It was a nice experience!
The expat community in Qatar is greater in numbers than the local population. Western residents are relatively small in numbers.
The expat lifestyle in Qatar has a lot to offer. Many families are very pleased with the calibre of schooling available for their children, and various leisure and sporting activities and clubs are available here. The Arabian Gulf provides a great outdoor playground to water sport enthusiasts.
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Qatar hosts many international level sporting events including the Qatar Masters and the Qatar Open. The country’s infrastructure is undergoing massive growth in preparation for the 2006 Asian games and the pending economic growth in the country.
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Every year more arts, entertainment and cultural festivals are attracting international acclaimed talent to the country.
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A new monthly events guide – Happening Qatar is available free of charge to help residents and visitors to the country stay informed of everything which is happening. Several other locally produced magazines keep expats up to date on lifestyle issues.
Qatar’s positioning offers great travel opportunities and the traveller is well serviced by Qatar Airways, Emirates and British Airways to name a few. Direct flights to Europe and regional destinations as well as the Far East are available from Doha.
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LOCAL CULTURE
Although expats enjoy an easy lifestyle – it is advisable to respect the local conservative culture. Dress should be modestly conservative – ie no short shorts, shoulders should be covered.
When attending traditional functions, business functions or visiting the souqs one should dress very conservatively. Although it is unlikely that any action would be taken against you, it is considered disrespectful to show too much skin or wear tight fitting clothing.
During Ramadan extra care should be taken to dress conservatively. Smoking, eating, drinking in public before the setting of the sun is illegal. (except for pregnant or menstruating women).
The local Qatari population are a very friendly people and enjoy all the conveniences of modern life while remaining close to their traditional values and customs. The opportunity to live side by side in such a different culture is a potentially enriching and rewarding opportunity.
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MULTI-NATIONAL COUNTRY
Residents are from a huge number of ethnic backgrounds, presenting a broad exposure to interesting customs and cultures from around the world. This is especially valuable for children who mix with a variety of children from different ethnic cultures.
LANGUAGE
Arabic is the official language of Qatar and Islam is the official religion with both important to the Nation’s cultural identity. The Arab heritage and the Islamic religion promote traditional modes of dress, culinary styles, architecture and art.
English is widely used in everyday life, with all signs in both Arabic and English. A majority of businesses are capable of transactions and services in English.
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LEISURE
Club life is very popular in Qatar. Due to the hot weather in the summer, this is often your best chance to get some exercise. The clubs and hotels also offer a fabulous selection of dining options.
Gracias! Qataries and no mas questions!
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Night Clubs
Where you can dance at the Rithym of Salsa and Listen to the Spanish Pop and Americana Music the ladies love it!
Nice to visit but remember from bottle to throtle 16 hours.
