Qatar at a Glance
Living in Qatar
Qatar balances its national heritage with its globalized economy.
Most expats living in Qatar settle in Doha, the capital of the country as well as its most important trade and financial center. Aside from Doha, other cities, such as Mesaieed, Dukhan or Ras Laffan Industrial City, host production and trade facilities for the petrochemical industry. The latter offers many job opportunities and is thus one of the strongest magnets for expats living in Qatar.
People living in Qatar are based in one of its ten baladiyat (municipalities). Here, traditional life in Qatar coexists with a globalized economy and modern architecture. While Qatar’s government invests in up-to-date technologies, it also encourages its people to maintain their cultural heritage. Souq Waqif, for instance, is one of the places which best represents a more traditional sort of life in Qatar. Although renovated in 2004, this souq still showcases typical Qatari architecture, shops, and restaurants.
Living in Qatar: Schools
Expats living in Qatar may be surprised to find out that formal education wasn’t introduced until the 1950s. Since then, the education system has improved significantly, offering public education throughout the country. However, just like life in Qatar in general, education in particular is based on the country’s Islamic roots. This is reflected in the strict gender segregation in public schools and universities.
Educational life in Qatar is controlled by two different entities: the Ministry of Education and the Supreme Education Council. The Supreme Education Council is slowly taking over the Ministry of Education schools, turning them into independent institutions. It has also begun to introduce reforms, develop new curricula and educational programs to help students keep up with the challenges of a globalized economy.
Expat children living in Qatar tend to attend private international schools. Most of them were established only recently and are located in Doha. Independent schools welcome the children of expats living in Qatar as well.
Private schools are only free of charge for nationals living in Qatar and those eligible for public education. Currently, there are 137 independent schools and kindergartens in Qatar, which offer curricula in Arabic and English. With the Independent School Finder, expats living in Qatar can find schools for their children within their district.
Life in Qatar: Higher Education
Qatar University is located at the northeastern outskirts of Doha. Its campus is divided into sections for male and female students. Each has its own lecture halls, labs and other facilities. Established in 1973, the university offers a wide range of academic programs, mainly undergraduate degrees. It appeals to many international students living in Qatar as well, especially due to the proximity to Doha’s Education City.
Six American universities also have campuses in Qatar, offering different educational programs to Qataris and expats living in Qatar alike. These (often co-ed) campuses are located in Education City proper.
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