Job Discussion Forums

[Saffron]

Is there anyone who would have time to tell me a little bit about Qatar please? I would really appreciate knowing:

1- if it is difficult to find accomodation and what would be an estimate of rentals (that teachers can afford!

2 - if electricity, water and phone expenses are high (as compared to the UAE)

With thanks,

Saffron

[dmb]

Although I'm in Qatar these questions are difficult for me to answer because since being here housing, water and electricity have always been paid for by my employer. I know from friends that single accom. is about 2000QR a month. If you share a villa with friends then it works out at about 1000-1500 QR a month. Local phone calls are free. To phone abroad then you buy pre-paid cards. 30 Qr gets you 14 minutes to the UK.

These prices are based on Doha. If you live out of the capital then rent is cheaper.

Supermarkets, taxis and eating out is cheap. Going to the 5* hotels for alcohol is expensive $7 a beer. But there is a booze souq which is cheap.

Sports clubs are also reasonably priced

[Saffron]

Thank you so much for your info. Yes, I do understand that it is not easy saying whether a place is "cheap" or "expensive" - so much depends on points of references etc.

I was wondering what Qatar would be like compared to the UAE - which I do find expensive (though, having said that, the Gulf is not cheap in general). In Kuwait, for example, one doesn't pay local calls, so you end up paying only the local server for an Internet connection - and there is a range to choose from. Water and electricity depend - but certainly are cheaper than the UAE.

Of course, in Kuwait there is no legalized alcohol......which does puch up prices on the blackmarket (which is alive and thriving).

Thank you again for your time,

Saffron

[livinginQatar]

The rents in Qatar this past year have gone up considerably. However, if your employer offers accommodation with the contract, it's usually suitable. The cost of living is still less than UAE.

I wouldn't know about the alcohol/discos......... I'm muslim.

[Mark100]

I have seen plenty of Muslims throughout the Gulf in bars so i wouldn't take this as a given.

[dmb]

The bar on the first floor at Rydges Hotel is strictly arab only. Westerners go to the top floor bar

[johnslat]

Dear dmb,
Hmm, is that because Muslims aren't supposed to get high?
Regards,
John

[scot47]

I understood that Wahabis were dominant in Qatar. Unlike their cousins next door in KSA they seem to have no problems in allowing others to indulge in alcohol. maybe other forbiden things too ? Is Qatar crawling with "good-time girls" ? The mind boggles and I hope to have it further boggled.

Comments plese from those who know Saudi and Qatar.

[dmb]

The good time girls are to be found in the Ramada hotel(so I've heard)

[scot47]

I think my conscience dictates that I must go and have a look at the goings-on in the Ramada Hotel. I am sure that I will be shocked.

[scot47]

I understood that Wahabis were dominant in Qatar. Unlike their cousins next door in KSA they seem to have no problems in allowing others to indulge in alcohol. Maybe other forbidden things too ? Is Qatar crawling with "good-time girls" ? The mind boggles and I hope to have it further boggled.

Comments plese from those who know Saudi and Qatar.

[dmb]

[scot47]

What troubles my puritan calvinist Scottish conscience is the idea that someone somewhere might be enjoying himself.

I will go and check that this is not the case in the Ramada soon after arrival.

If enjoyment and sin are happening then something must be done ! Maybe I will join in !

[dmb]

Enjoyment in the ME!!!

[ntropy]

Intereresting and very useful thread.

Two questions:

1) Anyone know the approximate cost of expat schools for elementary-aged children?

2) Are the rent figures given in this thread still applicable?

Shukram. Gazillions of shukrams.