Living in Qatar

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 09, 2024

Summary: The population of Qatar is approximately 2.7 million people. The largest cities in Qatar are Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Umm Salal Muhammad, and Al Rayyan. Expats love living in Qatar for its modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare system, and low crime rate. People describe life in Qatar as luxurious, comfortable, and safe. Qatari cuisine is a mix of Middle Eastern and Indian flavors. Popular dishes include machboos (spiced rice with meat), harees (wheat porridge with meat), and balaleet (sweet vermicelli with egg). The cons of living in Qatar include the hot and humid climate, the lack of nightlife, and the restrictions on alcohol. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,000 to $3,000 per month. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment.

What do I need to know about living in Qatar?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Qatar, they said:

"Before retiring in Qatar, expats should be aware of the country's strict laws and regulations. It is important to research the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Qatar, as it is generally higher than in other countries. Additionally, expats should be aware of the climate in Qatar, as it can be very hot and humid during the summer months. Finally, expats should ensure that they have the necessary visas and permits to retire in Qatar," said one expat in Qatar.

"If you move to the Middle East learn to chill out. Nothing happens quickly. If you ask for something to be done find out when. Their sense of time is really very different from what we are use to in North America. Yah, Yah, Yah does not mean anytime soon," said one expat who made the move to Doha.

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