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Life in Qatar 2007-05-05 11:27:41 “Living in Qatar
” – this is what I typed into the search engine a couple of years ago when I first considered coming to this tiny but extremely rich country. I didn’t find much of an answer then, so here’s a snapshot of what life in Qatar is like, with links to more detailed posts.Alcohol – you can buy alcohol in hotel bars, although you’ll pay for it. Alcohol can be bought with an alcohol permit up to a limit of ten percent of your income. Drinking outside the house or licensed premises is illegal. See Buying alcohol in Qatar and The Price of Alcohol in Qatar for more info.Safety – generally this is a very safe country, with extremely low crime rates. There does seem to have been a rise in crime recently, but violent crime is still virtually non-existent.Sex in Qatar – heterosexual sex outside marriage is illegal. What happens in practice (and contrary to just a few years ago) is that relationships conducted in private are tolerated, although couples caught having s
What to do in Qatar: 2007-05-05 10:35:57 Wondering what to do in Doha? Here’s a few ideas, which we’ll add to as times goes on.1. Markets: visit the wholesale markets: buy dates and spices in the Omani market, or veg and fresh fish in the veg and fish markets. Then wander over to the animal markets (avoiding the slaughter house) and gawp at the camels, or look at the falcons in the bird markets...2. Sailing/windsurfing: join the sailing club (temporary membership is available), or hire boats from the Regatta Sailing Academy Tel: +974 550 7846 Fax: +974 442 4577. This is based at the Sheraton Hotel: (974) 4854444.3. Sand boarding/skiing: ring a tour company (see numbers at bottom) and book a sand boarding trip.4. Dune and wadi bashing: if you drive past Messaieed towards Sealine on a Friday you will see quads for hire along the side of the road. Alternatively, hire a quad from sealine beach resort or go in a four wheel drive with a tour company – the safest alternative. (If you go in a rented car remember insurance is no Read more:Qatar
New hotel in Doha 2007-05-09 08:21:48 The George II is one of Qatar’s newer hotels. I’ve noticed it several times while driving along C ring road towards Hamed Hospital. As it’s name suggests, from its design at least it could have been lifted out from London or Paris and, when lit up at night, it is very pretty.Coming in at a starting price of Qr650/night (not including 17% tax) it doesn’t quite make onto our cheap hotels list – unless your stay is for thirty days, when the price drops to Qr470. Although I haven't stayed there or read any reviews, this four star hotels seems to fit our luxury hotel guide better, as it appears both comfortable and luxurious – I particularly like the touch of placing a rose on the bed. The staff also appeared very friendly and helpful.The hotel’s price includes wireless internet and breakfast, and would prove very good value for travelling businessmen. It has one major drawback, though – no booze!The hotel is located at the Al Sadd signals opposite the Children’s emerge
Anni 2007-05-09 08:19:20 The Doha Players are holding a production of Anni (based on Little Orphan Annie) this month. The production will open on 23rd May and there will five evening shows and three matinees. The price will be QR30 for children and students and Qr 70 for adults.Tickets, which will be on sale by the Monday 7th May can be bought at Landmark in the Music Master shop opposite the body shop, or at the International Centre for Music. Ring 5755102 (office hours) for more details, or email doha_players@yahoo.com or dohaplayers@qatar.net.qa.Wednesday 23rd starts 7.30 p.m.Thursday 24th starts 7.30 p.m.Friday 25th (two shows) starts 2.30 + 7.30.Saturday 26th starts 2.30.Thursday 31st starts 7.00.Friday 1st June (two shows) starts 2.30 + 7.30.Also see: Finding out what's on in QatarDoha Players WebsiteQatar Visitor e-store (U.S.)TagsQatar Doha Middle East What's+on
Qatar Luxury Hotel Guide 2007-05-08 14:06:54 Having already posted about cheap hotels in Qatar
, we decided to cover the other end of the market. We’ve also done the opposite to our cheap hotels post, starting with the most expensive hotels and working our way down. Of course hotel rates vary according to demand, and current prices are likely to be distorted by the Asian Games, so we decided the placing based on the prices provided through the Expedia booking service for next year. (We were not able to obtain prices for The Ramada or Rydges).The Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village and SpaTel: +974 4256666 Fax: +974 4256660 Address: PO Box 2662, Doha, QatarLocation: Ras Abu Aboud Street close to the Doha Club.This is not actually open yet, but they will be shortly. Their cheapest rooms are not that expensive yet, but their most expensive rooms cost more than two and a half thousand dollars a night! (Price information from Expedia.)Key points:- wireless internet capacity throughout resort- will resemble an “ancient desert village” (tho Read more:Luxury
, Hotel
, Guide
The Qatar Asian Games 2007-05-08 14:00:29 Just eighteen days to go to the AsianGames
, and as I write this (at eleven o’ clock on a Friday evening), I can hear the frantic banging of electric drills and screeching of dragged metal girders from the road outside. The whole city seems like a building site, and is in a rushed scramble to get ready before the eyes of Asia turn upon it. Of special annoyance is the seemingly random opening and shutting of roads – never with notice, signs or explanation.Yet I have a feeling that everything will go smoothly during the games themselves. Yes, there will still be unfinished buildings everywhere, and there will be journalists sleeping on floors (a friend is putting up several), but the stadiums are built, the rehearsals complete and the roads – well, lets not talk about roads anymore. It’s a sore point with Doha residents. But they’ll be functioning. The city is immensely proud of having won the opportunity to host the 19th Asian Games. The successful holding of the games are cru Read more:Qatar
The City Centre Mall 2007-05-08 13:59:05 Location: Not in the city centre, surprisingly, this strangely named mall is situated in walking distance of the Sheraton Hotel in West Bay.Description: Doha’s largest mall, City Centre
, may not be the classiest of Doha’s shopping centres, but it is my favourite. You can certainly find your expensive jewellery, brand-named clothes, exquisite perfumes and deliciously fragrant bath oils, but at the same time there’s things for people on the tightest of budgets. There’s a range of electronic gadgets to keep the husbands amused while you get down to business, and a fantastic (and large!) amusement area for children with bouncy castles, computer games and even a go-kart racing track!Essentially this a mall with everything, and you can do your banking at one of its banks, pay your telephone bills at q-tel, have lunch in a restaurant and then go ice-skating without leaving the building. The only thing its really lacking is a decent bookshop – but then, that’s the same for every ma
Personal ads with a difference 2007-05-08 13:57:02 Qatar residents have a different take on personal ads, as a scan through these ads show.Proposal invited for a Keralite Christian Boy aged 28 years, 5 ft. 8 in. tall, MSc. (Management IT), working in reputed Firm in Qatar, from parents of well-educated girls (minimum high degree, Masters preferred) living in Qatar. Please email details with recent colour photograph.Alliance invited from well-off and highly educated Indian Muslim Family for their daughter, 25 years old, MBA in business, 5’5, very beautiful. Muslims only may contact ... for further details.Parents of British National of Pakistani origin seek sincere, polite and beautiful girl, preferably doctor, for their son (computer engineer, 27, based in U.K.) and a boy, engineer or doctor, for a girl, 24, graduate. However native Qataris (as opposed to the foreign residents, who make up most of the population here) would not dream of advertising their children in the local paper. Their marriages are normally arranged by mothers, o Read more:Personal
, difference
Asian games football: Qatar v. Thailand (quarter finals) 2007-05-08 13:48:02 As we arrived at the AL Gharaffa stadium in Doha earlier this evening, the previous match had just come to a halt and a couple of thousand Iraqi supporters were going wild, chanting "Iraq" over and over again. Eventually, they started to move away and we nabbed a centre field seat, jammed our free Qtel/Qatar
hats over our heads and settled down to watch the match.We thought this was going to be a tough match for Qatar, and indeed they nearly conceded a goal immediately. For the first ten minutes the Thais seemed to be all over the Qatari team, who were nervous and seemed unable to coordinate as a team. The right-winger on the Thai team seemed particularly dangerous, and we were sure he would end up scoring a goal.However, Qatar gradually pulled themselves together, and, 26 minutes into the match, the ball rebounded off the Thai goal keeper and was tapped back in by Khalfan Ibrahim.After this, the Qatar team outplayed the Thais, although they had some help with some spectacular saves fr Read more:Asian
, Thailand
, quarter
, finals
Further education in Qatar 2007-05-08 09:13:10 (Also see Qatar
schools.)Further
Education in Qatar has been developing rapidly in recent years, and foreign students are often welcome. Qatar University is the oldest institution, having been established in 1973 with 150 initial students. Since that time it has expanded greatly: in 2002 there 8,621 students, the majority of whom were women.In addition, Qatar has invited a number of western institutions to set up highly specialized campus branches in Qatar, a number of which are based in Doha’s 2,500-acre Education City. Standards in many of these institutions are high, with often only a small number of places available and high entry requirements. Many of these newer universities are currently extending their activities to research.Carnegie Mellon UniversityWebsite: www.qatar.cmu.eduCarnegie Mellon, the Pennsylvanian based university, offers degrees in computer sciences and business. Students of any nationality can apply.Contact details Tel: +974 492 8260 Fax: +974 492 8255Email: Ad
Apples available in Virgin Megastore 2007-05-11 18:04:36 Apple computers and ipods are now easily available
in Qatar. Virgin
Megastore, which has recently opened in Villagio, is selling a whole range of Apple products, including mini-macs. In addition to computer equipment and, of course, music, there is a range of books which puts every other book store in Qatar to shame and finally provides relief to the frustrated book lovers in Qatar.Virgin Megastore's contact details:Tel: +974 4135823/4135824Address: PO BOX 55417, Doha, QatarEmail: vgn.vil.qa@azadea.comUpdate: presumably as a result of this, Carrefour are now also selling Apples
.Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travellers have to say about QatarTagsQatar Doha Middle East apple computers Virgin Arabic Villagio
Renting accommodation in Qatar - update 2007-05-11 08:19:34 “Pay Rent QR 15,000/ month for an apartment that you don’t ownorbuy your own house from QR 7,500 /month.”So says an advertisement currently running in the Gulf Times, and many residents must be asking themselves the same questions.So how much are flats now? We had a dig around the internet and in the papers.Mirage property is offering a studio apartment for Qr 5,600 ($1,500), a hotel apartment for Qr 15,000 ($4000), a five bedroom villa for Qr 16,000($4,400) and another 5 bedroom villa for Qr 24,000 ($6,600).Modern House Property Consulting, advertising in the Gulf Times are offering villas between Qr 16,000 ($4,400) and Qr 40,000 ($11,000) riyals each. (Yes, I checked – Qr 40,000!).Thinking hotel apartments might prove better value, we rang Al Muntazah Plazah Hotel (contact details below). For a 3 bedroom apartment they charge Qr 18,000 ($5,000) per month including services and tax.The cheapest I found – a private letting – was near Lulu Hypermarket with 1 bedroom, 1 sitt Read more:Renting
, Qatar
Qatar Visas 2007-05-10 09:26:18 It is worth checking whether visa regulations have changed before your trip. Visitors overstaying must pay a fine for every day after the expiry of the visa.Tourist visasA two week visa on arrival is available for the residents of 33 countries including Britain, America, Canada and Australia (see below for full list) at a cost of 55 Riyals. Payment can be made at the immigration desk with Visa, Visa-Electron, Mastercard, Maestro or E-Cash. It can be extended for a further two weeks. A hotel booking or the presence of relatives in the country are required. Two week visas can also be arranged by hotel and tourist operators. A three-week joint tourist visa for Qatar
and Oman is available; Qatar must be the first port of entry. This can be extended for a further week.Passports must be valid for six months after the date of return. Exit visas are not required.Full list of countriesVisa on arrival is available for the residents of these countries:Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Read more:Visas
Doha Clinic Hospital - This hospital may harm your computer... 2007-05-15 09:28:54 While doing some research on health insurance, I tried to get in contact with Doha Clinic
Hospital. As usual, they could not be bothered to answer the phone. (How do private companies in Qatar survive???)So instead of ringing them, I though I try their website. This is what I got:Personalized Results 1 - 10 of about 95,400 for doha clinic hospital. (0.06 seconds) Doha Clinic HospitalThis site may harm your computer.Welcome To Doha Clinic Hospital Website, The First Fully Integrated Private Hospital in Qatar, For Complete Overview of our hospital please click on ...www.doha-hospital.com/ - Similar pages - Note thisGoogle warns:"This warning message appears with search results that we've identified as sites that may install malicious software on your computer." and "Malicious software is often installed without your knowledge or permission when you visit these sites. Some examples of malicious software include programs that delete data on your computer, steal personal information
Healthcare in Qatar 2007-05-15 07:59:31 Also see:Giving birth in Qatar
List of hospitals in QatarExperiences in Doha HospitalsOur sponsors - The Disabled ShopAll fees are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.ImmunisationsAccording to the World Health Organisation's country list no immunisation is required.Health careMost treatment is available in Qatar including psychiatric and cancer treatment. Qatar has invested a lot of money in its health system, doubling its expenditure over the last two years, and has first class equipment. Qatar obviously has ambitions in the medical arena: Hamad Medical Corporation hold regular conferences, have continual training for its medical staff, have started manufacturing medical equipment and hope to develop ‘health tourism’. However, the bureaucracy, as ever, is confusing and chaotic, and when I rang up to get more information and the receptionist couldn't understand my request, she hung up on me.Currently, residents have to pay for public health care, but it is Read more:Healthcare
Museum frustrations 2007-05-14 09:52:47 or why it’s hard to be a tourist in Qatar... I’d wanted to see to visit the weaponry museum for a long time, but I’d always been put off by having to obtain a permit first. This week I had visitors, which gave me the motivation to try and organize a trip. I first obtained the number from the Marhaba information guide, which didn’t function. I then checked under museums in the phone book, but the only number listed under museums was that of the tiny Al Khor museum. I rang directory enquiries who gave me the wrong number. The number they gave me put me through to the National Museum
, where I was passed along a chain of three people, before being given another number, and passed along another chain of three people. The last person I spoke to gave me another number, which I rang, only to be given another number - which was “currently not available”. I again tried the number from the Marhaba, which worked this time. The person in charge was away, but his replacem
Exhibition 2007-05-13 13:24:00 An exhibition in rock art by German artist Chipo Zainab Musandi will be held at the Diplomatic Club on May 16th and 17th. Ring Mr Daoudi 5750484 for more information about the exhibition.See this story in the Peninsula for information about Chipo Zainab Musandi.Qatar Visitor e-store (U.S.)Qatar Visitor E-store (U.K.)TagsQatar Doha Middle East What's on
Read more:Exhibition
Real Estate Exhibition 2007-05-13 10:40:22 The second Qatar International Real Estate
and Investment Exhibition
will be held from the 21st to 24th May at the Qatar National Exhibition Centre.For more information telephone +974 444 0408, Fax +974 431 3330, email info@tcqatar.com or dohapropertyshow@yahoo.com .Also see: Buying property in QatarFind the best deal, compare prices and read what other travellers have to say about QatarTagsQatar Doha Middle East property exhibition
Read more:Real Estate
Growth in tourism? 2007-05-13 10:30:20 Qatar expects 1,500,000 million tourists by 2010 according to this story in the Gulf Times today. Apparently they had 900,000 visitors in 2006.Exactly where all these visitors are I don't know, as I've met precisely two tourists in the last two years.The first was a British-Sri Lankan chap with his family, taking a stop-over on the way to Sri Lanka. I met him on the plane on the way back to Qatar in August 2006. The poor guy didn't realise that the temperature was in the high 40's, and that he wouldn't be able to venture outside.The second was in the Qatar National Museum. In an hour of walking round the former palace we met one other person - a Swedish lady staying in the Sheraton Hotel.I wonder how the numbers of tourists are counted? If they count the number of tourist visas given out, it would include all the people who come to visit families, look for jobs and also certain dodgy ladies who frequent the bars here.Still, there's good shopping here, and the newly rebuilt Souq W Read more:Growth
Accomodation: Bavaria City Suites 2007-05-12 17:55:18 Bavaria City Suites
, though open, is not yet quite complete. When we arrived we were directed to Tower 1 - clearly the others are not yet available.The huge complex will be providing 2,200 Suites and studios for short to long term residence. Prices vary from QR6,600 for a 12 month rental of a "Deluxe Studio" to QR 25,00 for a short term (1-3 month) rental of a three bedroom "Imperial Suite".The facilities are not all available yet, but will include a cafe (which should have opened in April), pool, restaurants, Wellness centre, Angsana spa, kids club, shop and private beach club access - though this can't be on the actual complex itself as it is surrounded by buildings and roads. All of these should become available this year.The location is pretty good - it's directly opposite Doha's City Centre Mall, in the middle of the business district and ten minutes walking distance from the Corniche.Contact details:Tel: +974 – 4969111Fax: +974 – 4969112
Disability in Qatar 2007-05-18 09:31:02 With a historical emphasis on marrying within the family in Qatar
, disability was always going to be high. The people in Qatar don't help themselves by eating huge quantities of sugar and fast food. Unlike in the past, when life was hard, they don't make up for it with hard physical labour either.Servants do all the house work, and expats do all hard and unpleasant physical work. For some Qataris, the only exercise is the act of staggering between house and the waiting land cruiser. Consequently, some middle aged Qataris have difficulty walking. Diabetes is high, striking many people while they are still young.While Qatar's population does not have quite the awareness of disability that many Western countries have, the Government has made an effort. There are ramps and disabled toilets in most public places now, and disabled parking is common - and, even more surprisingly for someone used to driving on Qatar's chaotic roads, respected.If you’re like us, you’ll also have been ge Read more:Disability
Oasis 2007-05-17 09:07:22 Driving off-road on the Ras Abrouq Peninsula, we were surprised to come across this Oasis.In front of the Oasis there is a fort - not a real one, but built to be used in a film set. A lonely security guard bounced out as we arrived, delighted to have someone to talk to.He told us there used to be a well here, but this has now been closed off. Instead a pool has been built, and gazelles visit the Oasis to drink from the pool.When we asked him if the water came from the well, he shook his head and said "Tankers!"Also see: The Singing Sand DunesFind the best deal, compare prices and read what other travellers have to say about QatarTagsQatar Doha Middle East Oasis
Qtel launches Mozaic service 2007-05-17 07:39:19 Qtel today launched it's Mozaic service. Customers have the choice of two services. Mozaic TV+ will offer WiFi broadband internet, IPTV (i.e. TV using internet protocol technology) and telephone) and a a telephone line. The alternative is Mozaic mobile offering internet access through the mobile phone. The service is not yet available to all areas of Qatar,I don't use cable tv but friends have complained about Qtel's tendency to suddenly change channels without warning. They have also complained about the backup service, although the new 111 number is a substantial improvement over the previous service. However, as Adsl alone costs QR 200/month, and a landline costs QR100/quarter, the service seems to represent remarkable value, even after the one-off QR300 installation fee.Read the full announcement here.Qatar Visitor e-store (U.S.)Qatar Visitor E-store (U.K.)TagsQatar Doha Middle East mozaic
Qtel to change international dialling code 2007-05-16 13:37:49 Qtel has announced that it will be changing the international dialling access code from 0 to 00 from 21st May 2007 - see this announcement on Qtel's website for more details.Also see: Useful Telephone numbersFind the best deal, compare prices and read what other travellers have to say about QatarTagsQatar Doha Middle East Qtel
Kuwait changes dollar peg 2007-05-21 10:05:55 The Gulf Times announced today that Kuwait has changed its peg against the Dinar.Despite all the fuss being made (destroying chances of monetary union e.t.c.), the appreciation consists of a mere 0.37%.Never-the-less, it sets a precedent that could be followed in Qatar. That would be good news for expats, many of whom have seen the value of their salary in non-dollar currencies steadily eroded by the decline of the dollar.It could also lead to a decline in inflation, as prices of imports in non-dollar terms decreases.Currently Qatar remains committed to a currency union. Whether this is such a good idea remains to be seen. Not only will Qatar will lose control over interest rates (and therefore a major weapon against inflation, a real problem in Qatar), the likelihood is that the currency union's economy would be dominated by Saudi Arabia's huge economy.Qatar Visitor e-store (U.S.)Qatar Visitor E-store (U.K.)TagsQatar Doha Middle East currency
Read more:changes
Sadhew weaving 2007-05-21 06:10:26 In Sadhew weaving, a traditional Bedouin craft, strands of camel, goat or sheep hair is wrapped around a nool or spindle. This is a small wooden instrument held in the hand. The nool is used to spin the wool round until it becomes a thread, which is then wrapped around the bottom of the nool.The wool is then died with traditional red and black colours. Although traditional dies made from local organic materials are still sometimes used, modern commercial dies produce a much stronger colour. Using a loom, the wool can be woven into carpets, tents and cushions and other items.You can see Sadew weaving taking place at the heritage village (located between majelis Al Trawon Street and Corniche Road), and you can buy Sadew products in Souq Waqif.Qatar Visitor e-store (U.S.)Qatar Visitor E-store (U.K.)TagsQatar Doha Middle East Sadhew weaving handicrafts weaving
Umm Slal Mohammed: forts and streams 2007-05-24 00:52:08 In addition to its more famous Barzan Towers Umm Slal Mohammed
has two older forts
– though given their size fortified houses might be a better name for them. They are located closer to the centre of town then the Barzan Towers, one by the mosque and the other opposite within a larger complex of houses.Neither of them allow visitors to enter; the first is falling apart while the second appears, from the satellite dishes that sprout from it, to appear to be still in use. The area around these forts is fascinating. On one side there is a plantation of dead palm trees,which looks like something out of a war-zone. Climb down into them, and you’ll still see the way the earth has been built up around them to trap any available water. And water was (and is) available – a massive well (be careful if you are with children – it's not fenced off) is present, with murky water at the bottom and an ancient Hudderfield pump still present at the top.Directly behind one of the forts is one
Renting outside Doha 2007-05-24 00:43:49 One answer to Doha's exorbitant rents can be to live a little out of town, and I know a number of people who commute to nearby Al Wakra. Villas advertised in the Gulf Times today were in a price range of QR5500 - 6500 ($1500-1800) for two to three bedroom villas in a compound with a swimming pool and fitness club.Unfortunately it means having to live in Umm Slal, which, after you have seen its forts, is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Still, the equivalent in Doha would get you a one bedroom flat (if you're lucky), so it could be well worth it.Umm Slal is close to Doha, although traffic could be bad in rush hour. If you are interested get down to the Exhibition Centre before the end of today or check out the advertiser's website: www.almourouj.com.Also Umm Slal Mohammed: forts and streamsQatar Visitor e-store (U.S.)Qatar Visitor E-store (U.K.)TagsQatar Doha Middle East rent
Read more:Renting
Emir's cup finals 2007-05-23 00:57:41 The finals
of the Emir's football cup will be held on Saturday evening on the 26th May at Al Ahli football club (venue changed from Khalifa Stadium). The match will see a face-off between Al Sadd and Al Khor - with Al Sadd being the hot favourites to win. Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travellers have to say about QatarTagsQatar Doha Middle East
Fancy a holiday in Qatar, anyone? 2007-05-22 08:39:22 Qatar has been working hard to promote itself as an attractive destination. But is it working, and is it worth going?Growth in travelAnyone who has been in Qatar for long will have noticed the extraordinary growth in buildings, many of them hotels. Sometimes it seems that every time you turn your back a building shoots up behind you. (Unlike in the public sector, private construction is super fast). This growth in infrastructure has been matched by a growth in population, much of it expatriate or transient.Obviously, with all the extra people coming into the country there is increasing pressure on Doha's airport, and sometimes it seems there is barely room to stand. And it’s going to get busier. Not only is Qatar Airways expanding at a phenomenal rate, planning to double the number of planes it has by 2015, there is also an ever increasing number of airways flying to Qatar. (See the full list of airlines that fly to Qatar at the end of the article – including some that you’ve pr Read more:Fancy
, Qatar
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