Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Doha

What is special or unique about your city?

Doha is a fast-growing, but comfortably small city in the Middle East. It has been named ‘Pearl of the Gulf,' both as a result of its charm and its associations with the pearl trade. Its attractions include great sightseeing (Corniche, Inland Sea, forts, museums, oryx farms), international sporting events and abundant shopping (including the City Center, the largest shopping mall in the Middle East). Qatar now has the fastest-growing economy of all the GCC countries (which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar), thanks to its huge oil and gas supplies (the largest natural gas field in the world).

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

Its progressive and tolerant atmosphere (particularly when compared to some of its neighbors), friendly people, high level of safety and low crime rate are among the first things that people notice. On the down side, the slow pace can be frustrating, especially the lack of efficiency when it comes to doing necessary paperwork when settling in. Also, the erratic way most people drive here generally catches people's attention.

Are these impressions likely to change?

Not particularly. Once all the paperwork has finally been done, you can start to enjoy living here. Just take care not to adopt local driving habits--you may never recover!

What is the local language?

Arabic and English.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

Practically everybody speaks English and there is no problem if you don’t speak or read Arabic. Although, it is sometimes quite useful to know the numbers in Arabic for things like checking expiration dates on products.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

Dressing too casually or provocatively will certainly offend the locals. It is not a good idea to wear revealing clothes when out in public. Women should avoid wearing shoe-string straps, sleeveless dresses, shorts or see-through fabrics. Men should avoid vest-type T-shirts and brief shorts. It is considered particularly important to dress modestly during the Holy Fasting and Month of Ramadan. Also avoid kissing and hugging as a couple when you’re out. Try to use your right hand when giving or receiving something, and don’t show the soles of your feet.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

Winter (October through March) is superb, but summer (April through September) has to be spent indoors most of the time as a result of the searing heat. The highest temperatures (in summer, usually around 45-50C!) are between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., during which shops are closed and the locals go home to sleep. Life returns to normal in the evening, and shops stay open late.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

Foreigners are expected to respect local customs and religious rules. For example, during the holy month of Ramadan, drinking or eating in public is not allowed in the daytime.

Useful Links

The Gulf Times www.gulf-times.com Qatar Info Magazine www.qatar-info.com Qatar Post www.qatarglobe.com Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mofa.gov.qa British In Qatar www.british-in-qatar.com US Embassy www.usembassy.org.qa Qatar Airways www.qatarairways.com

 

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

Expatriate status.

What kinds of visas are available?

There are several types of visas available in Qatar: Tourist visa - valid for 14 days and extendable for another 14 days, available upon arrival or through a hotel, issued by the Immigration Department (Airport Visas Section). Business visa - application submitted by a sponsoring company or recognized establishment, usually available within 24 hours and valid for 14 days, extendable for another three months. GCC Residents visa - all GCC residents (with a valid residence visa in any GCC country) can obtain this at Doha Airport, valid for 14 days and extendable for another 14 days. Visa for the companions of GCC nationals - granted upon arrival. Work visit visa - issued by the Ministry of Interior (MoI), handled by the sponsor. Family visit visa - issued by the MoI, handled by the sponsor. Multiple-entry business visa - issued by the MoI, handled by the sponsor. Working visa valid for one year and more - issued by the MoI, handled by the sponsor. Residence work visa - issued by MoI, handled by the sponsor. Residence visa for families - issued by MoI, handled by the sponsor.

What is required to obtain these visas?

Those visas handled by the sponsor require passport copies and contracts for work in Qatar from the transferee’s side. An authentic copy of the marriage certificate is required for the spouse’s visa, and of the birth certificates for the children’s visas. The form filing is done by the sponsor and is usually in Arabic. No other certificates are usually required, but all applicants for resident status must go through a medical check and have their fingerprints taken.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

Spouses holding a residence visa are permitted to work. There are plenty of job opportunities - not all of them equally well-paid if they are local hire.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

Residents have an ID card, which can be obtained after you've received your Qatar residence visa. All you need to do is submit your original passport and two passport size photos to Immigration; processing should take two weeks to one month. You can be assisted by your company's Public Relations Officer (PRO). If you choose to drive, you will require a local driver's license. The sponsor will assist in the application procedures. Driver’s licenses are obtained after performing a driving test and an eye test. For local health care, you need to obtain a health card (which gives access to the almost-free-of-charge health care at the government clinics and hospitals). In order to get the card, you will need to submit a copy of your Qatar ID card and two passport-sized photos, along with a completed application form. This process will take between 10 and 14 days. Contact Crown Doha for more information.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

For the residence permit, it is advisable to process applications through the sponsor as soon as you arrive. It is possible to start driving on the basis of your foreign driver’s license, but only for seven days. The first few weeks, you will need to spend some time going through the various tests and applications. Home search and school search will also take priority. If your company does not provide accommodation, the best place to start looking is the newspaper (Peninsula, Gulf Times) for the different estate agents’ contact numbers.

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

Avoid alcohol, pork products and materials that might be deemed pornographic by the local authorities.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

Residence permits and visas must be extended well before expiration to avoid penalties. Traveling out of the country is not allowed without an exit permit, available through the sponsor.

Useful Links

US State Department Consular Information Sheet www.travel.state.gov/qatar Qatar Info Magazine www.qatar-info.com Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mofa.gov.qa

 

What is the local currency?

Qatari Riyal, which can then be further divided into 100 dirhams.

What denominations does it come in?

Notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 Riyals; coins come in 25 and 50 dirhams.

What is the best way to exchange currency?

At the airport, at banks, or at money changers.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Cash and credit cards are used.

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

Credit cards are accepted at major shops and supermarkets, but not in small shops or markets.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Bills are paid in cash at any post office or by phone-banking (a new system). For rent payment, see the section on ‘Accommodation’.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

To open a bank account, you need to submit a certified salary statement, a letter of no objection from your employer, and your ID card or passport. The account can be opened at any time.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

All foreign banks have services in Arabic and English, the Banque Paribas also serves French speakers. The more commonly used banks are HSBC (tel. 4382100) and Standard Chartered Bank (tel. 4432289).

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

There are no restrictions, aside from a minimum monthly salary of QR5,000 to open an account. This requirement does not apply to bank loans. Other services include savings accounts and credit cards.

What are typical banking hours?

8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Sundays to Thursdays

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Yes.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

Prices are fixed at most shops, but keep in mind that bargaining is permitted and a discount of 10 percent or more can be given at local shops.

Useful Links

Qatar Central Bank www.qcb.gov.qa Qatar National Bank www.qnb.com.qa Doha Bank www.dohabank.com.qa

 

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Most families prefer to live in compounds. These tend to be more secure because of the presence of security guard(s). Most compounds also have sports facilities such as swimming pools, club houses and compound activities every month or so, as well as accessibility for friends and neighbors. Rents tend to vary from around QR4,000 to around QR12,000. For smaller or single households, apartments can be an option. All housing can be further classified into furnished, semi-furnished, and unfurnished.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

There are no specific areas for expatriate housing, as the compounds are scatttered over the city, but a popular area for high quality housing is West Bay. International schools are generally within reasonable distance. Within the city, you can drive anywhere in up to 20 minutes.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

In accordance with local law, expats can only rent housing.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

A one month, refundable deposit is common, and rents are usually paid up in advance for one or two years.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utitlities are not included.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

Houses in walled compounds are generally safer than stand-alone villas. Doha is quite a safe city. Just observe normal precautions, e.g. lock your doors and windows.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

220-240 V AC, plugs are UK standard (3-prone). Adaptors are handy.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Crown Doha can assist you in your home search.

Useful Links

Qatar National Hotels www.qnhc.com

 

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

Most expats choose a private international school with a British or mixed-type curriculum, which means it can be both British and American. There is one American school and one French school.

What are some examples of these schools?

DESS (Doha English Speaking School) was established in 1971, under the sponsorship of the British Embassy. Today, it continues to provide a quality British education to over 500 English-speaking children from the age of 3 to 11. Qatar International School has grown from a small pre-school founded in 1977 to the largest independent British school in Qatar. There are now 1,200 students on the roll, ranging from 21 months to 17 years of age. Qatar Academy was founded in 1996 under the auspices of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Devolpment. The Academy is a private, non-profit organization and occupies a magnificent campus on the outskirts of Doha. The Academy comprises Early Childhood Education, Primary and Senior Schools and takes boys and girls from pre-school to university entrance.

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

Yes, most schools have a waiting list.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Yes, including: Qatar International School, Gulf English School, American School of Doha, Doha English Speaking School and the Park House English School

How are most kids transported to and from school?

Mostly by their parents; some travel by school bus.

When does the typical school year start and end?

Early September to late June.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Nothing in particular.

Useful Links

Qatar International School www.qis.org Doha College www.dohacollege.com Doha English Speaking School www.dess.org

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.