QP Clubs
For all of you QP people out there, a question about the company clubs in the Doha area. I have a choice of two separate clubs (or I guess both or neither). I'd appreciate any of your impressions and feelings about them. They are the RAA (Ras Abu Abboud) Boat and Beach Club and the Al-Ghazal Club. What are the facilities like, suitable for families, etc. I guess I'd like to hear it from some of you with experience rather than someone trying to sell the club membership.
Thanks.
If you’re in Doha, i would suggest you talk first to your western colleagues at work, then visit the places, and make up your own decision. This is not a rush item or the agenda of a newcomer. However, this is what I think;
Al-Ghazal Rec. Club: it has ONLY one asset; and that is “absolutely clean & cheap� food, when you’re not in the mood for cooking. It is much better than any other eatery in town. You can have a “full� meal, for 20 to 25 QR. All the rest is clean, but the environment is pathetic when compared to western standards.
RAA Beach Club: it also has ONE asset; and that is “free� sailing, if you’re certified for dinghy (Laser 1) sailing. The environment is clean, but in a state of abandonment and a pathetic state of repair. The location is in the port of Doha, the waters are murky, the bottom is slimy, and you cannot see your toes in 4 feet of water.
Suggestion; do not visit these places after having Friday Brunch, at a 5-Star hotel. Joining a hotel Heath Club will cost you from 6K to 8K QR approx/year, sailing costs an extra 75 QR/hour. The 2 clubs combined will cost you 80QR/month and you can cancel the membership anytime after 3 months.
Do I use the facilities? yes, because the “only two assets� interest me.
The proposed new club(s) will be located in Lusail Energy City, ready for 2011.
Good luck!
Moudir
There use to be a senior staff club (Falcon Club) this was demolished last year. Senior staff were given option of joining ELS (Junior Staff) club - Al-Ghazal. This has reasonable facilities that you would expect, though not up to the standard of the old senior Falcon Club. As for families, pool now tends to be overcrowded as it is smaller and some complaints of junior single status guys ogling ladies hence they feel uncomfortable (ladies that is).
RAA Beach/Boat club ideal for BBQ's, sailing, beach (when tide is in, a bit muddy further out). Facilities limited.
Some talk of a new senior Staff club being built, but this is more probably years away rather than months.
However, we are not commited members to either and do not visit often. Above information is hear say and feed back.
I hope somebody more informed gets back to you.