Moving to Doha: Everything you need to know.

Moving to a new country is a big decision, yet Qatar is home to many expats who have settled for decades. So you’ve landed a new job or want to explore the Middle East; Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the GCC, filled with tradition and deeply rooted culture. Before you pack your suitcase and get on that plane, check out these great apartment rentals on Property Finder. Here is everything you need to know to ensure that your move to Qatar is seamless and settle in at ease. 

Weather:

If we were writing this piece five years ago, we would have said that Qatar is a country where you forget about winter. The weather is summery in general, apart from the cold months; the country maintains an average temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, but this can go up to 40 degrees and higher at the peak of summer. Weird enough, with all the climate changes, people living in Qatar get to take in those warm woolly jumpers and hoodies in their wardrobes around December, January and February, with few rain showers and cold winds.

Cost of Living:

This comes in parallel with your income. Chances are you’re moving to Qatar for a better opportunity. The best part is the pay scales are relatively high compared to other countries. The cost of living has increased by 20% shortly before the FIFA World Cup 2022 in November, there is a slight decrease moving forward, yet living expenses are reasonable considering the pay scales in the country. For those who believe that 5 to 9 jobs are not forever, investment opportunities are on the horizon, especially with the new laws implemented by the Ministry of Justice. Non-Qataris can now have full ownership of properties in 16 free-hold areas in Qatar and benefit from numerous privileges, such as education and healthcare. If you’re looking for places to buy properties as a non-Qatari, check out our previous article here.

For those looking for an affordable way to get around town, there are options such as public transport or carpooling. Considering the low fuel cost, one might prefer their own vehicle; many car dealerships offer both new and used vehicles at competitive prices. The Doha Metro system also provides an efficient way of getting around the city quickly and conveniently.

For those who need more flexibility when it comes to getting around town, there are taxi services like Uber and Karwa, which offer convenient services all over the city. All these services make it easier for people to get from one place to another without worrying about traffic jams or parking issues.

Housing Options

Qatar is a country that accommodates more than two million expatriates, representing 88% of the population; It caters to various housing options for everyone. Moving to a new country as an expatriate can be an exciting experience, especially when finding suitable housing. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for expatriates in Qatar. 

There is something for everyone, from family communities and compounds to standalone villas and apartments. Individuals can choose between studios, or apartments that can be either furnished or unfurnished, according to their preference. Regarding affordability, there are matches for all budgets; it ranges from luxury villas and well-fitted penthouses to average-priced studios and apartments. In Qatar, you can choose tranquillity within a quiet community, the vibrance of the city centre, or the penthouse with stressless beach access. 

Healthcare facilities:

Qatar has a growing healthcare system. The government has invested heavily in centralized public health centres with Hamad hospital nationwide. Besides, several private hospitals and clinics ensure that everyone in the country can access quality medical care. Hamad Medical Corporation is the largest public health centre in Qatar and provides comprehensive medical services to the public. Private hospitals are also available for those who prefer private medical facilities. Insurance coverage has two forms, people either request a Hamad Card or personal medical insurance coverage to cover some of the costs associated with medical treatment in Qatar.

Telecom and Financial Services:

Two operating companies, Ooredoo and Vodafone, have revolutionised the telecom industry in Qatar. Both companies offer a wide range of services, making accessing affordable packages with high-speed data easier for customers. On the financial services aspect, banks now offer a full fledge of digital services that enable customers to manage their finances efficiently. These advancements in the industry have made it easier for consumers to take advantage of the latest technologies and enjoy better customer service.

Safety: 

Qatar is notably one of the safest countries in the world, with a meagre crime rate. There is no need to worry about your security as most places are heavily guarded, monitored, and surrounded by a trustworthy society.

High-Quality Education:

Qatar has invested much into their educational system and even opened up its Education city as the hub for leading academic institutes, startup incubators, tech parks, and research facilities. The education system accommodates schools with several international curriculums and academic qualifications; It’s safe to say you’ll have endless possibilities for advancing your education and career.

Welcoming Community:

Last but not least, Qatar’s local community is one of the most generous and welcoming communities. You’re guaranteed to be invited to someone’s home to experience the culture in its complete authenticity. Day and night activities in Qatar are endless, malls, museums, entertainment centres, adventure rooms, natural parks, boulevards, resorts, hotels, ports, corniches; the list goes on. Since the country is so small, as an expatriate, you’ll get to meet locals and expats from all over Qatar who can help guide you through your relocation experience.

In conclusion, Qatar is home to more than two million expatriates; one may choose which lifestyle to enjoy; you may choose to enjoy a slow or fast-paced lifestyle. You can be a beach person or a nature lover, a home person or an outgoing one, a movie night person or a party-goer. Here everyone lives safely and peacefully and finds harmony between culture and modernity.