Working In Doha, Qatar
A Profile On What To Expect When Working In Doha, Qatar
The following information may be of help in deciding whether you would be interested in a quantity surveying or construction job based in Doha, Qatar.
Currency
The currency in Doha is the Qatar Riyal (QR).
The latest exchange rates and currency conversions can be obtained by clicking here.
Political / Religious Climate
Qatari culture revolves almost entirely around Islam. Most Qataris adhere to the austere Wahhabi sect of Islam which also dominates Saudi Arabia . Qatari Wahhabism, however, is less strict. For example, there is no prohibition on women driving cars although women should dress in modest clothing for business with covered legs, elbow length sleeves and modest necklines. Arabic is the official language in Qatar , though Doha's sizable population of Pakistanis make Urdu, the Pakistani language, seem more useful. English is also widely spoken.
Culture and Leisure
There are a range of leisure time activities to keep you occupied in Doha with many of the hotels offering pool and gym facilities. Qatar also boasts 350 miles of palm fringed seafront which is arguably one of the most breathtaking in the Gulf.
Doha has a wide range of well stocked, modern shopping arcades but it's also worth visiting the old souk for a taste of local handicrafts.
Alcohol, which is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia, is freely available in Doha. It's worth noting that Thursday and Friday make up the Doha weekend and also that Ramadan, which takes place at a different tim e each year on the Western calendar, is strictly adhered to throughout Doha . This means that eating, drinking or smoking in public from sunrise to sunset is frowned upon.
Weather/Climate
Summer lasts from May to September, and temperatures at that time generally average 35°C (95°F), although it can get up to 50°C (122°F). The 90% humidity adds to the discomfort. The winter months (December-February) are much milder with pleasant, cool evenings. Throughout the year, but especially in spring, Qatar is subject to sandstorms, and the rainstorms that hit the country in December and January cause many of the roads to close.
Accommodation/Transport/Education
Standards of accommodation are generally good in Doha , with some first-class properties available.
Qatar does not have a bus or service-taxi system, so regular taxis and rented cars are your only options for getting to and from the airport and around the country. You can rent a car on most foreign licences without a problem.
There is a selection of suitable fee-paying schools for expatriate children in Doha for children up to 18 years of age. Teaching is in English and they follow the British and American curriculum.
Maxim Recruitment can not offer any type of financial, taxation or immigration/visa advice to current or intending jobseekers, however we are aware of some organisations that are specialists in offering expatriates such advice.
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