Interview in Qatar, 48hrs on the ground, HELP
Hi All, my husband has been given an interview and is flying up to Qatar tomorrow. He has a full day to himself before the interview day and as we know nothing about the place but are possibly moving there soon wondered what would be a good way to spend his day in Doha doing. Doesn' want to shop and sightsee but rather sort out how Doha would be to live. Is there some sort of expat english speaking paper he could look out for that covers everything, or maybe get in a taxi and go an look at the different areas. All very daunting, any suggestions. Also reading through the QL website we are now freaking out a bit on the cost of living and wondering if its worth it on an average salary, we have 2 young children also. Any pointers would be great. He is staying at the Ramada Hotel (Salwa Road C Ring Rd), is that a good location to explore on foot.
PS, if he's at the Ramada he might like my favorite restaurant nearby, Thai Snack. Go catty corner across the Ramada Junction then down C Ring Road one block on the left. Turn left on Al Nasr St. and Thai Snack is half a block down the street on the left. Wonderful, family run eatery. Beats hotel food any day. And if he's jet-lagged, he can get a massage as well!
Mandi
Fantastic response, thanks heaps.
I agree with Rachela. You should have a competitive NZ salary plus 25% plus housing, transportation, education, medical, tickets home. For one day in Qatar I'd take a taxi up the Corniche to City Center Mall and have a look around. I know, but it really is a "slice of life" in Qatar. Perhaps lunch at City Center then a taxi to the old souk and a walk around followed by dinner there. You'll get a little of the flavor of Doha that way.
Mandi
Thanks heaps for the great response, that is a huge help, and a great summary of salary expectation. Thanks again.
Doha is not really an "explore on foot" city - but from the Ramada he can walk to Jarir Bookshop and get a copy of Marhaba. Keep in mind they are open on a split shift (8:30-12 noon, then 4:00 - 8:00). There are 3 English newspapers, but they are mostly news - nothing especially for expats. He can for sure do a drive around with a taxi, but it will be hard to get a sense of life here, since many expats live on compounds. Not one area in particular to focus on really.
In order for it to be worth it, the package would have to include: furnished villa OR unfurnished with a hefty shipping allowance; family flight tickets annually; transportation allowance for buying a car locally; school fees for once your kids are school age. If all that is covered and the salary is = or higher than what he is getting now, you should be able to save. Hope this helps.