Doha Roll Call

Author
Discussion

jinkster

2,235 posts

155 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
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Championship Course
18-Holes 9-Holes Unlimited Golf
Visitor Midweek
Sunday- Wednesday 06:30 - 15:00 QR 650 QR 420
15:10 - onwards QR 420
Thursday 06:30 - 11:00 QR 650 QR 420
Weekend
Thursday PM - Saturday 06:32 - 13:28 QR 875 QR 525

875QAR for 18 holes weekend - non member!

http://www.dohagolfclub.com/reservations-and-enqui...

I'm hoping to do some warm weather sailing!

Toby - RE: Golf clubs. Are they expensive out there to buy?

TobyLaRohne

5,713 posts

205 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
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jinkster said:
Toby - RE: Golf clubs. Are they expensive out there to buy?
Not a clue, I only ever go to the Golf club to get hammered out in the sunshine. Never been on the course. Looked at it from the bar a few times though.


shirt

22,508 posts

200 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
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buy in the uk and reclaim the VAT on exit. all my major purchases are done this way, far cheaper than buying in country.

johnfm

13,668 posts

249 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
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TobyLaRohne said:
johnfm said:
LOL at the membership fees! Is everything out there eye wateringly expensive?
...you don't think they pay you alot because they are generous do you?

In short, most things are, however motorsport is cheap (comparatively!)
At my level, market rate is London rate - so reasonably good, but I won't be bathing in asses milk and breakfasting on caviar...

jinkster

2,235 posts

155 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
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Shirt, can you do tax free for tourists?

shirt

22,508 posts

200 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
quotequote all
yep, just get the tax free receipts from the retailer and fill in the claims form at the airport. you must do it at your point of exit from the EU, so if you transit in, say, amsterdam then you claim there.

amsterdam is actually one of the best, as you can get the refund in cash there and then. at manchester you fill the form in and chuck it in the postbox, customs don't even want to see the goods. this is handy to know when xmas shopping for your folks wink

for those about to become expats, you can claim the VAT back for anything bought in the 6mths up to your departure date.

you'd be amazed at just what you can get tax free. most department stores are in the scheme as are most major chains. i have bought 2 guitars from an independant shop and just had to ring ahead to make sure they got the forms sent through from their head office. its pretty satisfying hitting the xmas sales knowing you're going to get an additional 20% off on the way home.

velocitas

225 posts

158 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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@toby - great thread mate, I was beginning to feel like all the expats in Doha were young families who went to shopping centres for excitement at 29 that's not really the lifestyle I was looking for.

I'm moving out to the Middle East next month, preference was for Dubai / Abu Dhabi but the company (BIG4 Consulting) is pushing for Doha. Reading this I feel a bit better about my options. I'll drop you a PM if I end up in Doha, happy to help out as a spanner monkey working for peanuts and beer! drink

TobyLaRohne

5,713 posts

205 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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velocitas said:
@toby - great thread mate, I was beginning to feel like all the expats in Doha were young families who went to shopping centres for excitement at 29 that's not really the lifestyle I was looking for.

I'm moving out to the Middle East next month, preference was for Dubai / Abu Dhabi but the company (BIG4 Consulting) is pushing for Doha. Reading this I feel a bit better about my options. I'll drop you a PM if I end up in Doha, happy to help out as a spanner monkey working for peanuts and beer! drink
I really wouldn't have any worries about coming to doha (you'll probably get paid more too and most people I know get 2 pay rises a year). Dubai is fine so is Abu Dhabi, but for me they're places you're better dipping in and out of rather than living there, or at least thats what I reckon (I don't think I'm in the majority though hehe

Dont forget Dubai and Abu Dhabi are only a 1 hour flight away, people often hop over there from here for the weekend.

shirt

22,508 posts

200 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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i could cope with doha for 2 payrises a year. mine this round was a rather offensive 3%

officially on the job hunt btw, anyone hiring design/mech/project engs let me know.

K50 DEL

9,227 posts

227 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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shirt said:
i could cope with doha for 2 payrises a year. mine this round was a rather offensive 3%

officially on the job hunt btw, anyone hiring design/mech/project engs let me know.
I could cope with 3%.. no one here has had one since Jan 2012

TobyLaRohne

5,713 posts

205 months

Wednesday 27th August 2014
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K50 DEL said:
I could cope with 3%.. no one here has had one since Jan 2012
Remind me what red car you have in your garage again? ... hehe

Usually we get about 7% in summer and if you're a good boy (or kick off) you get a bit more in winter.
I guess it goes with having to live with exit visas, noc's and fewer brunches to attend.

GreatPretender

Original Poster:

26,140 posts

213 months

Thursday 28th August 2014
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So folks, I'm mobilising on Saturday (30th Aug). Work wanted me out ASAP so I duly obliged.

Mark, I'll ping you a line when I get out there and settled.

thumbup

TobyLaRohne

5,713 posts

205 months

Saturday 30th August 2014
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GreatPretender said:
So folks, I'm mobilising on Saturday (30th Aug). Work wanted me out ASAP so I duly obliged.

Mark, I'll ping you a line when I get out there and settled.

thumbup
hi fella, sorry I'll be off the radar for a week or so, I'm having surgery. Hoping to be up and about next weekend but I am not sure yet.

TobyLaRohne

5,713 posts

205 months

Friday 19th September 2014
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Trackday today folks, starting from 7.15 registration...action from 9pm to midnight

147GTA

282 posts

202 months

Thursday 16th October 2014
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TobyLaRohne said:
Done and done, put the weekend of the 17th October in ur calendar
I'm still up for this so please let me know if you still need a hand.

IanUAE

2,927 posts

163 months

Thursday 16th October 2014
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147GTA said:
I'm still up for this so please let me know if you still need a hand.
See you guys this weekend, arrive 09:45 tomorrow morning (well I will if I can get out of my sodding office in time to fly back to Dubai tonight).

TobyLaRohne

5,713 posts

205 months

Thursday 16th October 2014
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147GTA said:
I'm still up for this so please let me know if you still need a hand.
E-Mail sent to you, hope to see you this weekend.

Vanya

2,058 posts

243 months

Sunday 19th October 2014
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Hi guys,

Another PHer reporting in for Roll Call, if I may please?

I expect to mobilise in about 3 weeks based on hard copy contract signing today or tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to it, I've lived and worked in Abu Dhabi (mid 90's) and Dubai (about 6 years ago), so it shouldn't be too massive a culture shock.

It would be nice to meet up, maybe pick up on a few tips and tricks, etc.

It sounds like things may centre around the West Bay area whatever that is.

Cheers for now,

V.

thumbup


TobyLaRohne

5,713 posts

205 months

Monday 20th October 2014
quotequote all
Vanya said:
Hi guys,

Another PHer reporting in for Roll Call, if I may please?

I expect to mobilise in about 3 weeks based on hard copy contract signing today or tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to it, I've lived and worked in Abu Dhabi (mid 90's) and Dubai (about 6 years ago), so it shouldn't be too massive a culture shock.

It would be nice to meet up, maybe pick up on a few tips and tricks, etc.

It sounds like things may centre around the West Bay area whatever that is.

Cheers for now,

V.

thumbup
Sounds like a plan, see you soon!

Vanya

2,058 posts

243 months

Monday 20th October 2014
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Thanks Toby.

The reason I mentioned West Bay, as I'd never heard of it until yesterday, I understand that's where the company office is.

I'm pleased about timing though if it ties in with the motor racing season.

Looks like I could spend some time there, I mean in a spectating type capacity, not behind the wheel! hehe

I have many things flying around in my head, near the top of the list is I'm wondering about dune bashing, is there much happening on that front?
I did that with workmates when I was in Abu Dhabi but I barely put a wheel off-road in Dubai. frown
Is there good dune terrain or is it a bit flat, I have no idea?

Oh yes, music shop, are there any good musical instrument shops, for a guitar?
I don't want to risk bringing one out but will if I have to.

Thanks for any guidance guys.