Doha bound
 

After 2 years in Riyadh we are now coming to Doha.

Other than the perennial school problem the other issue that has raised its head is accommodation. Part of the package was a furnished 4 bed villa on a compound, however now in my latest chat with HR they have flagged up the possibility that they will not have suitable accommodation available and have suggested that I should consider taking the allowance which is 12k and from research I have done that seems to be on the low side for a good compound villa.

My question therefore is are there decent villas to be had for that sort of money and is it normal for companies to not go out and arrange for company villas themselves. It seems to be a bit of a cheap shot.

Other question is about golf. Have played at Doha before but was wondering if there are any expat golf societies that you can join to have a regular game and get to know people.

Re: Doha bound
 

You'll get a good compound villa for 12K and even some stand alones for that price and it's normal for an allowance to be given.You're much better off with the money as you can choose to live in what part of town suits you.

I play the Academy course at Doha golf club as it's just easier to get tee times and you can also play at night which is good with the weather and being at work , it's not cheap though but that's par for the course if you excuse the pun !


It's a nice club but they've just stopped the booze on the course as two local gentleman apparently got rat arsed and had several incidents negotiating themselves back to their abode !

Re: Doha bound
 

I am just looking at Villa's now and have found several being offered at 13k that i have negotiated down to 11 on nice compounds with pool, gym etc. You could probably save the agents fees by just turning up at the compounds and asking security for the landlords number, something I sohould of done. I haven't played the golf course yet but sold a car to the pro there last week so I am expecting a round soon.

Re: Doha bound
 

12k is on the lower limit you need to add 1k for utilities. It is not unusual to be given an allowance.

Re: Doha bound
 

Are you talking about 1K a month as the company has talked about nearer 300/month for utilities.

Re: Doha bound
 

Bigger the villa bigger the cost . Central A.C will cost you more through district cooling , if you want to keep the cost down go for a split A.C villa . I pay no more than 700 QAR a month for utilities for a 4 bedroom villa .

12K will get you a decent compound villa in Qatar . I don't buy that 12K is at the lower end but that all depends on your sense of entitlement .

My advice is have a look around at the areas and everything that is available then make your mind up .

I don't see the point in paying over the odds for rental property in Qatar because the choice can be limited , you really need to jump into the 16,000 - 20,000 bracket to see any real difference and if you're working for an outfit that foots the bill then fine .

12K will get you a 4 bedroom / maids room with all facilities in a pretty new compound in Al Waab

Re: Doha bound
 

If you lived on a compound like Kingdom in Riyadh, be prepared for a bit of a let down...on all fronts.

Re: Doha bound
 

Doha is a let down......

Re: Doha bound
 

After Riyadh there is no way Doha can be a let down.

Better drivers, less roadworks, not as much traffic....

It is all down to perception I suppose.

Re: Doha bound
 

Doha is like Vegas after Riyadh mate !

Re: Doha bound
 

:thumbsup:

Re: Doha bound
 

That's what I thought.....:thumbdown:

Re: Doha bound
 

hell ya.....if you are coming from KSA - then doha is a frigging paradise....on the other hand doha compared to dubai....well there is no comparison.

Re: Doha bound
 

It's a good job that Dubai is not one of my favourite places :D Much prefer Abu Dhabi.

Re: Doha bound
 

:eek::p