The climate is characterized by a mild winter and a hot summer. Temperatures range from 7C/45F in January to around 45C/115F (and even hotter) in the summer. It is usually dry, with the prevailing winds coming off the Saudi deserts, but occasionally the winds come off the Gulf, making it extremely humid.
What type of accommodations will I have? How far are the accommodations from the hospital?
You will be provided with either hospital housing or a housing allowance. There are a number of different housing sites throughout the city and in the area surrounding Doha. As a result, commute times will vary.
Can I drive in Qatar?
Both men and women can drive in Qatar. A Qatar driving license is required to drive after your first week in the country. A Canadian driver's license is endorsed, so Canadians may apply for a Qatari driver’s license upon arrival. But it is more complicated for Americans. See: Traffic in Qatar.
Who makes up the expatriate community?
The expatriate community in Qatar is made up of citizens from around the world: Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, German, Irish, Egyptians, Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Malaysians, South Africans, etc. See: The Population of Qatar
What is there to eat in Qatar?
Qatar has an array of world-class restaurants, with something to offer everybody. Hotels in Qatar serve not only their own guests but also cater to a large number of local residents. Doha also has countless cheap, cheerful, and clean restaurants that serve quality food. For around QR20 (US$6) you can enjoy Arabian grills, local fish, local sweet desserts and coffee. There are numerous juice bars where visitors can buy a fresh juice cocktail or a milkshake.
Is there anything to do at night for entertainment?
Doha has many lively after-dark scenes. The nightlife is varied, with many bars and discos open until the small hours. Hotel bars range from sophisticated cocktail lounges to typically informal Western-style bars. Most of them serve food and many feature live bands nightly. After-dinner revelers can dance to the latest sounds in a number of hotel discos, each with their own ambience and the best of DJs around. Doha is also increasingly attracting top names from the world of entertainment. These include popular singers and entertainers from both West and East. Stage plays from London tour regularly, as do major dance groups from Europe and Asia.
What kind of recreation clubs are there to join?
Dana Club is situated inside Khalifa Complex for Tennis and Squash. It offers its members many sports and recreational facilities such as open and indoor tennis grounds. Doha Club lies in Ras Abu Aboud area overlooking the Gulf waterfront. It has a fine beach and a vast swimming pool equipped with water conditioning systems. The club also has seven flood-lit tennis courts, two indoor squash courts, and a private marina. The Diplomatic Club lies in the West Bay area and offers luxurious facilities such as a gymnasium for various sports activities, businessmen's meeting hall, and an all-purpose hall that can accommodate up to 400 people. There are also tennis and squash courts, a library, a beauty center, and restaurants. The Racing & Equestrian Club has a grass track and a sand track as well as courts for camel and horse beauty contests and local championships. Doha Golf Club boasts one of the finest golf grounds in the Middle East, which has made it the focus of international attention and a suitable venue for Qatar Masters Golf Tournament. You can also watch major sporting events and/or join the local Hash House Harrier group! See: Creating Memories in Qatar - A Guide to Recreation in Qatar
Is English-language reading material available?
There are two English papers: The Gulf Times and The Peninsula. Of course, you can also go online to Al Jazeera English. There are several English-language bookstores, but the stock can vary. Books can also be ordered online from websites such as Amazon.com. If you're an avid reader, consider getting an eReader.
I have tattoos/facial piercings/body piercings. Is this a problem?
No. However, it's best to keep tattoos covered, and piercings in non-traditional locations (e.g., the eyebrow, lips) may be frowned upon. Is there anything I should be sensitive to in Qatar? Liquor is a very sensitive subject. It is available for purchase by non-Muslim expatriates, under a permit system, for consumption at home. Hotel bars and certain clubs also sell alcohol to non-Muslims. Public consumption and resale are forbidden. Public intoxication is forbidden. Do not drink and drive! For more details, see the question below: "Is drinking alcohol legal or illegal in Qatar?" Gambling is forbidden. Swimwear is acceptable at the beach/pool, but elsewhere wearing of short-shorts, short dresses, vest tops/tank tops, etc., are frowned upon. This does vary according to where you are - in the old parts of town you would be expected to dress conservatively, while people at the western-style malls are more liberal. Taking of photographs can be sensitive; ask permission and avoid secure areas (airport, military camps, official buildings, etc.).
Are there churches for Christians?
Yes. In 2005, an agreement was signed by representatives of several denominations for a long-term lease on land on the outskirts of Doha, where the denominations could erect six churches (at the churches' expense). The property includes a Catholic church (opened 2008), an Anglican Church (opened 2012), an Indian Christian Church, St. Thomas Syro - Malabar Church (now open), a Coptic Christian Church (open), a Greek Orthodox Church (opened 2008), and an Eastern Orthodox church (opened 2009). There is also an Inter Denominational Christian Church (IDCC), "a conglomeration of twenty eight different Indian expatriate Christian communities in Qatar."
Will I be safe in Qatar?
There is relatively little crime in Qatar, and the level of violence is far less than one would find in a city of comparable size in the United States or Canada. Generally, Western people say they feel safe.
What happens if I don't like living in Qatar and don’t feel I can complete my contract?
If, after much thought you feel that you do not want to stay, you are free to return home. But if, at a later date you decide to re-apply, it will be very difficult to get another position in Qatar.
Should I register with my country's embassy or consulate in Qatar?
When traveling abroad one should always register with one's embassy or consulate. For Canadians, the Canadian Embassy in Kuwait is responsible for representing Canadian interests in Qatar; there is no Canadian embassy in Qatar. The United States has an embassy in Qatar. You can also register in advance of going overseas: Americans: See the State Department's Travel Registration page Canadians: See Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad page Where can I get additional information about travelling abroad? Canadians can contact the website of The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. This is a useful site. It provides a variety of information (in English and French) for Canadians planning to go abroad. Some information includes: passports; travel reports; consular services; regional characteristics. Americans can contact the website of The Department of State. This site provides information for Americans planning to go abroad, such as: passports; travel and health reports; consular services; regional characteristics; currency exchange.
B) WORK ISSUES What are the details of the work week (hours and days)? Officially, working hours are Sunday through to Thursday (weekends in Qatar are Fridays & Saturdays) and the staff commences work at 7:30am. Officially, the work day finishes at 3:30pm (there is a 30 minute lunch break).
Who are my coworkers?
Your coworkers will be healthcare professionals and support staff from Qatar and countries around the world: Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Jordan, the Philippines, Sudan, Somalia, South Africa, etc. See: The Population of Qatar
Who are the patients?
The patients are Qatari nationals, expatriates, and Qatari hospital staff and their dependents. You will see all types of patients including heart disease, common cancers, and interesting genetic diseases.
What language is spoken at the hospital?
Although English is the working language at the hospital, your colleagues come from all over the world, so English may be a second language to many of them. Some patients may speak English, but many speak only Arabic; translators will be available. When can I start taking my paid vacation days? Generally, paid vacation days are pro-rated and may be taken after six months of employment. These may be split up into multiple short breaks, if the employee prefers, in accordance with the needs of the department and with the approval of the department Director. What holidays do I get? There are a total of 10 (ten) paid public religious holidays: Eid Al Fitr (four working days); Eid Al Adha (five working days); and Independence Day (one working day).
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