Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Many important financial aspects need to be taken care of by the individuals who move to other countries. However, among these aspects, taxes happen to be the most crucial, and every individual should be familiar with the tax system in the country they reside in.

Therefore, in today’s article, we will cover the important aspects related to taxes in Qatar, which would mostly concentrate on the information essential for expats living in Qatar.

We often include tax information related to the residents as well in most of the articles related to expat taxes.

Why? Because in certain situations some individuals might be subject to tax rates as applicable to the residents because of qualifying for the criteria related to tax residence (either accidentally or intentionally).

Or else, some people might have decided to stay there permanently and might not be familiar with all the aspects related to taxes.

General Information:

Qatar is a country located in the eastern coastal region of the Arabian Peninsula while being bordered by Saudi Arabia on the south and the Persian Gulf on the remaining three sides.

With the city of Doha as its capital, Qatar is divided into seven municipalities, and the official, as well as the most commonly spoken language of Qatar, is Arabic.

The currency of Qatar is Riyal, which is denoted as “QAR”, and by the time of writing this article 1 Qatari Riyal is equivalent to 0.27 USD.

Qatar is known to have the world’s third-largest natural gas reserve, and it is common knowledge that oil and natural gas made Qatar be one of the highest per capita income countries in the world.

Moreover, the natural gas reserves of Qatar are estimated to last for the 22^nd century as well.

Even though the economic policy of Qatar is concentrated on developing natural gas reserves and foreign investments in non-energy sectors, it has been estimated that around 50% of the GDP of the country is because of oil and gas industries.

As of the stats related to taxes obtained from the tax summaries website, there are 4 tax regimes in Qatar related to foreign investors, which are as follows.

• The State regime takes care of most businesses existing within the country.

• The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) regime, which is loosely based on the English common law and most of the major financial centres that exist already.

In Qatar, financial institutions and professional service providers (companies) operate according to this regime.

• The Qatar Science and Technology Park (QTSP) is responsible for the tax exemptions offered to the activities related to research and development (R&D).

• Finally, there is the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), which was established in the year 2018. This currently supervises the two free zones in Qatar, which are Ras Bufontas and Umm Al Houl.

The advantages of setting up a company in the zone are 100% ownership of the business, flexibility for the laws related to the foreign workforce, and the likeliness of having a tax holiday for 20 years.

This means there won’t be a corporate tax, custom duties, as well as personal income tax.

The “Ministry of Finance” and the “Qatar Financial Centre” happen to be the tax authorities in Qatar.

As part of this article, we will cover the details regarding corporate taxes in Qatar as well. Why? Well, some expats living in Qatar tend to have a business in Qatar while being an expat, and they might have some trouble getting familiar with the corporate taxes.

However, we will mostly talk about the taxes applicable to the companies that operate as per the state regime in a detailed manner. We will just have a brief insight on QFC, yet the regimes of QSTP and QFZ are not mentioned in this article.

Nevertheless, every detail related to individual taxes has been covered, which are imposed on both residents and expats.

If you are only interested in knowing about the individual taxation details in Qatar and want to skip the information related to corporate taxation, then click here.

Corporate Taxation:

Corporate Income Tax (CIT):

A corporate entity, which may be entirely owned by a foreign individual or partially owned by them, is subject to taxation on the income obtained from Qatar.

If the entity is a joint venture, then the tax imposed on the entity is dependent on the foreign individual’s share of the profit.

It should be duly noted that there is no corporate tax applicable to the entities that are entirely owned by people of Qatar and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nationals who are residing in Qatar.

If the taxes are not specifically excluded for an entity, then the entity would be subject to taxes. This would be the scenario when the income derived by the entity is from Qatar, regardless of the location of the entity.

In such cases, the taxable income is imposed with a corporate income tax rate of 10%, which is a flat rate. However, there are some exceptions.

Given below are the tax rates that are applicable in some particular scenarios:

• The same rate would apply if there was any special agreement made before 1^st January 2020.

If there is no specified rate mentioned in the agreement, then income would be taxed at a rate of 35%.

• According to Law No. 3 of 2007, the tax rate applicable to oil operations is usually around 35%.

• The payments provided to non-residents as per certain services activities that are not connected with a permanent establishment in Qatar is imposed with a withholding tax (WHT).

• There have been some new provisions made by the new Tax Law and its regulations, which come with a possibility of impacting a Qatar-based entity’s tax situation.

This is concerning the profits that are attributable to the Qatari shareholders because the recent requirements were introduced, which narrow down the possibility of such exemptions.

Hence, it is suggested to all the Qatari entities that they review their tax situations properly.

• Additionally, the subsidiaries of non-exempt ownership that are entirely owned by listed entities are taxed to the full extent. This non-exempt ownership includes foreign as well as non-exempt Qatari or GCC ownership companies.

Before this, there was a general idea among corporate entities that such subsidiaries are exempt from taxes.

To make it a bit better for the entities in Qatar, there are no taxes applicable at the local level, state level, or provincial level.

The branches of companies belonging to other nations are imposed with taxes that are the same as the taxes applicable to the taxable entities in Qatar.

When it comes to expenditures of companies other than taxes, there are employee costs, losses, rents, insurance premiums, etc., which also need to be taken into careful consideration.

The operating losses of a company can be deducted from the overall income during a year and can be carried forward for another five years according to the New Tax Law.

The taxes paid outside of Qatar as income taxes can be deducted as an expense for determining taxable income when such income is being taxed in Qatar.

Another major aspect related to the corporate income tax in Qatar is that the taxes can be excluded when the business of a company is determined to be important for the wellbeing of Qatar’s economy.

In such cases, the tax exemptions can be made for a period of 5 or 10 years, and the criteria for such businesses is set by the Qatari tax law.

Tax Residence for Corporate entities:

It should be taken into consideration that the residence is not the basis on which taxes are determined for an entity, regarding corporate income tax purposes.

People should also notice that the companies that are resident outside of Qatar may also be subject to corporate income tax.

Anyhow, the residence status of a corporate entity helps determine whether there would be a withholding tax applicable on the payments.

Any corporate entity would be considered as a resident in Qatar when it is incorporated as per the Qatari laws, has its headquarters located in Qatar, and the company’s management activities are done in Qatar.

Income determination for corporate entities:

The corporate income tax is imposed on the income that has been derived from the sources in Qatar. Some examples are:

• Income obtained from activities that are carried out in Qatar.

• Income obtained from contact work that has been carried out entirely or partially in Qatar.

• Income obtained from real estate located within Qatar, which comprises the sale of sales of shares belonging to the companies where the assets mainly consist of real estate located in Qatar.

• Income obtained from the shares in companies, which have been located in Qatar.

Value Added Tax:

At present, there is no value-added tax in Qatar, yet it is anticipated that VAT might be introduced in the nearby future as per a common GCC framework with an estimated tax rate of 5%.

Custom Duties:

The general rate for custom duties in Qatar is around 5%, which applies to countries other than the GCC countries. There may be a possibility for higher rates depending on the type of goods (tobacco products have higher rates).

Excise Taxes:

The rates are as follows:

• Tobacco Products: 100%
• Carbonated drinks: 50%
• Energy drinks: 100%
• Special purpose goods (including alcohol and pork foods): 100%

Qatari Science and Technology Park (QTSP):

The entities involved with activities related to research and development (R&D) are exempt from the Qatar tax, yet they have to file tax returns and are imposed with WHT on payments made to non-residents.

Qatar Free Zones:

The main objective of the Qatar Free Zone Authority was set up in the year 2018 to develop the Free Zones in Qatar. At present, this oversees two free zones, which are an Airport Free Zone (Ras Bufontas) and a Port Free Zone (Um Al Houl).

The advantages of setting up a business in any of the Free Zones are a 100%ownership and a 20-year tax holiday.

Audit Requirements:

A company needs to audit its financial statements while filing a corporate income tax return when any of the given situations happen.

• The capital is more than 200,000 Riyals
• The total income is more than 500,000 Riyals
• The head office is located outside of Qatar

In Qatar, the tax law necessitates accounts to be prepared while abiding by the IFRS. Starting from 1^st January 2020, all the financial statements in Qatar are to be made in the Arabic language.

Individual Taxation:

The government of Qatar came up with a system called as Wage Protection System (WPS).

According to this system, all the salaries of individuals (including expats) who are working in a company of Qatar or a branch of an international company located in Qatar are paid over to their bank accounts.

This data can be used by the Qatar government to cross-reference the Labour records of the registered employees or the wages/salaries of the employees in financial statements.

As for the taxes, Qatar implements a territorial taxation system. Based on this, the individual is taxed in Qatar on the income derived from sources in Qatar, which is regardless of the person’s tax residence.

This means, even expat individuals are taxed on the income as per the Qatar tax laws if the income has been derived from sources in Qatar.

Note – However, income tax isn’t levied on wages, salaries, and allowances of the individuals who are employees.

On the other hand, self-employed individuals are subject to taxes on the income obtained from the sources in Qatar.

Residence for tax purposes:

As per the tax law in Qatar, a person would be considered as a resident for tax purposes when they qualify for any of the following conditions given below.

• The person should have a house located in Qatar.

• The person must be living in Qatar for more than 183 days in a one-year timeframe, which can either be consecutive or separately.

• The individual’s center of vital interests should be in Qatar, which means their personal interests/business interests or anything important to them.

Therefore, even as an expat, if you own a house or live in Qatar for 183 days, or have vital interests over there, you would be considered as a tax resident.

It is easy to avoid buying a house or having vital interests over there, yet you may find it hard to overcome the tax residence criteria of 183 days by staying for a period less than that, especially while living as an expat over there.

Social Security Contributions:

The employers in Qatar are mandated to make social security contributions for their employees, who are Qatari nationals. However, there is no obligation for the employers to do this for employees belonging to other countries (expat employees).

Net Worth Tax:            No

Inheritance Tax:           No

Estate Tax:                      No

Gift Tax:                            No

Property Tax:                No

Transfer Tax: No

Stamp Duty:                   No

Capital Duty:  No

Payroll Tax:                     No

Business Income:

Individuals are taxed on the income derived from Qatar-based business that has its operational activities in Qatar.

Such activities include any professional services provided, services provided, trades executed, speculations made, contracts took, or any business that obtains profit while utilizing movable or immovable properties in Qatar.

Income tax applies to the self-employed individuals who obtain income from the sources in Qatar or are involved with activities in the country.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT):

Capital Gains Tax is not levied on the sale of real estate and securities if the assets sold are not a part of the taxable activity in Qatar.

Expats are subject to capital gains tax on the sale of Qatar-sourced assets while being taxed at a rate of 10%.

The CGT returns must be submitted within 10 days of the completion of the sale or the conclusion of the contract, whichever happens first.

Dividend Income:

Dividends won’t be taxed if the profits have already been taxed or if the profits are derived from the companies that are exempt from taxes in Qatar.

Rental Income:

There are no taxes on rental payments for the people who are not involved in a taxable activity in Qatar.

Interest Income:

Bank interest or any other interest that is not involved with a taxable activity in the state of Qatar is not subject to taxes.

Foreign Tax Relief:

According to the tax laws of Qatar, the income tax paid outside of Qatar is deductible as an expense for determining taxable income purposes, while the income should be taxed in Qatar.

Tax Treaties:

Qatar has a double tax treaty (DTT) network, which is considered to be growing. At present, 60 countries have a Double Tax Treaty.

Tax incentives:

The gross income of the people who are residing in Qatar is exempt from taxes, which includes their shares in profits derived from legal entities.

Deductions:

• The taxes and duties, except for the income tax in the case of corporate entities, are deductible.

• Donations, gifts, and Subscriptions made to charitable trusts, humanitarian organizations, scientific organizations, cultural organizations, sports activities, etc., which are made to the government organizations or public entities are deductible.

However, the value should not be more than 3% of the overall profits earned in that particular year when the deductions are claimed by the individual.

• Bad debts approved by the GTA based on certain criteria set by the tax law in Qatar are deducible by corporate entities or business owners.

• The interest paid on the loans secured to take care of taxable activities can be deductible.

However, the deduction won’t be possible when the loan is between the head office and its branches, or some other entities related to the head office.

Withholding Tax:

The withholding tax in Qatar does not apply for dividends, anyhow, it applies to interest, royalties, and fees, and services-related payments.

• The WHT for interest payments is 5% for resident companies, resident individuals, non-resident companies, and expat/non-resident individuals.

• The WHT for royalty payments is 5% for resident companies, resident individuals, non-resident companies, and expat/non-resident individuals.

• The WHT for fees and other services-related payments is 5% for resident companies, resident individuals, non-resident companies, and expat/non-resident individuals.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Do I need to file taxes in my country of origin while I am being taxed in Qatar?

“You will have to file taxes in your country of origin, and if you are subject to taxes over there, which can be deducted in Qatar.”

• Who is considered a resident in Qatar for tax purposes?

“Click here.”

• Is foreign income taxed in Qatar?

“No.”

• What is the personal income tax rate in Qatar?

“There is no specific personal income tax in Qatar, yet people obtaining income from businesses involved with taxable activities are taxed at CIT rate of 10% (flat-rate).”

• When are the tax returns due?

“Employed expats are not required to file their tax returns, yet expats who are involved in a business are required to file tax returns before 4 months after the end of a tax year, and the tax year in Qatar begins on January 1^st and ends on December 31^st.”

Bottom Line:

Taking care of the financial aspects while living as an expat in some other country might be hard, yet with the help from a professional, the process can be made easy.

If you need professional advice regarding your expat investments needs, you can avail yourself of the top-notch services offered by us.

That being said, we hope that you were able to find all the information provided in this article useful.

It should be duly noted all the information regarding the taxes in Qatar is up to date while writing this article. The data might change by the time you read this article, and we highly suggest you take advice from an expert in this particular field.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Have you ever wanted to experience the richness and flavor of the Arab culture, but it seems difficult? Worry less; Qatar is a safe, livable, and comfortable place. In fact, the daily routine in Qatar can seem very similar to life in any American or European city – And you should get to know the phrase Inshallah.

A typical conversation may go something like this: when will I get my passport if I apply today? The translation may be: you’ll get your password in a week, Inshallah. This is to tell you that the word is nearly used in all conversations – And it’s because the Islamic culture and calendar dictate their life.

Moving to live and work abroad is not a decision to be taken lightly. It impacts almost every aspect of your life and even changes your perspectives of viewing things. That’s why, if you’re thinking of living in Qatar, you should understand their culture, procedures for a residential permit, education, and others.

All newcomers wishing to live and work in Qatar would have a work residence permit (popularly known as RP). On top of that, you’ll also need a Qatari sponsor, individual, or company for validation. So, it’s your sponsor that’d handle all the paperwork required to obtain the residence permit on your behalf.

Now, here is an article that deeply explains what living in Qatar entails. Today, we’re going to look at interesting facts about living in Qatar. Aside from that, you’ll know what it feels like to be a Qatari. From its historical background, multicultural population, cultural heritage, to its geography, and more are the things we’ll consider.

Interesting Fun Facts about Qatar

Whether you’re living in Qatar or just planning to relocate to the country, there’s always something new to learn. To celebrate and have a good understanding of this country, we’ve rounded up some interesting, fun facts. Without further ado, below are the fun facts about Qatar.

1. Geographical Location and Travel

As of 2021, the eyes of the world are on Qatar. Following the discovery of oil in the 1940s, this small country has been known from a small fishing and trading hub to one of the richest countries in the world. Fuelled by oil and natural gas revenue, Qatar is developing gradually. Also, everything from colleges, five-star hotels to football stadiums is springing up.

However, Qatar is a small peninsular of about three times the land of Dubai. It is located in Western Asia. Its sole land border is with the neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the rest of its territory surrounded by the Persian Gulf that separates Qatar from nearby Bahrain.

Now, you’ll ask, what of the transportation in Qatar, right? Of course! The public transportation in Qatar is good. In fact, you can commute using buses or taxis to get to your destination. Also, a government-owned organization known as Mowasalat operatesthe bus network and monitors its affairs in the country. Meanwhile, you can get around in Qatar through Bus services, rail network, and Doha metro.

Key Points to Remember in Qatar’s Geography

• Qatar is known as the second flattest country in the world, with its highest point lying at just 338 ft
• Hamad international airport in Qatar is the third-best airport in the world
• The citizens of Al Khor Island were the first to produce purple shellfish dye
• Qatar Airways is no doubt the best airline in the world
• Khor AI Adaid is the only place in the world where the sea meets deserts

2. Cultural Heritage and History

The cultural heritage and historical background of Qatar are traceable to its origin, where fishing is their major trade. More so, before the discovery of oil and natural gas, many Qataris made their living through pearl-fishing.  After independence, the country hosts a large US military base and therefore promotes political openness. 

Did you know that about 95 percent of Qataris are Sunni Muslims? Like in any other country, religion in Qatar is restricted to some functions. Visitors (both men and women) can not wear revealing clothing in public places in Qatar. Meanwhile, beachwear and bikinis are acceptable by the hotel pool but not public.

Furthermore, Arabic is the official language in Qatar, but English is widely spoken. Moreover, the business meetings in Qatar usually start with handshakes between men and titles such as Haji or Sheikh are used to show respect. At the same time, small talk is a way of building relationships in the country.

Key Points to Remember in Qatar’s Culture

• Camel racing is one of the most prominent sports in Qatar
• Qatar’s love of art has spilled over from the museum to its large teddy bear usage
• The country’s wealth is in no way equally spread
• Following the Islamic laws in Qatar, Fridays and Saturdays are their weekends
• Touring Qatar would prove to be a very memorable one with its diverse wildlife

3. Qatar Humans and Animals Experience

As an expat, I’ll tell you that there are thousands of reasons to love Qatar. From amazing museums, art galleries to the fantastic beaches and parks, the benefits of living in Qatar can not be overemphasized. Besides, the major reason why people love this country is because of its safety.

According to the mid-year Numbeo crime index, Qatar is one of the countries that have the lowest crime rate in the world, having a total of 11.90 points out of 100. This means the country is pretty safe, and Qatar has won this accolade of safety many times. For example, in 2017 and 2019, it was the safest.

Additionally, in Qatar, robots are used for camel racing. Originally, children can also be used for jockeys, but robots have been used since 2004 for major health and safety reasons. Besides, these robots are controlled remotely by the camel herders that often drive alongside the track.

Key Points to Remember in Qatar’s Animal Experience

• In Qatar, camels are known as the ships of the desert because of the way they walk
• The word camel is derived from the Arabic word known as ‘Jamal,’ meaning beauty
• While the Asian camels are known for their two humps, Arabian camels are known for one
• Arabian Oryx is a proud national animal of Qatar and its small
• You can only see the Arabian Horned Viper in the desert, and they are active at the night

4. Education and Weather in Qatar

Education and weather in Qatar are two different terms. When it comes to weather, there are four seasons; they include winter, spring, summer, and fall. Therefore, it’s quite essential to bring/wear enough clothing that’s suitable for each season. Let’s walk you through the four seasons.

1. Autumn/Fall Season – The autumn/fall season officially begins in September, and the clothes that we recommend during this season include; sweaters, light coats or lined jackets, pants, raincoats, waterproof footwear, together with an umbrella. On the flip side, green leaves turn to beautiful oranges in this season. Not only that, but snow arrives towards the end of the fall season.
2. Winter Season in Qatar – The winter season in Qatar officially begins in December. Some of the things we recommend include; a warm coat, mittens or gloves, a warm hat, warm, water-resistant boots, and others. Meanwhile, in Qatar, snow can officially arrive as early as October, which can last until April.
3. Spring Season in Qatar – The spring season in Qatar officially begins in March. During this period, we recommend you to wear a raincoat, waterproof footwear, pants, jackets, as well as an umbrella. In the spring season, the days become gradually longer, and it’s quite unpredictable when it comes to temperature. This is because; sometimes the weather can be a mix of cool rain and pleasantly sunny.
4. Summer Season in Qatar – summer days in Qatar officially begins in June. During these days, we recommend items such as sunscreen, t-shirts, sandals, sunscreen, and many others. Also, the summer seasons in Qatar bring warm, sunny days with good temperatures ranging from 20˚C to 35˚C as of today.

On the other hand, education in Qatar is jointly directed and controlled by the Supreme Education Council (SEC), the ministry of Education, and Higher Education (MOEHE) at all levels. Surprisingly, this country provides a free educational system for all citizens to prepare them for the future adequately. Besides, some of the cheapest schools for international students include the following.

• Public university of Qatar that – Which provides education for over 15,000 students of both local and international students for as low as $12,000 to $17,000
• Stenden Qatar University, located in Bin Omran, offers cheap education for about 500 students, and the undergraduate tuition fee is between $20,000 to $25,000
• Texas A&M University is an international private university located in the city of Al Rayyan. This school provides education for up to 600 undergraduates students
• Virginia Commonwealth University, established in 1998, was the first university in the city of Doha. It offers up to 200 courses for both local and international students
• Northwestern University provides a cheap educational system for as low as $57,000. This school is also located in the city of Doha. However, it focuses on liberal arts and media studies.

Employment Opportunities in Qatar

Qataris take pride in their architectural design. Their standard of living is high, and most people in this country report feeling safe and healthy. The citizens are generally satisfied with education, environment, and employment provisions, and they offer good requirements for foreigners.

Essential Features of Working in Qatar

Qataris and the international workers politely discharge their duties without disturbance from the third party. Besides, in Qatar, you should understand the terms and conditions of working before you can live comfortably.  Some of the rules and regulations guiding the job opportunities in Qatar include the following.

Qataris Workplace Environment

Working in this country is likely to be from Sunday to Thursday. In fact, most of the offices in the Middle East have separate prayer rooms for men and women. That’s why; we recommend you be a Muslim to make working and enjoying this country safe and easy to comprehend.

The holy month of Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, the Qataris working hours in a government position will be shortened. This is the month of fasting, whereby food and drink are not consumed during daylight hours. Meanwhile, the commencement date moves yearly, but you can eat at home, where you guarantee privacy.

Electronic Cigarettes in Qatar

Don’t let the issue of electronic cigarettes come to your surprise while working in Qatar. It’s because electronic cigarettes are illegal and will be confiscated. So, it’s better to take general health care needs before deciding whether to live in Qatar or not.

Disadvantages of living in Qatar

If you’re moving from Kuwait, Nigeria, Canada to a tiny Gulf nation like Qatar, you’ll need professional moving help. This country has a lot to offer its citizen and foreigners – From the high quality of living, great education, excellent health care facilities to warm weather, and many others. On the other hand, there are specific CONS that make the country difficult for some immigrants. Below are the few CONS.

Limited Choice of Accommodations in Qatar

One problem that seems challenging for foreigners in this country is that accommodation choices are limited. Sometimes, it can even be frustrating searching for a home in popular destinations with few amenities. Moreover, you can search for houses in rural areas because Qatar has constant growth.

Cost of Living in Qatar

The cost of fuel is quite affordable in Qatar, but one of the disadvantages is that living in this country is high. In fact, food in Qatar is high, and other household goods are also expensive. As aforementioned, the educational system is one of the best suitable for undergraduates and postgraduate studies.

Other CONS of Living in Qatar

• Hot summer in Qatar can make the citizen a ghost from June to August
• Be prepared for culture shock when you’re relocating to Qatar for the first time
• Driving on the road in this country can overwhelming because of Qatar driver’s manner
• Be patient at your workplace because many of your co-workers may not understand English
• If you want to visit Doha, you’ll have to drive because they don’t have a walkable downtown area
• Women in Qatar have less freedom than men as they have a patriarchal society
• People in Qatar drive crazily, so you’ll need to have a close eye on any cars near you

Public or National Holidays in Qatar

Qatar observes several public holidays since it’s an Islamic nation. Some of their annual country holidays include the following.

• National Sports Day – The second Tuesday in February
• Qatar National Day – It is observed on the 18^th of December
• Eid al-Fitr – 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd of Shawwal
• Eid al-Adha – 10^th,11^th, and 12^th of Zulhijjah
• New year’s Eve – New Year’s Eve
• December Solstice – December 21^st 

Traditional Qatari Dishes & Drinks Everyone Should Know

In Qatar, breakfast is usually a light meal that may include cheese, coffee, olives, yogurt, and many others. But their launch is the main meal followed by a lovely dinner. Moreover, at dinner, you can expect a light snack, especially during Ramadan or special occasions. Below are some of the foods/drinks.

Luqaimat Food

The Luqaimat is usually made during the holy month of Ramadan. This type of dish is a mixture of milk, butter, flour, sugar, saffron, and cardamom. Also, the ingredients are used to create little dumping that is later deep-fried in sugar syrup. This food is soft on the inside but crunchy on the outside.

Thareed Food

This also contributes to what makes foreigners travel to Qatar in the month of Ramadan. It is similar to a pot of stew. The ingredients of this food include onions, potatoes, beans, carrots, and a mix of tomato sauce and spices. It is suitable during Ramadan and other special occasions.

Balaleet Food

The balaleet is an Indian-influenced dish that includes fried vermicelli topped with a saffron omelette. People eat this kind of food only for breakfast. In addition, the Margoog that’s similar to this food contains fiber and other essential vitamins.

Coffee as Qatar Traditional Drink

In Qatar, coffee plays a huge part in their life. Besides, Arabian coffee is hugely popular for its high-quality coffee made from roasted beans, mixed with cardamom and served in small measures. On a special occasion, the citizens of Qatar drink qahwa helw, which is a bright orange sweet coffee package with cardamom, sugar, and saffron.

Alcohol in Qatar

Alcohol is not illegal in Qatar to some extent. This is because; it’s only available from licensed hotels and restaurants or stories run by the Qatar Distribution Company. However, several regulations are guiding the consumption of Alcohol in Qatar. Take a look at the following to know the terms.

• Your entire luggage would be scanned thoroughly. In this case, it is illegal to bring alcohol into the country.
• You cannot transport Alcohol within the country except for taking it from the initial place of purchase to your home
• It is illegal to sell or give alcohol to others because it is illegal to drink alcohol in public

Key Facts Every Expat Should Know About Qatar

Qatar is made for every traveler around the world. In fact, its capital, Doha, blends traditional souks and gleaming malls effortlessly. Also, beyond Doha, Qatar rewards visitors with its fair share of natural beauty. Without further ado, below are the interesting facts every expat should know about Qatar.

• Qatar sits in a peninsula jutting out into the Arabian Gulf, and it’s the richest country in the world
• Qatar Airways is the national carrier linking Doha to over 160 international destinations in the world
• While Qatar can be expensive, it can also be affordable
• Qatar is refreshingly tolerant, and getting around the country is relatively easy
• Alcohol is allowed in certain places in Qatar
• Doha is the cultural and economic hub of Doha, with a long waterfront
• Surprisingly, nationals from over 87 countries can visit Qatar without a visa
• Tap water and food are safe in Qatar. At the same time, international dishes are widely available in most hotels too

Qatar Insurance Policies and Visa Application

Just like other countries, there are different Qatar insurance policies, including health insurance, car insurance, travel insurance, life insurance policy, and many others. The company is known as the Qatar insurance company (QIC), which specializes in personal and business asset production.

Aside from that, this QIC enjoyed a significant increase in profits as of 2014. From proven track records in transparency, accountability, and others, the company recommended distributing cash dividends of 25 percent and bonus shares of 15 percent to its potential customers or citizens.

However, an expat guide for a car insurance policy is to own a vehicle in Qatar. Besides, you’ll need to have a minimum of 12 months’ insurance on a vehicle in Qatar before it can be registered. The types of car insurance policy available in Qatar include; third-party liability, fully comprehensive policy, car insurance costs, off-road insurance, personal accident insurance, agency repair insurance, and many others.

Furthermore, to apply for a Qatar visa online, you’ll have to provide a valid and confirmed ticketed booking for Qatar. Meanwhile, it’s quite simple – that way, you can start your application process on www.qatarairways.com. Please read the terms and conditions for the Qatar online tourist visa!

List of Countries That Can Enter Qatar without Visa

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Qatar for up to ninety days. These countries include; Antigua, Argentina, Armenia, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Iceland, Malaysia, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Seychelles, Turkey, Ukraine, Australia, Bolivia, Brunei, Chile, Cuba, Canada, Georgia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, and many others to mention a few.

Bottom Line

Qatar is a country in the Middle East that home to up to 2.8 million people. As we said earlier, there are many fun facts about this country. While you’re planning to relocate to Qatar, endeavor to understand the pros and cons of living there. Nonetheless, read this expat guide thoroughly to know more about Qatar.