1. InterNations worldwide
2. »
3. Guides
4. »
5. Qatar Expats
6. »
7. Qatar Guide
8. »
9. Moving to Qatar

Qatar at a Glance

Moving to Qatar

When you move to Qatar, take a trip to explore the magnificent desert landscape.

Expats moving to Qatar will experience an independent and modern nation on the Arabian Gulf. Moving to Qatar will take them to a country with beautiful beaches and a breathtaking desert landscape. Arabian culture and religious tradition are still prevalent in everyday life, offering some expats moving to Qatar an interesting contrast to their home country.

Located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula, Qatar has a population of about 1.7 million, 70% of which live in the capital. Expats moving to Qatar become part of its big expatriate community, which makes up a major part of the population.

However, for expats used to a cooler climate, moving to Qatar also means facing the subtropical, often humid, weather. In summer, temperatures can rise up to 50°C, making life outside unbearable. Fortunately, public buildings, shopping malls, hotels and indoor sports facilities are all air-conditioned.

Moving to Qatar: Economy

Expats moving to Qatar often find work in sectors related to its main sources of national income. Gas and petroleum, and the petrochemical industries make moving to Qatar worthwhile. Revenues from oil and gas account for more than 50% of its GDP and make it the country with the second highest per capita income in the world.

The government is trying to invest in non-energy sectors too. However, with its vast proven oil reserves, it can continue its usage and export for decades to come at its current speed, creating and maintaining work opportunities for expats moving to Qatar.

Expats moving to Qatar benefit from its thriving economy. Its high GDP and small population allow the country to finance social insurance programs without demanding any financial contributions from its residents. However, expats moving to Qatar are not eligible for these services and have to rely on company benefits or private insurance.

Moving to Qatar: Political System

Expats moving to Qatar from Western countries are sometimes surprised to encounter a political system very different from what they may be familiar with. Qatar is an absolute monarchy. The power currently lies with the Al Thani family and is passed on to a male heir after consulting all members of the ruling family.

The legal system based on codes of Islamic and civil law. For expats moving to Qatar, this means that the law of this country may also directly affect their personal matters. However, when compared to other Arab countries, expats moving to Qatar will find that it has relatively liberal laws. A good example is the sale of alcohol, which – although strictly forbidden by Shari’a law – has been tolerated since 1995, albeit in limited quantities only.

Moving to Qatar: Getting Around

In Qatar, public transport is still relatively new and rather limited. Buses cover about 35 routes, offering passengers a cheap mode of public transportation.

Most expats and Qataris, however, prefer to use their car to commute. This means they don’t have to wait in the hot sun. However, with plans for future air-conditioned bus stops and reasonable fares, buses may become a more attractive means of transportation soon.

While rental cars are comparatively cheap and easily available, driving in Qatar is somewhat of an adventure. It is especially difficult to get used to for expats moving to Qatar from countries with more moderate traffic conditions. Although the Qatari government is trying to implement stricter traffic rules, traffic accidents remain very common.

Those who prefer not to throw themselves into Qatar’s crazy traffic use taxis as a popular alternative. It is best to build a personal relationship with a few good taxi drivers soon after moving to Qatar, who will be happy to hand out their number and pick you up when you ask them to.