Moving to Doha...would like expat support

Hi there,

It looks like my 3 kids and I will be moving to Doha to join my husband, who works there. He's been rotating for the last couple of years, but now will be more than likely staying long term, hence our move.

He knows quite a few British expats (anyone here familiar with Florida Homes?? ) but I'd sure like to know of some Canadians out there who can help us to settle in. I'm glad my husband knows the city and its rhythms well.

I'm looking forward to it but am nervous for the sake of the kids...school, friends, activities, and so on.

Even if you don't know Canadians in Doha, I'd welcome comments regarding this city.

Thanks,

~Bonnie

Hi there Wildrose. I knew you were from Alberta before I even looked because you used wildrose as a user name.

Welcome to Doha, I'm a Canadian from Winnipeg and I'm on my 4th year in Doha, previously 5 1/2 years in Kuwait. I have a Chinese wife (currently back in China and expected to return next month) I don't know what business your husband is in but it doesn't matter, the important thing is that you are together.

You will like it here, schools are good, shopping is decent among other things. Hot though in the summer.

You can contact me at ggradul@yahoo.ca also and pass my mobile number on to your husband if you want. 586-0359.

Take care and happy travels.

Gerry Radul

Phone: 974-586-0359

Email: ggradul@yahoo.ca

Hi there Wildrose. I knew you were from Alberta before I even looked because you used wildrose as a user name.

Welcome to Doha, I'm a Canadian from Winnipeg and I'm on my 4th year in Doha, previously 5 1/2 years in Kuwait. I have a Chinese wife (currently back in China and expected to return next month) I don't know what business your husband is in but it doesn't matter, the important thing is that you are together.

You will like it here, schools are good, shopping is decent among other things. Hot though in the summer.

You can contact me at ggradul@yahoo.ca also and pass my mobile number on to your husband if you want. 586-0359.

Take care and happy travels.

Gerry Radul

Phone: 974-586-0359

Email: ggradul@yahoo.ca

I've been offerred a job in Qatar (Doha) and I've also got some questions. My wife is a dietitian (Canadian registerred) and is also a Certified Diabetes Educatior and a Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian. My two sons are in the Scouts and Cubs.

First, does anyone know if there is a chance for a job for my wife (I know there are no promises, but is there a reasonably large hospital that she could contact)? Are there things (like scouts) for my 12 and 9 year old sons to do (I know that there are things to do, I guess I am asking what sorts of things there are there)?

What are prices like? What was your first impression? I'd appreciate any help and information I can get.

I'm not Wildrose, but I'm also from Alberta.


Don

Hi Don:

First off, will you be your families sponsor or will your new company sponsor them.

Your wife must first obtain her residence visa before she can work here. There are a few large Hospitals here and they do speak English and Arabic among other languages.

I do know that there is a scout hall here but I've never checked in out, it's actually around the corner from where I live.

There is many sports facilities here, mostly soccer, martial arts, etc. We do have a large shopping mall and it actually has a ice skating rink in the middle of it, so bring the skates.

There are things for young boys to do but you have to go out and find them. My kids are 30 and 20 and also back in Canada.

To me prices of items are strange. I find good clothes to be expensive so stock up on jeans for the boys. Here a decent pair will run you around 70-75 dollars. Food prices are comparable to Canada, I think, anyway.

We have all of the fast food restaurants, Macdonalds, Hardies, Pizza Hut, Chilis, Burger King, etc...

Your wife will be pleased, we have one place we refer to as "Colesterol Corner" because of the fast food joints.

You cannot import alcohol, but once you have your residence, there is a liquor store and you can get a liquor license for personal use. It is well stocked with major brands of hard liquor, wine and beer from around the world. It's for Expat use only. The major hotels also have bars in them as well as fine restaurants.

I didn't have a first impression because I spent 5 1/2 years in Kuwait before I arrived here and they are both deserts.

There is also a Zoo here for the kids. The shopping mall also has an indoor amusement park.

Many people hire maids or even live in maids to look after the house, usually Philippino or Sri Lankan and many Villas have built in maid quarters. I assume your company will be providing housing.

The internet is wide spread here also and they also provide DSL as well as dial up. You can also get satellite T.V. fairly cheap for a one time payment and many different packages available.

I can't think of anything else at the moment but if you do, feel free to ask.

Oh yes, www.google.com and punch in Qatar. Much information there for you.

Gerry

Thank you. Yes housing is provided.

I've looked at a lot of sites on Qatar but its always good to "talk" to someone who is there. How about buying cars? Are they needed or is it a taxi society?

Gerry, sorry I gues I'm also curious about the number of Canadians who are there? Is it a large community? Is there violence (in looking at the British, US and Canadian government websites there are warnings).

For someone else there, what are the schools like?

Don

This web-site is great!

My family lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for 10 years, from 1980-90. I now have over 15 years of experience as a Supply Chain Professional. I've launched a massive campaign to gain employment in Dubai, Qatar or Oman. Does anyone have any tips on job seeking in Qatar, Dubai or Oman? It would be appreciated. Thanks.

Tim
Calgary (GO FLAMES!)

Sorry, I forgot to mention that there is no vilolence here at all. It is basically a laid back place.

There is an American and British school here for your boys.

Be advised that there is no Canadian Embassy. You must either go to the Consulate in Dubai, the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Kuwait.

You do not require a visa to enter the U.A.E, you automatically get a 30 day visa stamped in your passport. Entry into Kuwait or Bahrain will cost you approx $15 U.S..

Gerry

Thank you Gerry. Appreciate the help.

Don