Possible move to Qatar, need lots of help!
Hi everyone, well im new here and am glad I have found this useful site.
My partner is currently studying in Uk (where we live) and there have been lots of job opportunities coming up. there is a chance he will get a job in Qatar. We have 2 children, 6yrs old and 2 yrs old and I am a stay at home mum.
What are the schools like? Is there english schools, private or state schools?
Are there many english people there? Is it easy to mix and make friends, are there toddler groups etc to take kids to?
I would love to give this a go but am worried as been so settled in UK for a long time and daughter settled in school, have lots of friends here and worried I will be on my own when partner at work.
Thanks in advance for your help!
you have a private message!
Oh dear, sounds complicated. We will get married at some point so maybe have to be sooner rather than later!!
Thanks for all that info though!
http://www.qatarliving.com/qatar-forum/forums/couples-who-live-in-qatar
Qatar has specific laws about unmarried people living together. There have been a number of threads on the topic. The problems will arise when a residence permit is applied for. I believe that the authorities need to see an authenticated marriage certificate.
If I am wrong no doubt someone will correct me but it's been like that for a long time.
I know that we had to show our marriage certificate in 1982 and am sure it still applies.
No not married! Will that cause problems then?
Thanks for your replies.
I note that you said "partner". Am I to assume that you are not married? That could cause problems.
npq1 ... the good english school from the top is DESS (always waiting list, and prioritize for British passport holder), Doha College, Park House. Check this link, contains schools in Doha :
http://www.qatarliving.com/schools
State schools usually for Qataris families, most expat goes to schools i mention above.
Loads of British Expats in Doha, you cant get away from them.
If you have kids, especially in toddler age, very easy to mix with other mums / parents. Kids are good way to break the ice.
I ran Mums In Doha group , I do the meets once a month, have a look at this link :
http://www.qatarliving.com/group/mums-in-doha
Another lady call Expat Sueno who recently arriving in Doha too also doing playgroup here and there and everywhere (thumb up for her), I am sure if you PM her you can join to her playgroup.
Another Qatar based website www.expatwomanqatar.com, do have a browse on there.
One thing I like to remind you, dont uproot your kids from the UK until you are sure you can find a school spot in Doha for them.
Shout away if you need to ask anything else.