Shipping... (only joking) - Is this harsh?
Discussion
Someone I know is moving to Qatar to work, and asked for my comments/tips. I sent this email, but my OH thinks it's not very nice, I thought I was being helpful!
I said:
A common theme with the Middle East for new arrivals is expectations vs reality - possibly a bit late now, but try to arrange and agree as much as you can up front, accommodation, car, hours, holidays, flights etc.
It's much easier if accommodation is provided for you, rather than housing allowances - at least for a year or so and you know what you want.
I don't know about Qatar but the UAE blocks access to things on the internet, like Skype. So if you want to use that for calling home (much cheaper/free) then make sure you install it before you leave and top up the credit. You can also get access back to the BBC iPlayer/4OD etc if you install a proxy service - it costs about £5/month I think.
Generally, you'll need to just be patient. Things in the Middle East are very beaurocratic and slow paced - the quality and competence of staff is much lower than the UK. It took me a little while to realise that I just had to lower my expectations, and realise what I could and couldn't change - once I stopped fighting, things became much easier!
You'll be going out straight into the peak Summer - so be prepared for the heat and humidity - also Ramadhan is coming up in August, which means half days but nothing is open. Try not to judge the place during Ramadhan, as it will improve.
Overall, during my time here I've had some very good times and some very bad but I'm glad I stuck with it and made it through.
Reading that back, it sounds a bit depressing, it isn't meant to be - but it's not all sunshine and cocktails.
Matt
It's much easier if accommodation is provided for you, rather than housing allowances - at least for a year or so and you know what you want.
I don't know about Qatar but the UAE blocks access to things on the internet, like Skype. So if you want to use that for calling home (much cheaper/free) then make sure you install it before you leave and top up the credit. You can also get access back to the BBC iPlayer/4OD etc if you install a proxy service - it costs about £5/month I think.
Generally, you'll need to just be patient. Things in the Middle East are very beaurocratic and slow paced - the quality and competence of staff is much lower than the UK. It took me a little while to realise that I just had to lower my expectations, and realise what I could and couldn't change - once I stopped fighting, things became much easier!
You'll be going out straight into the peak Summer - so be prepared for the heat and humidity - also Ramadhan is coming up in August, which means half days but nothing is open. Try not to judge the place during Ramadhan, as it will improve.
Overall, during my time here I've had some very good times and some very bad but I'm glad I stuck with it and made it through.
Reading that back, it sounds a bit depressing, it isn't meant to be - but it's not all sunshine and cocktails.
Matt
I think I recovered it, and managed to carry on the toiletries theme!!
I said:
I also remembered that I was told that (UK) toiletries are hard to get hold of by my Manager – to be honest it’s not something I found a problem, but you might want to chuck a few extras in.
I don’t speak Arabic, aside from a few common phrases – greetings etc, but never found it a problem, everyone speaks (varying degrees of) English.
Petrol is very cheap, but telecoms in general are expensive – so try to pick up a local SIM card as soon as you can over there.
Things like customer service are pretty good generally, the staff are polite and you get a lot of things done for you that you don’t at home – e.g. they fill your car up for you.
If you wanted to get a maid, they are also pretty cheap – a few of the guys at work have a live-in maid, and it costs peanuts. More useful if you’re out as a family with young kids though.
When I look back at the issues I’ve had, in the grand scheme of things they’re not a big deal – it’s easy to turn into a whiney ex-pat without realising – when they deliver your champagne not quite cold enough, or the wifi reception around the pool isn’t very good, or the driver is late to pick you up in the morning. But when I look back, they’re pretty laughable – but your expectations and outlook adjust I guess.
Aside from that, I’m sure you’ll have a great time overall – let me know if you’ve got any other questions.
I don’t speak Arabic, aside from a few common phrases – greetings etc, but never found it a problem, everyone speaks (varying degrees of) English.
Petrol is very cheap, but telecoms in general are expensive – so try to pick up a local SIM card as soon as you can over there.
Things like customer service are pretty good generally, the staff are polite and you get a lot of things done for you that you don’t at home – e.g. they fill your car up for you.
If you wanted to get a maid, they are also pretty cheap – a few of the guys at work have a live-in maid, and it costs peanuts. More useful if you’re out as a family with young kids though.
When I look back at the issues I’ve had, in the grand scheme of things they’re not a big deal – it’s easy to turn into a whiney ex-pat without realising – when they deliver your champagne not quite cold enough, or the wifi reception around the pool isn’t very good, or the driver is late to pick you up in the morning. But when I look back, they’re pretty laughable – but your expectations and outlook adjust I guess.
Aside from that, I’m sure you’ll have a great time overall – let me know if you’ve got any other questions.
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