Those who relocate to Qatar will experience a modern and independent nation. Located in the Middle, Qatar has beautiful beaches and stunning desert landscape views. People often move to Doha, Qatar, for work with 80% of the population residing in the Doha Metropolitan Area.
Today, it is a busy metropolis with vast skyscrapers. Earlier, it was only a pearl-fishing village in the nineteenth century. Today, job opportunities and an excellent environment are why people move to Doha for a living.
However, you should know a few things before moving to Doha. This article will be your honest guide to what it is like to live there and the pros and cons.
All You Need to Know about Moving to Doha
While the wind quality is not ideal here, you can live a comfortable and happy life here with smart decisions.
Here are some useful things to remember before moving to Doha:
Accommodation
You may find Doha accommodation good, depending on where you choose to move. Regardless of the location, the rents are high, there are limited choices, and houses look alike.
Pro: Spacious and well-built accommodations
The houses are spacious and well-proportioned. The government is constantly building new compounds, apartments and standalone villas. You can choose between furnished or unfurnished accommodation with many budget-fitting options available.
Most villas or apartments have amenities like pools, gyms, cafes, and dry cleaners.
Con: Higher rental fees
After waiting a long time and completing the house hunting process, you may also face high rental demand. In Doha, rents are paid in a lump sum annually or quarterly, which can be challenging for first-timers.
However, most employers usually cover the accommodation fees, offering some relief to new workers.
Lifestyle
Qatar is quite conservative. However, there is still a lot to do here. As a global destination with a growing population, the government is constantly setting up new attractions and recreational sights.
Pro: A welcoming community
Doha has a close-knit community where you can find the most generous and welcoming people. It is easy to make friends here just by starting a conversation with your neighbours.
If you are moving here with family, there are many family-friendly places and activities. There are endless malls, museums, beaches, cultural events, concerts, natural parks, kids’ activities, cycle tracks, resorts, and hotels.
Con: Scorching weather
Extreme hot weather makes the city unbearable for outdoor activities most of the year. During the summer season, many people leave for their home countries, turning metro stations into ghost towns.
However, in contrast to this scorching heat, the winters here are long and mild. You can enjoy exciting nightlife and outdoor events from November to April.
Safety
As a newcomer, you might be concerned about your safety and crime rate in Doha.
Pros: Doha has the lowest crime rate
Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world, with the lowest crime rates. There is no need to worry; all places are heavily guarded, monitored, and trustworthy.
Cons: Doha has some of the worst drivers
Some roads are the most unsafe places in the city. Locals often drive irrationally. Some roads do not have traffic signs, either, increasing the chances of reckless driving and navigation challenges.
As almost all residents choose to drive, the traffic in Doha is no fun either. However, the Doha government is constantly building new, advanced public transport facilities and safer options such as buses and metros.
Working and Business
There are strict rules and regulations for doing business in Doha. Foreign nationals require a valid work visa, a work permit, and a sponsorship from their employer. It is important to learn the business/work visa regulations and adapt to the city’s work culture.
Pro: Higher salaries
Salaries in Doha are relatively higher than in other parts of the country. Highly skilled individuals hold higher designations and lucrative employment perks.
Employment contracts usually cover accommodations, transport, medical, education, flights and insurance. Most importantly, expats with work visas do not pay any taxes, thus saving a lot of money.
Con: Relaxed work culture
The working attitude is too relaxed in Doha and all over Qatar. This includes delayed meetings and timekeeping. The working hours usually range from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
However, it is essential to be patient here and get your things done before noon. Moreover, there might be language issues as English is not the first language in most government organisations.
Cost of Living
Access to affordable and advanced healthcare and attractive salary packages with no tax seems reasonable. However, spending in a different currency is an entirely different experience. It would be best to understand the cost of living in Doha from basic amenities and entertainment.
Pro: Affordable Fuel
Fuel in Qatar is very cheap compared to other countries in the world. This makes driving easy and budget-friendly in Doha.
Con: High living cost
The cost of living in Doha has increased significantly in recent years. Most goods in Qatar are usually imported, adding to the cost of living.
You may find your favourite food items from your home country in Doha, but they come at a higher price. Moreover, general food, household goods, and international brands are also costly in Qatar.
Education
Doha has a high-quality education system. The public schools primarily cater to locals only, while the private international schools follow the American or British curriculum.
Pro: Excellent quality of education
Qatar has invested greatly in its education system, introducing numerous world-class institutions, science and tech parks, incubators, and research centres.
The schools here recruit teachers and professors from all over the world and offer an international curriculum. The career opportunities in education are tremendous.
Con: Limited school space and high tuition fee
The tuition fees in private Doha schools can be pretty expensive. Seats are also rare, and there are lengthy waiting lists. Alternatively, public schools are free, but admission can be particularly difficult for expats because these schools mainly cater to nationals.
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Doha is impressive, with quick and efficient ambulance services and well-trained medical staff. Both public and private hospitals boast the highest quality standards.
Pro: Impressive healthcare insurance
Most individuals are provided with healthcare insurance by most employers. If not, the residents can apply for a Hamad health card that they can use in Hamad Medical Corporation.
Culture Shock
Regardless of how well-aware you are, you will find a few things in Doha frustrating and out of control. The traffic rules can be upsetting, and the long queue formations due to early off timings are also frustrating.
Pro: Different cultural values
Since most people in Doha move from the neighbouring Muslim countries, they can practise Islam freely. Moreover, Qatar strictly adheres to modest dressing. Depending on your personal beliefs, the Islamic environment may be pleasant for most.
Con: Adapting to Islamic culture can be difficult for Non-muslim expats
Although Doha is progressive compared to other Qatari cities, it is pretty conservative, expecting respect from its residents. Hence, people must avoid public displays of affection and dress modestly, avoiding revealing clothes.
The locals here wear the traditional dress: white robes (men) and black abayas (women), covering their faces. They might also not have physical contact with the opposite sex.
All these things should not be taken personally. Expats can freely practise their religion but must respect the Islamic customs and traditions in the country.
Qatar is a small Middle Eastern country with hundreds of job opportunities and a tightly-knit community. However, you must understand a few setbacks of moving to its capital city, Doha, and what life here is like.
You can choose a fast or slow-paced life in Doha depending on your lifestyle preferences. Regardless of how you live, safety, peace, and harmony are guaranteed to make your stay worthwhile.
FAQs
1. Is Moving to Doha a Good Idea?
Doha is among the best places to live and work in the Middle East. The country’s economy is constantly booming with thousands of new career and growth opportunities.
2. Are the People in Doha Friendly with Foreigners?
The communities here are very helpful and friendly. However, they expect respect for their traditions and cultural norms such as modesty in public.
3. How Much is the Expected Pay Scale In Doha for Expats?
The best thing about Qatar is the tax-free pay scale. Depending on their qualifications and skills, expats can expect salaries from 30-60k Qatari Riyals. To lead a comfortable life, the salary ranges from QAR 6000 to 15000 for a single person, depending on lifestyle.
4. What is an Average House Rent in Doha?
The house rents usually depend on your choice of accommodation. The average rent for 1 BHK in downtown Doha can cost around 7000 QAR, whereas 2-3 BHKs can cost 10-11k QAR.
