A general hi and a reach out!

Chris M
By Chris M

Hello to all!

I'm new to the site. I am moving to Doha to start a new job on May 6th and am very excited but at the same time massively apprehensive about making the move on my own!

My parents have lived in Abu Dhabi for much of my life and I have always wanted to move to the region and have decided now is the time to take the plunge!

Very much hoping I can use the forums here to at least have a few people to talk to and hopefully start building some friendships in the region so I can start enjoying my new life in the gulf!

I welcome any tips people can offer on places to go to meet new people and just how to generally settle into life in Doha.

Thanks very much in advance,

Chris

By Chris M• 1 Apr 2012 20:00
Chris M

many thanks thwho186

By anonymous• 1 Apr 2012 19:09
anonymous

advance welcome my friend

By Chris M• 1 Apr 2012 19:08
Rating: 4/5
Chris M

Yeah i had already planned on doing a few weekenders in abu dhabi, got a few friends there as well, so will be nice to see those guys more often.

I've flown qatar airways quite a few times, is an awesome airline so looking forward to making the most of their services and starting to explore a bit further east too.

By Super Cool• 1 Apr 2012 13:53
Super Cool

@Smoke...HELLS YEA...I thought that was clear with my post :-P

@Chris

Ur rite...plus it used to be united with Dubai prior....maybe one day who knows....im sure u'll enjoy a weekend trip to see the parentals every so often...Hell I remember flyin to Dubai after work for a quick gathering with friends or family and returning before midnite

Plus vacationing from this part of the world gives u the option to fly east or west in a relatively shorter time

By Chris M• 1 Apr 2012 12:57
Chris M

Thanks super cool. All very reassuring words. Because fo my love for the region i studied the unification of the UAE in my university degree. The plan initially was for qatar to be a partog the union wasnt it? I'm glad to hear there is mutual respect.

I've always been pleasantly surprised how my tattoo has been received in Abu dhabi, more with interest than disapproval. Good to hear i can expect the same in Doha.

I'm pretty sure the pace of change wont be a problem for me. I've always been so impressed with the way in which abu dhabi has developed itself, from the very short time i have spent in doha it seems they are trying to reach a similar objective.

When I came to doha for my interview i spent some time in souq waqif. The temperature was very pleasant so was fortunate enough to have a very enjoyable evening there...i'm looking forward to spending more time there when weather permits!

I certainly seem to have had a very warm welcome on QL so far, and for that thanks to everyone so far. If one of the 'meets' is going to happen in may i'll make sure i'm there to thank you all in person.

By smoke• 1 Apr 2012 12:13
smoke

So super cool are you a Qatari?

By Super Cool• 1 Apr 2012 11:58
Rating: 4/5
Super Cool

First Of...on behalf on all Qataris "if I may" welcome to Qatar :) I hope it feels just like home....AND MORE

Elegance is right in tellin' u that Abu Dhabi and Doha r pretty much like twin sisters, in terms of looks, size, culture, activities, luxury, even accents r some what closer than the rest of the region with slightly less traffic in Qatar "no complaints here hehe"...as far as ur tattoo goes havin' a tattoo especially for an expat is no big deal at all many of my friends sport multiple tattoos with no problems, but u'll certainly get more admiration for it being in Arabic!! To say the least there is a TREMENDOUS amount of mutual respect between Emiratis and Qataris beyond ur imagination it almost makes u question why they r not the same country!!! Plus many Qatari families have either roots or relatives in UAE...I personally do so my wife and I go back and forth all the time lol.

As far as differences go, Qatar is probably changing too fast, and for some that can get annoying, its sometimes difficult to keep up with the infrastructure changes or procedure changes but at least u know its a change for the better....also cuz a lotttt is usually happening at once some events or concerts and such go by unnoticed so keep an eye and ear out for what u like to do....Qatar living is a good place to start, I also recommend the Doha Time Out which keeps up with what’s happening around town.

I wish u were coming before May, I wouldda recommended Souq Waqif to u look it up on Google it’s a lot of fun, but it might be gettin' a little hot by then for open air environment...Hope this helps, hit me up if u have any questions, and welcome to Doha :) Seems like u'll fit right in

By Elegance• 31 Mar 2012 01:41
Elegance

Tattoos are said to be no no everywhere in Gulf. But the ill feeling is changing slowly maybe because of those footballers who tattoo their lovers(wives) name. Later on they cannot take the tattoo or the lover off them... :-)

By damselindistress• 30 Mar 2012 17:56
Rating: 4/5
damselindistress

some people or groups here in QL are organizing some meet ups, you can start from there :)

welcome to Qatar!

By Chris M• 30 Mar 2012 16:22
Rating: 5/5
Chris M

Thats the most reassuring thing i've heard. Thanks elegance. I've always felt very at home in abu dhabi so hopefully i will feel the same in doha before long!

one question you guys may be able to answer for me.......i was born in abu dhabi and have always had such a love for the place a few years ago i got a tattoo in arabic on my right arm saying my name and abu dhabi, united arab emirates.

When i wear short sleeved tee-shirts you can see the bottom part of it and when in the UAE the locals are always fascinated and always read it. Is there any kind of bad feeling between qataris and emiratis that would mean this tattoo would draw any negative attention from the locals? I'm obviously keen not to disrespect the local people in the country i will be calling home!!!

By Elegance• 30 Mar 2012 16:08
Elegance

Doha is the twin sister of Abudhabi..Do not worry..

By Chris M• 30 Mar 2012 14:57
Rating: 2/5
Chris M

I do play pool! I definitely enjoy it but would not say i'm the greatest player. I'd definitely be happy to show up my poor skills in the pursuit of some fun though!

And thanks molten metal, i'm obviously already familiar with friday lifestyles from abu dhabi, but great to know there are all nationalities on here to get talking to and hopefully find some new friends!

By Molten Metal• 30 Mar 2012 13:32
Rating: 4/5
Molten Metal

Today is Friday, so many people are still sleeping or lazy to log on QL,

You would find India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Australia, of course Arabia and England & its neighbors here among others !!

By smoke• 30 Mar 2012 13:30
smoke

if you play pool you can be my new best friend lol :P

By Chris M• 30 Mar 2012 12:32
Rating: 4/5
Chris M

Thanks very much! I certainly hope so. Looking forward to meetinglots of new people! My folks have made some great friends from all round the world during their time in Abu Dhabi and hoping I can do the same.

By Molten Metal• 30 Mar 2012 12:23
Rating: 2/5
Molten Metal

You will be very happy here, so much to do, so many nice people at QL !!

a very warm welcome @ 50 deg C !!!

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