A guide to Qatar

Accommodation

Expats tend to rent in Qatar as opposed to buying. It can be expensive, but you might find that utilities are cheaper, which may help to balance out the cost.

Your employer might provide you with accommodation as part of your contract, and they often choose villas in compounds. These are walled, with communal areas such as pools and community centres, which can be appealing if you have a family and want to live among other expats.

If you’re arranging your own accommodation, in 2024 the cost of a four-bedroom villa in a compound was around 15,000-20,000 QAR per month. Standalone villas are the most expensive option and apartments are the most cost effective. A furnished studio apartment could cost 4,000 QAR per month, but a furnished three-bedroom apartment in the more expensive areas could be as much as 13,000 QAR per month.

Not all expats organise their accommodation before they arrive, and serviced apartments are a popular option for those needing a base while they find a place to live. You’ll usually get housekeeping and room service, and you can rent them for however long you need, whether it’s a few days or even a few months.

Most expats live in Doha, but there are different neighbourhoods that might suit you depending on your circumstances. Al Waab, Madinat Khalifa and Abu Hamour are best suited to families looking for schools, amenities, and villas. Al Dafna is popular among expats who want to live close to the office, or in Al Sadd you’ll find lots of amenities, such as shopping centres and restaurants.

Rental contracts are usually for the year, and you’ll usually need to pay a deposit of around one month’s rent. If you use an agent, they often charge a fee, which could also be around one month’s rent. Plus, it’s common for landlords to ask you for post-dated cheques covering the entire length of your tenancy agreement upfront.

To secure your accommodation, you’ll usually need:

• Residence permit or visa
• Qatar ID card
• Copy of your passport
• Salary slip
• Post-dated cheques and deposit cheque.

Your contract will be written in Arabic, but you can have a version in English. You might want to hire a translator to make sure that all the details are correct in your version as some clauses can be strict. You’ll also need to bear in mind cultural rules, for example that unmarried couples won’t be able to rent an apartment together.

Arts

Qatar has museums, art galleries and heritage sites to visit for those interested in the history and culture of the country. The Museum of Islamic Art, the Arab Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Qatar are just some of the world-class museums in Doha. Not only that, but there’s a diverse range of local festivals for all interests, such as the International Kite Festival, Qatar Marine Festival, and the Doha International Book Fair.

The Doha Cultural Festival is a significant event. It takes place in March each year and features a range of activities and performances to help tourists and Qataris alike appreciate and learn more about the culture of the region. There’s something for everyone, with music, poetry readings and dances, as well as the opportunity to visit art galleries and fashion houses.

For those passionate about cinema, the Ajyal film festival shows films made in the region and encourages young people to get involved in the film-making industry.

Culture

Most Qataris are Muslim and, as an expat, it’s important to respect the Islamic faith and cultural rules. For example, expats aren’t expected to wear traditional dress, but there is a dress code that should be followed. In public men and women should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Bikinis and swimsuits can be worn on private beaches and in resorts where the rules allow, but they aren’t allowed on public beaches.

Small talk is important in Qatari culture but there are topics that are best avoided so that you don’t cause offence, such as religion and politics, particularly as it's a crime to criticise the emir. There are also certain gestures that you should take care not to make as they’re considered disrespectful. For example, a thumbs-up is offensive, as is using your finger to gesture someone over or to point someone towards something, and never show the soles of your feet.

Although there are many cultural and historical sites you might want to remember, be careful not to take pictures of other people or military buildings, as this can get you into trouble.

Displays of affection are illegal, such as kissing and hugging, and even holding hands can cause offence.

During Ramadan, those who follow the Muslim faith fast between sunrise and sunset. Expats aren’t expected to fast as well, but you shouldn’t eat and drink in public while others are fasting. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated widely with circus shows, discount sales, and festivities at Katara Cultural Village.

Food

Due to Qatar’s large expat population, there are a growing number of restaurants in every cuisine. You’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants, rooftop bars and cafes in Doha.

Also, for those passionate about food, the Qatar International Food Festival takes place annually and features top chefs from around the world demonstrating on stage or giving masterclasses.

If you’d like to try the local cuisine, the national dish is machbῡs, a meal made up of rice, meat or seafood, and vegetables. Shawarmas are also popular and there are many affordable Indian restaurants in Qatar.

You’ll notice that people tend to eat later – as late as 10pm for the evening meal. And it’s also worth remembering that only five-star hotels are licensed to serve alcohol.

Health

Qatar has one of the best healthcare services in the Middle East with both public and private healthcare available. For citizens of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) healthcare is free. Expats need to take out the Mandatory Visitors’ Health Insurance policy, which in 2024 costs 50 QAR per month and covers emergency care and transportation. You can also buy private health insurance from a company approved by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).

You should arrange insurance in advance as your visa won’t be approved and you won’t be able to enter the country without it. If you’re in Qatar for work, your employer should provide you and your family with health insurance.

Expats can apply for a health card to access public healthcare – this might be necessary even if you have private health insurance. In 2024, it costs 100 QAR, which you’ll need to pay at your local Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC).

Pharmacies are usually well stocked with common over-the-counter medications, but not all of them are open 24/7. However, not all common prescriptions will be available as some are banned or considered controlled substances. Make sure to check in advance that you’ll have access to any medication you need. If you bring your own medication, you should carry your doctor’s prescription.

Pets

To bring your pet to Qatar, you’ll need a pet passport, a pet import permit from Qatari authorities, and an international health certificate from a vet within 10 days of travelling. Plus, they’ll need to be vaccinated at least four weeks before travelling, have an RATT blood test, and be microchipped.

Qatar bans the import of certain breeds of animal, so it’s worth making sure that you’ll be allowed to bring your pet. It also doesn’t allow the import of animals from certain countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Jordan and Lebanon.

Shipping

Most expats choose to ship their belongings by sea as it’s cheaper than air freight, particularly for families shipping furniture and large amounts of belongings. The closest port to Doha is the Hamad Port in the Umm Al-Houl district.

However, the downside to sea freight is that it can take months for your items to arrive. Because many villas and apartments are available furnished, you might want to consider what option will be best for your budget.

Transport

The easiest and most popular way to get around Doha is by car due to the heat and convenience. You could ship your own car, but you might find it more cost effective to buy one when you arrive. Remember, you’ll be driving on the right, and visitors’ licences are valid for one week for rental vehicles. Before arrival, you could get an international driving permit, which will allow you to drive a rented car in Qatar for six months.

If you become a resident of Qatar, you can exchange your UK licence for a Qatari one, which will be valid for five years.

There are public transport options in the city too. You can travel on the Doha Metro, or the Msheireb Tram, and there are even buses and taxis that can take you around and outside of Doha. The 2024 price of a monthly bus ticket is between 100 QAR and 250 QAR, and the taxi fares start at 10 QAR with an extra 2.50 QAR per kilometre.