Pros and Cons of Living in Qatar
Last updated on Feb 16, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Qatar include a high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and a low crime rate. Additionally, Qatar is a very safe country with a strong economy and a diverse population. On the other hand, the cons of living in Qatar include a hot and humid climate, a lack of cultural diversity, and a restrictive political system. Additionally, Qatar has a high cost of living and limited access to certain goods and services.
What are the pros and cons of living in Qatar?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Qatar responded:
"I like the weather. I like the safe environment I like the tax free system. I like the health care. I don't like the dust I don't like the traffic I don't like the religious restrictions I don't like the landscape/scenery," remarked one expat in Doha.
"Expats and digital nomads in Qatar appreciate the country's high standard of living, with its modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare system, and low crime rate. They also enjoy the country's tax-free salaries, which can be a great incentive for those looking to save money. Additionally, Qatar is a culturally diverse country, with a variety of activities and attractions to explore. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the country's strict laws and regulations to be restrictive, and the hot climate can be difficult to adjust to. Additionally, the cost of living in Qatar can be quite high, making it difficult to save money," explained one expat in Qatar.
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What do expats in Qatar appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Qatar appreciate the hospitality of the local culture, which is evident in the warm welcome they receive from the locals. They also appreciate the cultural diversity in Qatar, which allows them to experience a variety of different cultures and customs. Additionally, expats appreciate the safety and security that Qatar provides, as well as the modern infrastructure and amenities that make living in Qatar comfortable and convenient. Finally, expats appreciate the fact that Qatar is a very family-friendly country, with plenty of activities and attractions for all ages," said one expat in Qatar.
"A new culture is a new learning experience. It is so fun to learn how other people live and what their customes are. I have learned that different is good. this world is not for everyone to be identical," said a person living in Doha.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"Every country have something that is challenging, even my own culture has somethings that bother me. In Nigeria it is the fact that you can not drive yourself, and women are generally not listened to at all! In The Netherlands it is their unfriendliness. No such thing as hospitality. I think they erased that word from their dictionary. In Qatar, it is (again that women are not respected) ingrained in their culture that men are superior. However the Qatari are waking up and realizing that they can be more powerful than men," remarked one expat in Doha.
"Expats in Qatar often find the local culture to be quite different from their own, which can be challenging to adjust to. The conservative dress code and strict adherence to Islamic customs can be difficult to get used to, as can the lack of public displays of affection. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge, as Arabic is the official language of Qatar and English is not widely spoken. Finally, the hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from cooler climates," explained one expat living in Qatar.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Qatar?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Qatar?
- Will I be able to find a job in Qatar?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Qatar appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Qatar?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Qatar accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Qatar like?
- How are healthcare services in Qatar?
- What are medical services in Qatar like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Qatar?
- What are emergency services like in Qatar?
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- How are local medical facilities in Qatar?
- As a foreigner living in Qatar, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?