Reposting......

Moonbeam
By Moonbeam

Well, just an update. We finally got tired of being stonewalled by the unreasonable landlord contracts, that I am sad to say, we are probably not moving (at least for the time being) to Doha.
I am astounded that these people are so greedy in their requests, that it eventually pushes prospective movers away.
With the current level of alert in the region with regards to iran, I am hardpressed to believe that individuals would risk so much by signing contracts that offer no protection whatsoever to the tenant.
Hopefully the qatari authorities will wake up and realise the damage this will do to the economy.
So long everyone, it was nice chatting with you all. If I do ever make it to Doha, I'll check in again.

For those of you asking for me to send the 'useful stuff', it's not really that much use. The example grocery list that I posted can be downloaded by clicking on the file below, there is no need for me to send it. Trust me, the other stuff is just 'templates', nothing of concrete use.

For those of you that want advice bringing your pets to Doha, send me an e-mail...... [email protected] as there are a few things you should be informed about.

Other than that, take it easy all of you and good luck!
Ciao!
Moonbeam

By Moonbeam• 25 Apr 2006 14:18
Moonbeam

Super7 try:

http://www.alshaqabstud.com/

http://www.alrayyanfarm.com/

http://www.shahania.com/

http://www.qrec.net/

http://www.qatarequestrian.com/

I'm sure someone there will be able to help. :)

By Super7• 25 Apr 2006 13:52
Super7

Butterfly or anyone else .do you know anything about riding in Qatar? Is it easy to do (i don't want to just trot around a paddock I would like to go to a beach or the desert) or do you need to buy your own horse?

If you need a horse are they expensive here and is stabling expensive?

By Moonbeam• 25 Apr 2006 10:28
Moonbeam

Buenos Dias Butterfly, Thanks for the kind words. I'm actually sorry that I won't be coming right away. I was looking forward to going riding and to the beach before the summer heat really sets in. Oh well. I really wish that we could have come down as a 'family' meaning my dogs too, but it's just not feasible.

Good luck with the thailand issue; I hope it turns out okay for you; and if it doesn't maybe we'll meet in qatar one day, who knows. :)

By Moonbeam• 25 Apr 2006 10:24
Rating: 4/5
Moonbeam

Dweller :) so you still have your gas masks too! LOL! Us too! Not that they are much good anymore, the cylinders are expired. When the first one broke, my father was flying over Saudi of all places. And they ended up getting diverted. Yes it's scary. Take care in Turkey.

By dweller• 24 Apr 2006 18:46
Rating: 3/5
dweller

We arrived back in Qatar for the first one. We arrived at midnight and all hell broke loose two hours later.

Being a deputy warden for the embassy and (initially) 32 families to keep track of, it was 56 weeks before we left. My Mrs went to work for Emiri Flight on the air base (Messaieed end of the airport runway). We reckoned that if sadam aimed for it it would be the only place he didn't hit. I still have my gas mask.

Now we are in Turkey and only the PKK to bother about

By butterfly• 24 Apr 2006 16:27
Rating: 2/5
butterfly

Hi Moonbeam,

I am sorry to see that you are not moving to Qatar. I agree that the problem with Iran doen´t look good at all and with the american base in Doha, it´s pretty scary, isn´t it?

I am currently in Spain and my husband still in Doha, but looks like I will not be going to Thailand as my husband hasn´t agreed with the offer that they proposed him. Very sad...:( . So unless anything changes, I will be back in Qatar in September.

Anyways, I just wanted to say that I hope things will work out well for you and for your family, wherever you end up.

All the best.

By Moonbeam• 24 Apr 2006 16:09
Moonbeam

Thanx dweller. I was in Egypt when the first gulf war started, and in bahrain (pregnant at the time) when the second one hit. I know it's not critical right now, but before moving to a country that has little respect for human rights, we'd rather make sure that we are in a position to leave quickly if need be. 2 dogs and a container load of household stuff kind of limit what you can do; as with the terrible rental contracts now being shoved in your face, with a take it or leave it attitude. It was never this bad years ago in the middle east. It's amazing that it has changed so fast. Don't get me wrong, Doha is a great place to live, providing you don't tie yourself down with these kind of legalities.

So the plan is hopefully to come with nothing more than suitcases. And then we'll see.

As an expat, don't get lulled into a false sense of security. I remember when our embassy in bahrain issued us with chemical suits and gas masks; I wasn't panicked, but I was on guard to the possibility of having to get out fast. I remember thinking that at least Qatar had the biggest base, and if ever it came to that, it probably would have been hit first. Not that the skuds could actually reach.

Lets not forget that Iran now has a longer range weapon. So our not coming right now is a mixture of frustration and prevention, rather than fear.

we'll see how it all ends up........

By dweller• 24 Apr 2006 15:24
dweller

Sorry to see you go Moonbeam.

The Iran thing isn't a big deal and I'm sure will blow over....eventually.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

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