Living and Working In Qatar
Qatar
Qatar
Qatar is a sovereign Arab emirate, located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the north-easterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its territory surrounded by the Persian Gulf. A strait in the Persian Gulf separates Qatar from the nearby island kingdom of Bahrain.
Qatar is an absolute monarchy that has been ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-19th century. Before the discovery of oil, Qatar was noted mainly for sea trade and pearl hunting. It was a British protectorate until it gained independence in 1971. Most Qataris belong to the strict Wahhabi sect of Islam.
Qatar has the world’s third largest natural gas reserves and oil reserves in excess of 25 billion barrels which has fuelled Qatar to become world’s richest country per capita and achieve the highest human development in the Arab World and 36th highest globally; furthermore, it is recognized as a high income economy by the World Bank and also the 19th most peaceful country in the world. Qatar is currently undergoing transformation under the National Vision 2030, in which it expects to achieve an advanced, sustainable, and diversified economy. In order to promote tourism, Qatar has invested billions into improving infrastructure, it held the 2006 Asian Games and will be the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Arab country to host either of the events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work week (hours and days)?
Officially, working hours are Sunday through to Thursday (weekends in Qatar are Fridays & Saturdays) and the staff commences work at 7:30am. Officially, the work day finishes at 3:30pm (there is a 30 minute lunch break).
Who are my co-workers
Your co-workers will be from around the world: Canada, The United States, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanese, South Africa, The Philippines and more.
Who are the patients?
The patients are Qatari nationals, expatriates, and Qatari hospital staff and their dependents. You will see all types of patients including heart disease, common cancers, and interesting genetic diseases.
Is English spoken in the hospitals?
English is the working language at the hospital. Translators, and ward clerks who act as translators, are always available to assist in communicating with patients who do not speak English.
What type of accommodation will I have? How far are the accommodations from the hospital?
You will be provided with either hospital housing or a housing allowance. There are a number of different housing sites throughout the city and in the area surrounding Doha.
Do I have to share my apartment/house?
It depends on your contract. Senior members of staff are entitled to non-shared housing. All other contracts usually receive shared accommodations, with a maximum of two other housemates.
How easy is it to communicate with home?
Telephone: A good international service is available. Local calls are free, but line rental is approximately QR100/month. You cannot have a fixed line installed until your residence permit is complete.
Mobile phones: The country uses the GSM standard. If you own a GSM phone you can bring it with you and insert a local Q-Tel or Vodafone SIM card. A service using pre-paid cards is also available.
Email: There are several Internet cafes around Doha. It is possible to set up private internet either pre-paid or pay-as-you-go.
What holidays do I get?
There are a total of 10 (ten) paid public religious holidays: Eid Al Fitr (four working days); Eid Al Adha (five working days); and Independence Day (one working day).
What is the currency in Qatar?
The Qatar Riyal
Can I open a bank account in Qatar?
Yes.
Can I use my ATM card?
Yes. ATM machines accept cards from all over the world via systems like Cirrus and Plus.
Can I use credit cards in Qatar?
Credit cards are accepted in most major department stores, restaurants, and in the gold souks (markets). Some outdoor souks may not accept credit cards.
Who makes up the expatriate community?
The expatriate community in Qatar is made up of citizens from around the world: Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, German, Irish, Egyptians, Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Malaysians, South Africans, etc.
What is the climate like in Qatar
The climate is characterized by a mild winter and a hot summer. Temperatures range from 7C/45F in January to around 45C/115F (and even hotter) in the summer. It is usually dry, with the prevailing winds coming off the Saudi deserts, but occasionally the winds come off the Gulf, making it extremely humid.
Can I drive in Qatar
Yes, both men and women can drive in Qatar. However, a Qatar driving license is required to drive after your first week in the country.
Is there anything to do at night for entertainment?
Doha has many lively after-dark scenes. The nightlife is varied, with many bars and discos open until the small hours. Hotel bars range from sophisticated cocktail lounges to typically informal Western-style bars. Most of them serve food and many feature live bands nightly. Doha is also increasingly attracting top names from the world of entertainment. These include popular singers and entertainers from both West and East. Stage plays from London tour regularly, as do major dance groups from Europe and Asia.
Is English-Language reading material available?
There are two English papers: The Gulf Times and The Peninsula. Of course, you can also go online to Al Jazeera English. There are several English-language bookstores, but the stock can vary.
What is the voltage in Qatar?
The voltage in Qatar is 220V.
What else should I know about living in Qatar?
Liquor is a very sensitive subject. It is available for purchase by non-Muslim expatriates, under a permit system, for use at home. Hotel bars and certain clubs also sell alcohol to non-Muslims. Drinking in public and being drunk in public prohibited. Also the reselling of alcohol is illegal.
Gambling is forbidden.
Photography is a sensitive subject. Don’t photograph women, mosques, royal residences or military establishments without permission.
Useful Links
Links to Qatar info sites
www.qatar-links.com
Middle East news and information
www.tradearabia.com
Qatar Living
www.qatarliving.com
Gulf Times (daily)
www.gulf-times.com
Qatar Tribune (daily)
www.qatar-tribune.com
The Peninsula (daily)
www.thepeninsulaqatar.com