Doha, Qatar Area Overview

About Doha and Qatar

Qatar is a country buzzing with energy, rich in tradition and

bursting with development. It is a country until recently unknown to

many travelers. However, with

the extreme growth, development and modernization of its capital

Doha, Qatar has become more than just a place of transit. It has

turned itself into a modern state for its nationals, a thriving

economy for the expatriates an

exciting tourist destination and the home of the immensely

successful Al Jazeera Satellite News Network.

Located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula, Qatar has a population of about 1.9 million, 70% of which live in the capital of

Doha. Its big expatriate community makes up a major part of the population.

Qatar is an independent, sovereign state, situated half

way down the west coast of The Gulf, and occupies a small

peninsula. Its only land border

is with Saudi Arabia and the rest of its territory is

surrounded by the Gulf. A strait of the Gulf separates

Qatar from the nearby island state of Bahrain. Qatar has

been ruled as an absolute

monarchy by Al Thani family since the mid-19th century. The country is part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which

also includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

All in all, the country is divided into seven baladiyat (municipalities). Aside from Doha, other cities, such as

Mesaieed, Dukhan or Ras Laffan Industrial City, host production and trade facilities for the petrochemical industry. The latter

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offers many job opportunities and is thus one of the main destinations for expats in Qatar. Here, traditional life in Qatar coexists with a globalized economy and modern architecture. While Qatar’s

government invests in up-to-date technologies, it also encourages its people to maintain their cultural heritage.

Expats moving to Qatar will experience an independent and modern nation on

the Arabian Gulf, with beautiful beaches and a breathtaking desert landscape.

Arabian culture and religious tradition are still prevalent in everyday life, offering

most foreigners an interesting contrast to

their home country. There are several fine resorts and beaches strategically

placed along the 565 km (351 mile) coastline to choose from. You won't find

any difficulty in balancing the work-play

environment effectively. There is no shortage of entertainment: shopping,

restaurants, cinemas and bowling alleys. All of this, plus a generous blend of

café’s, nut shops and divine bakeries make Qatar an exciting country to relocate.

More Facts and Information

Population: The growth in population in Qatar

has been phenomenal. In the 1960’s the population was 70,000 and it is now currently

estimated to be over 1,500,000. This number is

predominantly made up of the expat community; of the 1,500,000 only around

350,000 are native Qataris. Approximately 50% of the population resides in Doha.

Language: Arabic is the official and main language, but English is widely spoken in every

part of the country. Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Tagalog, Urdu and Punjabi are the other most

widely spoken languages in Qatar.

The Political System: Expats from Western countries are sometimes surprised to encounter a political

system very different from what they may be familiar with. Qatar is an absolute monarchy. Its power currently lies with the Al Thani family and is passed on to a male heir after consulting all members of the

ruling family. The country’s legal system is based on codes of Islamic and civil law. However, when compared to other Arab countries, expats moving to Qatar will find that their new home is relatively

liberal. A good example is the sale of alcohol, which – although strictly forbidden by Shari’a law – has

been tolerated since 1995, albeit in limited quantities only.

Religion: Islam is the official religion of the country and Shari’a (Islamic) Law is the principal source of legislation and this is applied to family law, inheritance and some criminal acts. The Qatari’s are very

dedicated to upholding tradition and deeply religious and you will hear the call to prayers from every mosque five times a day. During this time many Muslims will stop whatever they are doing to go to the

mosque or kneel to prayer wherever they are.

The Terrain: The terrain in Qatar is generally flat and rocky and covered with sand flats and dunes. However there are a variety of geographical marvels such as exceptionally elevated limestone formations,

coastal salt plains, singing sand dunes. To the southeast lies the spectacular Khor al Adaid ‘The Inland

Sea, an area of rolling sand dunes surrounding an inlet of the Gulf. This is a popular day trip destination and many people camp overnight there too.

Climate: For the most part, Qatar has dry, arid

weather conditions. The coolest months in Qatar

are December, January and February. The high temperatures (touching 50°C or 122°F in July-

August) coupled with a 90% humidity restricts outdoor activities during summer, but there is

still plenty to do within many of Qatar’s well-fitted indoor facilities. The cooler months are

ideal for outdoor activities and to explore Qatar’s

many beaches, parks and dunes.

Clothing: Men and women should dress modestly as a courtesy to both Qataris and Muslims. It is not appropriate to show too much skin in other

public areas. Tops should cover the shoulders and upper arms, and skirts or shorts should fall to or below

the knee. Women are not obliged to cover their hair. Visitors should be thoughtful of their clothing particularly in the Holy Month of Ramadan. The extreme heat and high humidity of summertime means

light-weight fibers are advisable; covering up susceptible parts of your body whilst outside they will also prevent sunburn. Wintertime can be chilly, especially in the evenings, and there is also a chance of rain,

so coats and closed shoes will be useful.

Healthcare: Qatar has a lot to offer in terms of healthcare. It boasts not only one of the most advanced

neonatal care programs in the world but also some of the most advanced medical equipment. There are also many highly qualified specialists in Qatar from all around the world. Medical facilities are being

improved continually and by 2012 Qatar will have increased the number of hospital beds from 1,000 to 2,000 with the opening of several new clinics including Hamad medical city.

Currency: The monetary unit of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which is divided into 100 Dirhams. The exchange rate is linked to the US Dollar at the fixed rate of US$1 = QR3.65. Banks are generally open

from 07:00 to 13:00 Sunday to Thursday. Some banks are open on Friday and Saturday; like the HSBC’s Al Sadd branch at the City Centre and the QNB branches also at the City centre in Doha. ATM’s are

spread throughout Qatar and are easily available. All major credit cards are widely accepted. There are

no exchange controls in Qatar.

Qatari Driver’s Licenses: If you plan on driving in Qatar, you must get an international driving permit which is not allowed until after six months of residency. Once you are considered a permanent

residence, you need to apply directly for a Qatari license. Unfortunately, only nationals of the United Kingdom and a few other countries can avoid taking the practical and written tests for driving in Qatar.

The driving test includes an oral test concerning traffic regulations, reverse parking, straight parking, and

a road test. Your license will be issued immediately after you pass the test. The fee for taking a driving test is 30 QAR. You can find most of the license application forms online in English at the Ministry of

Interior’s Traffic Department, which avoids multiple trips to the actual office. A letter from your sponsor as well as a copy of your sponsor’s ID card is necessary in order to apply for a driver’s license. You will

also need to complete an eyesight exam. The initial driver’s license costs 250 QAR, and must be renewed every five years for the same amount. Driver’s licenses can be renewed online.

Air Transportation

Doha International Airport: The Airport is just 8 km (about 5 miles) from

the city center. Doha Airport is served by 31 international airlines, including

major national carriers such as United

Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, KLM and Emirates, which all operate

regular scheduled flights from Europe, the US, Australia and New Zealand,

among others.

Completed at a cost of almost US$100

million, Doha International Airport now boasts the world’s first terminal dedicated exclusively to the needs of Qatar Airways’ first and business

class passengers. The Premium Terminal is a luxurious and relaxing oasis of comfort for all Qatar Airways customers. It offers a ‘hassle-free’ experience from check-in to departure, with dedicated first and

business class lounges on the first floor featuring separate dining areas with hot and cold food available

throughout the day and night. Other facilities include a duty free shopping area, spa, sauna, massage treatments, children’s play area, conference and meeting rooms, business centre, free internet access,

prayer rooms and a medical centre. The airport has a large duty-free section where departing travelers may purchase alcohol.

Qatar Airways has a network of over 80 international destinations, including London, Manchester, Paris,

Frankfurt, Rome, Johannesburg, Cape Town and New York. Code share partners include Alitalia, British

Midland Airways (bmi), Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways.

Flight Times to Worldwide Cities

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 46 minutes

Jerusalem, Israel 2 hours, 24 minutes Cairo, Egypt 2 hours, 39 minutes

New Delhi, India 3 hours, 20 minutes Athens, Greece 3 hours, 51 minutes

Moscow, Russia 4 hours, 35 minutes

Rome, Italy 5 hours, 10 minutes Prague, Czech Republic 5 hours, 26 minutes

Copenhagen, Denmark 5 hours, 57 minutes Berlin, Germany 5 hours, 40 minutes

Paris, France 6 hours, 25 minutes Beijing, China 7 hours, 58 minutes

Washington DC, U.S. 14 hours, 21 minutes

Area Attractions, Arts and Culture

Qatar has established itself as one of the region’s cultural capitals, hosting major international events.

Qatar is also home to the finest cultural landmarks, some even dating back to thousands of years demonstrating the nation’s rich history and culture. In addition, Qatar has a series of world-class

museums that house some of the world’s finest art collections.

Museum of Islamic Art: The stunning Museum of Islamic Art,

designed by I.M. Pei, famed for his modern wing of the Louvre in Paris, is an icon for art, culture and heritage, housing precious

works from more than 200 years of Islamic civilization.

Mathaf Museum: The Mathaf Museum of Modern Arab Art opened

in Education City in 2010 and hosts regular exhibitions of contemporary art with a permanent collection of regional art and

design.

Qatar National Museum: This is Qatar’s largest national museum

that portrays Qatar’s local history, effectively giving you glimpse into Qatar’s rich traditional past. It was built in 1907 as a residence

for Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al- Thani. In the 1970’s it was restored and used as a museum. Its restoration won the Agha Khan

Award for Renovation Excellence. It displays archaeological relics, a

military exhibition from the ruling family and a beautiful reconstruction of a traditional Bedouin tent. The Museum is situated

on the Corniche close to the perfume bottles round-about.

Katara Cultural Village: Katara Cultural Village is the focal point for arts and culture in Doha and has art galleries, an amphitheater for

opera, drama and concerts performance as well as restaurants and a

beach and water sports facilities.

Qatar National Theater: Inaugurated in 1982, located on the Corniche, this 490 seat theater hosts regularly concerts and plays

organized by the cultural stakeholders of Qatar.

Katara Drama Theatre: With a seating capacity of 430 people, the

Katara Drama Theatre is suitable to host events of all types, including film screenings and other events. With the main stage of the theatre

made to resemble traditional Arabian architecture, the ceiling creates

the feeling of an open-air theatre.

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra: Composed of 101 musicians from 30 countries, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performs regularly to

crowds of music lovers at Katara Cultural Village. The orchestra is instilling music culture locally and internationally, build bridges through the presentation of a unique

combination of Arabic and Western.

Live Music: Western or Asian performers provide live entertainment at Shehrazad, Paloma, Piano

Piano, Habanos Bar, Irish Bar and The Library Bar most evenings from around 8 pm. The

Intercontinental Hotel also holds open air beach concerts and gigs at weekends with international

stars and well known chart music acts. Note that

there are no live music performances during the Holy month of Ramadan in Qatar.

Jazz in Doha: With several bands ranging from

classical jazz, to blues, salsa band, or Brass

quartet, you can listen to them in several hotel bars (the Jazz Club at Oryx Rotana, Piano Piano in Movenpick, Habanos in Ritz-Carlton, Orion in Ramada) and during special events. The world-renowned

Jazz at Lincoln Center is now in Qatar too. You can watch as jazz musicians from the world-over recreate the ambience of the golden era while you sit in front and savor the music and the delectable food and

drinks at the restaurant. They play everyone from Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to all the classic silken-voiced jazz crooners.

Fort Zubarah: A trip to the ancient 18th century Fort Zubarah in the North of the country is a must for visitors wanting to explore Qatar’s historical landmarks.

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum: Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani has built his own

museum at his farm in Al Sheehaniya located 20km west of Doha. This private museum comprises of

more than 15,000 pieces, collected during his worldwide travels. The museum has a varied collection of artifacts including fossils, manuscripts, textiles, weapons, ceramics, woodwork, contemporary art, pre-

and Islamic coins and foreign currency. There is also a section devoted to Qatari and Bedouin heritage, including fishing boats and traditional Qatari houses. The facility also has an attached farm housing more

than 1,000 Arabian onyx, gazelles, and peacocks.

Sports, Outdoor and Scenic Attractions

Spectator Sports: Sport has always played an important role in the

lives of Qatar’s residents and most of Qatar’s sporting venues are open to the public in an effort to encourage residents to adopt a

healthy lifestyle through regular exercise. Fast becoming one of the

world’s leading places to enjoy sports, Qatar has invested US$2.8 billion in infrastructure over the last several years to support athletic

competition. Qatar attracts the biggest sporting events in the world, not least the World Cup 2022, Asian (football) Cup and Asian Games,

to name but three. You will have the opportunity to watch some of

the world’s most exciting sports events in football, tennis, golf, sailing, power-boating, cycling, motor racing, and desert trekking and

many more.

Qatar Sports City - ASPIRE Zone: Qatar is home to the Qatar Sports City - ASPIRE Zone, a world-class complex for athletics,

entertainment, recreation and wellness, where even the English

football team has trained. ASPIRE houses international standard sport stadium, medical facilities, education services and sport academy,

mosque, sports club, retail areas and parklands. Located approximately 8km from Doha’s Central Business District, the complex was designed for the 2006 Asian Games. ASPIRE is also an academy for

sports excellence, to discover and develop sports talents, transforming athletes in world-renowned champions.

Horse and Camel Racing: Qatar has a well-deserved reputation in

horse and camel racing. Known globally for the high quality of its

stunning Arabian thoroughbreds, the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club carries on this long and distinguished tradition with a commitment to

the pure breeding of Arabian horses and the enjoyment and challenge of horse racing. Camel racing, historically known as the ‘sport of

sheikhs’, continues today in the small town of Al Shahaniya, where

Qatar’s main camel racetrack is located. Here, visitors are enticed with a rare opportunity to witness one of the more novel competitive events

in the region.

Participatory Sports: Qatar offers it all: from bowling to cycling, dune-bashing to sand skiing, football and rugby to falconry, swimming

to ice-skating, horse riding to jetski, motor sports to water sports,

snooker to boating on anything from sailboats to traditional dhows to luxury yachts. Then you can kayak, dive or water-ski in the beautifully

clear and clean blue waters off Qatar’s shores. Golfers can challenge their game on the championship courses at the Doha Golf Club or

the Mesaieed Golf Club. Those interested in racquet sports and

other forms of exercise can find what they seek at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex, which boasts 17 courts, a swimming pool and a gymnasium.

Beaches: The Qatar peninsula has beaches

galore with a 563 kilometre (350 miles) - long sandy coastline with numerous small islets, sand

bars and reefs. Enjoy relaxing, swimming, or

any water sports on Qatar’s sparkling shores with their exceptionally clear and clean blue

water.

Parks: Doha is home to many lush green areas

and parks that offer recreation and relaxation. From the perfectly manicured Corniche to the

88 hectare (217 acres) Aspire Park, visitors will find a spot to relax under in the shade of under

trees or by the water, walkways to enjoy or

jogging tracks to burn calories on.

Museum of Islamic Art Park: The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is one of Qatar’s most distinct

landmarks. As you pull into the museum’s parking lot, the adjoining piece of land covered in lushgreen date palms and grass will not fail to entice. The community-friendly park’s neatly lined

concrete walkways will lead you to a play area for children complete with a monkey bars, swings,slides and even trampolines on a sandpit. For those seeking a few contemplative hours away

from the traffic and noise of the city, follow the walkway towards the end of the park. You can

enjoy a stunning view of the Doha skyline reflected on the Arabian Sea while taking in the sights

and sounds of water or the dhows cruising by.

Aspire Park: The park at Aspire Zone

offers not just a space for long walks and

picnics. A large lake with ducks and geeseadd a further touch of nature that visitors

can enjoy with small-scale cafés, and avariety of trees adding to the aesthetic

appeal of the landscape. The park has a

family-only rule. Aspire Park can be a goodgetaway after a long day of shopping at

the neighboring Villaggio and Hyatt Plazamalls. It is also an excellent option for

runners since the park has a 1.6km jogging

track. Dahl Al Hamam Park: Dahl Al Hamam Family Park is located in Madinat Khalifa, Doha adjacent

to the intersection of Al Markhiya Street and Arab League Street. The park has an area of

93,297m2, and is well equipped. Dahl Al Hamam is a family only park. Facilities at the parkinclude sports activity areas for football, basketball and skateboarding, an open air theater, a

children play area which is shaded along with a small open playground, a restaurant and food

court.

Khor Al Adaid Natural Reserves: Also known as the Inland Sea, this breathtakingly beautiful area, surrounded by crescent-shaped sand dunes, is one of Qatar’s finest treasures and a prime tourism asset.

A shallow tidal lake with a narrow outlet to the sea, the many-lobed Khor Al Adaid lies between Qatar and Saudi Arabia and has shores in each country. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are necessary and only

experienced drivers should attempt the journey. Alternatively, local tour operators organise day trips and

overnight camps, providing exhilarating drives along the dunes, with barbecues, entertainment and the opportunity to ride camels or sand ski.

Shopping and Dining

Qatar provides the perfect combination of culinary arts – a diverse collection of international cuisines and the chance to try some

exciting Arabic food. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, the Arab world displays the influence of all three regions in

the number and variety of dishes in its traditional cuisine. Qatar is home to an impressive range of dining experiences - from the finest

international cuisine to grabbing a quick bite on the run. Hotels offer

a broad range of culinary options including restaurants, lounges and cafes as well as most offering a Friday brunch. Many of these

establishments are listed here. Qatari and Middle Eastern Cuisine Plainly grilled or boiled fish from the rich seas around the peninsula

or tender lamb and camel meat from Bedouin flocks were traditional

favorites and are still popular today.

Qatar is a great place for indulging in unlimited ‘retail therapy’. With five levels and over 370 stores, City Center Doha is Doha’s largest

mall. The mall’s location in West Bay along with its proximity to the

Corniche and many commercial buildings in the area attract the

office crowd around the area to its food court and other restaurants. The mall offers almost

everything that people might require – laundry services, an express photo studio, a

grocery store in the form of Carrefour, an ice skating rink, banking services, currency

exchange services, a 14-screen cinema, kiosks

providing government services as well as global gymnasium chain Fitness First.

Villaggio is one of Qatar’s largest malls with over 220 stores including a large food court

with a variety of restaurants and cafés serving

different cuisines. The mall is themed to resemble the city of Venice, completed with a 150-metre long canal and a gondola boat ride. A 13-screen

IMAX cinema shows movies in 3D. Gondolania, a theme park for kids offers rides and games for children of all ages along with an ice rink and Qatar’s first 4D theatre. One of the next busiest malls after City

Center and Villaggio, Landmark Mall is built in the style of a Qatari castle. With many large international stores such as Marks & Spencer, BHS, Carrefour, Zara, H&M, and Virgin Megastore, the mall also has a

large food court, a three-screen cinema as well as CircusLand, a play area for kids, and hairdressers for

kids & men. There are also many other restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines ranging from global fast food chains to independent local restaurants. Maya La Chocolaterie, Wafi Gourmet (Lebanese

cuisine), Pizza Express and TGIFriday’s offer some of the dining options.

Qatar’s local markets, known as souqs, uphold their

world charm retaining the atmosphere and spirit of a bazaar of days gone by. At any time of day, Souq

Waqif is always bustling with people walking around the alleys window-shopping or enjoying their shisha

with friends and family at restaurants. It provides an excellent place for people to gather, shop for

traditional knick-knacks, spices or just enjoy a good

meal. It has a number of boutique hotels located around its premises that are part of the Souq Waqif

Boutique Hotels. There are also stables for horses and camels at the Souq. Restaurants specializing in

cuisines from different parts of the MENA region are

located all along the souq with international cuisines such as Malaysian, French, and Indian. Souq Waqif being an Ooredoo hotspot also allows visitors to log onto the web with free wireless internet. Live

performances and seasonal festivals with street artists and traditional folk troupes make it a one-of-a-kind cultural bazaar in Qatar.

Education

The Ministry of Education and the Supreme Education Council jointly control the education system. The Supreme Education Council, however, is currently more influential and is trying to create a world-class

education system in Qatar. It does this by giving the schools independence to exercise more control over their own affairs.

Expat children tend to attend private international schools in Qatar. Most of them

were established only recently and are located in Doha. Independent schools

welcome the children of expats as well. Currently, there are 137 independent schools

and kindergartens, which offer curricula in

Arabic and English.

Most schools have a waiting list so it’s best to contact the schools well in advance. Schools

accept students at any time of the year

depending on place availability. Requirements for an application to a school

are a passport copy, recent school report, 2 passport photos and an up-to-date immunization card.

Admittance into certain years may require the child to pass an entrance exam; this usually applies to applicants for Year 6 and above. Schools usually like to meet the family prior to admittance. As they may

have a waiting list, it is best to apply as soon as you know you are moving to Qatar. The schools follow

national curriculums from various countries (British, French or American, for example). The exams sat by the children are in accordance with the curriculum which the school follows – GCSEs and A-levels (or

equivalent exams for the various curriculums). The standard of teaching is high, with many extra-curricular activities and facilities available.

The American School of Doha (ASD): The American School of Doha (ASD) was originally founded and operated until 1997 as the American International School (AIS). The school was established in 1988

by Ambassador Joseph Ghougassian to serve the needs of the American community in Qatar. A villa housed the school consisting of only lower elementary classes and a small teaching staff recruited from

the local community. By school year 1989/90, AIS had moved to the Old Rayyan campus, which was a purpose built Arabic school owned by a member of the Qatari ruling family. The school enrollment is

close to 2000 students and close to capacity. The reputation of the school has continued to grow with the

acceptance of students in major colleges and universities, including Harvard, West Point, and Columbia. The student body has also grown in diversity with 79 countries represented in the student body.

Education City: Education City is an initiative of Qatar Foundation for

Education, Science and Community Development. Located on the

outskirts of Doha, Education City covers 14 square kilometers and houses educational facilities from school age to research level and

branch campuses of some of the world's leading universities.

Education City aims to be the center of educational excellence in the

region, instructing students in fields of critical importance to the Gulf Cooperation Council region. It is also conceived of as a forum where

universities share research and forge relationships with businesses and institutions in public and private sectors. Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned

was a driving force behind the foundation and construction of Education City.

Six American universities also have campuses in Qatar, offering different educational programs to Qataris and expats living in Qatar.

These (often co-ed) campuses are located in Education City proper and include Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M University

at Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar), and Northwestern University in Qatar.

Accommodation Types in Qatar

There are various kinds of accommodation in Qatar.

Compound living is highly sought after but there are long waiting

lists. A compound is multiple

homes that often have shared amenities such as a swimming

pool and tennis courts amongst others. This kind of

accommodation is popular in Qatar but also difficult to find as

many good compounds have

waiting lists.

Serviced apartments are also a popular choice for expats. Living in a serviced apartment is almost like living in a hotel in that it is completely furnished, someone will come daily to clean your home and

change the sheets and towels and it is all included in the rental price. Serviced apartments usually have

amenities such as a pool and gym for the resident’s use. The downside is that these apartments are much more expensive than regular apartments.

Living in an apartment is quite the norm in Qatar.

There are many to choose from ranging from studios to penthouse apartments. The buildings can

have amenities such as a swimming pool, gym,

tennis and squash courts. The newer ones often do. Some of the older apartment buildings do not offer

amenities and are hence often less expensive. Furthermore newer buildings will have central air

conditioning, the cost of which is often included in

the rent price. If it is not included it can be quite pricey, so always ask. Older apartments will have

single air conditioning units which are less expensive but quite noisy. Apartments are great for families,

couples and singles and are usually large enough.

Villa living is more often associated with compounds and gated communities. It is great for families as

most villas are spacious and come with a large garden. However, villa living can be lonely should you choose to live in a villa outside a compound as the neighbors will be a bit further away. Most independent

villas are owned by Qatari nationals and are rented directly from the landlord. Sharing villas is a popular concept among expatriates in Doha and is done often among single expatriates.

Doha Residential Areas

Al Sadd: This is quite a busy commercial area with plenty of shops, cafes, juice bars and local businesses. It is probably more suited to single people or couples with no kids. It has very limited parking

so traffic tends to often jam up especially on Al Mirqab Street. It is mainly apartment living here with a couple of older compounds and you would expect to pay roughly around 8000-9000QR per month for a

two bedroom apartment.

Al Wabb: This is probably one of the most popular areas with families as it is close to Villaggio Mall and

Aspire Park and has some schools and nurseries close by. There are lots of compounds in this area and some standalone villas also. The new Al Wabb City development is still under construction but it is

planned to be a city within a city and will have shops, restaurants, parks and accommodations when

completed. Most compound villas in the Al Wabb area are roughly between 14,000 – 18,000QR per month for a 3 or 4 bedroom villa on a compound with facilities.

Madinat Khalifa: This is becoming a popular area with families. It is close to Landmark Mall with a

Carrefour and also the new Lulu Hypermarket. It also has lots of cheap useful shops close by on Khalifa Street. There are a lot of schools in the area such as Compass School, Doha English Speaking School

(DESS), The Canadian School and International school of London plus kindergartens such as Starfish

Lane. There is a mix of standalone villas and compounds including Riviera Gardens which is a very popular and sought after compound. You would expect to pay roughly around 12,000QR unfurnished per

month for a three bedroom villa.

Abu Hamour/Mamoura/Ain Khalid: This is a popular residential area due to the number of new

compounds and stand alone villas being built and it is slightly cheaper than other parts of town. It is close to several schools such as Park House English School, Al Jazeera Academy, Doha British School and also

Doha College. There are also lots of Nurseries/Kindergartens in the area. It is very close to Fish and Vegetable markets as well as the Plant Souqs. Safari Mall is close by as well as a newly opened Carrefour

on Mesaimeer Road. Compound living is the main option here and you can get a 4 bedroom villa unfurnished from 10,000QR per month.

The Pearl: This is one of the most talked about areas of Doha. It covers 985 acres of

reclaimed land to the north of the Corniche. The developers are hoping this will become the

Riviera of the Middle East. Residents have top

brand shops on hand as well as a selection of restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s Maze.

Residential prices are a little higher here and it is definitely a place for couples and single

people. Apartments can be found from

12,000QR upwards and a three bedroom townhouse has been advertised from

25,000QR per month. There are plans for primary and secondary schools to be built but at the moment the closest is in West Bay such as Newton

School.

West Bay: West Bay Lagoon has a variety of lifestyle options from high rise apartments to luxurious

waterside villas. Traffic at the moment is quite light but they are expecting it to get busier once the Pearl opens fully. City Centre Doha is close by with a Carrefour hypermarket inside as well as a new Carrefour

Market in Lagoon Plaza underneath the Zig Zag Towers. A lot of the five star hotels are in this area also such as the Ritz Carlton, The Grand Hyatt, W Hotel, Hilton, Four Seasons to name a few. Newton School

is close by as well as quite a few nurseries and kindergartens. A fully furnished apartment in the Zig Zag towers will be around 9000QR per month for a 2 bedroom and a standalone villa on the lagoon can set

you back up to 25,000QR per month.

Economy

Expats often find work in the petrochemical

industries, as well as the gas and petroleum sector. After all, revenues from oil and gas

account for more than 50% of its GDP and

make it the country with the highest per capita income in the world. The government

is trying to invest in non-energy sectors too. However, with its vast oil reserves, it can

continue its usage and export for decades to come at its current speed, creating and

maintaining work opportunities for expats

moving to Qatar.

Oil and gas will certainly remain the focus of Qatar’s economy for years to come however Qatar has had the foresight to look beyond

its reserves to a more diversified future. They have recognised the

importance of education and are currently developing Education City. The Emir’s second wife, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint

Nasser Al-Missned has been integral in developing education within Qatar, she is chair of the Qatar Foundation and a board member of

Qatar’s Supreme Education Council. Qatar has also founded the Qatar Science and Technology Park in order to attract technology based

companies from within and outside Qatar.

Since 2000, the tourism sector has grown significantly, supported by

the Tourism Authority. Many expats have found an occupation which allows them to enjoy the country’s beautiful beaches, subtropical

climate, and desert landscape. The FIFA World Cup 2022 will trigger

additional developments in the tourism industry, giving expats and Qatari nationals further employment opportunities.