Good on you mates, thanks for your quick replies.
Weather ...yes would be a challenge but I had a small stint in Abu Dhabi before few yrs back and I am from great Western so i think I should take the climate variations u mentioned :)
Spybot - I am not thinking of changing company in Qatar (ho lord - not so soon at least!!) but just want to ensure I don't repent any clauses in my contract just coz I didn't think @ it. BTW what do mean by "exit permit" is this something if I have to leave country permanently?