Woking in Doha (Qatar)
Discussion
Anyone done it?
Ive been contacted by a company direct, and have a further interview this week- if successful will go out for a final. Luckily an ex colleague is working for them at the moment so I caught up with him and got the 'warts and all' version.
Package is tax free, accommodation/utilities and car included. They will also pay for youngest daughter at an international school.
As I have done in the past (taking shorter term contracts) I have worked in Australia and Hong Kong previously, but without my family.
This is a full time role, so I either look at it that I'm back home every six weeks or so, or family come out to visit. The plus side is th at its for the national airline, so flight discounts are substantial, as are cheap flights for family- so this isn't an issue.
However, I'd like us all to be together, and being based in Doha and working for an airline would give us a base to travel to places that (I've been to) but my family haven't.
I had the opportunity to take full time role last year in Oz which I turned down - it wasn't the right time etc. I'd hate to look back on this opportunity and regret it also.
But, my daughter is 13 next week, she's at that stage where friends and exams are going to be important over the next few years. We got her into a good school and i need to make sure she gets the education she needs to be successful later in life.
Am I over thinking it?
To get the equivalent salary in the UK as Doha, I'm looking to have to look at roles at £115k plus (which will be few and far between in the UK).
We can rent the house- so no problem there.
We can pay a fair chunk off the mortgage each year.
Think of a 2 year plan- use it to travel & save some cash, then come back year 3, spend some cash on a tutor for child's GCSE's..
Anyone have any thoughts or experiences?
J
Ive been contacted by a company direct, and have a further interview this week- if successful will go out for a final. Luckily an ex colleague is working for them at the moment so I caught up with him and got the 'warts and all' version.
Package is tax free, accommodation/utilities and car included. They will also pay for youngest daughter at an international school.
As I have done in the past (taking shorter term contracts) I have worked in Australia and Hong Kong previously, but without my family.
This is a full time role, so I either look at it that I'm back home every six weeks or so, or family come out to visit. The plus side is th at its for the national airline, so flight discounts are substantial, as are cheap flights for family- so this isn't an issue.
However, I'd like us all to be together, and being based in Doha and working for an airline would give us a base to travel to places that (I've been to) but my family haven't.
I had the opportunity to take full time role last year in Oz which I turned down - it wasn't the right time etc. I'd hate to look back on this opportunity and regret it also.
But, my daughter is 13 next week, she's at that stage where friends and exams are going to be important over the next few years. We got her into a good school and i need to make sure she gets the education she needs to be successful later in life.
Am I over thinking it?
To get the equivalent salary in the UK as Doha, I'm looking to have to look at roles at £115k plus (which will be few and far between in the UK).
We can rent the house- so no problem there.
We can pay a fair chunk off the mortgage each year.
Think of a 2 year plan- use it to travel & save some cash, then come back year 3, spend some cash on a tutor for child's GCSE's..
Anyone have any thoughts or experiences?
J
my immediate thought is that its a pretty simple question. Is the additional short term cash worth more than the disruption and impact to your quality of life, currently?
different people place different value on different things so its ultimately a very personal call.
if i had everything i needed here, and a 13yo, i wouldnt be going to the middle east. in all seriousness she could end up hating you if she doesnt like her new school!
different people place different value on different things so its ultimately a very personal call.
if i had everything i needed here, and a 13yo, i wouldnt be going to the middle east. in all seriousness she could end up hating you if she doesnt like her new school!
But, equally, she could end up loving you for giving her the most cool opportunity ever.
We’ve been through this, OP. The reality is that the only people who can make the right decision is you and your wife. Only you know the lay of land at your daughter’s school; Only you know how set your finances are ; Only you know how much you will enjoy living in Qatar etc
There are so many variables that it’s almost impossible to advise. For us, it would never have worked. Shariah / being cognisant of Shariah is too restricting, work would take both my wife and I away too often. We earn enough with UK based jobs that it wasn’t worth one of us taking a pay cut. But that’s us. You, your wife, your family and your circumstances. will be totally different deferent. I know people who live in Qatar and love the tax free living. They blend it with frequent trips home to see their family and get their shot of green.
We’ve been through this, OP. The reality is that the only people who can make the right decision is you and your wife. Only you know the lay of land at your daughter’s school; Only you know how set your finances are ; Only you know how much you will enjoy living in Qatar etc
There are so many variables that it’s almost impossible to advise. For us, it would never have worked. Shariah / being cognisant of Shariah is too restricting, work would take both my wife and I away too often. We earn enough with UK based jobs that it wasn’t worth one of us taking a pay cut. But that’s us. You, your wife, your family and your circumstances. will be totally different deferent. I know people who live in Qatar and love the tax free living. They blend it with frequent trips home to see their family and get their shot of green.
I was out there for a couple of years, working bascially eight weeks in Doha & two in the UK. Some random thoughts:
October to Febuary the weather is really nice.
March to September it's hot, as in fifty degrees hot. You cannot do anything outside, including play.
If you plan to come back every six weeks your employer will have to agree as you need them to approve an exit visa so you can leave the country.
Your wife won't be able to work if she is there on a spouse/dependent visa.
It's a very small island with not much to do. Doha itself is quite small.
I've no idea what the wives do all day. Gym & visit each other I suppose.
With the strained relationship with the rest of the gulf states you can't even escape to Dubai so your choice of places to fly to is a bit restricted.
There are lots of kids in International schools who are all in the same boat as your daughter. I'm not sure how she will make friends though as the kids can't just drop round to each other's houses.
Driving is mental but the wives seem to manage.
The schools have long (two months) summer holidays & most wives & kids go home. It's too hot to stay so the Qataris leave as well.
Two years for big money? Probably worth it. If the family can't stand it then they may have to come back but they wouldn't be the first to have to do that.
October to Febuary the weather is really nice.
March to September it's hot, as in fifty degrees hot. You cannot do anything outside, including play.
If you plan to come back every six weeks your employer will have to agree as you need them to approve an exit visa so you can leave the country.
Your wife won't be able to work if she is there on a spouse/dependent visa.
It's a very small island with not much to do. Doha itself is quite small.
I've no idea what the wives do all day. Gym & visit each other I suppose.
With the strained relationship with the rest of the gulf states you can't even escape to Dubai so your choice of places to fly to is a bit restricted.
There are lots of kids in International schools who are all in the same boat as your daughter. I'm not sure how she will make friends though as the kids can't just drop round to each other's houses.
Driving is mental but the wives seem to manage.
The schools have long (two months) summer holidays & most wives & kids go home. It's too hot to stay so the Qataris leave as well.
Two years for big money? Probably worth it. If the family can't stand it then they may have to come back but they wouldn't be the first to have to do that.
schmalex said:
But, equally, she could end up loving you for giving her the most cool opportunity ever.
We’ve been through this, OP. The reality is that the only people who can make the right decision is you and your wife. Only you know the lay of land at your daughter’s school; Only you know how set your finances are ; Only you know how much you will enjoy living in Qatar etc
There are so many variables that it’s almost impossible to advise. For us, it would never have worked. Shariah / being cognisant of Shariah is too restricting, work would take both my wife and I away too often. We earn enough with UK based jobs that it wasn’t worth one of us taking a pay cut. But that’s us. You, your wife, your family and your circumstances. will be totally different deferent. I know people who live in Qatar and love the tax free living. They blend it with frequent trips home to see their family and get their shot of green.
absolutely, i agree with everything you say. We’ve been through this, OP. The reality is that the only people who can make the right decision is you and your wife. Only you know the lay of land at your daughter’s school; Only you know how set your finances are ; Only you know how much you will enjoy living in Qatar etc
There are so many variables that it’s almost impossible to advise. For us, it would never have worked. Shariah / being cognisant of Shariah is too restricting, work would take both my wife and I away too often. We earn enough with UK based jobs that it wasn’t worth one of us taking a pay cut. But that’s us. You, your wife, your family and your circumstances. will be totally different deferent. I know people who live in Qatar and love the tax free living. They blend it with frequent trips home to see their family and get their shot of green.
My gut feeling was leave the family in the UK, head down, pay the mortgage off. Depends if you can do without your family for long periods. I have a 13 year old daughter and I’m not sure taking her to that environment would be beneficial.
I just transitioned in Doha yesterday and the heat was horrible at 40c let alone 5/10c on top.
I just transitioned in Doha yesterday and the heat was horrible at 40c let alone 5/10c on top.
Hi all,
A quick update (as I'm a firm believer in updating threads!).
Contract came through today so just waiting for my visa/residency to get organised. Wife and daughter are fully on board about spending time in the ME and are both looking forward to it.
The flight concessions we get (as it's working for the national airline) are substantial and means we will be well placed to visit some places further afield that they both want to go to early next year.
Car wise (as this is PH) there seems to be allot of US brands in Doha- I'm not sure if it's because of the large contingent of US troops further down the road, but currently looking at an Escalade for the wife, and perhaps a Mustang or Challenger for me as a daily drive. Not something I would ever consider in the UK, but given fuel is cheaper there, it would be a shame not to take advantage of a V8, as I wouldn't be able to afford to run one in the UK.
Will or course update further down the road.
Thanks all to the advice given, it gave us a lot to think about before accepting the offer.
J
A quick update (as I'm a firm believer in updating threads!).
Contract came through today so just waiting for my visa/residency to get organised. Wife and daughter are fully on board about spending time in the ME and are both looking forward to it.
The flight concessions we get (as it's working for the national airline) are substantial and means we will be well placed to visit some places further afield that they both want to go to early next year.
Car wise (as this is PH) there seems to be allot of US brands in Doha- I'm not sure if it's because of the large contingent of US troops further down the road, but currently looking at an Escalade for the wife, and perhaps a Mustang or Challenger for me as a daily drive. Not something I would ever consider in the UK, but given fuel is cheaper there, it would be a shame not to take advantage of a V8, as I wouldn't be able to afford to run one in the UK.
Will or course update further down the road.
Thanks all to the advice given, it gave us a lot to think about before accepting the offer.
J
A bit late to the party, and since you're signing anyway, but...
I worked in Doha/on Halul Island for six months. It cured me of my desire to work in the ME, and I swore never to set foot in the Godforsaken place ever again. It was a complete, well, you know....
Admittedly it was a good few years ago. At the time there was an article in the local press congratulating the tourism board on tripling their visitor numbers. They'd gone from 15 the previous year, to 50.
Good luck; I hope your experience is better than mine.
I worked in Doha/on Halul Island for six months. It cured me of my desire to work in the ME, and I swore never to set foot in the Godforsaken place ever again. It was a complete, well, you know....
Admittedly it was a good few years ago. At the time there was an article in the local press congratulating the tourism board on tripling their visitor numbers. They'd gone from 15 the previous year, to 50.
Good luck; I hope your experience is better than mine.
Just seen this.
I’ve recently done just under a year in Bahrain - was alright .... but less to do leisure wise than Singapore it UK . I was working for a JV with the national airline.
Oman / UAE / Bahrain are all reasonable places to live. All 3 are reasonably relaxed / there are bars and entertainment etc.
Qatar is on a bit of a blacklist from the rest of the GCC. Due to afiliations with Taliban and other groups.
My understanding is you cannot fly in and out from other neighbouring GCC countries .
It is also quite strict and conservative- more so than the 3 above.
Personally I would not choose to work in any of KSA, Qatar or Kuwait. (Or Yemen )
For weekends away ... may have to be further afield than the Gulf as neighboring states block travel- suggest you check this out / do some research.
I’ve recently done just under a year in Bahrain - was alright .... but less to do leisure wise than Singapore it UK . I was working for a JV with the national airline.
Oman / UAE / Bahrain are all reasonable places to live. All 3 are reasonably relaxed / there are bars and entertainment etc.
Qatar is on a bit of a blacklist from the rest of the GCC. Due to afiliations with Taliban and other groups.
My understanding is you cannot fly in and out from other neighbouring GCC countries .
It is also quite strict and conservative- more so than the 3 above.
Personally I would not choose to work in any of KSA, Qatar or Kuwait. (Or Yemen )
For weekends away ... may have to be further afield than the Gulf as neighboring states block travel- suggest you check this out / do some research.
mmmunch said:
Hi all,
A quick update (as I'm a firm believer in updating threads!).
Contract came through today so just waiting for my visa/residency to get organised. Wife and daughter are fully on board about spending time in the ME and are both looking forward to it.
The flight concessions we get (as it's working for the national airline) are substantial and means we will be well placed to visit some places further afield that they both want to go to early next year.
Car wise (as this is PH) there seems to be allot of US brands in Doha- I'm not sure if it's because of the large contingent of US troops further down the road, but currently looking at an Escalade for the wife, and perhaps a Mustang or Challenger for me as a daily drive. Not something I would ever consider in the UK, but given fuel is cheaper there, it would be a shame not to take advantage of a V8, as I wouldn't be able to afford to run one in the UK.
Will or course update further down the road.
Thanks all to the advice given, it gave us a lot to think about before accepting the offer.
J
Regarding driving a US V8 in the Middle East ( experience from Bahrain ).A quick update (as I'm a firm believer in updating threads!).
Contract came through today so just waiting for my visa/residency to get organised. Wife and daughter are fully on board about spending time in the ME and are both looking forward to it.
The flight concessions we get (as it's working for the national airline) are substantial and means we will be well placed to visit some places further afield that they both want to go to early next year.
Car wise (as this is PH) there seems to be allot of US brands in Doha- I'm not sure if it's because of the large contingent of US troops further down the road, but currently looking at an Escalade for the wife, and perhaps a Mustang or Challenger for me as a daily drive. Not something I would ever consider in the UK, but given fuel is cheaper there, it would be a shame not to take advantage of a V8, as I wouldn't be able to afford to run one in the UK.
Will or course update further down the road.
Thanks all to the advice given, it gave us a lot to think about before accepting the offer.
J
Yes fuel is way cheaper than UK ....
however American muscle cars tend to lose value quickly and can be expensive to service (compared to Jap cars )- and may not be easy to sell when you leave.
..most people I knew out there (including US Navy guys ) would drive Jap cars or Jap SUVs (landcruiser)
quite easy to sell-on toyotas, hondas or nissans.
the popularity of cars will relate to how good the dealer network are at servicing and looking after customers ..
Odhran said:
Recently returned back after a stint working there teaching. What school is your daughter in by the way? Not Oryx is it?
I have a soft spot for Doha. Qatar can be a frustrating country at times but if you overlook it, it’s actually a very interesting place.
That sounds bad- it is one of the ones suggested to us by the airline (I understand it's owned by them).I have a soft spot for Doha. Qatar can be a frustrating country at times but if you overlook it, it’s actually a very interesting place.
Can you tell me more (honestly)- take it over to PM if you want..
alfaman said:
Regarding driving a US V8 in the Middle East ( experience from Bahrain ).
Yes fuel is way cheaper than UK ....
however American muscle cars tend to lose value quickly and can be expensive to service (compared to Jap cars )- and may not be easy to sell when you leave.
..most people I knew out there (including US Navy guys ) would drive Jap cars or Jap SUVs (landcruiser)
quite easy to sell-on toyotas, hondas or nissans.
the popularity of cars will relate to how good the dealer network are at servicing and looking after customers ..
Cool, thanks for that- it makes sense as they do seem to be cheaper than the Japanese 'equivalents'. To be fair, my wife did say about shipping one back when we decide to come home..Yes fuel is way cheaper than UK ....
however American muscle cars tend to lose value quickly and can be expensive to service (compared to Jap cars )- and may not be easy to sell when you leave.
..most people I knew out there (including US Navy guys ) would drive Jap cars or Jap SUVs (landcruiser)
quite easy to sell-on toyotas, hondas or nissans.
the popularity of cars will relate to how good the dealer network are at servicing and looking after customers ..
mmmunch said:
Cool, thanks for that- it makes sense as they do seem to be cheaper than the Japanese 'equivalents'. To be fair, my wife did say about shipping one back when we decide to come home..
seem to recall the typical rules for export (Bahrain anyway - expect most countries are similar) are you need to own the car for 6+ months - then can ship out tax free.The full size V8 landcruisers do look awesome - though would be ruinous to run in the UK / and may not fit in UK sized parking spaces
they do make a slightly more compact model though.
.. and don’t bring a car into the Gulf unless it’s cooling system is ‘Gulf spec’!
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