Qatar
Here at Regent Personnel we like to provide our candidates with as much information as we can regarding the country they are planning to move to, its people, the climate, and safety precautions.
Around 20,000 English nationals live in Qatar and roughly 40,000 visit yearly. The beautifully hot climate creates the ideal weather to be in if you are one who enjoys the sun with an average temperature 30 degrees. Fuel at roughly 30 pence a litre and low taxation shows the lucrative possibilities Qatar has to offer.Situated in the Arabian Inlet, Qatar shares a land fringe with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia toward the south-west and is encompassed by the Middle Eastern ocean. The Global peace index highlights Qatar as one of 30 most peaceful nations on the planet, and the most peaceful in the MENA area.
Doha is situated on the coast of Qatar where in the 18th Century it was used for pearl fishing. Doha’s beautiful scenery and landscape provides much scope for the imagination and coupled with the climate it provides the ultimate expat experience. Doha in Qatar will be one of the cities of Qatar hosting the 2022 world cup allowing further development in infrastructure and local funding making Doha a beautiful city to work in. The total population is approximately 2.4 million.
Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken and understood in business.
Accommodation in Qatar is spacious, the majority of rental properties are located within compounds and these can range from the size of a small village to only a few houses. They often employ their own security services and come with amenities such as, tennis courts, swimming pools, gyms, cafes etc. Expats can rent individual villas as well as serviced or non-serviced apartments.
The population is small and the expat community is tight-knit, friendly and welcoming with many expat clubs and events. One can easily make friends and there are also many ‘moms’ groups and activities for kids in Doha. Furthermore, Doha has a budding nightlife scene and some high-profile restaurants.
Similar to other Gulf countries Qatar has extreme high summer temperatures from June to August, air conditioners are standard, however winters are long and temperate and residents can enjoy many an outdoor activity from October through to April.
Qatar invests a huge amount of money into education as well as science and technology, and many a international institutions have their branches in Doha. The country also recruits top teachers from overseas, and the quality of education in private schools is extremely high. Enrolling children into international schools in Qatar can involve long waiting lists and high fees, this may include additional fees for application, assessment and registration as well as a possible caution deposit. Most private international schools follow an American or British curriculum.
Qatar is fairly liberal, however you should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and ensure that your actions do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs. You must avoid public displays of affection, and women should keep their shoulders and knees covered. It is an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. Alcohol is available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, and expatriates living in Qatar can obtain alcohol on a permit system.
Importing drugs, alcohol, pornography and pork products into Qatar is illegal, you will be scanned at Doha Airport. Penalties for drug offences are severe, often resulting in prison sentences.