New to qatar, need help

greg2012
By greg2012

Hello there,

i have been searching online and learning about living in qatar for the past 5 months. in the matter of fact i was pretty impressed by the rapid development and the vast job opportunites offered by this country. however, i am really planning on moving from my home country "lebanon" to qatar and starting my career there. but beforre doing so i would like to inquire some more decisive info.. i have received several job offers from qatari recruiters, and was told about so many confusing packages and allowances, but all sounded so vague to me. after reviewing qatar living forums and several other forums and found alot of variances in points of views and opinions, i decided to write this post and ask the expats living in qatar to help me out with some basic infromation and share there expatriate experiences with me:

1- salaries:

what would be considered a "decent" monthly salary in qa? which covers bills, food, transportation, as well as some money to save. if not decent, then atleast something that is considered a good offer or a tempting figure that will make me want to get the job.

2- Accommodation allowances offered by companies:

I will be living alone for a year before my fiance "soon to be wife" joins me there. i would like to know what could be considered a "good" accommodation allowance paid by companies so that i can live in doha? preferrably westbay or the pearl. in my case i wouldnt mind a 1y the bedroom apartment for the comiung 3 years. but i care to know what would be considered a good monthly accomodation allowance that is offered by the employer as part of the working package benefits.

I would really love to see your feedbacks on these questions so that i can know what to bargain with when it comes to my qatari recruiters. i need to know if the packages i get from these recruiters match the "decent" crteria i mentioned above, as well as with what you contribute with here on this post.

thanks in advance,
Best regards

Greg.

By blackburn• 22 Oct 2012 07:09
blackburn

Greg,

15K + 2K Housing looks pretty descent. i would recommend you better look out for an apartment, make sure water and electricity is included in the apartment rent as most of the house owners include it with the house rent.

if you have family and children, things might be a bit of squeeze.

Nothing much ups and down. i was in your place, i would take the first offer the 15K + 2K Housing.

Good Luck.

By greg2012• 14 Oct 2012 15:41
Rating: 4/5
greg2012

hello blackburn,

I was offered a managerial position at Al darwish holding in doha, the package was as follows:

salary 15,000 QAR Per month

Housing allowance 2,000 QAR per month.

another offer at one of the construction consulting groups in doha (leighton contracting) and the package was as follows:

salary 10,000 QAR

Housing allowance fully paid in one of the housing compunds they have contracts with.

according to your figures both salaries are good (above 8000QAR), but what about accomodation? is it good? is it better to seek for an apartment and pay the difference from my own salary? or just join a residential compound and save money? are there any ups and downs? thanks for your prompt reply.

By NimbuPani• 14 Oct 2012 08:50
NimbuPani

Things are difficult here..... think twice before moving.

By blackburn• 14 Oct 2012 06:16
Rating: 5/5
blackburn

The definition of a descent salary is subjective to individual.

i would say, to live a life alone in Qatar you would at-least require QAR.8000 / Month which is descent in my opinion,

if you have your beloved family here, QAR.10000 to 12000 should be descent.

as far as the house rent is concerned, you will have to shed at least QAR.3500 to 4500 for the rent for a 2BHK (Little outskirts of Doha)if you have your family here. you can always find a 1BHK apartment for QAR.2500 to 3000 after an exhausting hunt. if you have plans to get settled in the west bay or the pearl, its almost double the rent. you would need at least QAR.20000++ Salary. What is the package being offered to you at present..??

By greg2012• 14 Oct 2012 02:21
greg2012

i am currently working as a showroom manager for an electronics retail store for the past 6 yrs. i was hoping if someone can provide me with salary caps and figures disregarding the type of job i can get. thanks.

By spiker_06• 14 Oct 2012 01:03
spiker_06

What is your job description?

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.