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Life for a Western Woman alone in Doha
Hi all, this is my first post here.
My husband and I are considering a move to Doha from London UK. He has been offered a job at a law firm that pays 75,000 QAR per month so we could afford a comfortable lifestyle.
In the UK I work full time as a firefighter but this doesn't seem to be a viable career for me in Qatar so initially I wouldn't work. This means that during the week I will spend the majority of my time alone which in itself isn't an issue however, I was wondering if there were any restrictions on what women can/cannot do on their own in Doha?
I plan to take care of everything from finding accommodation and buying a car to all shopping, driving and housekeeping etc. I wonder if I will be taken seriously?
I'm currently learning Arabic and will continue to do so if we move so my free time will be mostly spent studying and working out however, I also plan on exploring the city and will be visiting most places on my own.
Are there any Western women out there who have an experiences of life in Doha (good or bad) that they may be able to share? Many thanks!
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Comments
britexpat said
As with any other city, life ...As with any other city, life is what you make it.
You seem to be focused on what you want to do , so you shouldn't have many problems. you can also join some sports or leisure clubs and occasionaly "chill" with the ladies group.
Have fun!
Theabayaboy1 said
The salary is very wonderful ...The salary is very wonderful !
Miss Mimi said
The only thing you'll find a ...The only thing you'll find a bit difficult to deal with is the unwanted attention from men.
Also, with a fire fighting background you might be able to find a job in Health and Safety with one of the gas companies if you are interested in working.
"I can explain it to you, but I can't comprehend it for you." Ed Koch
Colt45 said
Damn! 75K/ month :-) ...You wanna consider adopting me? :-P
Colt45 said
Oh! ...and yes you will be taken seriously and will be able to do everything you listed on there.
Like MM said, ou can even land yourself a job here :-)
maaham85 said
Life is very nice easy and ...Life is very nice easy and calm you will enjoy it i promise. As soon as you arrive and feel settled look up one of the clubs and become a member and you will enjoy it. Or also as miss mimi said apply to Health And Saftey jobs you will be interviwed.
M.M.
jjj75 said
The only thing about the ...The only thing about the ladies groups is they are incredibly cliquey and incredibly dull.
Babies, babies, coffee shop, prada, prada prada, babies, how to sack the maid etc.....
Serag4000 said
Learning Arabic ...Learning Arabic is nice, but you don't have to worry about it, you can get along quite well with English. In fact, most of the people you will deal with will be expatriates as well, who speak some form of English or another.
miroo said
With your skills as a fire ...With your skills as a fire fighter trained in the UK, I am convinced that you would be able to get a good job, possibly even with the Ministry Of Interior, which is responsible for fire fighting in the Civil Defence Department.
You could become a fire safety consultant, as many companies are under the spotlight regarding there fire safety measures.
Good luck.
britexpat said
Why does your title say ...Why does your title say "western woman alone"
Shaktimaan said
Brit ...A question. Are Britishers called westerners
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A tongue has no bones but it’s strong enough to break a heart
dawood khan said
brit she would be alone at ...brit she would be alone at home when her hubby is away for work so her title............
"God has perfect timings; never late. It takes a little patience & faith, but it's worth the wait."
K8 Smiler said
Thank you for all of your ...Thank you for all of your responses so far folks. I should have said that I have visited the country and spent some time in the city and I loved it! But all of that time was spent with my husband so I've never been anywhere in the city alone.
My husband works long hours so from 7am - 6pm every weekday so for the majority of my time I will be alone hence the title.
I'd certainly look into jobs once I'm out there but whether firefighting is a viable option or not I'm unsure. I enjoy learning new languages so plan to continue with the Arabic perhaps with a view to becoming a translator further down the line.
I'm very open minded so would happily join a women's group to meet people but babies, maids and Prada aren't really for me. I'm still young (late 20's) and I'm very active so ideally I'd like to meet people who can accompany me to the gym/beach/pool. When I was last in
Doha (beginning of June) my husband and I spent a lot of time wakeboarding at the Katara which is something I'd love to do more of. Colt45 - Maybe we can adopt you if you can drive a speedboat?? ;)
If we do move it won't be until next year, 2013 but I thought I'd start my research early so I have a better idea of what to expect. Thanks again!
dohabunny said
Hi, we have similar stories, ...Hi, we have similar stories, you and I. We moved here from UK. I had to change my career path (was not too happy about that but it can be done). Agree with Miroo's points. Hunted for our house, did shopping, bought furniture, set up house, housekeeping, set up garden etc on my own with no problems. No restrictions for me so far on doing things without my husband. Getting landline phone, satellite tv and driving license here though needs lots of patience and perseverance regardless of gender. Almost did my head in. Exploring the city, we found lots of crazy driving and excessive use of car horns by others. Driving to remote areas, always have lots of water, working cellphone, first aid kit and some snacks with you. I travel with my family when we go exploring. We tend to get lost due to road closures, lack of road signs, outdated maps etc. So we don't travel without a full tank. Until I got a couple of friends to meet up with occasionally, I felt quite isolated. I still miss having a stroll in the park or around my neighbourhood (stopping for the occasional chat with neighbours) in daytime cos it is too hot to do that here. Hardly any neighbour comes out for a stroll even in the evenings. People here are generally nice, friendly and helpful though. Low crime. Lovely cakes at Al Bateel and Opera Patisserie. That helps a lot, still.
Colt45 said
K8 Smiler ...Hell, I'll drive anything if you're adopting me ;-)... What kinda speedboat are you getting, so I can enrol for lessons accordingly :-D
britexpat said
Colt45.. ...Be careful what you wish for. she's a Fireman and can easily throw your over her shoulder :O)
Bachus said
To the OP-- To the advice ...To the OP--
To the advice above, I would suggest joining one of the health/leisure clubs around town, such as the one at the InterCon and Diplomatic Club. They're largely populated by Westerners with few social restrictions, and they are pleasant places to work out and lounge (pools and beaches).
In terms of housing, living in a compound can provide an instant community network, but this can have downsides, too (think village life in England). If you go that route, just be sure to choose a large and reputable one. The West Bay is nice, too, but a little more isolating for someone on their own.
AngelinaBallerina said
I don't know why mentioning ...I don't know why mentioning the husbands salary is necessary really............and??
UkEngQatar said
Good Luck and Welcome to ...Good Luck and Welcome to Qatar..:)
"The soul has its principal seat in the small gland located in the middle of the brain" Reenee Descartes
K8 Smiler said
angelinaballerina ...Because, angelinaballerina, I wanted to paint a clear picture of the circumstances surrounding the move. Sorry if it's upset you. I certainly wasn't bragging if that's what you're trying to suggest. In case you didn't read my post I'm a firefighter here in the UK - the decision to give that up is not one to be made lightly and I wanted to know what life would be like for me. If I'd said, 'my husband has been offered a job paying QAR 5000 per month...I won't be working' I'm sure the responses would have been much different.
Thank you to everyone else for all of the positive responses so far.
miroo said
You're welcome and good luck ...You're welcome and good luck with your move from a high taxation society to a nil taxation society.
LincolnPirate said
The salary is too low, that's ...The salary is too low, that's why she mentioned it!!
Physics is like sex. Sometimes we get some practical results, but that's not why we're doing it!
tinkerbell10 said
First off - a female Fire ...First off - a female Fire fighter...:) And welcome to Doha. There arent any restrictions for you to go shopping or study or buy your own stuff etc .... ofcourse initially till u meet some like minded people you are likely to feel bored if you dont really have much to do but once your visa procedures etc are all done and u get ur DL then u will be mobile making it easier for u to move around. Just be aware of the dress code. You can wear anything like skirts or pants as long as its decent, meaning no skin show,,,,,short sleeves, long skirts, trousers, dresses are all allowed,
Learning arabic will be a plus for you. U wont ofcourse be able to pursue your current profession here....(sad really)....but once u get here and see the place get to know it u wud be able to find something to occupy you...:) Best of Luck and welcome to Doha...:)
___________________________________________
"One of the hardest things in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn"
Bachus said
If its 75,000 per month ...If its 75,000 per month inclusive of housing and all other benefits, it's what I would describe as a reasonably modest Western expat professional salary (if not on the lower side of modest). It will allow for a good quality lifestyle but not extravagant, and I think there is nothing wrong with mentioning it, as it makes the point that she will have some leisure time and not be pressed into labor immediately.
imm Caribbean said
75K is kinda much ...75K is kinda much considering we still in recession!!
Smh.. If I ware ur hubby I could have refused the offer
#ironically speaking#
Leave the trees and let them live
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