Qatar has been my second home since 2010. At the age of 21, I traveled to this country thousands of miles away from where I grew up with a clear and simple dream; to have our own house, to get experience and for my future.
Situated in the Middle East Gulf Region and bordered by Saudi Arabia, Qatar is economically wealthy. The rapid growth of its capital, Doha, over a short period of time has transformed its physical, social, cultural and demographic status.
It feels like in a short time-span, I have adopted my life as an expat.
The everyday life in Qatar is somehow the same as if you are in your home country except that you’re an expat. During the work week (Sunday-Thursday), my days are spent at the office while weekends are spent meeting up with friends, grocery shopping, exploring Qatar, or simply relaxing at home.
Some people from the other country especially those who do not really know Qatar is that this country doesn’t have PUB or doesn’t serve alcohol. Well, expats need a license to purchase beer for home consumption. Most hotels have lounges and nightclubs.
The dress code is conservative, but as time goes by, Qatar is starting to be a little bit open, asking permission before taking photos of women and children, no shaking hands with local women.
Holidays:
Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr last approximately a week each. It therefore allows working expats to take a quick trip home or visit nearby countries without having to use up our annual leave.
At this point in time, the job market for expat in Qatar is rather challenging especially after the blockade by neighbouring countries in June 2017. The transportation is in the form of buses, taxis, Uber and its equivalent, Careem. Metro has finally became operational on May 2019. Cars are relatively inexpensive but getting your driving license is not easy.
Cost of living is relative and a matter of choice. One can get simple loaf of bread which costs about QAR5 ($1.40) or choose a gourmet loaf for QAR20 ($5.50). Essential foodstuff are price-controlled especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
I had a moment where I almost felt like leaving Qatar when my Employer for five years offered me to transfer to another department but I declined despite of his good offer. So he threatened me that if I didn't accept he will send me back to my country and I said fine go ahead give me all my papers. I stand to my beliefs that it is my right to say no when it is wrong. The other day good news came, someone took the position and I stayed in the company for another two more years.
Useful tips for soon-to-be expatriates in Qatar:
Read your terms and conditions of employment very carefully, join your local community forums and ask as many questions as you can, form a support group.