Best Areas and Suburbs in Qatar part 2 – Part one is here.
Pros and Cons of Living in Qatar as a Foreigner
1. Qatar Is a Safe and Welcoming Country
Qatar is one of the safest countries globally, and foreigners are always welcomed with open arms. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and you will feel right at home in no time. Moreover, Qatar is a very diverse country, and there are plenty of people from different backgrounds and cultures to meet.
2. Qatar Has an Amazing Climate All Year Round
If you’re looking to escape the cold winter weather in your home country, then look no further than sunny Qatar! People who live in colder countries are often surprised by how warm it is in Qatar all year round. The temperatures rarely go below 20 degrees Celsius, and there is plenty of sunshine to enjoy.
3. Qatar Is A Great Place to Work and Live
Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and this is reflected in the high standard of living enjoyed by its residents. The economy is booming, there are plenty of jobs available, and the cost of living is relatively low. In fact, Qatar recently ranked number one in the Middle East when it comes to quality of life, safety, income equality, and jobs.
4. The Education System Is Very Good
Qatar’s education system provides a high standard of academic and vocational training for its residents. There are plenty of schools to choose between for both locals and expats, including some of the best schools in the world. Moreover, Qatar is home to some of the top universities in the region, including Qatar University and Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.
5. Qatar Offers a Wealth of Cultural Experiences
Qatar is home to some of the most famous cultural attractions in the Middle East, including the Museum of Islamic Art and the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. There are also plenty of activities and events to enjoy, from traditional Bedouin weddings to the annual Qatar-France cultural festival.
Living in Qatar as a foreigner can be a fantastic experience. There are plenty of things to see and do, and the locals are always happy to welcome new arrivals. So if you’re thinking of making Qatar your new home, don’t hesitate! You won’t regret it.
Cons
1) Dress Code
Many people who live in Qatar report feeling like they cannot express themselves freely due to its strict dress code. Qatar is a Muslim country, so all women are expected to dress modestly in public, covering their hair and wearing loose-fitting clothing that does not show their curves.
While expats are not required to follow these same rules, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd if you don’t dress in line with the locals.
2) Living Restrictions
Anyone who moves to Qatar is expected to become familiar with the country’s many restrictions on what you can and cannot do. For example, it is illegal to drink alcohol or gamble in Qatar, and there are strict regulations in place governing how much time foreigners can spend outside of their homes.
3) Travel Restrictions
Another reason why you might want to rethink your decision to move to Qatar is because the country places heavy restrictions on travel. If you live in Qatar under a residence permit, then leaving the country is almost impossible without permission from the government.
The only way expats can return home at will and still maintain their residence permits is by applying for a no-objection certificate. This can take months to receive, and even then, many people are denied the certificates they need to return home.
Best Areas and Suburbs in Qatar
Qatar is a peninsula in the Persian Gulf with just over 2 million people. It has been ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-19th century and has recently won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup as mentioned earlier. A country rich in oil and natural gas, its economy heavily relies on these exports, which have granted Qatar unprecedented wealth. This affluence has also created an attractive market for real estate investors who have driven the values of land and properties up in many areas of Qatar.
Qatar is considered to be a very safe country but, with it being situated across the gulf from some unstable countries, there are still considerations for people looking to live here or invest their money here. Here are the top 5 best areas and suburbs in Qatar for real estate investment or relocation.
Al Wakra
Al Wakra is located on the mainland of Qatar, south of Doha’s city center along the coast. It has developed significantly since it was first developed in 1960 to serve as a port for nearby Mesaieed. Mesaieed is a city on the industrial end of the country and, thanks to this, has created an abundance of blue-collar jobs for those living in Al Wakra.
In more recent years, from about 2004 onwards, Al Wakra has been developed as a residential area with people commuting to Doha or moving there directly. It is much more affordable than areas closer to the city center. The area is easily accessed by both the new Doha metro and ample bus services.
West Bay
West Bay is located in the heart of Doha. It is home to Qatar’s most iconic structures, including the Qatar National Convention Centre, the Sheraton Grand Mosque, and the Katara Cultural Village.
The area is in close proximity to Doha’s arterial Corniche Road, and with the rapid expansion of both the Doha Metro and Qatar Rail, there are more and more reasons for people to live in this area. Many new cafés, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and stores have opened up along Ghada Street, which was recently extended to connect West Bay with the rest of Doha City Centre.
Al Khor
Al Khor is located north of Doha along the coast and is home to the city’s only natural harbor. The main attraction for investors looking at this area is two golf courses, Lusail Multipurpose Hall, an equestrian club, and a marina.
It is also home to the city’s only nature reserve, which provides a natural habitat for many animal and plant species, including some thought extinct elsewhere in Qatar. In more recent years, plans have been announced to build a ‘sports city’ between Al Khor and Doha where mainly football will be played.
The Pearl-Qatar
The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island off the coast of Doha; it is one of the most expensive areas in Qatar and has some of the most luxurious apartments and villas in the country. It was developed by real estate company Al Jazeera Properties and was completed in 2011.
The Pearl is home to the world’s largest Ferris wheel, the Qatar Eye, and a wide variety of high-end shops, restaurants, and other amenities. It is also home to many expatriates who work in Doha but prefer to live in a more relaxed and luxurious setting.
Lusail
Lusail is a future city with more than 200,000 residents and built from scratch, just north-east of Doha’s city center. The new city has been designed for people of varying income levels, ranging from studio apartments to multi-story mansions.
Lusail Lifestyle City will include about 100 hotels and serviced apartments in addition to a wide variety of retail and commercial spaces. The new city expects to attract about 50,000 people from outside Qatar upon completion.
Conclusion
When looking for a place to live in Qatar, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first is that Qatar is a huge country, and the second is that it can be quite expensive. Nonetheless, you can refer to this platform for more information or previously written articles about moving to Qatar as an expat.
