Does anyone have any experience living/working in Qatar? Wife and I are looking for one last adventure while our kid is young. Any thoughts on areas to live or anything that comes to mind based on your experiences there. thanks in advance.
I wouldn't help support that inhumane society and culture. Would you like to work for a slave driver? You'd be like Brad Pitt on 12 years a slave right?
My cousin works there for a few years now. We had dinner a couple of months ago. I asked about how was life there. His replies were: It's an open city and is catching up with Dubai. For now, Dubai is the best city there. They are "biased" towards family. What he meant was that in some days, there are places where only people with a family can enter. Also, restaurants give priority to families rather than single ones. I'm not really sure about the type of work there. We were mainly conversing about banking, telecommunications, and oil (maybe these are the 3 biggest industries there). Qatar has a lot of holidays. During Ramadan, they have long vacations (weeks I believe) and work hours are very short. That's what I can think of for now.
About 4000 slave workers will die building stadiums by the time the World Cup in Qatar begin. If you enjoy being a slave driver then by all means, op. I suggest you look up outside the lines or real sports w/Bryant gumble pieces on Qatar.
I went there a few years ago. Nice city, really developing. Make sure the company pays for your Villa/Apartment, as that will be a big chunk of your paycheck. Also make sure they pay for education (Because if you do decide to stay longer, you will be gouged when sending that kid to school) They have quite a few American schools, I checked out the DeBakey Highschool which was run by teachers from Houston; It was really nice, and the administration seemed pretty good. Try to live in the Pearl area if you want to have a really exquisite "Dubai" type high-rise living. but I think you will be quite far from the actual city and other activities. If you want something more family based around other families, check out the area next to the large mall/Carrefore (I forget the name of the mall, but I think its where there was a fire a few years ago) The city did seem boring compared to Dubai, but overall I would rather move to Qatar if I had the chance.
I've been to Doha a couple of times. Last time was about 7 years ago. It has a serious case of Dubai-envy. Very boring at the time but surely it's better now. Just remember this: If you ever get into a car accident, better hope it's with an Indian and not a Qatari. Doesn't matter who is in the wrong. You can be stopped at a light and if a Qatari runs into you, it's all your fault. Don't even argue.
Nice city, I was there a few years ago. I loved in Saudi for almost 20 years, and my sister and brother in law more live in Dubai. The middle east bay become a home away from home for me. It's obsessed with Dubai, like they said.... Suffers from Dubai envy.
Do you put Gas in your car? Sorry to break it to you but if you have, you've been supporting their cause for a long time :grin: Little insight I work for oil/gas and every single oil majors on this planet works in some form or fashion with those industries in the middle east.
I Wouldn't be working for a slaver and yes I put gasoline in my car but I make an effort not to drive if I don't have too.
After reading about the slavery-type conditions and restrictions on workers even LEAVING if they want to, there is no way in hell I would ever step foot in that country.
I've been to Doha three times. No need to hire a driver, I rented a car and drove each time and was fine. No way I'd ever want to live there, though. The weather is terrible and all anyone does for fun is go to the mall. Now that I think of it, sounds sort of like Houston. :grin: I suppose if you're earning tax-free income and all of your expenses (including housing) are paid for, it could be worth it simply for the financial gain.
I lived there for two years a decade ago. It was fine and comfortable for Americans with families and have only become more so as far as I know. Lots of Texans/Houstonians there (from the oil industry). Most of the population in the country are expats from everywhere from India to Lebanon to Europe and the U.S. The leaders of the country (at least some of them) are trying to modernize (getting foreign universities to set up campuses there, for example) but changing the mentality of the populace (old prejudices against and the appalling treatment of some workers from poorer countries) is not as east as just passing a law. It's also a good opportunity to visit places around the region-- my favorite was a trip to Syria (well before the civil war started). Anyhow, it's worth trying out if you are open to experiencing something different. As far as where to live-- you don't really have a choice. There is basically only one main city where most people (and almost all the Westerners) work and live in-- Doha. The country is just TINY.
lived there and the other middle east cities for a few years. if i never went, i'd go just for the experience, besides the money. now that i've been, i wouldn't go back unless its for alot of money. but i'm glad i went.
