Doha bound
May 12th 2012, 8:48 pm
#1
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Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Doha
Posts: 320
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.
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.
May 13th 2012, 4:01 am
#2
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Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Dubai
Posts: 4,017
Re: 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 regulargame and get to know people.
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 regulargame and get to know people.
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 !
Last edited by co durham boy; May 13th 2012 at 4:05 am.
May 13th 2012, 6:03 am
#3
Shark Fisherman
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Doha
Posts: 4,568
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 !
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 !
May 13th 2012, 6:17 pm
#4
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 605
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.
May 14th 2012, 3:55 am
#6
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Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Dubai
Posts: 4,017
Re: Doha bound
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
May 14th 2012, 11:38 am
#7
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Joined: Apr 2007
Location: Doha, Qatar
Posts: 2,675
Re: 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.
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.
May 14th 2012, 7:43 pm
#9
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Doha
Posts: 320
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.
Better drivers, less roadworks, not as much traffic....
It is all down to perception I suppose.
May 15th 2012, 11:15 am
#14
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Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Doha
Posts: 320
Re: Doha bound
It's a good job that Dubai is not one of my favourite places 
Much prefer Abu Dhabi.
Much prefer Abu Dhabi.
