Working In Doha, Qatar

[Tannedbaldhead]

Never done ME.

What's it like, what should I expect etc etc.

All information and advice appreciated.

[Tannedbaldhead]

Odhran said:

What line of work are you in? I have a lot of friends their working teaching in British schools who I regularly keep in contact with if you would like any specific questions answered?

Quantity Surveyor. Looking for an overview to start with. Am hearing comments along the lines of "not as easy to settle there as an ex pat as it would in Oman and Dubai"

[Tannedbaldhead]

WTF is the exchange rate BTW. On 'tinternet convertors they state 1QAR is worth 18p. That means a 50,000QAR offer means I'm working for £9k which can't be right. Am scared to ask my prospective boss in case he thinks I'm a bit thick (which I may well be).

[Tannedbaldhead]

GT03ROB said:

...and make sure you understand the full package....

salary is only part of it. As an example my "package" is made up of base salary, 20% o/t guaranteed, pension, housing allowance, internet allowance, sat TV allowance, per diem, fuel card, car,flights, service gratuity, bonus. It can all add up.

Is that what "all found" means?

On the subject of making sure of the package I've heard old school horror stories dating back to the early days of ex-pat working in the ME. As I understood it the salary was a pittance but the worker would receive a huge contract completion bonus. Result work 364 day and you were on $100 odd dollars a week. Work 365 days and an extra $30k was dropped in your bank account. (doesn't sound much but am talking old days money )