lanarkwitch

Heard today, looks like it's Doha for us in a months time, I'm sick of AD anyway so strangely looking forward to it.

Has anyone gone from UAE to Doha recently, specifically I'm thinking about moving the furniture and of course the car, as I've heard horror stories about import duties in Doha I'm wondering is it going to be an awful faff to sort it all or should I just sell everything here in AD and start fresh??

I'm a little concerned about night life as well, although I'm not hard to please in that area really, will I be able to count on one hand the amount of bars in Doha?

britexpat76

I did the AD to Doha switch (Via the UK for an op).

Few points, the car has to be less than 5 years old to send it here and yes there is a 5% tax on an imported car (You need a moody sale receipt from AD or they will charge you an extra white tax). You will then need to reregister it here from the AD export plates and make the insurance. In a nutshell sell it and buy again here.

As regards belongings there are plenty of places to furnish a house at a reasonable price, I would only bring essentials or favoured items - But I hold no emotional attachment to pieces of furniture etc.

Doha is a mini AD to me as there was not much to do there, there are plenty of bars here - We have the Irish which is like PJ's there is the Sherezad which is like hemmingways, Trader Vics - Like Trader Vics and some really cool upper end bars in W and other places. There is maybe 10 bars I would visit here - Not to indifferent to Abu Dhabi

lanarkwitch

Great, thanks for the reply, I've been to Doha a couple of times with work but never got further than the office and once to a mall for a coffee, still I can't see it's going to be much different to here really, like you said yourself AD isn't exactly the hub of the universe! A few bars is all I need!

Agreed on the furniture I think we'll just sell it, he can put the important bits in the car if he wants when he's sorting that out, good news on that one as it's only 3 years old now. No doubt it will go smoothly for Mr Lanark, everything else normally does!

mathematist

I shipped 5 cubic metres of stuff frm auh-doh last month. The cheapest and best quote was frm Rajab Cargo, opposite Zayed Gold Souq behind Etihad Airways.

Ask 4 Suppriya. She was mega helpful and I will use them again. Insist on one final price including all customs.

Fizzy_Bear

From what I have seen it does not seem too different to Abu Dhabi.

As for shipping the car and general moving stuff, look at Expat Woman Qatar section. I have seen a few useful posts on there from people that are relocating from Dubai to Doha and there are some recommendations re who to use for shipping the car.

I have heard though that the furniture is not very good in Doha. There is a Home Centre which seems popular. No Ikea til later next year. If you have some nice pieces I would recommend bringing them as you would not get much for selling them second hand.

I got a quote from Euro Movers for a 20ft container, door to door for AED12,500. Seems pretty good but I did not check for comparables as my move will go on hold for now.

dubaiguy2011

I've just moved from UAE to Doha.

I agree with the sentiment re selling the car in the UAE (Dubizzle is your friend) and buying another one here.... I can recommend someone who might be able to help with you finding a decent motor in Doha without selling you a deathtrap and doing you a deal...

In terms of furniture - Doha is pretty limited for furniture, in the same way it's limited for just about everything else. If you've got your worldly possessions then for the sake of a couple of grand sterling, I'd bring your stuff here. Just to be clear, there is FVCK ALL here.

Anything else, drop me a PM.

I lived in Abu Dhabi from 04-06. I must say that Doha is 10years behind AUH even then. But I'm told I will like it eventually.....

busybee2

its alright her plans have now changed she is now looking at going to dubai.....

desert-rat

25k AED in AUH or 28K QAR in DOH. Both with accomodation, all bills, car, fuel, medical etc. Which would you choose?

scrubbedexpat141

flares

AUH

britexpat76

If you drink like a fish AD. If you want to save Qatar, and save the extra 3k. That's an extra 1 1/2 months salary.

lanarkwitch

Actually things have changed again, we now have the offer of staying with the same company and going to Dubai for the same package as now, goin to Doha for a better package or going to Doha, changing company better package and possibly a more senior role.

The only things thats certain is I'm going to need cardboard boxes one way or another!

busybee2

going to dxb will be more money in your pocket as cheaper (although more bars so maybe not!). doha its like Ad was many moons ago, so spends are less, but it depends on the contract sometimes its better sticking with what you know!

fruitbat1970

Send me a message LW if you do go to Doha, my friends here in Kuwait are moving there in the new year, so they, like you, will be looking for new friends.