Is my understanding of Qatar correct?

Just To realize that our knowledge is ignorance,this is a noble insight.To regard our ignorance as knowledge, this is mental sickness.Only when we are sick of our sickness,shall we cease to be sick,The Sage is not sick,being sick of sickness;this is the secret

Thanks guys. I have turned down the offer to work in Qatar.

Good luck to you all

I've always been surprised to hear guys lamenting about finding romance in Qatar. Qatari women excluded of course, there is no shortage of beautiful and approachable women among the expat community here. Just go to any restaurant, mall or hotel and you'll find many nice women - both customers and service staff. It's no trouble to start a conversation. Now should the relationship progress and she wants to go home with you...Well the risk and logistics associated with that is another matter entirely. But where there's a will there's a way...

it from where it comes...

He's just a little boy still... the funny think is, his country states USA, so curious why he dislikes westerners so much if he's living in a western country.....

"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME

visit www.qatarpets.org

ha, ha, ha, Hi, Tig. Everything ok?

You say " Only gay men make sexual advances on other men,". Really? How weird is that? What other interesting and amazing insights do you have on life in Qatar? I can hardly wait.

Just call me Tigasin. That's what I'm talking about

All westerners, rather, all expats whose countries are continuously under fire because of the oil price and its derivates should go home for a few months and see how much production the "locals" can achieve.

Who knows maybe alternative oil exploration and extraction can take place again!

Look at Venezuela!!

So, is it a Westerner thing?? LOL

Ahh.. I don't know. I might take a short trip to Lebanon though! ;)

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I'm all for it.

So when yer gonna visit me in Bahrain ? ;D

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NIL ILLEGITIMI CARBORUNDUM

What a shame, hey Mr. P? Tsk Tsk all you westerners. ;)

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NIL ILLEGITIMI CARBORUNDUM

"I think Westerners should get out. This is my opinion."

So how do you propose to replace the Westerners? Who will do the work they do? Or do you not think they are doing important work here?

It is obvious that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. it is also my resolution to go back to SA and contribute to make it a better place, running away and looking for a place where to rot peacefully (away from crime, sigh!) is not in my plans, the only reason I am here is to get some experience and money, this experience in Qatar is abosolutely invaluable, it made me realize how much is out of there, back in SA.

It is hard from my point of view to find any intrinsic beauty here.

To realize that our knowledge is ignorance,this is a noble insight.To regard our ignorance as knowledge, this is mental sickness.Only when we are sick of our sickness,shall we cease to be sick,The Sage is not sick,being sick of sickness;this is the secret

Abdullah al Saeed, up till your little, "I think Westerners should get out. This is my opinion," statement....

Fine, we will leave, but then I want to see you sweeping streets, waiting tables, building highrises - and I don't mean sitting on you a** and being a supervisor, I mean physical labour, taking care of your own children,cooking your own food, cleaning your own house,..... are you ready for all this?

When the country decides it no longer needs to rely on western education, or western experience, we will unfortunately be here to bug you and make you life the hell it clearly is....

"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME

visit www.qatarpets.org

Qatar is a beautiful country that preserves its Arab Culture. Souq Waqif is beautiful, and the people are great. There is some Western influence, but not like in a lot of other Arab countries. Only gay men make sexual advances on other men, and homosexuality is prohibited in Islam, and most Qataris are Muslim. The laws of Qatar are based on Islam. And the driving is good, but it is a quicker pace than America. Doha, Qatar is very modern and has modern style buildings/skyscrapers mixed with Arabic Architecture. Qatar is modern and ancient at the same time. Many Mosques, Islamic Bookstores, and nice items in Souq like Sadu, etc.

If you love Arab Culture and Islam, Qatar is for you. I think Westerners should get out. This is my opinion.

The deserts and beaches are also very beautiful.

BTW, I am Arab and Muslim.

Just some history. in South Africa classified as Cape Malay. Not Indian, not coloured, but Cape Malay. Government in the old apartheid era Government did not quite know how to classify us, as we did not fall into either the Asian or Coloured category.

PS! You should be proud of your country and I applaud you for it.

Elspamo what theater are you going to? Because all the one's I go to are full of people chatting on their cell phones and kids running up and down the aisles screaming.

Visit www.qatarhappening.com

Gypsy lol, good stuff hahahaha

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Norton Anti-virus cant keep draculas and T-viruses away, "G-lik" can ;), get yours today :D.

I am not that wise neither a sage, it was an excerpt from a over 2000 years old chinese classic, Lao Tzu's Tao Teh Ching, it is a basic law of the universe.

To realize that our knowledge is ignorance,this is a noble insight.To regard our ignorance as knowledge, this is mental sickness.Only when we are sick of our sickness,shall we cease to be sick,The Sage is not sick,being sick of sickness;this is the secret

hahaha. the flame is on.

team applei.ph < www.applei.ph >

For your iphone needs! :P

"5. A man and women caught in the same room and who are not related or married could lead to prison, lashes, deportation or all three"

Wrong. Totally wrong. I don't know who told you this, but tell them to get their facts straight.

"7. Going t o the cinema is like going to the zoo. The inmates are unruly and spoil the film for everyone"

Well, I go to the cinema quite often, and it is pretty quiet except when a funny scene comes up, then everybody just laughs. Other than that, I do not see how they ruin the film for everyone...

"8. Is talking to the opposite sex even allowed, or do I have to look over my shoulder to check if I am being watched"

Look at my first answer. :P

"14. What happens if you punch someone who irritates you? Are you going to end up in jail or deported? Please, don’t take this statement the wrong way. I am not violent but tend to react to certain situations a certain way"

Probably only if the person you punch happens to be Qatari, xD.

nothing in Qatar only sand and sea and we as a local love qatar and live here before 100's yrs, you as a indian, europia, asian or whatever can understand why we love our country even without oil and gas.

YOU CAN RETURN TO YOUR HOME,,,

I LOVE QATAR, PLZ IF YOU DONT LIKE QATAR AND YOU SEE ALL THIS HORRIBLE THINGS NO BODY FORCED TO LIVE IN.

I would love to bring my son with me. Unfortunately my ex-wife will not allow it. Thanks anyway

1. What on earth is a wasta

2. Playing chess....?

3. Do women dress any other way than women coz u just cancelled out everything female?

Even i shared the same concerns but it ain't that bad. You can have a good life and if you've negotiated well then its great.

The middle east is the place to be in the world right now and Qatar is a good place to start of.

Ofcourse it ain't as beautifull as the garden route but what the heck the money compensates for that.umpteen times safe tht joberg

All the best

You are indeed wise beyond your years grasshopper..

It is as you say! Man can work with the substantial, but the emptiness is what he uses..

The journey itself is the reward......

Have a great night!

hahahahahahaha

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Hmmm you've almost got it right, check the brackets

1. The heat is just a couple degrees less than hell

(Actually it's exactly 2 degree hotter than Hell, but only in your car before you turn the air conditioning on. )

2. There is sand everywhere, and in some cases in places where places didn’t even exist

(That's not true, everyone who's found sand up the crack of their az5 after a day at the beach can vouch for that)

3. Driving in Qatar is less eventful than going over Victoria Falls in a barrel

(FALSE, going over Victoria Falls in a barrel is like taking candy from a baby comparing to driving in Qatar.)

4. Men outnumber women to the extent that men make sexual advances on other men

(Ummm......yes, ok. But you don't have to accept)

5. A man and women caught in the same room and who are not related or married could lead to prison, lashes, deportation or all three

(if caught by MOI or some weird Qatari Mullah who doesn't want to join in ((meaning all one of them)) then yes)

6. Dating is out of the question and if you want some horizontal action the suggestion is wait until you go back to your home country twice a year (man that’s going to hurt)

(Hell no, dating is fine and horizontal action is 100% great as long as you're both lying on your stomachs playing chess)

7. Going t o the cinema is like going to the zoo. The inmates are unruly and spoil the film for everyone

(Yes 1,000,000 % of the time YES)

8. Is talking to the opposite sex even allowed, or do I have to look over my shoulder to check if I am being watched

(Only if they are dressed as a woman or Qatari (( which is easily identified by the Louis Vuitton purse)))

9. The hours are long

(No if you aren't one of the Big three: Nepali, Phillipino or Indian (sorry not being racist, just being honest) )

10. Traffic is a pain

(Oh HEll Yeah!)

11. Housing and schooling is expensive

(OH HELL YEAH!)

12. I don’t drink so alcohol is not an issue

(It's easy to get, should you decide to start)

13. Book stores? Limited with limited selection

(Yes, though Virgin isn't soooo bad)

14. What happens if you punch someone who irritates you? Are you going to end up in jail or deported? Please, don’t take this statement the wrong way. I am not violent but tend to react to certain situations a certain way

(Depends on nationality of individual and if Qatari, depends on their wasta, learn the big names, if they don't have it, punch away. Be mindful however, Qatari's don't know how to punch, for further reference look on youtube, fight outside city center.)

15. The different cultures prefer to mix with their own, or have I read this incorrectly

(Only for their first 6 months here, after that Khallas)

Visit www.qatarhappening.com

30 spokes converge upon a single hub;It is on the hole in the centre that the use of the cart hinges.

We make a vessel from a lump of clay; It is the empty space within the vessel that makes it useful.

We make doors and windows for a room; But it is this empty space that makes the room livable.

Thus, while the tangible has advantages; It is the intagible that makes it useful.

Cheers ,sleep tight!LOL

To realize that our knowledge is ignorance,this is a noble insight.To regard our ignorance as knowledge, this is mental sickness.Only when we are sick of our sickness,shall we cease to be sick,The Sage is not sick,being sick of sickness;this is the secret

follow this link

http://southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com/text/hobby.htm

:-) Enjoy.

"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME

visit www.qatarpets.org

Bliksem, may be .. but still you are protected. And you will not see any more AK 47s, and hear any gun shots.. no more chilling too like JO burg lol

I would suggest you bring your son along if your package and budget permits.. there are many schools following british curriculum..you can hire a maid too.

Dont leave the kids aside.. they need you

Thats a huge list of reasons why you shouldnt consider coming here, , one good reason to stay is your son...You will miss him terribly when you are here...a lot of people are forced to leave their kids behind due to financial cirucmstances and if thats not an issue to you, time spent with your son more valuable.

Anyway in the end you will know what to decide, good luck..

However, reading a post earlier suggests that rape is something that is swept under the carpet and that expats have one type of police protection while nationals have another....

I promise to be gentle on Sharna ... lol

I have no intention of learning to speak Arabic to that extent. English and Afrikaan is difficult enough... lol

inform us when ur coming-charan might go on leave indefinetely.south african hello...will be deadly.hehehe

Is still zany, full of fun and Laughter and the only thing (besides my son) which will keep me in this stuffed country. The day the show ends is the day we all switch off the lights in this country.

I am sure you can audio stream the show in Qatar?

you'll get here and start sulking like everybody else... actually you started sulking even before you got here so you have less sulking to catch up with...

If you make it here I am sure you will find it as you describe up front. But it is a veneer put on by the locals of which there are very few. I have yet to crack the husk myself but I am sure like any new place it takes some getting used to. Besides, if you are a non Arabic speaking Muslim it is a great chance for you to learn the language of your 'good book'. Me, I miss sunny So Cal.

Hey Bliksem.... There are many Proteas out here.

Qatar is better in many ways compare to SA.. no rapes no armed robberies.. no car jacks.

There are no places like wher you cant go when there is no sun.. lol

Enjoy the freedom.. after all that what basically you need for a peaceful life.

this is the question!!!!!

===================================== http://www.qatarliving.com/node/58409

Thanks for all that guys - I'm off to Welkom next month for a friend's wedding - I feel at home already ;o)

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"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

I love boerwors but biltong is heinous... very acquired like marmite!

But my big fav is O S T R I C H.... please someone start importing to Qatar

yummmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyyyyy

Hi Xena do you know someone that makes boerewors and biltong i would definatly buy from them my hubby and me loves it for we are from Namibia

There are people here that do make it, and boerewors also.

I have discovered that biltong is really an aquired taste as when I have brought some back with me, most people don't like it:-(

Have you ever tasted American beef jerky? I don't like that either. I thought it would be similar to biltong, but its sweet, yuk.

I miss the Rude Awakening *sigh* How are Jerome, Sam and the Gang?

"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME

visit www.qatarpets.org

I really wish it was for the money. In actual fact, I will be on par with what I earn in SA. The up-side is definitely getting away from all the crime, corruption and stupidity that is affecting this beautiful country. The downside is not getting to see my son every second weekend, the ability to talk to and flirt with any (unattached) female, The rude awakening (Joburgers will know what I am talking about), hearing common words like voetsek, jou ma, boknaai (he he), etc...etc.

Soooo, to go or not to go. That is the question. As for biltong, guys... there must be at least one South African out there who sees the opportunity to make it... imagine marketing the product to all the other nationalities. You will make a killing ...lol

It's all about the money...And some good friends...

And some good lost friends...

You can't teach experience

Guys

Its not all about the money, its about getting away from the beggars at every robot, the intense violent crime, the fraud and corruption, and sadly ... the boerewors and biltong!

Your friends are Boring ????

I am really looking forward to some good biltong.. ahh! I'm missing South Africa!! :( My boer friends too :(

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╬ Don't look back in anger, Sally. ╬

I really have to get myself a good punch line..

To realize that our knowledge is ignorance,this is a noble insight.To regard our ignorance as knowledge, this is mental sickness.Only when we are sick of our sickness,shall we cease to be sick,The Sage is not sick,being sick of sickness;this is the secret

Welcome to Qatar... it is great place to save money..

I have been told I was going to get transferred to UAE from the first day that I have arrived here, therefore I could not bring my family with!! I have been on a state of alert since then!? Part of the experience!A good one!!

To realize that our knowledge is ignorance,this is a noble insight.To regard our ignorance as knowledge, this is mental sickness.Only when we are sick of our sickness,shall we cease to be sick,The Sage is not sick,being sick of sickness;this is the secret

friend every country having there own custom and tradition and even law...for example if u want to live in USA us should follow the role what they have and everybody ll accept it..so if u feel something not comfortable in this country why u didnt try other countries there only your law will b there :-)

Nee boet... that does not sound at all good. Why so gatvol?

on QL?

stark raving mad most of them... I am the exception;-)

"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME

visit www.qatarpets.org

Seems that there a few decent people here (or there). I will ignore the idiots (there are a few in every country)... lol

I promise to be good in the first month especially on the South African welcome... he he he

well said good MagicDragon!!

loved the traffic at Giloolys chirp, man those were the days.

Had me in stitches over the Welkom R/A's(traffic circles), cause that was my thought exactly when I first came to Doha:-)

"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME

visit www.qatarpets.org

the Karoo landscape is 100 times better than Qatar's,the humidity is worse than Durban's, the heat can be compared to Keetmanshoop's, Doha has more roundabouts than 4 Welkom put together, the traffic is weird but it can get worse than Giloolys Interchange in peak hours, 2 Landcruisers on a straight road may cause a traffic jam!

Generally most the colours are a different shade of grey, similar to the bottom of granite quarry.

They said right, people come here for the money, it wouldn't be my favourite holiday resort ,I would prefer Beaufort Wes or Poffadder!Sorry I am just a little gatvol!

Cheers my maat!

To realize that our knowledge is ignorance,this is a noble insight.To regard our ignorance as knowledge, this is mental sickness.Only when we are sick of our sickness,shall we cease to be sick,The Sage is not sick,being sick of sickness;this is the secret

So, what now, Bliksem? Did you change yor mind/attitude? Are you coming to Qatar?

Charan as I do, try not to get yourself deported within the first month you are here, it never bodes well on a CV, that you got deported from a country for a good old South African hello;-)

"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME

visit www.qatarpets.org

Silent? Hmmmm, ok, since I am new here I will respect that (for now)....lol

Pork is not an issue... I am Muslim

Thanks... very appreciated

Not to worry and thanks Xena. I am sure I will meet up with Charna and give him a nice South African Hello!

its ok

Though I would have liked some advice on point 6... lol

I have the right to remain silent.

Big hug and kiss ... oops, hope I didn't do anything wrong

thanks for reading it, maxmo.

Well said MagicDragon...

I have been leaving in Qatar for 5 years and my parents spent there life here... We still enjoy every day here and every day comes to us as a new day with new challenges... That is life...

My policy is "If you are too happy in life, then you are too sad to leave such life"

The wise person has long ears and a short tongue.

You'r welcome to qatar ...a nice place to live and never mind the comments made by some half minded people in this forum coz because of such craps one can clearly figure out the differences in mentalities.

Welcome to Qatar my friend :D

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"One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" - George Galloway.

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Grass, Gas or A55 nobody rides for free!

I would like to correct your observations:

1. The heat is just a couple degrees better than in Germany

2. There is sand everywhere, and in some cases in places where places didn’t even exist and that makes quadbiking fun!

3. Driving in Qatar is less eventful than going over Victoria Falls in a barrel but not too bad compared to a Formula 1 race.

4. Men outnumber women to the extent that men make sexual advances on other men which applies only to some men. A good boy always finds a good girl here.

5. A man and women caught in the same room and who are not related or married could lead to prison, lashes, deportation or all three because they are silly enough to get caught.

6. Dating happens even at Carrefour. And if you want some horizontal action the suggestion is wait until you go back to your home country twice a year (man that’s going to hurt) I won't give any hints on that.

7. Going to the cinema is like going to the zoo. The inmates are unruly and spoil the film for everyone but a nice projector with Home Theater Audio and ... is probably much better anyway.

8. Is talking to the opposite sex even allowed, or do I have to look over my shoulder to check if I am being watched? Yes, you have to watch over your shoulder to find out if she is listening.

9. The hours are long (That's relative)

10. Traffic is a pain. You haven't been to Athens, man.

11. Housing and schooling is expensive. True

12. I don’t drink so alcohol is not an issue

13. Book stores? Limited with limited selection buy, you can order any book and within three weeks it's here.

14. What happens if you punch someone who irritates you? Are you going to end up in jail or deported? Please, don’t take this statement the wrong way. I am not violent but tend to react to certain situations a certain way. Then you have to bear the consequences (everywhere)

15. The different cultures prefer to mix with their own, or have I read this incorrectly. Yes, because they are proud to show you their culture if you are interested.

The question I then have to ask is this. Why do I want to take the job in Qatar. For all of the above, of course.

Xena - Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha absolutly right. Why should I invite competion here. kill the bud before it grow to become a tree :(

Ban Spoon Feeding not Me

although a bit exxagerated at a few places.

except for the "not allowed to speak to the opposite s*x" part.... you can socialise with whoever or however you like, just don't get caught;-)

"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME

visit www.qatarpets.org

he's just feeling insecure that another man is entering the country and will take the 1 woman away from him that actually tolerates him....;-)

"if you don't like the heat... get out of the kitchen... but stop trying to fan the flames before you leave... it will burn you on the a** as you go through the doorway...." ME

visit www.qatarpets.org

bliksem seems to be new here like me, he is asking clrifications about qatar please DONT BE RUDE in your comments, how can we have friends in ths website if you are just be rude. is this the way you welcome new members?????

dont worry everythings is tolerable here.:)

South African IT head with a liking for women. so lack of women is the problem you are facing now. we understand you clearly :)

If this is your conduct I am sure your IT head will not rest on your shoulders for long ;(

Ban Spoon Feeding not Me

Don't forget the Peter Stuyvesants and biltong by the way.. LOL

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╬ Don't look back in anger, Sally. ╬

Qatar approches people from all over the world for the betterment of their country.for me I was counting days to step in to Qatar from a developed country :)

Ban Spoon Feeding not Me

The majority of people come to Qatar for the money. If that is your main goal at present, then come on down!

Listen pal. I suggest you get to know someone before you you call them desparado. Qatar approached me, not the other way round, unlike you, who I suspect could not wait to get to Qatar.

You are absolutely correct.. ummm you can talk to the opposite sex. They're not that strict when it comes to that.

Punching is uncool. If you punch a local, pack your bags and leave. I have a South African friend who somewhat threw a fit in a hotel, the following day we found out that he was on the way back to SA or maybe a few days after.

Hey, it's not that terrible here. All countries have its ups and downs. Look on the brighter side. Qatar is small and it's unlike South Africa wherein you drive for hours just to get to your office and back. No need to worry about hijackers, Qatar is safe (the last time I checked).

Weekends are different. Some companies have half day on Thursday then the whole Friday off and there are some that have Friday and Saturday off.. then Sunday is the beginning of the week.

Also, pork is not allowed here so stuff yourself with boerwurst while your still there.

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╬ Don't look back in anger, Sally. ╬

Fairly accurate- what the BH am I doing here!!

Why Qatar wants to welcome a person like you. stay in where ever you are. don't come here & be a desparado :(

Ban Spoon Feeding not Me