Help!!!! Im new To Qatar
Hi Ex Pats, Qataris & All.
I'm a young guy from Southampton, UK and moving to Qatar 1st March 2010. I have been to Doha before on a weekend visit for an interview.
I am new so need to make lots of new freinds who are outgoing & fun to be around
I also have a lot of admin stuff to do which I would appreciate all help on and pointers in the right direction
These include
Swapping my U.K license for a Qatari License
Opening a Bank Account
Where to buy cars from apart from QL
Where to hang out and meet friends
Any help on anything would be appreciated
I am not worried about culture shock as I think I can handle this
Thanks All :)
Thank you to all! I'm so glad I found this site :)
Staying in the Ezmar hotel anyone fancy a get together
Ive been reading some threads abouth Doha night life and quite a few comments are that it sucks
Also there is a real issue where you need to enter bars/pubs/clubs as a couple
I was looking forward to a half decent night life in Doha
I might need to think again
Also I have been told of some really cool private parties but you need to be part of the club to be invited
ojfmu... same boat, different captains? well!!! lucky boat. Welcome to Qatar :)
...listen to the sound of silence....
I will end up owing you mare than one drink at the British Society meetup
:)
... and you will probably be getting a nice apartment in a building which has facilities. Anyway, when you know where it is and what the building is called, give me a shout and I will check it out for you :)
Had similar questions myself... I am in from the states and this helps a bit, thanks everyone!
Thanks for your help Alumnar i am not getting an allowance
Fully furnished accomodation is provided by the company. So am unsure yet as to the details and its whereabouts which I should get today
AmericanDarling I can live with that but i can understand it to be frustrating when you are used to living in a certain way.
... and then according to it I can give you a hand finding suitable accomodation. Let me know when you get all the details (how much you will get as allowance) and we go from there :)
Doha is definitely what you make of it, but you should have no trouble finding plenty of good people here!
Do your outdoor exploring NOW, as soon it will be much too hot.
And be prepared for anything administrative or government-related to take much, much longer than you expect it will/should.
Also do you know which are good areas to live in as I will be getting my accomodation details soon but need to know if the area is any good
Good point "bear in mind this is not your home"
... take things on board with an open mind and always bear in mind this is not your home. It makes things a lot easier when you have a 'down' moment.
Specially - be prepared for the 'driving skills' in this country! THAT will be your biggest culture shock when you arrive ;)
Catch up later :)
@ ....listen to the sound of silence....
Thanks Rev Im sure Ill work it out im pretty excited so that should take me throught the first few months and if I find a good crowd it can be a memorable few years
In few days u will figure out everything :)
-: Perfectly ImPerfect :-
welcome... you'll find buddies sooner or later
...listen to the sound of silence....
Yes still here, they won't let me leave Qatar t my sentence is over ;) We sure need to catch up! I sent you a pm, will give you a buzz tomorrow mate. Take care :)
welcome Shabza!you will meet a lot of friends here...
welcome Shabza!you will meet a lot of friends here...
Amulnar--> u still in doha, lets catch up
shabza--> for bank account pm me, shall get it sorted.
Click on this thread, might help with that.
http://www.qatarliving.com/node/467176
"Live with passion, Die with style"
what the club and bar scene is like here
thats cool two mags marhaba and time out
ill pick these up ASAp
Time Out Doha mag is brilliant for reviews and info too.
Shabza,
If you have a full UK Licence you can get a temp licence on monthly basis as soon as you arrive. Better having one as there is no actual sayso on how long you can drive with the UK one. (Not even the traffic police could tell me)
For cars, suggest you opt for brand new, unless you actually know the person you would be buying from 2nd hand. (lots of noce cars but you have to be practical for your work)
Bank account, you need to ensure that your company is approved with the bank. You are better opening with the company corporate bank.
Quite a few bars here to hang out in. As long as you are not shy you will normally always get chatting with someone.
PM me if you want anything else.
LOL @ embarassing moments
At the moment I cant see why I would shake a Muslim Womans hand
Thanks I will pickup a copy of Marhaba
Not really into Rugby more of a footie fan
Sporting activities sound really good
top advice Mary Catherine
its quarterly magazine, good guide for new comers
available at all stores for QAR 20
Avoid emabarassing moments: Do not shake hands with Muslim women
All of the 5* hotels have gym pool and usually beach access. They are the priciest option - starting aroung 7000 for single men (you get charged more) but they have quality equipment and good facilities. You cannot get an alcohol permit or a drivers license until you have your residency permit (usually 2 - 3 weeks - check with the HR dept of your company).
If you're looking to meet people and are interested in stuff like rugby then the Rugby club is always a good bet. There is a branch of the Hash House Harriers here and a number of other sporting type activities (kite boarding, scuba diving, sailing etc) You'll find them quite easily by googling or doing a search here.
Good luck.
Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"
Do you know of any Auctions or local car markets
Thanks for the info
hay i can be ur friend :) gym hmm its fitness first gym in city center cars offcorce for showrooms and about 2 hand cars u can get it from salwa road and some where u would enjoy if u like outdoor sports its in sealine desert with dirtbikes,quads,sand rails etc
peace :)
Ok I get you
LOL
Refreshments!!!!!!
Nice thankls for another good pointer StoneCold/FranElizabeth
It's where you get your 'refreshments' from:) Doha is what you make it and I'm sure you'll enjoy.
I have bought that one way ticket a while back but the EXIT visa required here to get out of Qatar is holding me back.. Will work that out soon..
Cheers and welcome to Qatar :-)
"Live with passion, Die with style"
LOL
great sound advice
Seems like you need a one way ticket out of Doha
Best advice, Miss that flight on the 1st of March...
"Live with passion, Die with style"
Am i right that this is where you get your driving license from or is it something else?
Thanks I was looking through QL to see what QDC is and found out.
Its where we can get our driving license issued
I agree. Always good to have your priorities right:)
Thanks hasan 1024 very informative
with the hotels I assume you get membership to all their facilities e.g. clubs/bars etc
Pls can you provide me with more costs for Energie, Fareej etc and also the hotels
First thing first, you should know where QDC is.
Thanks 220v Ill give you a shout when im in Doha
dont know what gyms youve been going to
hey.. don't waste ur tym reading.. just call me at 7404171.. i'll show u da basic spots of little doha...
and yea i'm not atour guide.. :-)
welcome to Qatar..
First name that comes to mind is Fitness first at City Center mall (and opening soon at Villagio I believe), ....around 5000-6000 QRS for a one year membership, depending on whatever offers they may have.
Al Massa active, near Ramada hotel, costs around 4000 QRS for one year...they don't have steam rooms and such though
Three other names are Energie fitness, Hard bodies club, and Fereej gym don't know about their rates, as they've just opened. I can make some enquiries if you like.
You could always go to the fitness clubs at the hotels, more fancy facilities, but no doubt pricier.
you can't be naked in the change-rooms,,,,
Thanks Hasan Im looking for a decent gym with all the equipment/machines etc
A sauna/steam room will be an added extra
wot kind of costs am I looking at
There's quite a few gyms that have opened up in Qatar of late. Where will you be staying, there may be a gym in the area.
(btw I see you're a Liverpool fan, boooooooooo )
Also what is a good gym costs, location etc
As I am keen to keep up fitness when I arrive
You have been extremely helpful
:)
... if you bring an international driving license with you. I am not too sure about how long, but I think you are allowed to drive legally for 6 months? As for your English Driving License you are only legal on the roads for a week... No idea why, but hey...!
Any questions just pop them on this topic, I am sure we all will be able to help :)
Thanks Alumna seems like the company will sort out most of the admin bits and pieces
I did read your reply and thanks very much for the points
This was also just a posting to get in contact with some good like minded ppl
... on QL's search engine you will find answers to all your questions.
Your company should help you with the necessary documents for swapping your Driving License, opening a Bank Account and getting your Alcohol License.
I have already answered a few of your questions on the topic 'British Club in Qatar' - did you read them?