I know I am a little late to this post but I read your comments with interest. Myself and my family have recently relocated to Doha and I wanted to share my experience with you. Since arriving almost three months ago my salary has been reduced in nominal sterling terms by over GBP 2,000. This is purely down to GBP/USD fluctuations.

In the longer term cable rates should appreciate so I think you will see the value of your QR salary improve over the next couple of years in sterling terms, inshallah! Also there is a certain intrasigence here on salaries and I don't believe the negotiations that you and I would expect in the UK really take place here at all. I don't think they are being misleading but if they calculated your salary six months ago in sterling equivalent it could quite possibly have been worth GBP 1,500 per annum more.

One major point of note though - even if you appear to be worse off monetarily this is an illusion, believe me. Apart from the rents everything else here is cheaper than the UK, plus you are not hit for 40% tax so I have no doubt that you are significantly better off than previously.

Hope this helps a little.....