The Land of Umm Salal Ali, The Qalit Marir Fortress

& The Sandi Hills

Information on Relocating to Qatar

• The capital city of Qatar is Doha with about 340 thousand people. The political centre is also in Doha. Qatar is a Monarchy.

• Languages: The languages spoken are Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language. The TV programs are in their original language. Cable and Satellite TV are available.

• Population: The population is about 908 thousand people - 40% are Arab, 18% Pakistani, 18% Indian, 10% Iranian, 14% other.

• Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is Doha (Suburbs: Al-Rayan & Khalifa Town).

• Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in the popular area varies. Most expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from US$ 12000 to US$ 15000 for an apartment and US$ 15000 to US$ 4000 and higher annually for a house. The local currency is Qatari Riyal (QR). Note: The Qatari Riyal is tied to the US Dollar.

• Schools: We have the American, the British, the International and the French school all available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Bus: There is no organized public bus service. Taxi: These have black and yellow number plates, are painted in orange and white, and are metered. Taxis can be hired on an hourly basis.

• Bank: Sunday-Wednesday 7.30 am - 12.00 and Thursday 7.00 am - 11.30 am . Many banks open for longer hours and open on Saturdays too.

• Shopping: Is generally done from Saturday-Thursday 8.00 am - 12.00 noon and 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm or later. The malls open until 9.00 pm or 10.00 pm. Some shops are open on Friday evenings as well. 

• Climate: The summers (June to September) are very hot with low rainfall. Winters are cooler with occasional rainfall. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant.

• Culture: Public entertainment is rather limited. Doha has a cinema showing English-language films, and there is also the National Theatre. Live entertainment is infrequent, but some international artists do perform in Qatar.

• Public holidays: January (dates vary)-Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice); January/February (date varies)-Islamic New Year; June 27th-Accession of HH The Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani; September 3rd-Independence Day; October/November (dates vary)-Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).