I took a job in Qatar early 2006. I was unable to find enough reliable information about the general situation in Qatar before we arrived, and I found myself (and my family) in a sticky situation. Cost of house rentals was going through the roof back then, the company would not recognise that their allowance was not enough and I had no choice but to pay the difference. Same story with purchase of 4X4. My department was controlled by the Indy Mafia, so forget about any professionalism, integrity or job satisfaction. I gave the job my best shot (and caused some serious waves on occasion!) but I was obviously wasting my time, there was no money to be made and we left after two years. Apart from anything else I could not take the bull anymore. Since then I've had some very good job offers in Qatar, but I am unable to take them because of the two year ban. So anyone thinking of taking a job in Qatar take note, do your research and agree terms in writing before you arrive. If you don't you are going to get conned.

"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than have a frontal lobotomy". (Anon)