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Single woman moving to Qatar

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PM's

queenslander

5/25/2009 20:12 EST

Hi everyone,

I'm moving to Doha in July from Australia and I notice on these expat forums there is not much advice for single women, mainly the advice is for wives and families. Do you get harrassed by professional men there, or is it mainly overseas construction workers? Do Qataris think you are "easy or have loose morals"? How easy is it to meet other single people to do things with? Have common is it for foreign women to meet men there and get married? Do foreigners marry Qatari locals?
Thanks.

pamh44

7/14/2011 12:40 EST

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pamh44

7/14/2011 12:39 EST

I agree that Hoseloader's comments were way off!

First off, it is advised that women have their shoulders & knees covered. This is for all the men in this country, because they do not know how to control their little heads.

I am a woman, and I have lived here for almost 2 years. I teach art classes in tile & glass mosaics. I have been to every corner of this city and have never ever had a problem with men. I am always dressed appropriately.

It is highly unlikely that the labors show any attraction to a western women. Mostly because if they were reported, they would be killed or deported.

I have had Qataris be extremely friendly to me, but I just brush them off. As far as I am concerned they are not worth the time of day. They are spoiled and pampered by their families. There is a good reason the divorce rate is on a rise!

The bad thing for single women is that women do not get any respect here. I hope you are a strong woman and can get by on your own. There are many singles clubs/groups here. It is best to meet people in your interest group, not in a bar.

I know of several cases where women were slipped something in their drinks to make them drowsy. Be careful in bars!

Good Luck!
Pam

ablondeindoha

5/10/2011 13:41 EST

Hi,
I respectfully disagree with Hoseloader's comments.

1. Gulf Nationals are becoming more open and many do offer their hand in greeting. The rule is, if someone offers you their hand then shake it. It is good manners to do so. It is also nice to say Assalamu Alaikum :)

2. Same as number 1.

3. As far a the way you dress, remember where you are. It's a Muslim country. 'Nuff said.

4. Walking alone is completely safe here. It is not a sign of a prostitute.

5. If you don't befriend anyone then you won't have any friends!

6. The labourers live outside of Doha in camps and are bused in and out collectively. They do not cause any problems that I have ever seen and (sadly) are not even allowed in the malls here...

There is a book called "Don't they know It's Friday" that covers a lot of the customs found in the GCC. I highly recommend it :)

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