Yesterday we introduced you to the concept of living and working in Qatar, and explained how this Middle Eastern state is poised to steal all of Dubai’s thunder, and more importantly perhaps, why it has learned from Dubai’s mistakes and is instead focused on sustainability for the long-term in terms of its economic strength.
If you’re looking for a well-paying job in an exceedingly affluent location, where tax-free salaries are a reality and where the lifestyle is fabulous, Qatar is most certainly a location you should be considering. The state is spending billions on positive developments to its infrastructure and offerings, and with the second lowest unemployment rate in the world, it’s an emirate crying out for skilled foreign workers.
However, because Qatar is less well known than many expat-popular destinations, we thought we should bring you an A to Z of expatriate life in Qatar so that you can make sure it’s right for you. Read on to learn about everything from alcohol to visas and from Qatar’s beaches to getting an X-ray in Doha! In part one we go from A – E.
A
Expats and alcohol go together like a horse and carriage – invariably! However, in Muslim and Middle Eastern states and countries the laws relating to alcohol consumption differ. In Qatar you can buy alcohol – but only if you have a license to do so, and only if you buy it from the Qatar Distribution Center.
The amount you can spend on alcohol is limited based on a percentage of your monthly income, and you have to have a letter from your employer to get a license. The Center is closed on Fridays and for Ramadan.
B
From BNP Paribas to HSBC, many international banks have a presence in Qatar, and most have a network of ATMs (cash points) around the state. Once you’re a resident in Qatar you can open a local account if you so choose.
The paperwork you will need differs depending on the bank and the account type you want. Generally however you will need proof of ID and residency to get a basic account set up.
Approach the bank you prefer to ask for their specific requirements.
In terms of B being for beaches – as Qatar is a peninsula it has plenty of beautiful beaches in abundance. Many of the public beaches are stony/rocky so wear dive shoes so that you can get in and out of the water easily.
In time Qatar will probably make more of its natural assets, but to date most beaches have no facilities at all – unless you use the hotel’s ‘private’ beaches and pay a premium to use their umbrellas/sun beds and so on.
If you do venture out and about exploring in the heat of the summer, go with others and take two vehicles because you cannot underestimate the power of the sunshine and the intensity of the heat – and you don’t want to get caught out if you have a puncture or something. Take plenty of water, always, always wear sunscreen and keep sensibly covered up as the sun is intense.
Topless bathing/inappropriate dress is not acceptable on public beaches – remember you’re in a Muslim nation and be respectful.
C
You can go camel racing in Qatar – it’s actually a spectator sport, you can’t ride and race them yourself!
If you want to acquire a car (you probably will!), you can rent, lease or purchase using your own cash or bank finance. New and used cars can be bought via dealers, and there is actually a used car souk – but you’ll need to brush up on your Arabic if you want to haggle and negotiate a deal there.
Car prices aren’t significantly lower than in the UK – but fuel prices are much more friendly…and you can seemingly get your car washed and valeted everywhere too for very competitive prices. This is something you’ll want to do as the sand and dust gets everywhere in your car and makes it look filthy quite quickly!
Cleaners and household staff are very affordable in Qatar, and it is quite common for households to employ a housekeeper who cleans, does any washing and ironing and maybe even cooks too. Personally we would suggest that you treat your staff well – some expats and locals alike don’t tend to – but why should anyone be treated with disrespect just because they are an employee working in your home?
When it comes to clothing and dress in Qatar there are a few points worth noting. Firstly, women need to dress respectfully with the local culture in mind – so, cover your shoulders and ensure your skirts and shorts are below your knee in length. Whilst children are usually accepted if they’re wearing short shorts or shorter skirts, it’s not acceptable for anyone beyond their teenage years.
If you don’t want to draw any attention to yourself as a woman you will actually make sure your shoulders, arms and legs are fully covered when outside the home. Men may also want to avoid wearing shorts and short sleeve shirts in any formal setting…with the likes of a long sleeve shirt, trousers and tie acceptable office attire.
You can shop until you drop in Doha, so don’t worry about having to pack an entire wardrobe before you expatriate – but if you’re a plus size, have larger feet or you’re very tall, your choices may be limited. Having said that, you can find tailors who will make clothes to your specifications, requirements and size.
If you want to join clubs in Qatar to meet people and make friends, there are plenty to choose from – from expat specific ones to special interest clubs or sports clubs. Do a Google search before you go, hop on a forum, or just ask around once you’re living and working in Qatar to find out what’s happening in any one month.
A quick word on customs and culture - you should read up on what is accepted and what is expected of you, and take direction from your colleagues. You need to know that it is usual to accept offers of any refreshments when at a host’s home, to eat and drink using your right hand only. Do not show the soles of your feet (so keep legs uncrossed and your feet no the ground) when in local company.
If you’re invited to a local person’s home you should accept the invitation if you can, as not only is it impolite to refuse, it will give you a chance to learn a great deal more about your host nation and its people if you attend.
Do not enter into discussion about politics, religion or ‘do down’ Qatar, and you will be considered ‘odd’ if you attempt to run down your old home country too. Whilst we Brits are happy to whinge about the UK, don’t do it when in Qatar (unless you’re among other Brits only!).
It’s usual for you to remove your shoes when in another person’s home (make sure your feet are clear and/or you have good socks on!!) – and men and women may be entertained separately. Finally, read up and learn about the local religion and customs so that you can ensure you behave within accepted limits and boundaries when living and working in Qatar.
D
Driving in Qatar takes nerves! Although many say being a passenger is far scarier. Speeds are fast and you should always watch what the guy in front of you is doing as they do tend to break hard for no apparent reason!
If you have even a minor crash, call the police (999) because your insurance will not cover you if you have not called them, they have not attended or supplied you with an official accident report. No matter how much traffic you’re holding up, don’t move your car until the police come.
Don’t ever run the risk of running a red light – fines are large! Don’t ever drink and drive (not even one glass) the punishments are frightening…and be a courteous yet defensive driver.
You will need to get a local driving license when living in Qatar if you intend to drive regularly. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to get…oh and all speeds are in kilometres per hour not miles per hour!
E
E is for electricity...you can get plug converters easily and cheaply in all supermarkets and you’ll probably need loads, because even if you buy all your electrical equipment locally, it doesn’t always come with the right plug!
The electricity supply is 220v and sockets are three rectangular pins in a triangle shape. If you bring an item from home that is not compatible and you need a current converter you can also buy them locally.
Unlike in the UK where we may only have a few switches in the kitchen for the likes of the dishwasher and washing machine, everything from a water heater to a water pump has a switch on your wall in Qatar, and working out what switch is for what can take a while! It’s important you know what does what as some switches should be left on (e.g., your water pump probably) and others certainly should not (a water heater is not needed for most of the year for example!).
On Monday we will continue with our A to Z of living and working in Qatar for expats - http://www.shelteroffshore.com/index.php/living/more/a-z-expatriate-life-qatar-2-10942 and http://www.shelteroffshore.com/index.php/living/more/a-z-expatriate-life-in-qatar-3-10943