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Social Life in Doha
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james van cleave



Joined: 25 May 2005
Posts: 59

PostPosted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 7:21 pm    Post subject: Social Life in Doha Reply with quote

Can anyone give me the scoop on ex-pat like in Qatar? I know it's not Dubai...and I hope it's not Saudi. Any and all information will be greatly appreciated.
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GulfProf



Joined: 13 Oct 2007
Posts: 26
Location: Kuwait

PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I second that question. I'm applying to two jobs in the UAE and two in Qatar. If down the road I'm lucky enough to be in a position to be choosing between two equally interesting jobs, I'd like to be informed on the social scene in each locale. I've heard good and bad about Qatar and would like to hear more so that I know which direction the scale tips....
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moralleader1



Joined: 15 Oct 2007
Posts: 69
Location: USA

PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:12 am    Post subject: OK Reply with quote

If you are looking for social life, go to the UAE and put Qatar at the bottom of the list right before Cambodia or Laos, and if you want to spend most of your time at home and work, then Doha would be your best choice.

It is easy to decide, isn't it?
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GulfProf



Joined: 13 Oct 2007
Posts: 26
Location: Kuwait

PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 6:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm in Kuwait and the original poster is in Saudi. How does Qatar compare to these two places?
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QatarChic



Joined: 06 May 2005
Posts: 445
Location: Qatar

PostPosted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think everthing is what you make of it. The social scene in Doha is improving, it's not Dubai but it is not as bad as some people make it out to be. There are plenty of places to eat out, several bars/pubs, you have several cinemas showing lots of movies- but doesn't include a lot of international cinema. There are also lots of opportunities to go camping in the desert. There are different groups and associations that you could join; scuba diving, sailing, rugby, natural history group, Spanish speaking, salsa....etc.....
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veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd say that life in Qatar is like life in Kuwait. It is smaller than Kuwait with the same problem of a limited number of expats that you quickly begin to recognize as you see them everywhere you go. It is not as scrubby looking as most of Kuwait City, but it has the same problem of having not much to offer outside the city. There is not an Al-Ain or a Muscat or a Musandum just up the road a piece for an interesting change of scenery. If you are able to find a congenial group of people that you share an interest with, either place can be pleasant enough to a year or two, but if you don't, it will just a slight change of climate. (I suspect that Doha is more humid).

VS
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The Maverick



Joined: 08 Jun 2007
Posts: 15

PostPosted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

(I suspect that Doha is more humid).

Crying or Very sad
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thursday12



Joined: 10 Nov 2006
Posts: 93

PostPosted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Social life all depends -

- all the hotels got discos, nightclubs and pubs - some are pretty good but be prepared to dole out the moolah - some of the pubs are pretty expensive.

- there's Garveys - favorite place of platoon dudes 'n others

- lotsa cafes, restaurants - great choice

- good shoppin malls - at least 5 big ones

- Virgin's opened last year


Beach scene-

- real bad gotta drive really far out to find a place to swim or surf

Traffic scene

- real bad - half the town under construction or reconstruction - detours and road blocks all over the place


Bascially-

a good place for families but for singles - not the greatest - at least it's not dry so ya can always have a swig somewhere.
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james van cleave



Joined: 25 May 2005
Posts: 59

PostPosted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the info, guys!
I dread going back to that part of the world, but as you say, at least it's not dry.
Saudi Arabia must be , by the standards of any civilised state, the worst place on earth.
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GulfProf



Joined: 13 Oct 2007
Posts: 26
Location: Kuwait

PostPosted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 5:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sometimes when people emphasize that Qatar is small and dull, I wonder if they remember that we're writing from Saudi and Kuwait (Saudi Light)?

If there's a possibility to socialize in a bar with people I don't work with and to drink a real beer...? Well, that's sounds like heaven to me from where I'm sitting!
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veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes, but what about when you find the second week and every week thereafter that it is full of the same drunken sods... Laughing (half of whom you work with)

VS
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bje



Joined: 19 Jun 2005
Posts: 527

PostPosted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Yes, but what about when you find the second week and every week thereafter that it is full of the same drunken sods... (half of whom you work with)

Yep, this is precisely what one finds in the smaller emirates of the UAE...you have to either get used to it or socialise at people's homes.
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Stephen Jones



Joined: 21 Feb 2003
Posts: 4124

PostPosted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 4:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
If you are looking for social life, go to the UAE and put Qatar at the bottom of the list right before Cambodia or Laos,

I thought the main problem with Cambodia was getting mugged in the early hours of the morning as you staggered back smashed from the nearest bar.
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scot47



Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343

PostPosted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 6:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

KSA the worst place on Earth ? Try Nigeria, Burkina Faso, the Congo, Papua New Guinea, Birkenhead or Airdrie.
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boonie pepper



Joined: 28 Dec 2007
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 8:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Its one of those places where you really need to have a good group of friends. Went out to several of the bars here. I thought I had inadvertently stepped through a portal transporting me to an American suburban sports bar on a Tuesday night. I think this would be a great place for couples with children. Single folk--not so much. I'm here now. Feel free to PM me.
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