Some advice re Doha
 

We are almost there... some questions however - could someone help (with sensible answers!!!)

- if we arrive early August, just before the end of Ramadan and the week's public holiday are we likely to be in a mess with regards getting a PR issued, and therefore our contract, and therefore... quite key - getting paid!?!?

Secondly - packers/removal ... we had our "banned" list from the removal firm come through today - such items as religious objects, inappropriate movies, music, books etc etc etc... how far does this go? for instance

1. We have some old family bibles that have been handed down through the ranks - are these likely to get confiscated?
2. Our collection of "Quentin Tarantino" type films???
3. Eclectic music - rap such as "Eminem", some weird indie punk stuff, then there's the "pulp fiction" soundtrack with "parental advisory" sticker on the front.
4. "mucky books" such as your Jackie Collins and the infamous "50 shades of Grey"....??

We've got rid of the fluffy handcuffs and leather gear - but anything else we should be wary of????

Thanks guys

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

Ramadan finishes around the 18th/19th Aug then the Eid kicks in, you really won't get anything done in this time. Nobody works very much, especially towards the end of Ramadan!
Bring some spare cash with you to tied you over.
I don't know about the rest of it for Doha, but all of the above would be ok bringing in to Dubai.

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

You'll be fine with what you have to bring shipping wise . Most things in Ramadan are at half pace meaning that there's not much you can do to push anything along just make sure you have cash and credit cards to see you over . If your PRO can submit documents early in the morning then things will get moving , governmental departments will be finished by 11.30 am but you can still get stuff done . Expect everything to take twice or three times as long as it's Ramadan .

It's very quiet here at the moment so it will be ideal for you to get round the city and get your bearings as most people have fled and escaped for the summer . Us lunatics that stay quite like it as it's a respite to the usual craziness of Doha .

Just go with the flow when you get here as you can't do anything else to influence , it will seem like madness but you'll be fine .

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

You don't need an RP to get paid, I managed just fine when I arrived on a Business Visa. First month I was paid cash, then a Bank Account was opened for me before my RP came through.

Remember that Qatar is alcohol free during Ramadan, even the hotels are dry. They treat this matter very seriously and usually make a harsh example of someone each year, usually a Western expat caught selling booze. Usual script: jailed, beaten, threatened with a firing squad, fined heavily then deported (not necessarily in that order).

No pork products either.

[J]

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

Forgot to mention about Ramadan:

They are also strict about not eating, smoking or drinking during daylight hours. I thing smoking is banned too.

You need to be extremely careful on the roads, since most people that are driving have low blood sugar and are agitated. You'll see a lot of minor bumps, lots more than usual, and some spectacular crashes. I'm serious on this point, take care on the roads and avoid sunset.

[J]

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

so being totally naive here - does that mean that restaurants/cafes within the western hotels/areas (the Pearl) etc are closed during daylight hours?

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

Rubbish

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

Most places will be shut during the day , you'll be able to get food in some of the hotels during lunchtime in selected areas which are cordoned off from the hungry prying eyes .

Just be aware of where you are when you're out in public during the daytime and obviously tailor everything to suit.

You'll be fine , this city is as dead as a door nail at the moment , it takes me 15mins to get to work instead of the usual 45mins .

Just be sensible and you'll be fine

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

another silly question then... assuming the malls are open, are the supermarkets open too??

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

Yes

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

From about 7.30am until around lunchtime then open again around 4.pm until 11 / 12 midnight

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

What, all of it?

Accepted there was an element of satire regarding the Firing Squad, but topical none the lest after the AD sentence last week handed down to an expat caught selling 1 oz of canabis.

Here's a quick web-rip of another site's advice re. alcohol in Qatar:

"Smoking / alcohol / drugs

Alcohol consumption in Qatar involves several restrictions. Luxury hotels can sell alcohol to their adult non-Muslim customers. However, expatriates will have to obtain a permit to purchase alcohol for personal consumption. To obtain a permit, a letter from employer, signed and stamped by authorized person in the company, stating your position, basic pay, accommodation, religious affiliation, marital status, valid passport, residence permit and a deposit are required.

The Qatar Distribution Company is permitted to import alcohol, and operates the only liquor stores in the country. Alcohol can also be purchased on-premises of certain clubs and hotels. Drunken driving, public intoxication and other alcohol-related offenses are taken seriously and can result in imprisonment, fines, or even deportation...".

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

All Gulf countries follow the same diatribe mate , my point is if you're sensible there's never any problem even during Ramadan .

It's the same shite just different headed paper.

Re: Some advice re Doha
 

You need to make friends with someone quick and they will make sure you have a drink before Ramadan finishes. Most of us stockpile enough to supply a small army during Ramadan and the social scene moves from restaurants/bars to Villa's/Apartments....