21 Secrets About Living In Qatar To Know Before Moving

So, you’re thinking of moving to one of the wealthiest countries in the world? Qatar has more expats than any other country in the Middle East, with foreigners making up almost 90% of the population.

But wait! You should know some things before choosing to move to this beautiful country. Read our list of 21 interesting facts to learn something new about Qatar.

Sections

1. It wouldn’t hurt to learn some Arabic

Though it is possible to live in Qatar without knowing any Arabic, it’s probably a good idea to get familiar with some of the basics.

Picture this: you’re in the grocery store and have no idea where to find the key ingredient you need for your dinner, but none of the staff speak English. What now?

If this isn’t enough reason to learn a little Arabic, doing so will receive an enthusiastic reaction from natives! It can also improve career prospects and make your life a lot easier.

2. The cost of living in Qatar

The average monthly cost for one person living in Qatar is $878.76 without rent. And according to Numbeo, the cost of living in the country is 11% lower than in the US!

Utility bills are subsidized by the government and are much cheaper here too. The average three-course meal for two people would land at around $55, but groceries are more expensive due to imports. You can expect to spend 10-20% of your monthly salary on groceries.

3. Qatar has a predominantly desert landscape

Qatar is an extension of the Rub’Al-Khali desert of the Arabian peninsula. The country’s terrain is a flat desert, and you can expect to see many beaches and dunes.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a forest there. Probably because there isn’t one in the whole country.

4. Housing and accommodation in Qatar

The cost of rent is slightly higher in Qatar than in the US, but utility bills are cheaper due to being subsidized by the government! If you’re looking for the types of housing and accommodation available to Qatar expats living here – here are a few of the most common types:

Apartments – modern complexes boast common areas such as gyms and swimming pools
Standalone villas – as the most expensive option, they typically include private pools, larger spaces, and gardens.
Compound villas – this type of villa would generally be in a gated area, sharing common spaces with several villas such as playgrounds, stores, and swimming pools.

5. Qatari food and drink

The everchanging Arab cuisine takes its influences from Lebanon, Persia, India, and Africa, with most dishes containing meat, vegetables, and rice.

Fundamental to Qatari dishes, spice is added to everything and makes the most popular dishes and beverages precisely what they are! The national dish is Machbūs, which comprises meat (slow-cooked chicken or lamb), rice, and vegetables.

Some typical Qatari drinks include Arabic coffee (dark roast coffee with Cardamom seasoning) and Karak (pictured above), which is tea made with spices and evaporated milk.

6. Visas and permits

Obviously, if you’re looking to move to Qatar, you should know about the visa process and the different types available to you. The exit visa was scrapped in 2018, but before this, workers were required to apply for one of these before leaving the country! Crazy, right?

Now – a business visa allows you to carry out business in Qatar, such as dealing with foreign companies, having conferences, and all the rest. However, these visas are temporary. Visa regulations are relatively strict in Qatar, meaning it’s not that easy for Qatar expats to secure a residence permit.

A residence permit allows you to stay in Qatar permanently. Possession of this visa opens many doors, such as allowing you to apply for a driving license and health insurance card. However, it would be best if you had all of your essential doctors, but you also need to secure an employment contract from an employer and provide proof of this in your application.

And finally – a family visa allows families to visit residents of Qatar for a short amount of time. This usually is one month but can be extended to six!

7. Employment in Qatar

The current unemployment rate in Qatar is 0.1%. The expat community can enjoy employment in Qatar, as they do not have to pay tax on their personal income and there are a lot of jobs available too!

Qatar’s oil and gas industry is enormous and can provide lucrative employment packages to expats. Hospitality and tourism is also an excellent industry to seek work in. The minimum wage in Qatar is $205.99 a month. However, the average monthly salary in Qatar is a hefty $3750 a month!

8. The work week runs from Sunday until Thursday

Yes, you’re hearing us right – the workweek is typically Sunday to Thursday!

Many expats find this fact the most difficult to deal with, as it is a big adjustment from what they’re used to. Qataris and Qatari expats mostly enjoy Friday and Saturday off work and only carry out half a day of work on Thursdays.

9. Qatari culture and traditions

As Islam is the official religion of Qatar, you can expect some Islamic culture over there. However, all religions are accepted in the country, as long as Qatar’s culture is respected.

Although there are limited forms of entertainment in Qatar, this is improving. Most expats enjoy art exhibitions in the capital city of Doha’s Katara Cultural Village (shown above), which boasts art, films, opera festivals, and orchestra!

10. The education in Qatar

Expat children can go to a public school in Qatar. However, they are relatively inaccessible for international students. Qatar has many international schools, mainly in Doha (due to the large expat population). However, many people experience long waiting lists due to the size of the country.

Despite this, these international schools offer international accreditations and boast diverse student populations, for a culture-rich school experience. The primary language of instruction is typically English, and these schools have a higher standard of teaching than typical public schools.

11. You’ll need a license to consume booze

You can drink alcohol when in Qatar, so don’t cancel your plans just yet! However, you will need a license if you want to.

Due to Qatar being a Muslim country, licenses need to be obtained that look at factors such as salary, job, and religion to ensure you are not a Muslim that breaks the rules of the faith. Alcohol should also not be seen in public and should only be consumed privately.

12. You’re better off getting your own car

Qatar does provide public transport in many forms; metro, trains, and buses. However, it is said to be highly unreliable.

Getting a car is a great idea when you move out there, as driving is the primary way most residents get around. It also minimizes the risk of transport-related problems.

13. Most expats opt for private health care

It’s true. Health insurance is something you might want to consider going private for.

Expats tend to opt for private health services, as public healthcare in Qatar is notorious for long wait times and poor facilities. You can typically expect better care with private health insurance.

14. The lifestyle in Qatar

The lifestyle in Qatar, though slightly different from what people are used to, is modern and progressive. Many would describe it as traditional. Qataris and most expats typically enjoy spending time at the beach year-round due to the forgiving, mild winters.

The size of the country also means that communities are small and tight-knit, meaning it is impossible not to make friends.

15. Women’s rights in Qatar

On a more serious note, it is essential to know what to expect when planning to move somewhere that differs significantly in attitudes and culture. In a way, Qatar is two steps ahead in certain areas. However, priorities seem to be off when it comes to women’s rights.

44th on the global list for inequality, the Qatari government claim that they believe in total equality, but this is not reflected in legislation.

There are imbalances in women’s treatment when it comes to many things. For example, a woman must seek approval from her family before making career decisions. They only earn a fraction of what their male counterparts do, and the criteria for abortion is rigorous.

However, higher education sees a high proportion of female students, which is interesting.

16. Taxes in Qatar

There are no taxes in Qatar, well, not as we know them anyway.

There is no tax on personal income, meaning people can take home all they have earned.

17. Social ethics in Qatar

Just as in any other country, there are several social ethics unique to Qatar. Some of these will likely come as a shock to many of you…

Some more trivial examples are the idea that you should stand up to greet newcomers, use your right hand to accept drinks, and use your palm to gesture to people rather than your finger. Some more interesting ones include the prohibition of swearing and abusive language. “Illicit relations” or sex outside of marriage can land you in jail for seven years in Qatar.

18. Dress code

There is a dress code in Qatar for men and women alike. Though the dress code is more rigid for women, everyone is expected to dress modestly.

Women should not wear shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, or anything with spaghetti straps. Wearing tight clothing is also a no-go. Similarly, men should not wear shorts or sleeveless tops in public places.

19. What’s the weather like in Qatar?

Qatar’s climate is just as you would expect it to be as it is a desert. From May to September, you should expect dry heat and temperatures rising above 113°F! Rainfall is scarce in the winter, and temperatures during the winter months often do not fall below 41°F.

20. Work-life balance in Qatar

Qatar’s work-life balance can be slightly more challenging to achieve than in other countries. Though expat life satisfaction is relatively sound, the average workweek in Qatar is 44 hours. This is somewhat more than the USA average.

Due to this and the lack of entertainment in Qatar, many people find it challenging to find a good work-life balance.

21. Qatar is a very safe place

Qatar is a highly safe place to live, despite being in the volatile Middle East.

With a low crime rate and a significant police presence, personal safety is exceptionally high for residents of Qatar. This country is thankfully one of the safest places in the world.

FAQs

Are there indoor sports facilities in Qatar?

Yes. Aspire Dome in the capital Doha is a multi-purpose facility with climate-controlled arenas that cater to different sporting events. It has a full-size football pitch inside too!

Does Qatar have shopping malls?

Yes, Qatar has shopping malls.

Does Qatar have a death penalty?

Yes, the death penalty exists in Qatar. However, executions are sporadic.

Can a woman drive a car in Qatar?

Yes, women can drive in Qatar.

Final Thoughts

Although Qatar may take some time to adapt, it is an excellent place for an expat community to live. With a lower cost of living, stunning weather, and a beautiful coastline.

Oh, and how could we forget! No tax!

It is easy to recognize why Qatar can seem like an unsafe place to be a woman. But despite some questionable old legislation and evidence of inequality that remains, women are respected in this country, and further research would prove this.