Possible move to Doha
 

Hi folks,

I was researching expat life in Doha and found an old thread on here dated 2008 which talked about how awful life in Doha is. It looks like there are quite a few members here living in Doha. It is still as bad as it was in 2008??? I take it that the place has changed quite a bit?

I live in Dubai and I am pretty settled, however hubby has been relocated to Qatar and I have to weigh up if me and the kids will join him or if he will just fly back every weekend. For those with families there, how do you find life? What sort of things do you for entertainment on weekends? Our kids are 2 years old and 3 months old.

Is it true that you cannot employ a live in maid until you have been living in the country for 6 months? What are the alternatives available in the meantime? I will not work initially but would probably want to find a job after a few months and as much as I love my children, I do need a break from them at times! And how could I possibly escape for a brunch without a maid!

Any recommendations for good estate agents? I have seen a few properties that look ok on Dubizzle but would love a personal recommendation if possible. Hubby works in West Bay. Apart from looking around the West Bay area, any other recommendations? Is Al Waab too far to commute? I am not familiar with areas at all.

Is it true that I cannot bring in Duty Free alcohol to Qatar? Don’t want to land myself in trouble on arrival!

I am planning a trip out there this week. Anything in particular that you would recommend I check out?

Thank you!

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Doha is what you make of it like many of the places in the Gulf except for Dubai which for all intents and purposes is western and in some ways is an antithesis of the true nature of living out here.

Don't go near estate agents as what they offer is nothing you can't do yourself for free. No point talking about this is a good compound etc as things are very fluid and you will have to wait until you arrive, unless your husband is getting company accommodation. Around West Bay some very nice properties but they are grossly over priced.

I know there are some restrictions around having a maid, as well as what nationality you can employ.

No alcohol allowed into Qatar although you can legally buy it once you are here.

From the number of people I have known who have lived in Dubai and nowhere else in the Gulf, anywhere else will be a disappointment, but on the plus side it's not that far for a holiday.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Doha is great for families , take yourself from your DXB bubble and have a go . The world doesn't end at Ghantoot ;)

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

No idea if this is true or not - however, and I know that this is incomprehensible, but as I understand it, those without live in maids have to load the washing machine and pick up the socks themselves. ****ing unbelievable I know, but apparently that's how it works out there in the real world.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

I ironed a shirt last night.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

No way! :eek:

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

With a brick ?

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Yes, everyone says it is great for families which is something we will look forward to as both of us have worked our butts off here in Dubai.

Ghantoot ... where on earth is that? :D

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

This is one reason why I don't wear socks! and if my husband does not learn to pick up his own socks, then they can just stay on the floor.

What's this washing machine thing you talk about??

I actually like cleaning ... I find it oddly theraputic. Having a live in maid is much better for the children rather than a different maid from an agency everytime I need one. I've lived for years without one, but with kids now and working full time, it is a necessity for me.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Thanks for all the useful info. Yes, from what I hear, Estate Agents are a waste of time and best to drive around yourself. I will be out at the weekend and we will take a drive around to check out areas etc but do want to be as close as possible to West Bay due to traffic. Husband's salary is all inclusive so we have to find the accommodation ourselves.

I have not visited Doha for quite a few years, so I am looking forward to checking it out.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

I've used the term quite loosely there.

I asked my Mrs to iron it for me.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Durham, usually I agree with you. Not on this one though. Great for families? How?
A. Not enough school places
B. Schools, IF you get a space are horribly overpriced for what they deliver
C. What are the activities geared for families here? The parks? Errmm.....what else is there???
D. What I said for schools is the same for nurseries
E. Driving is HORRIBLE here. You have kids in your car, even worse.

What IS here is Qatar that makes it great for families?


I think this place is much better for people without kids.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

If it was that bad you wouldn't be there....surely?

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Yes, I would be there (in fact, I am) despite that.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

So it can't be that bad then?

It can't be life threatening to your kids to be there, or you wouldn't be there?

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Well, being in the car can very well be life threatening.
What I am saying is this though, Qatar promotes itself as a "family oriented" destination. I am asking what really IS family oriented here?
What makes Qatar different from other places that do not promote themselves as family oriented.
I do seriously not think or see that Qatar has anything special to offer for families.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

I wasn't meaning to be a dick....was just asking.

I've only ever had to do the odd day trip in Qatar.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

That's ok Scamp, no worries :)

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

I was just having a good day becuase i booked 2 flights to go to the U.K so i was feeling generous to the newbie.

As ive just driven back from Wakra to Al Waab i can concur Alexa that this place is a fu**ing grade A dunghole !

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

A down day in Qatar is to reach the lowest of the low.

(Been there, done that, said never again...still went back!)

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

You're right there thats for sure , it's fu**ing dire !

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Wakra to al Waab...ouch....:eek: Not good.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Why are you here, Alexa? You obviously seem to despise the place.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Money , it's why we come here , nothing more nothing less .

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Oh no now im having doubts about our move. where is the positive gang i chatted with a few weeks ago??

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Oh, go for it!I did it 30 years ago, and the bloody place has such an effect on me, I holiday in the ruddy place! Doha ain't Saudi, it's a strange, compelling place! Don't be afraid of it , it's odd, but unless you have a real arse of an employer, other than being bored, it's a nice berth to ship up to!:)

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Thanks. Husband will be working for company he works for now in Uk been with them for years.
I on the other hand will be giving up my job to move over so will need to find something to do to keep me from going mad. try to find work or something.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

You find out here, as you will in the UK that you will cross the paths of people you do nothing but moan and don't have a good thing to say about where they live.

So many people slag off Saudi but have never been there, I loved the place so did the family, but it will not just land in your lap. You have to be more proactive in making friends arranging things to do. Money is why the majority of us are here but from my perspective if I hated it that much I would leave. If you want to remain an expat then find somewhere else to go or go back to the UK. personally would be happy at this time to not return to the UK because of the abysmal state it is in.

Crewegirl come out and try the life, don't later regret that you didn't take the chance and what might have been.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Oh i`m coming and am so so excited. living in a compound with a pool and gym and other facilities and many many new friends to meet.....now theres a life we never have in UK. a pool? a gym? beach,sun, oh i am most definately coming out there.
Life here is getting harder because people just dont have funds or are to scared to spend and companies are closing all the time. add that to the shocking weather we are having......Flight for Paul and Claire.
Life is what you make it and we only get one chance to live.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

You've got the right mental outlook to make it work! Go for it . Good or bad, you'll never regret it:thumbsup:

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

So how do people occupy themselves out here? What would be your typical weekend?

I have been here for a few days now on a visit and my main concern would be what would we do as a family at weekends and would we get bored very quickly?

Apart from nurseries, are there any kids clubs?

Crewegirl - where will you be living? A move from the UK to the ME will be great. Sadly I have been spoilt with life in Dubai where there is never a dull moment!

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

fizzybear....i have no idea where we will live just going to take the advice of others and stay in a serviced apartment until we get to know the area and then travel round looking. ive had some fab advice and for once in my life will take it.
are you moving over to Doha then? when? let me know how you get on.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Oh, look! Somebody actually paid attention to advice given on here! That's very unusual.:thumbup:

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Get yourself on a good compound and you'll find a lot happening within that circle.

You've got to go out and find it in Qatar and you'll have varying degrees of success , somethings are good , some are shite and some are terrible .

Stick your nose out of your door in DXB and there's something going on , stick your nose out of the door in Doha and a Landcruisers wing mirror will probably take it off ;)

I have a good circle of friends but i also travel a lot as you can only do so much here in Doha.

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

Loads of keys in a big bowl?

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

There's a lot of that here mate , it's the fu**ing boredom.....

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

I dread to think

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

I need to get out of doha over the eid weekend (visa run - don't know where to go and don't want to spend any money lol any ideas?

Re: Possible move to Doha
 

I will probably move over around mid to end December. My husband has started working there since 1 October. He has worked out there on several projects over the years so knows it quite well but trying to decide where to live is hard.

Good idea re the serviced apartment. I have all my furniture to move from Dubai so I need to get in to an unfurnished place. There are lots of good serviced apartments. My husband has stayed at Fraser Suites a few times and recommends that. Avoid Ezdan suites - poor value for money.