I am also Canadian and arrived here about 3 months ago, but have the advantage of previous ME experience in Saudi. Have you been in the ME before (if not, then some sort of culture shock has to be expected). This involves the resistance to change, etc.. Are you coming single or with a young family (that can be a different thing altogether as schooling can be very difficult to secure a space in...so I am told...I am past that part of my life already)?
The benefits you are mentioning are pretty standard fare for most western expats.
You can lease or buy a car here. The decision to do one or the other may be based on the length of your contract and whether there may be any issue with your probation period (from their side or yours). This is a big issue and somewhat based on personal preferance and comfort level.
Housing can vary from an apartment, Duplex, or villa, in or out of a compound environment. For Doha, I don't have a good feel yet for the quality of housing that other expats have ended up in. Sorry!
Your employer can arrange for an agency inside the airport to basically "hold your hand" through the arrival process, and I would highly recommend that they do this (It will cost them about $40, but it's worth not having to hassle with the whole immigration thing...you just sit in their lounge, and they come back with your passport with the visa put in and stamped...done. They will then take you out to the arrivals lobby area, where your employer should have arranged a company rep. to meet you and take you to your accomodations. I can't remember the name of this firm, but it is something like Al-Manal or Al-Manah...I can find out more if you like.
This is a little long for QL, so if you want more from my point of view, send me an email on this QL link.
I am also Canadian and arrived here about 3 months ago, but have the advantage of previous ME experience in Saudi. Have you been in the ME before (if not, then some sort of culture shock has to be expected). This involves the resistance to change, etc.. Are you coming single or with a young family (that can be a different thing altogether as schooling can be very difficult to secure a space in...so I am told...I am past that part of my life already)?
The benefits you are mentioning are pretty standard fare for most western expats.
You can lease or buy a car here. The decision to do one or the other may be based on the length of your contract and whether there may be any issue with your probation period (from their side or yours). This is a big issue and somewhat based on personal preferance and comfort level.
Housing can vary from an apartment, Duplex, or villa, in or out of a compound environment. For Doha, I don't have a good feel yet for the quality of housing that other expats have ended up in. Sorry!
Your employer can arrange for an agency inside the airport to basically "hold your hand" through the arrival process, and I would highly recommend that they do this (It will cost them about $40, but it's worth not having to hassle with the whole immigration thing...you just sit in their lounge, and they come back with your passport with the visa put in and stamped...done. They will then take you out to the arrivals lobby area, where your employer should have arranged a company rep. to meet you and take you to your accomodations. I can't remember the name of this firm, but it is something like Al-Manal or Al-Manah...I can find out more if you like.
This is a little long for QL, so if you want more from my point of view, send me an email on this QL link.