Moving to Qatar from UK
I have been looking to relocate to Qatar with my wife and child (less than 1 year old) from the UK. Before everyone asks the question “Why would I want to do that?” I will let you know that we are Muslim and would like to live in a Muslim country which is a big draw for us.
I am a qualified ACCA accountant with 5 years experience and an undergraduate degree. My current salary in the UK is 19,500QR Gross with my take home pay after tax being just 13,500QR!
We don’t live an extravagant life and rent a 2 bedroom apartment for 7,500QR with the rest of my salary going on bills and groceries etc.
I have been told that I can expect to get a salary of around 20,000-22,000QR a month which is not much more than what I am currently on but obviously being tax free is a big help.
I was just wondering if you think that this is a reasonable salary?
If you think that from what I have said this would be a good move?
Any feedback or advice would be warmly welcomed. Thank you.
Adam
UK2GCC, you will live in a different comfort zone, try to adjust correspondingly. And Doha has it's share of comfort (and discomfort).
nomerci, it’s the little differences that count. Having Fridays off work, halal food and plenty of mosques. Simples!
Flor, you have completely confused me with European and British standard. I only mentioned western standard as a way of saying to the forum I would like to live in a nice safe community.
Is British Standard not European standard? Most high-end housing here follows BS.
UK2GCC, if I may ask, what is it that makes Qatar, in connection with your faith, attractive to you?
Yes, it is called a Islamic country, but what do you think will be the differences that you will experience here compared to the UK?
Hi Arifqa, I have been to Dubai a few times and have friends that live there. Although its a very nice place I cant imagine ever living there with the tourists all the time!
Hello,
Qr22000, is good money to live in qatar, but not too good.
My suggestion is you may come here on visit and see things physically then making any decision, Dubai could be a better Option.
thanks
WOW! thank you guys. important advice which I dont think i have heard before!
Do NOT come and look for a job. You will cut your salary in half and be offered no benefits. You must play "hard to get" to get a good job here. That's why some from Asian countries get crappy salaries.
Mandi
That and looking desperate
Because you will be considered a local hire and miss out on a lot of benefits.
mozais, its an interesting point of view. can you explain why?
Being based in the country is a clear disadvantage don't do it.
Hi guys,
Thank you for all of your feedback. I havnt secured a position but have been applying to companies, with little luck so far!
the 2 bed appartment for £8k sounds very reasonable and if i did get accommodation then the £12k villa sounds fantastic.
I think the suggestion of coming out for 3 months sounds like a good one and if things go well trying to bring the family out. Although I would hate to be away from my little girl for that long!
Are companies usually happy to recruit from abroad? or is being based in the country a clear advantage?
Thanks again for the advice.
wht is your problem in UK????? only salary makes This much confusion to you......
Good point translator. Come for 3 months or more, if you like it then send for your family.
How quickly you can re-gain you current job in UK?
Since your child is too young for school, and if you can go back on a short notice, why not apply, get a job here, try it and see.
Moza.. stop scaring the man away..:)
Yes as Mandi said there is not really any thing like a western standard here. It is just your average housing. Yes if you want to live like a westener then there is the top end accommodation that Mozaismyhero has mentioned else for a two bed furnished apartment you are looking at around 6k to 8k.
Don't worry about the mosques, there at every where and you will not walking distance away from a mosque..:)
Sent you a pm......
It is more expensive than the UK in Doha now, especially for those items and things you would take for granted here.
As for western standard accommodation, you can find some but its expensive. A 2 bed in West bay will cost anything from 14K to 22K. Better off getting a villa out of town for around 12-14K and you'll be close to a mosque to hear the call to prayer around 4am each morning.
22K is quite less especially for a family. You will be able to manage but don't expect too much savings.
Have you applied for any jobs yet or have any offers in Hand or are you just testing the waters.
Best to get a job in hand before start to think too serious about moving. don't even for a second think coming here without a secure or decent job.
Life style is as you want it to be, it is even more segregated than back in the UK. So it will be up to you just like it is up to you back in the Uk how you live your life.
Good luck
I still think 20,000 sounds low unless you add housing, transportation etc. That's the standard, what you are making in the UK (pre-tax) plus 25% plus housing, etc. and unfortunately you never get much choice of housing. And it's NEVER of Western standards, lol! That would mean code, wouldn't it? All your electric and plumbing and painting and joining will be crap! And my villa is in West Bay Lagoon! Sill crap! But I had such a lovely, caring landlord it made it almost bearable. Wasn't his fault there are no plumbers or electricians in Qatar. And don't get anyone started on Qtel and Mozaic!
Mandi
Hi Mandi, thank you for your reply.
Just to clear something up I didnt think being Muslim was going to help much rather i mentioned as to pre-empt some of the questions regarding my motives for wanting to move. For me the move isnt just for trying to save as much money as I can (although any savings I can make is always an upside).
Mandi, do you think 20-22QR is reasonable?
seeing the importance of accommodation in Qatar what are peoples thoughts on the two options below;
- 15QR + accommodation provided by the employer.
or
- 22QR with no accommodation provided.
accomodation supplied would have to be at least a two bedroom of good (western standard).
Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcome.
Thank you
You will find Qatar tremendously more expensive, particularly in terms of rent. And it seems that every time you turn around there's another hand out for visas, insurance, permits, etc. And you won't get much thanks for merely being Muslim here. Qatar is for Qataris and the deck is stacked - of course - for locals. But what the heck, if someone is offering you an attractive job, come ahead! Just be sure you have the job well nailed down before you come. Every detail in writing. And understand there is NO job security.
Mandi
thank you for your reply (although slightly off topic). I am considering all of the GCC including Saudi and Kuwait. The UAE is low on the list!
psssst moza, psssttttt....the haram juice is sold and consumed in Saudi too....but UNDER the table...well, on it, but behind closed doors.(I whispered this only for you to hear, so keep it to yourself please)
Why don't you go to Saudi to experience pure Islam instead. Easier for hajj and umrah as well. Here haram things like alcohol are sold so just like livin in the UK but hotter.