Living and working in Doha
Housing - General
Housing in Qatar may be different from that to which you have become accustomed and in most cases you will not be able to replicate your current lifestyle in every sense. However, if you focus on the important aspects of location and budget you will find that small inconveniences blend into your new way of life. Property in Qatar can be subdivided into three categories:
- Fully furnished - Equipped with everything - appliances, white goods, kitchen equipment, furnishings, carpets, curtains and often towels and bed linen in some apartments may include housekeeping and cost of running air conditioning.
- Semi furnished - Includes air conditioning and occasionally carpets and curtains
- Unfurnished - No air conditioning, appliances, light fittings or carpeting
The main types of property available for rent are houses within compounds, apartments within developments and fully serviced apartments or independent villas. Compound villas tend to have three or four bedrooms, whereas independent villas, although not having the compound facilities will usually have between three and six bedrooms.
Families will probably opt for a property on a compound where there will be other expats and recreation facilities easily available, making it easier for them to settle in. A stand-alone villa is probably better value for money if you would like a larger house, as you will not be paying for the extra amenities provided on a compound. Singles and couples sometimes opt for an apartment in the city. There are a number of high-rise towers with facilities in central areas.
Pets
Doha's climate is fairly harsh and moving a pet from a cool or temperate climate is something to be carefully considered. The Landlords of many apartment buildings and compounds will not allow animals so, it would be wise to discuss this aspect with Clearview Relocation or the Landlord before deciding on accommodation. If it is important to you or your family to bring your pet then you should employ a pet import specialist to make the move go smoothly.
Boxers, Bulldogs, Rottweiler's, Great Danes and Dobermans are not allowed in Qatar. All cats and dogs must obtain an import permit, a valid health certificate issued by government approved vet at point of origin and vaccination records, to include a rabies vaccination. Any certificate should be dated no earlier than 2 weeks before date of animal's arrival. Qatar has no known cases of rabies.
Business Dress in Qatar
Business dress is conservative for almost all occasions; it is advisable to dress well with a dark business suit and tie. Lightweight fabric is preferable considering the extremely hot climate. Until expatriate men are familiar with their individual workplace's dress code they should keep to these conservative guidelines.
Women have a few more dress restrictions but not nearly as many as in some of Qatar's neighbouring countries. The more liberal attitude in Qatar allows expatriate women to do without the all-covering abaya, however, women should wear a business suit with lower hemlines and have their shoulders and arms covered.
More Information on working or living in Doha
If you would like more information about working or living in Doha, such as: Accommodation Agents, Housing Contracts, Insurance, Conducting Business or anything at all to do with Doha, then Contact Us. We have our own staff in Doha and information guides that will explain everything you need to know.
