The ten things you will miss when you leave Qatar
I moved to Qatar when I was quite young. I was 22 and I missed home so much. I was perpetually homesick. Then I did it, after 7 years I moved back to Canada, then I missed Qatar so bad. It was ridiculous. Both became home and Canada was no longer the country I remembered in my youth.
Thus, 2 years later, I came back. Here is a list of things that so many of us miss about this country after we leave…
1. The shortened work days during Ramadan - sweet. An entire month with shortened days is almost a vacation in my books.
2. The lanterns. I loved the beautiful lanterns that adorn the souqs and shops. They never get old.
3. The food - man, the kebab scene here is awesome! Also, the Persian food scene here is pretty amazing.
4. Even the uber chic and fancy scene can be missed. Everywhere is beautiful here. Restaurants are bit more standard and simple back home. I felt like Qatar was not only a different country but began to feel like a different planet.
5. Valet parking - wow, for the first several years I never used it. I would park and walk. Strange, eh? But now it’s a beloved luxury.
6. Souq Waqif - I love the traditional feel of the place. Makes me feel like a little bit Arab when I go in there.
7. The usual: no taxes, cheap petrol, and cheap maid services - EVERYONE loves these things - regardless of what they say.
8. Being able to offer Islamic prayers in every public place in the city.
9. The wonderful family atmosphere - literally every place is enjoyable for families In Qatar, from parks to cinemas to kids playing areas in malls.
- 10. Making friends from all over the world! The multicultural scene is so vast and di’ve had the privilege of meeting and making friends from almost every corner of the world.
Photo by Abraham Puthoor
Cover photo by Kevin Rodrigues
Maggie May: Should you need some classes in your "native" English language to help improve your grammar, understand the meaning and correct usage of English words, let me know. I am willing to help.
Maggie May: I am not a westerner.
I am not a "native" speaker of the English language.
I have a brown skin covering my body, and am proud of that!
Ha! Ha! "What westerner ever constructs a sentence as clumsily as this? Is YOUR sentence correct?
It should have read, "Which westerner... as CLUMSY as this.
I guess you too need to take some classes in English grammar, Maggie May!
Ha! Ha!
This is a blatant piece of self promotion written by a Qatari. The syntax is completely wrong for any native English speaker. "..even the uber chic and fancy scene here can be missed.." What westerner ever constructs a sentence as clumsily as this?
Seriously... I hope these comments are meant to be ironic?!? Since leaving I can categorically say I do not miss the place one bit. This myth that is being perpetuated that the country is so amazing is quite fantastical (genuinely nothing against the place and everyone should form their own judgement). For those with strong CVs and a good work ethic there are, and I think this is a widely shared view looking at living indexes, many more fulfilling and vibrant places to live with much better schooling and prospects for young family members to develop a grounded attitude. Reads as though Qatar feels the need to sell itself through the medium of media, wonder why!
Brit, let us not disturb love birds :-)
What about the Car Park of an evening
When I leave Qatar, I will only miss ninth floor of Hotel Raddison Blue.
brit, you forgot to mention the open air "Shisha" and evening gossip.
I missed the cheap petrol and the smile of the ladies at the Ramada
you missed out the Friendly People and the Friendly Atmosphere in Doha Jadeed Area ! :)
Not for me ............. who is leaving ? ..............
Excellent depiction.
However you missed out a few more upsides like:
Personal security, you can carry all cash in your wallet without any fear.
Good policing, they hardly intervene in family's affairs.
Cheap health services.
Muslim culture, with amazing blend of modernity and tradition.
I missed the Cardamom flavoured Karak and Papadoms from Rizks' Emporium ..