BO,
It seems that you're offerning advice on something that you don't even understand. I guess you have good intentions, and it's good for people to be cautious. Misinforming people, however is not a good thing.
Back to the original point of the thread - Pay for a TR at Ryr or be a second officer at QR. I can't offer much information about Ryanair (so I won't try - note that, BO) but I have been through the SO program at QR so I have a bit of knowledge on that.
Yes the training takes a long time, the number of sectors as a second officer (and therefore on lower pay) is a lot higher than at Ryanair. However, at QR you will be paid from day 1 (I had already been paid half the cost of a 73 TR before I got in an aircraft). And once you start flying on the line (on full FO pay) and gain more experience, you will realise how valuable that training is.
I doubt the type rating can be called free. I expect it's a fairly big bond that efectively keeps you there a long time!
Well, why not try to find out, before you start shouting about it?
For me, I do consider it to be free as I don't plan to leave within 5 years (the bond is longer for a second officer than a first). Even if you left Ryanair you couldn't leave behind your loan repayments, or the investment you'd made.
I can't remember of the top of my head but I think it's about 30,000 or 50,000 USD. This reduces as you complete the time on the line and would be paid back in monthly installments if you leave.
As long as you have worked some time as an FO you will not pay back the full amount. No interest is added on top as it would be if you took a loan to pay up front for ryanair, and you will be paid from date of joining, even while waiting or doing training.
Yes there are downsides.
The roster can be tough, especially on the 320 fleet but then personally I think that's a good thing while you're young and gaining experience and I don't know how the ryanair roster compares to that (so I won't comment).
The country is different from Europe (obviously) and people who are not open minded to that will find life difficult. It can be difficult for a young person to move across the world away from their family but that's down to the individual.
have'nt you been watching the news lately?
Erm... yes, I have. But bearing in mind we're talking about Qatar, and not Bahrain or Egypt or Libya (which if you aren't aware are different countries and in some cases different continents!) I feel no unneccessary concern. I certainly feel safer in Doha, than I do in London despite growing up in England. No, I'm not naive, that's my personal feeling.
Bottom line - I'm happy in Doha, I have friends who are happy there (and some who aren't). I got a job with no costs upfront and was paid from day one at a time when others are still unemployed. I enjoy my job, and I enjoy my career prospects.
As for the cabin crew thing, if that's what you care about (rather than having a job, earning money, flying!) then just put your uniform on and walk around the airport - what do you even need an aircraft for?
As has been said, discretion is key. Certain amounts of freedom are extended to westerners and non-muslims, some don't even notice the restrictions - but it is a muslim country, so have the intelligence and respect to not take the p*ss. Do what you want, but don't shout about it.
Sorry this was so long, I hope people who are generally interested will find a useful point of view. I don't usually reply, but people forcing uninformed rubbish and misleading others annoys me.