If you have a generous shipping allowance, ship everything that matters to you and especially to your children. If you have special hobbies, ship any tools or items specific to that hobby - for example, quilters cannot buy batting in Qatar, or only rarely.

Many children's toys are available very cheaply in Qatar, made in China, many break quickly or don't work properly. If you will live on a compound, a bike is a fun thing to have, but biking on the streets in Qatar is a hair-raising and life-threatening experience.

Bring books. Bring anything that will make your life more homey and that will bring you comfort. Bring things you love but can leave behind or sell when leaving Qatar, knowing you can replace them back home.

As Emma said, you can buy just about anything, but you may not like your choices. There is a lot of cheap - and ugly - stuff available, but quality is rare and may be priced two or three times higher than at home. On the other hand, there are European appliances which sell cheaper than in Europe, due to the VAT they charge their which is not charged (yet) in Qatar.