Is there life in Qatar?

moccachoccalatte
By moccachoccalatte

Hi there,

Hope I have the right thread here. In my experience forums are usually the best places to go when moving to a new country so if any of you could spare a minute answering a few dumb questions I'd be really grateful!

I have an interview for a job in Qatar in a few weeks and I was wondering:

What is life like for a single female? Are there restrictions, are there many local customs you have to adhere to? I've lived in muslim countries before so I am assuming that not dressing like a tart and not being friendly with strange local men is usually a safe bet if you don't want to get hassle.

What is there to do besides drinking? Are there diving, sailing or running clubs? I'm guessing gyms can be found in most big hotels but are there any good sports centres?

What's the expat scene like, are there meet ups, dinner parties etc?

Is there any kind of culture scene there like galleries, theatres etc?

Are there any good beaches near Doha?

Is it an expensive place?

What's the crime like?

What is public transport like or is it better to drive?

Thanks in advance!

By tya• 18 Jan 2009 22:15
tya

No need to worry, just come and enjoy Qatar :D

By GodFather.• 18 Jan 2009 22:08
GodFather.

I think Balderick has summarised it above for you..Anyway I hope you settle in pretty quick then you start doing all the things..

Just a word of advice..If you can drive it will be of great benefit..Public Transport does not exist for single females, even though they have double decker buses now..Taxi too expensive and can't get one when you need it..

Good luck and welcome to Qatar..

-----------------

HE WHO DARES WINS

By britexpat• 18 Jan 2009 22:07
britexpat

Qatar is heaven for women, especially single ones..

You will be wined and dined to your heart's content..

By bleu• 18 Jan 2009 22:04
bleu

men outnumber women 8 to 1 or something silly and there is HUGE bachelor community out here!!!

That's why we ban them from malls on weekends.

By SANic• 18 Jan 2009 21:51
SANic

excellent comments above - as a single expat female i had very similiar concerns to you. doha isn't the cheapest place to live, very much on a par with the UK especially now the dollar has strengthened. it took me a little while to meet people but once you get out and about you will discover that there is a whole group of people out there ready to welcome you into doha and their worlds! easy, relaxed lifestyle, great opportunity to do something different. life is what you make it out here...just be prepared to be thoroughly stared at - men outnumber women 8 to 1 or something silly and there is HUGE bachelor community out here!!!

By baldrick2dogs• 18 Jan 2009 19:23
baldrick2dogs

Oops, duplicate post

Did you Google it first?

By baldrick2dogs• 18 Jan 2009 19:21
baldrick2dogs

What is life like for a single female?

OK!

Are there restrictions, are there many local customs you have to adhere to? I've lived in muslim countries before so I am assuming that not dressing like a tart and not being friendly with strange local men is usually a safe bet if you don't want to get hassle.

You've got it!

What is there to do besides drinking? Are there diving, sailing or running clubs? I'm guessing gyms can be found in most big hotels but are there any good sports centres?

For running come and join the Hash (contact me when you get here)

What's the expat scene like, are there meet ups, dinner parties etc?

QLSG whe you get enough point. Don't worry, when you get a few friends socials will come.

Is there any kind of culture scene there like galleries, theatres etc?

We've got a new museum! http://www.mia.org.qa/english/index.html

Are there any good beaches near Doha?

Yes. Some hotels have nice beaches, and there's a few nice public beaches.

Is it an expensive place?

Same as UK, but tax free :o)

What's the crime like?

Not much

What is public transport like or is it better to drive?

Buses for Bachelor traansport in general. Taxis are here but need to be booked well in advance for special occasions, but can be flagged down if you are lucky! Better to drive if you can cope with the entertaining driving style here.

Did you Google it first?

By yoda• 18 Jan 2009 19:18
yoda

desert it is, whole country a beach is.

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