Moving from the UK

to answer some of you question
- Are there compounds which do NOT have a swimming pool?
A - There are many without SP
- I am looking for a 3 bed U/F compound villa for not more that QR12k per month? Is that realistic?
A - 3b/r will cost you around qr 20 in a compound
- Is the traffic getting any better after all the speed radars which were put in place in Doha?
A - deffinetely getting better day by day
- Is there a waiting list to get into pre-schools as well?
A - most of the western schools have a long waiting list
- Just wanted an idea for the monthly expenditure excluding housing. Can anybody give a broad estimate of the monthly expense
A - Depends on you people live here for as little as QR600 also
Are the beaches quite good? Is it safe and peaceful or are they cowded?
A - beaches are good and not so crowded
- As a blackberry addict, any idea when blackberrys will be launched in Qatar?
A - sorry no idea
- Finally, any idea when the new cricket stadium in Doha is going to be ready :)?
A - We do have a Qatar cricket club but most of them are from the sub continent plans are on for a Cricket ground but no idea when it will materlize

Hope this has helped you in a way

its both in tandem houses are available in plenty but the realestate guys are holding it back least the rent will fall

Thanks Novita. Looking forward towards our move. Doha appears to be a good place to raise a family.

You can check out the Ruby Compound. I believe it is in your price range from what I researced on the web. Where it is located, I do not know. I believe it is near the airport. Good Luck....

Here are my realistic answers which may or may not differ.

- Are there compounds which do NOT have a swimming pool? The reason I am asking is that I think we will rarely use it so why go for a compund with a pool in it.

Most have pools.

- I am looking for a 3 bed U/F compound villa for not more that QR12k per month? Is that realistic?

It depends on the area, but either way, I'd say 15k is the average you'd pay for a good compound.

- Is the traffic getting any better after all the speed radars which were put in place in Doha?

-Definately. There are new traffic laws, imposed point system, traffic lights popping up and replacing round-abouts. Qatar also has the most advanced radar system in the world on the corniche which tags your car as you enter a zone and the time of exit so that it can estimate whether or not you went over the speed limit at any given time.

- Is there a waiting list to get into pre-schools as well? My elder daughter is 2 years old and we would like her to join a pre-school in April 08 time. Any good recommendations?

Check out my site in my signature for a huge list of schools in the studying in Qatar section.

- Just wanted an idea for the monthly expenditure excluding housing. Can anybody give a broad estimate of the monthly expense (considering that we want a good standard of life but not lavish, a family of 4 including 2 young children. We dont go pubbing either. Will like to have some help by having a part time maid. Also include cost of utilities as well).

You can get an idea from my site again along with a nice downloadable excel file by xtian. Anyway, everything is there. (although the site is only 50% complete)

- Are the beaches quite good? Is it safe and peaceful or are they crowded?

Definately. I'd say that even the 'crowded' beaches are quite free compared to European beaches. Best solution is to go with a spa/gym membership with a hotel which should give you their private beach access. If you're looking for a public one though you'll find them too.

- As a blackberry addict, any idea when blackberrys will be launched in Qatar?

- Blackberry's are already launched in Qatar. (since a year and a half ago). You could always just bring your own one here anyway. I'd guess you probably have a voda black berry. Unlock it and bring it over.

- Finally, any idea when the new cricket stadium in Doha is going to be ready :)?

- Sadly not. Cricket is not my thing :P

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Hi, as a newly arrived Brit with a 3 year old pre schooler I can recommend the pre-school at the Doha Montessori and British School. Check out their web-site. They are currently in based in a large villa but are moving to massive purpose built premises at the end of Feb which will house pre-school, primary and secondary. The facilities will be second to none. Word is spreading so get your enquiry in quick.