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Hi DFers,

I need more first hand informations about Doha, Qatar. I was offered a job there from one of the MNC's, but i didn't accept the offer yet.

Tell me anything about Qatar, the place, social life, night outs, the arab cultures and any experience in general that you've there.

Thanks in advance.

Hi all Helpers, anyone got some tips for ASC???

It's not unlike here, but on a much much smaller scale. Lots of folks I know are moving there cos the salary packages are now much more competitive. Driving is much more erratic and aggressive than the UAE. Qataris are reserved but friendly.
Personally, I think I would go stir crazy - too small and a limited number of things to do. But why not go check it out? Air Arabia do cheap flights.

How are the expats population there? Are non - muslim ladies wearing abaya & shella? What about public transport? Is English widely spoken there?

asc_26 wrote:Hi DFers,
Tell me anything about Qatar, the place, social life, night outs,
Thanks in advance.

Hi Asc, I've been to Qatar more times than i have fingers, I don't mind the place but if you're asking about social life there, the first paragraph of the attached link pretty much sums everything up.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/ ... ?att=44529

rent is expensive there, but other daily necessaties are pretty cheap.

Well I don't think I'll be of much help but I've been twice to Doha already and um, hated it. Granted it was on business but what I saw of that city convinced me never to go there for any reason other than business.

I know that there's one important street which can be considered pretty "neat", with all restaurants, nice buildings etc... But the rest is just bland. Roads are in terrible condition too for some reason. I am sure there must be nice residential areas but if you're looking for a place similar to Dubai, check elsewhere.

asc_26 wrote:How are the expats population there? Are non - muslim ladies wearing abaya & shella? What about public transport? Is English widely spoken there?

Non-muslim women don't have to cover up, but shouldn't dress in a way that might offend. There's a big ex-pat population like there is here. Don't know about public transport - most people I know have their own car or use taxis.
Great quote from the Lonely Planet, sums the place up.......

Thanks Everyone. I appreciate it much.

I think I am not yet ready to move there, though the package they offer is quite tempting. I will stay in UAE for a while then we'll see. I hope opportunities will keep coming since i turned down this one.

Maybe they offer good package there to invite more professionals and make Doha more than Dubai (Macro Perspective).

Happy New Year!

Funnily enough, my husband and I are also debating going to Qatar - as teachers. Both Qatar and Dubai are possibly on the table and we're leading towards Qatar - seems to us to be less brash and not quite as much building going on! But maybe as we're a little older (!!??) we like things a little quieter.

I'd be interested to hear any other views - my brother has worked in both (some years ago) and still travels to Dubai regularly and likes Qatar a lot.

Never been to Qatar, but have been looking at construction statistics of late. The rest of the Middle East is using their oil surpluses to essentially copy what Dubai has done and build to attract foreign investors, as one of the richest states per capita expect a lot of building in Qatar in the coming years!

Friend who was here on visit from Doha at New Year will confirm that the building boom has already started. Also says roads are a mess - roadworks nearly everywhere and a new diversion every day. Sound familiar?

Along this thread .. does anyone know of a forum for Qatar that is as lively and informative as this one? It seems all the expats in Qatar do not like talking!!! Lots of people looking at and reading the posts, but not replying. Why is that?