Essential Tips for Those New to Qatar

Welcome to Qatar! 

︎There are lots of new expats that have recently joined us on @newindoha that have moved to Qatar.

Welcome! You are about to join a thriving, growing community of expats ready to welcome you.

To help you navigate life in Qatar and make the most of your time, these are our top tips:

Accommodation:  Choosing where to live is one of the biggest dilemmas you’ll face as an expat. From renting a furnished apartment in West Bay, The Pearl or Lusail to choosing a large villa for a family near schools.

Summer: Summer is HOT and can reach up to 50°C. Good luck. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. It does get better. Winter is lovely!

Winter: In Winter you will need a jersey at night. If you are going into the desert in Winter, it gets very cold.

Food: Qatar is a muslim country.. everything is halal. 

Food apps are AMAZING and makes your life easier in Qatar. You can order groceries and food 24hours a day

Transport: The best way to get around, is to order a taxi such as Uber or Karwa on an app or use the metro.

Dress: Please respect the culture. Dress modestly. There is a dress code for men and women to enter certain buildings and malls. You are required to cover your shoulders and knees. 

Most places are closed on a Friday morning 

Souqs: The Souqs open in the mornings for a few hours and then they close till late afternoon, reopening around 4pm till late at night. 

Ramadan: In Ramadan most restaurants are closed during the day. The work hours are shortened. Stores, museums, companies and mall times also change. It is fantastic!

 Alcohol is served in certain hotel restaurants and is not freely available everywhere. If alcohol is used in food there is a (A) sign. Very few hotel restaurants actually use alcohol in preparing food.

What advice and practical tips do you give to those heading to Qatar?

Are you new to Qatar? Do you have questions? Please leave questions in the comments section below. 

For more information on what’s happening in Qatar follow @newindoha on Facebook and Instagram

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