Practical info needed

I will be coming to doha to join QP on the 14th of July from Abu Dhabi and my family is expected to follow after 2 weeks. We are interested in a fully furnished 2 bedroom apartment, (villa compound is preferable if there is a 2 br) and our budget is 8000 per month.

The place should also be in close proximity to shopping centres as my wife will be at home and needs to have some place to kill time. She is also coming with my 2 kids, 8 and 3 yrs of age so a kids play area would be good.

We hope you could help us woth our search. Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Kenneth

U wanna find Your dream house, then visit

http://totalqatar.com/Classifieds/CFM_Home.aspx

Olive,

If you'd like to live in The Pearl I have a studio at QR7,000 available, not quite the same size as the one you mention at QR16,000 though!!

Again in Al Khor I can find you something for QR8,500, it all depends on the size.

Please get in touch if you're interested

Kind regards

Craig at Mirage

I did sent you a PM shortly after receiving your advice. . . can you check your inbox please and reply?

Your website is not very helpful at the moment, as there are few listings matching interested areas or suitability.

Please send me a PM if you'd like to talk further.

traffic is bad here.. once during heaviest rush hour it took 40 minutes to cover a distance which can be ccovered in 10-12 minutes in regular time. In the summer time or ramadan, when half of Doha is away for vacation it takes 8-9 minutes to reach my office... during the rest of the year I have to allow at least 25 minutes..

You measure by traffic conditions - it has improved with D-ring road opening. To get to Lusail from the Airport would probably take at least 30 minutes on a "good" day/time. That can easily double with commuter traffic and the attendant accidents. There are dozens of fender benders here each day and while not serious, they are often told by the police to "stay where they are" which means traffic gets jammed up behind them.

Just before schools go in and just after they end for the day are probably the 2 worst times for traffic (during daylight hours).

The office would be in the airport area.

How big is Doha, I mean measured in time? E.g. can you cross the city within 30-45 min from one end to the other end?

Kay F,,,,,there is space in every area here..but i must say as "mirageproperty" said that as u don't have children yet so all you need to do is find a place near ur husband's office...there are tons of compounds here...u will have to exceed a lil bit from this limit of 2500$ for a spacious villa...but i'll still recommend just come her see it urself and then decide which one suits u...all areas a fine but the villas or flats in most of the areas inside doha are expensive and have all the facilities...but as i said getting a driving license and a car ain't a big issue here...Qatar is a small country so no issues ..i can tell u one place its "Ain-khaled compound" ,,,it has villas and flats...nice community with gym,garden,a big grocery shop and a decent place to stay...not too far away from city,,,,,,, u can easily mingle with expat neighbours ... hehe...no they don't live in walled/fenced off compounds...if u can tell where ur husband will work then it will be alot easier to recommend u some specific areas....just keep posting ur questions and queries on QL even after u reach Qatar :)

They may not like dogs but like everywhere in the world there are sickos who think it's a "sport" to watch them fight.

if the people don't like dogs or are afraid of dogs,why scared of dog-theft?

Ya Craig, I just looked at your site. Overpriced much? You can get apartments in the Pearl now for less then 10,000 QR and you're charging 16,000 QR. And 12,000 for villas in Al khor!?! you've got to be kidding me!

Olive, I thank you for that last comment, it warms my heart to know that I work in an industry with such a wonderful reputation!!

Precisely the reason why my staff and I take the time to respond to requests such as this, why we, as a professional agency, do not take a fee from you the client (unlike many other agents), why we have a website that is actually updated with information (a novelty here in Qatar!!)and lastly why, when you call us, we actually answer the phone and, believe it or not, call you back when we say we will!!.

It all adds up to a thing called service!!

Kay F, give us a try or look at feedback from other posts and form your own opinion.

I look forward to being of assistance.

Kind regards once again

Craig at Mirage

I couldn't agree more with MaryCatherine's comments regarding dogs. There have been times we actually wished we hadn't brought our very friendly little terrier with us, for his own sake. His life here cooped up in an apartment is rather boring compared to the freedom he was used to, and unfortunately there are no other dogs in the neighbourhood for him to play and socialise with either. After so many approaches to buy him, we are paranoid that he might get stolen or run up to say hello to someone who is afraid of dogs, so he is NEVER allowed outside unaccompanied or off the lead.

As for dog walking, as others have already said, the public parks are not an option. We go to the nearby public beach occasionally very early in the morning when it is cooler and also less people around. Apart from that, walks at this time of the year are in the early morning and after dark through the construction rubble and piles of rubbish in our local neighbourhood.

There are a number of things that we are glad we brought with us for our dog that you can't get here, especially the indoor "pet loo" (an Australian product, but I believe there are similar products available in the US). Once he learned to use it we have never needed to worry about accidents indoors. The other pet accessory that has been a godsend during the hot summers here is a cool-mat (another Australian product). It is full of crystals which expand when soaked in water and this then stays cool (without being damp) for days on end - perfect for hot panting dogs to lie on for a while after being outside.

Good luck with the move!

Kay F, 9000 QR is FINE for a villa unless you want to live in the congested, traffic filled hell hole that is C-Ring and other main areas. Look at Kharitiyat and a few places more to the outskirts and you'll fine nice villas with large yards for your dogs, and plenty of places to walk with your dog on a leash. And it's usually (unless you're in Abu Hamour or Wakrah) easier to get to work from the outskirts.

Don't listen to Craig, real estate people are notorious con-artists here.

Hi, My name is Craig, I am the MD of Mirage Properties here in Qatar, we're a well established professional real estate agent, offering both our own and other landlords properties for rent.

Over the past year rental prices in Doha have dropped substantially, especially in the Apartment sector, however villas( either stand alone or within a compound), although cheaper than they were, are still leasing for a premium, especially in the more popular areas.

Your budget of $2,500 (QR9,000) would not be sufficient for a villa unless you would consider living on the outskirts of Doha. For this budget you can secure yourself a very nice 2-3 bed apartment on a semi furnished or possibly fully furnished basis. The only issue being your dog, which some landlords will not accept.

The best areas for people to live generally depend on 4 factors, Budget, schools( not presently an issue for you), shopping and lastly but most importantly, work location as rush hour traffic in Doha is frankly horrendous!!

If you let me know where you/your husband will be working I can suggest some options for you, in the meantime feel free to take a look at our website mirageproperty.com.

Regards to your dog, much will depend on its size, many landlords would have no objection to a small dog. Additonally many locals and some of the asian community here, have an in built fear of large dogs. Certain breeds of dog are also illegal here in Qatar, as in many other countries, due to their perceived aggressive nature, so please check.

I hope that helps for now but please feel free to come back to me.

Kind regards

Craig at Mirage

Thanks for all your comments & advice!

vmakunhi, you must be kidding.. i am wondering how 5 of you manage to live in the place for QAR5000, to spend on food + gas QAR 1800 and to call this life comfortable.. and what type of entertainment for family of 5 can fit QAR300 a month? Buying an ice cream to each family member once a week?

Kay, sorry, but not only pet friendly parks but any parks can be found hardly in qatar...

As for accommodation, i am with Mandy. You probably won't find a good villa with the backyard for US$2500 (unless it's out of Doha), but good 2-3 BR apartment for this price might come across.

USD 2500 for a groceries is too much. I would say, around USD 800 would be enough. USD 2500 is good for everything, including groceries, utilities, some outings and some shopping..

welcome to Qatar.

I take my dog to large vacant lots (usually early in the morning for her main "big" walk because it's very hot here and getting hotter every day). We also go to the beach sometimes (the farther you can get outside the city proper you can find beaches that are accessible and if you go early in the morning, few others who might be offended etc.

We do go for walks in our neighbourhood when we can't do our regular runs - the only problems I've had are with people who want to buy my dog. Beware, dog fighting and stealing go on here - I would never leave my dog unattended even in my own garden.

As for one poster saying you can take your dog to the corniche - there are signs stating no dogs in some areas there. Err on the side of caution, especially if your dog (like mine) is not the small cutsy kind. Big dogs may frighten a lot of people here (because of ignorance not experience mostly).

I was assuming your housing was not part of the USD2500 equation - if housing was included in that price - it's going to be problematic to find a nice place plus the utilities and the groceries. Rents have come down, but they are still too expensive IMHO for what you can get elsewhere in the GCC.

Hi Kay and welcome! Our neighbors are almost all Qatari. Keep reading QL and you will find that folks live all over the city regardless of their nationality. Some of the compounds do tend to be expat heavy. Much of the housing is in newer areas so to find nice facilities just avoid the old downtown. $2500 UDS may be a little low for a villa so you may want to explore with your employer what housing they may offer. The West Bay area is popular as is the Al Waab area. Depends on where you work and how much you like demolition derby-style driving!

Mandi

Hey rebel,

Thanks for taking time to reply! Can you recommend certain areas in the city that are nice to live in?

Do most foreigners mingle in local neighbourhoods? Or do they live in walled/fenced off compounds?

Hi marycatherine,

Where do you walk your dog if dogs are not allowed in parks? Is it all right to walk the dog on the streets, pavements?

(I realize these are kinda ridiculous questions, but we're moving from another pet-not-so-friendly country, so just want to be prepared and don't want to offend people by walking our beloved 'dirty' pooches somewhere it shouldn't go. . )

What area of Doha city would be nice to live in? I've done some research online, but can't find relevant info. E.g. is there a particular favorite area?

Thanks for your time replying with your help!

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depends on your lifestyle, and the amount u want to save, for me wih a family of 5, on average on QAR.

food + gas = 1800 / month,

utility = 400 / m

car + petrol = 2200/m

entertainment = 300/m

tel+internet = 800/m

misc QAR1000/m

house rent 5000

Total : US 3000/- this is standard expence reconciliation

i consider my lifestyle is very comfortable, not extra and not rock bottom.

first you arrive here then look for a villa or apartment which suits your requirement...loads of real estate companies are here now...no particular dog parks here :) but you can take your dog out at corniche or beach side...pets are just not allowed in malls and shops....a government hospital is here with gud services but different ppl have difefrent experience with em so u will hear mixed comments...there are few private expensive hospitals and clinics with good services,,,alot of social groups here on QL plus QL members arrange group gatherings and parties so that u can interact with people from different countries and cultures...cooking,salsa,art classes etc etc...everything u will find here...usd 2500 are enough for food but it depends where u eat .... taxi is hard to find here...advance booking is suggested,,, car with a driver is really expensive...its easy to get driving license and a personal car here... petrol is cheap...cheaper then water and just a gps device in ur car..no need for a driver with his private car....hope all the above comments help too :)

usd 2500 amounts 9100 qr, i think that will get u a good place to live, u should search for accomodation on your own by coming here as per your satisfaction,

have seen people carry puppies or dogs around in corniche, so i suppose they are allowed, and i dont think they are frowned upon, atleast i dont :)

usd 2500 are i think sufficient for the groceceries and dinners,

there is a taxi system,karwa,they have a number you can call when u want them,better call them then wait in the sun outside,

Dogs are not allowed in public parks. As long as you keep your dog under control and clean up after it, you shouldn't have many problems other than idiots who will "bark" at the dog (I can't figure that out - my dog already knows how to bark). I haven't heard of a fine for having your dog in your own garden - of course that probably depends on whether your dog barks a lot (and the neighbourhood children may try to get it to bark if they know it's inside the villa wall).

As for finding pet friendly accomodation, get it in writing before you move in - I have lived in the GCC for 10+ years with my dog and it has never been an issue, but getting permission first (in writing) is key before handing over a deposit or rent.

Some places will include utilities in the rent others won't and the cost will depend on the size of your accomodation and how often/long you run the AC and how much water you use if you have a garden.

I'm assuming US2500 is per month = 620/week = QAR2250/week - 5* hotel restaurants can be pricy depending on where you go and what you order. I would say 2250 for both home and eating out (but not splurging

every time would be more than sufficient for 2 people) - but the utility issues are something I can't address.

QL has various social groups, there are cooking classes (usually one offs) at some of the larger hotels, there is a yoga centre and all of the 5* hotels have well equipped gyms, some with indoor tennis courts, etc. Pricy though.

Taxis can be reliable depending on where you live - and notoriously hard to find in some areas. I can't speak to hiring a car/driver other than on a one off basis - to go to the mall and get picked up (depending on distance and the driver - could be as little as 40QAR or as much as 70).

Pet peeves, idiot drivers who don't use their mirrors, don't use their indicators, and who don't maintain their cars (especially their tail lights).