can be selective on which singles are allowed makes thing very clear. personally I think I would be blacklistd as it is easy to mix me with a latin/spanich guy (brown).

@ Hamadol: Thanks for the good wishes :)

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that you dont do it out loud.

.

Thanks UKEngQatar,I heard about the palestinian community in Qatar, however,I believe they are Qataris in soul. (I am not criticising them). Not sure if it going to be my home as I never been there. :)

Racism is everywhere,Ture, but in some places, people dont dare to show it, just like in UK, OR.....

I did read about the figner thing here on the forum, obviousley people there take it damn seriuos. lived in Jordan for 7 years and it wasnt as serious as people here on the forum describe it.

the last point is my current dilemma, I can stay here in the UK if I want, good chances for Canada, australia, a job lined up backhome. good offers in Gulf, and I am a mix of all these cultures. :)

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

You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that

The western world has taken the fun out of conversation! All you have to do is mention "retarded" and "shit" in the US, and people will look at you as if you just sank a blade in their grandmother's heart. Call a Pakistani "Paki" in the UK and the local news networks have a field day reporting live violence. Wake up, the system is transforming us into overly-sensitive douchebags. I have many Paki friends and some of them are retarded.....bite me!

Agree with whyteknight....people here would wonder what the fuss is all about. My piece of advice would be to leave your sensitivity back home. Don't invade this place with notions of perceived freedom, liberation, equality, democracy and all that western world crap. Qatar,like other countries of the region and the world, has its unique identity. It has much to offer. it depends on you if you want to seek it out.

It is also one of the safest countries you can be in.

Sorry for the missing "S" in many words....S key works part time only :)

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that they do it out loud

Marie, Xena...Thanks

@ Marie: well...Lets hope that I will get a good job offer first lol thn I promise,if I came there and had any complains, I'll bite the bullet and keep them to myself lol :)

@ Xena: I am asking about QU, or any other univeristy. Dont think all lecturer are Qataris because I dont think there are enough Qatari PhD holder to cover the demand ..especially in the scientific depts (e.g. Engineering,IT,Pharm). have alook at this link,none of the requirments states that you have to b qatari to apply.

http://recruit.qu.edu.qa/pls/recruitment/print_job_detail?p_adv_job_no=0400-09-032

thanks

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that they do it out loud

Is it Qatar University you are asking about? Or Education City Unies?

The reason I asked, is that I thought the only lecturers at QU are Qataris... (showing my ignorance here;-P

visit www.qaws.org

that's good salsaholic :)

i hope i won't read any threads from you complaining about how life in Qatar sucks lol

see you around

...listen to the sound of silence....

Sugardady, John, Marie...many thanks

@ Sugardady..That would be great...one of the things I need to know is the work atmosphere at QU,so getting the knowledge from an insider would be great.

@ Marie: dont know if your comment was directed to me or to the guys who are already in Qatar,however,if it was for me,then I am sure I'll survive socially as I claim that I have the skills to melt in any society plus if I go there,I have a bucket list of things to do for a year or two and that should keep me busy. but it is good to know what I should expect before I make any decisions.

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that they do it out loud

if you concentrate on the negative side and doesn't do anything to lighten it up, you'll end up adding more :)

...listen to the sound of silence....

Before the thread turns to be a debate about racism :). any of QL members work as a lecturer at QU?

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that they do it out loud

speaking of nigger... you guys should watch this.. hilarious!

&feature=related

H

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If language did change since then, meanings of words & phrases changed as well. Written guidelines and rules must reflect the present.

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Peachie.. Wish it was like that for the British.

The Term Paki in Britain is referred to most of the people from the sub-continent (some might disagree) is also used in the same context as the word nigger. So both of the words in the UK can land you in jail if made out of context.

Love our cousin downunder they are easy with everything and have short for everything may I know whats is short for aborigines?..lol

-----------------

Can We Fix It?

Yes We Can!

very true

people need to chill out...nothing wrong in saying paki, leb, aussies, etc

H

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If language did change since then, meanings of words & phrases changed as well. Written guidelines and rules must reflect the present.

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What's with Brits getting all uptight about the word Paki?

Where I come from ( Australia) we shorten everything.

Australians=Aussies.

Brittish = Brits

South Africans= Safas

Pakistani = Pakis

When we used to play Pakistan in the cricket even the commentators referred to the team as the Pakis. It is not meant to be derogatory at all. Until Prince William came on holiday here and kicked up a stink about it.

People need to lighten up. I mean if you go around giving people names based on their skin colour or make fun of their culture fair enough. But shortening the name of someones country is hardly offensive!!!

Nic,The rock, San thanks

The rock: What do u mean? any spcific information?

San, I know Qatar is peaceful,I am just trying to narrow my choices.

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that they do it out loud

1. I feel like loads of racism is going around that place.

Well, your 7th question clearly proves that.

2. Everybody is bored and many people are desperate just to have friends. boredom is concentrated for single guys.

Yeah that is true, and single guys are not allowed to go to most places on weekends because then those places are for families only. And even then, I am young and married it is full of kids and the places are below standards. There is one thing you can do here go to the mall. After that as good as nothing fun can be done unless you want to go back to UK broken.

3.Life is expensive there. And to have a decent life you’ll have to be ripped off and smile about it.

The way I see it, you get paid well and they try to make sure every penny you get stays in the country.

4.That place is dangerous for driving. Especially after hearing about a guy and his son dieing in car accidents with less than two years difference between the two.

I dont think anyone will disagree with you on this one. Land Cruisers drivers dont see other cars. Seriously, you have to be on constant alert.

5.No job security

This is the same as your question number 6. As tough as it is at times to get a Visa to Qatar you can get kicked out for no reason "They will name one but it does not have to exist". If you care to contact me for a private chat I will tell you about the laws, not that it is secret but it is more of a chit chat thing than posting it all here.

6.You can be deported for the silliest reason.

7.Being an Arab expact makes you a third if not a fourth class citizen or should I say inhabitant?

As one other author so beautifully said, Qatari's are beyond ranking and at times you clearly feel it. So Rank 1 is for westerners, rank two is for Arabs, I did read above someone said Arab's and Indians, I dont know what world he is from but that is definitely not true here in Doha. Then at Rank 3 comes most of south east Asia + India.

qatar is a peaceful country

i love qatar,,,,,,,,,,,,

i believe in love........

Salsa, IMHO, in your line of work, you wouldn't have much to worry about.

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Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum sonatur.

Salsa,

I thinks it's reasonable to say that you captured a pretty accurate image from what you read here!

Many thanks for the replies....I'll apply and see what happens.

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that they do it out loud

Man.... U gottabe in Europe...

Visit Saudi & Kuwait and then U will thank for being in QATAR....

Good luck with what ever decision you take SalsaHolic, there are good and bad every where.

But I would suggest not to take any online forum to be an actual representative of a country. Some Expats have been here for years and would never like to return others find it hard and go back, so it all depends on an individuals circumstances.

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Can We Fix It?

Yes We Can!

@ salsaholic,i would ask you to consider only one factor my friend...the package you're being offered must be fairly attractive in terms of renumeration right? so let me ask you,why is it you think they're offering you so much to come here mate?...ring a bell somewhere?...yes you can have as much sun & sea as you want but be prepared to give up a LOT of other things...

There's a LOT of negative factors in this place,stuff you'll never read or hear about because of the state controlled media but please,make no mistake,all of the points you made are ALL valid...

1) yes,there is definitely racism & UNLIKE in the real world,there is NOTHING you can do about it,just have to suck it up & accept it for the sake of your bank balance,like the rest of the people in this town.

2)A significant number of people are bored because there really isn't much to do.

3)life is expensive & what you consider everyday neccesity becomes a luxury here.

4)don't even get me started on the driving,you have to experience it to understand,no one can put it in words!!!

5)@ the end of the day,no matter what anyone tells you,you can lose your job overnight & you will have to leave the country fairly shortly unless you find another job & even if you do,your sponsor in all likelihood will not give you a "release",so you'll have to leave anyway.

6)You can be deported,for a reason you consider silly but the authorities consider otherwise!

7) you're not a citizen,you're an expat & always will be,there is no class of citizens,you're either one of them or one of the outsiders. simple isn't it?...

Salsaholic...yep, I am happy because I do not crib for anything and everything neither try to see things more than what they are.

As regards cost of living, there is lot of information available on QL...just run a check.

All the best.

________________________________________

One life to live, live it to the fullest.

Another thing Tutor: Do you think it does worth it to waste some of the best years of my life where I should be enjoying myself rather than been in jail? Dont you think an oppisite approach would make more sense? I mean...have fun for now and leave the prison for a later stage? I am 34 right now. :)

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that

Let me try and help. Qatar is not that bad a place and in fact can be a nice place to live, except it can be a bit boring for single people.

1. What would be considered racist comments in the UK is considered facts here or just common sense. If you are brown and asian you are at the bottom of the pile.

2. Yes it can be boring for single people but Dubai is only a 45 min flight away

3. Yes. Same price as London. Drinks and food are more expenseive though but petrol is cheap and no tax

4. Yes. Fear the Land Crusier....

5. Of course not! You are not a Qatari so you are only a temprory hire. However many people have been here 10 years plus

6. What we consider silly they consider common sense. However if you use your own common sense and don't go out of your way to upset people you'll be fine

7. See no.1. Arab do better than most here.

Thanks Tutor, and yes I do agree with you,people do change, I believe that I am total different person from the guy I was 7 years ago, and fortunatly in a good way. :)

Wondering what kind of tutoring you do? any clue about the work atmoshphere at universities? especially QU?

Thanks again,

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that

In your case there should be no problem. As Qatar is home to many Palestinians, Majority of the Palestinians living in Doha were born here and call Qatar their home.

Now on the other aspects that you have raised then just like whyteknight said racism and other aspects are every where no matter where you live.

May be bad driving here but not the road rage that you see back in the UK, where people can actually assualt you with plenty of fingers gestures flying around for the silliest of faults.

So my advice is if you are serious about moving here, don't just take QL as a guideline, ask yourself would you better off here or in the UK or in Palestine?

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Can We Fix It?

Yes We Can!

Thanks happygolucky,seems like you are happy there. I do agree with you on the second point. Our attitdude does contribute to how we live,big time. although you might be the only single guy in qatar who is happy around this forum :).

Not sure about how much they offer an assistant professor in IT but defo there is a demand as I saw on the web. a year ago they offered 21k-23k QAR plus usual benifits. dont know how good is that for a single guy with a bit of savings in mind.

point 5,Cant remember where but I think it was on some english language teachers forum, which claimed that firing people can be haphazard sometimes. not sure if it is the same case with academic staff.

point 6, from what I read, any misunderstanding would be interpreted to the authorities favor.

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that

Most people do come here only to work, earn a living, and when the time comes they go. Now if you are to come here to have change in life for the better, than its a bit on the offside for most aspect. Infact what you describe above almost explains them all.

Here the pakistani guy will be labelled as too sensitive and having no sense of humour if he complains about it.

"Live with passion, Die with style"

Racism does NOT go everywhere. And Yes people change when they come here ( adaptation )

I am now becoming somehow racist, my driving is getting more aggressive, eating habits, lifestyle changing too ( in only few months )

Qatar is a stupid place but pay is great. If it was not stupid, the pay wouldn't have been as great because more people with skills would be here. I take it as a jail sentence, except that in 3 years i'll have the option in opening a business anywhere i want.

H

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If language did change since then, meanings of words & phrases changed as well. Written guidelines and rules must reflect the present.

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Many thanks whyteknight foryour reply. regarding the first point, I was shocked by an english guy here on the forum calling a Pakistani guy by "Paki" (Sorry) which is enough to take him to jailhere in Englnad.

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You have probably come across "mad" people in the street incessantly talking or muttering to themselves. Well, that's not much different from what you and all other "normal" people do, except that you don't do it out loud.

1. No comments.

2. We make friends wherever we are, natural instinct I suppose...:) I am single... been here for a year now, never felt bored...however it depends what is and how much is entertaining for you. Not that happening place but a couple of good friends and your attitude can keep you sailing smooth.

3. Its comparative to what one earns here, I can say.

4. Driving...for me it has been OK so far.... a few crazy people like everywhere, but you dont meet the same person every time you are on the road...:) if your reflexes are sharp and you yourself are a good driver, you would be fine.

5. Depends. However, thats the risk one takes while moving.

6. Dont make those silly mistakes, you wont get deported.

7. Can't say. Never bothered to find out...:)

________________________________________

One life to live, live it to the fullest.

Answer to all your points.

1. Racism goes on everywhere, not just Qatar. Don't tell me all those westerners became racist overnight after landing in Qatar. Here they can afford to be a bit more blatant about it.

2. It is kind of a boring place with little variety on offer.

3. Life IS expensive here.

4. It is more dangerous than England when it comes to driving. Drivers are more impatient on the road.

5. Your job is secure as long as you keep performing, nobody is going to throw you out if you are doing your job.

6. You can be deported if you don't follow the laws of this country, they may seem silly to you but they are the laws of the land and you have little option but to follow them.

7. Whites are the first class citizen then the other Arabs and Indians, Pakistanis and Filipinos are considered third class citizen. Qataris are not included in this, they are beyond class.

"Live with passion, Die with style"