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Meet other Brits in Doha
If you’re a British expat living in Doha and want to know how to meet other Brits here, then you’re in the right place.
We have a community of fellow Brits that you can meet up with, making navigating a new city much easier. Sure, it’s fun to embrace a new culture, but sometimes you just want someone who understands the importance of a good afternoon tea.
We’ve got everything you need to know about life in Doha, from the pros and cons to monthly expenses and connecting with other expats—Inshallah, you’ll feel right at home in no time.
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Juan Garcia
The Persian Gulf is a long way from home, so I was especially glad to discover this super expat community for Doha.
Amarilis Castillo
I loved the InterNations expat gatherings in Doha, and I hope we'll have another opportunity to meet up at 'La Villa' or the golf range.
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Why you'll love InterNations in Doha
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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Britons in Doha: The Pros & Cons of Expat Life
Thinking about moving to Doha as a Briton? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2024 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what British expats in Doha wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.
What British expats love about living in Doha
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It's safe and clean. 92% of expats in Doha rate personal safety positively, and Britons praise the cleanliness and low-stress feel of daily life.
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The economy and income appeal. 84% rate the state of the economy positively, with a tax-free income and steady work a big part of the draw.
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Healthcare and services reassure. 72% rate healthcare affordability positively, 88% the quality of medical care, and 92% the availability of public transportation.
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Winters are glorious. Britons single out the warm winters and easy access to recreation like spas and hotels.
The downsides of Doha for British expats
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The summer heat is punishing. Just 32% of expats in Doha rate the climate and weather positively, with brutal summer humidity.
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Admin can be a hassle. Britons describe complicated government procedures, from driving licences to everyday paperwork.
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Costs and housing bite. Just 27% rate housing affordability positively and 30% the general cost of living, with rent a common gripe.
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Social life and roads frustrate. Only 51% are happy with their work-life balance, and traffic and driving standards come up, with overall happiness (58%) below the global average.
For Britons, Doha offers safety, cleanliness, tax-free income, good healthcare, and glorious winters. The trade-offs are the summer heat, the admin, and a limited social life. It rewards those who come for a few well-paid years and a low-stress base.
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Meet Brits at our weekly events in Doha
Making friends and building a network in a new city can be hard. At our InterNations events everyone is from somewhere else and it’s completely normal to introduce yourself to people and ask them about their own expat journey. You’ll get to know a bunch of international people and other Brits in no time and get first-hand information about your new home Doha.
Check our upcoming events and become part of Doha’s large expat family. The Newcomers’ Events are geared towards people that are new to the city. Our Ambassadors will greet you with open arms and introduce you to other newcomers or more experienced expats living in Doha.
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Frequent questions about living in Doha
In Doha, there are several British bars and pubs that show major football games like The Red Lion, The Irish Pub, or Rose and Thistle, where you can try your luck.
If you don’t like the idea of going up to strangers and striking a conversation, then check out our InterNations events. At the Newcomers’ Event, new members have a chance to get to know the expat community and meet other Brits in Doha.
Your income should match your cost of living, which can vary depending on your situation and budget. The average salary for jobs in Doha is 15,800 QAR or 4,000 EUR per month (190,000 QAR or 48,000 EUR per year). If you're making at least this amount, you can live comfortably here.
However, if you have a family and kids to support, you might want to aim higher. Earning between 24,500–30,000 QAR a month per household is considered a good salary for a family.
Here is an overview of the monthly cost of living in Doha:
| EUR | Local currency | |
Studio apartment | 985–1,540 EUR | 3,900–6,100 QAR |
Small family home | 1,835–2,830 EUR | 7,250 – 11,200 QAR |
Utilities | 90 EUR | 365 QAR |
Mobile phone & internet | 100 EUR | 400 QAR |
Health insurance | 12–25 EUR | 50–100 QAR |
Public transport | 30 EUR | 120 QAR |
Groceries | 200–300 EUR | 800–1,200 QAR |
Meal at a restaurant | 12–65 EUR | 50–250 QAR |
Doha is an international city, with half of its residents being expats. English is the second language used in Doha after Arabic. In fact, in our annual Expat Insider survey, 79% of expats in Doha say it’s easy to get by without speaking Arabic.
However, this may feel limiting at some point. There will be instances where you'll hit the language barrier, and it can be frustrating. The most challenging moments usually occur when you have to handle official paperwork, find a flat, see a doctor, or make appointments. So ideally, use your time in Doha as an opportunity to learn Arabic. These days there are many free resources where you can learn foreign languages.
To help you avoid some of these struggles, we've collected some services that cater to English speakers (these services are not affiliated with or endorsed by InterNations):
Dr. Haider Alwared Doctor at The View Hospital that specializes in primary healthcare.
Sharq Dental Center Dental clinic with multiple English-speaking dentists and staff.
Reyada Medical Center A private hospital with a dedicated multilingual approach, international standards, and great reviews.
Qatar Company Formation Offers relocation, visa, and immigration services with a full-service approach.
Ecovis Qatar An international tax advisory office that can assist you with tax returns and provide advice in multiple languages, including English.
DayInterpreting Get connected to a native Arabic speaker and use your phone’s loudspeaker to have an instant interpreter with you.
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Find friends to pursue your hobbies & passions with
Are you afraid you might not be able to continue your hobbies because you’re moving to a brand-new city? Don’t worry! At InterNations we have various groups you can join based on what you love to do.
These groups are led by dedicated Consuls who organize at least one activity each month — these include photography, bowling, eating out, dancing, running, and many more. Get ready to enjoy delicious meals at local and international restaurants with other expats and explore the beautiful city of Doha. From visiting the National Museum of Qatar to camel riding, you will experience something new!
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Enjoy the international experience with InterNations
We’re not just active in Doha — InterNations offers lively communities that are close by. If you’re traveling the region, check out our British communities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Cairo.
But that’s not all: If you’re in the mood for a nice night out while travelling further abroad, we have communities in over 420 cities worldwide. Browse all InterNations Communities.
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Other Nationalities in Doha
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