Differences between Doha and Dubai | ExpatWoman.com
 

Differences between Doha and Dubai

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 21:00

Hi Ladies

Moving to Doha in a couple of weeks from the UK. I have also lived in Dubai and just wanted to know if there are any real differences or should I expect the same. I've heard Qatar is more expensive? Is it more strict too in terms of what I should wear? I found Dubai to be quite slow in general when it came to getting things done such as visas, setting up tv, internet etc. There was always an issue with everything and lots of different advice. Should I prepare myself for the same?

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2013 - 08:59
Hi Sandy82, You mention you'll likely be moving to the Pearl or West Bay. I know that the Pearl has a ladies networking FB page. They're an active and sociable bunch, meeting for coffee at one of the Pearl cafes and having nights out at local hotels! The ladies of West Bay also have a coffee morning in Jones the Grocer at The Gate Mall each week, I think it is Sunday morning. I work full time so haven't been to any of these but have read that people really enjoy them. Might be a good starting point for meeting folk and finding out more about Doha. DH and I also live on the Pearl and really really enjoy it. Like you, we don't have any kids and it is ideal for us.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 20:46
Hi Sandy82 You say you "don't feel like you can go out on your own" but then you also say you're a very independent person. I'm a single mum (I have a teenage son with me) and I've been here since last September and loving it! You need to get out! I have been all sorts of places on my own or with a friend and it's very safe here. I've just bought a car this week and I love the independence - I know a lot of ladies on the forum here prefer to use their drivers, but really, driving is fine! Anyway, here's my list of things I would do if I wasn't working and had the time (and money!) 1. Spend Tuesdays and Wednesdays sipping cool drinks at Hotel InterCon's lovely pool (it's Ladies Day and only costs QR75 for the day). 2. Take some private sailing lessons from the nice young men at the Regatta Sailing Academy, they also do adult sailing courses. 3. Sign up with Qatar Divers and finally finish my PADI scuba course. It's not cheap, QR 2000, but I can join the Doha Sub-Aqua Club when I've got my certificate. 4. Sign up to the yoga classes at Garvey's - I've always wanted to do yoga. 5. Go and sit at the nice cafe at Dean and Deluca's at Villagio and take my time over their perfect cappuccino. 6. Learn Arabic. I've heard there are some good courses, it would be great to know more than 2 words. 7. Take a day trip to the Inland Sea - I've been once but forgot my camera and I really need to go back and get some pictures of the awesome views. 8. Jog along the Corniche. I've started running recently, and so far I have only done laps around the big open car park near my apartment in Al Sadd. 9. Take a photography course - VCU Qatar is a university that offers all sorts of community courses to the general public. 10. Go and see a movie at the IMAX cinema at Villagio - I've been to the cinema here by myself, and it was fine, the seats were loads more comfy than UK and the popcorn is the best. OK, so there is my top ten, I hope you take up at least one of my suggestions and start getting out and enjoying Doha.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 17:19
Wow ladies, I was the one who started this thread and you have given me a lot to read! I have been here now just under 2 weeks and am finding it hard. I have good days where I feel more positive but others where I'm not sure whether moving here was the best decision. I'm a very independent person but here I don't feel I can go out on my own and the taxi drivers here are a nightmare. I've been to all the malls and to be honest have no desire to go back to any of them. presam12 - How long have you been in doha now and where were you before dubai? would you like to meet one day for coffee? hey Sandy82, we are here since dec last year. Sure, we can meet up. Pass me your number pls. I use a private taxi to pick up my son from nursery etc. DH used his services before we joined him and he finds him reliable. I will give you his number if you want.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 16:28
Hi Jonners Thanks for your reply. If you could give me some numbers that would be brilliant!! I've heard about the private drivers but am confused as to where to find out about them. I use Mohammed, always reliable 55410921.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 15:43
Here's a link with the details of the driver I use and another recommended by my friend http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=205074 If you let us know whether you work or not, wich area you live in, married, have kids etc etc then we can recommend ways for you to 'get out there' and enjoy yourself!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 15:35
Sandy82, I'd recommend that you get the phone number of a good, reliable driver. Don't rely on the likes of Karwa and Al Million. Having someone on speed dial as such may perhaps help you regain a bit of your independence. Us EW ladies can provide you with phone numbers if you want. Keep your chin up, this is a really good place to live once you have settled and 'found your feet'.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 01:38
Happ1, you are now making me look snazzy!!! lol - you referred to me as salsaB. lol
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 16:02
Good point well made salsaB! Didn't mean to imply people weren't nice simply for expressing their views! Anyway have a lovely weekend everyone.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 15:45
The only thing I fail to understand is that we have to have a social circle to be happy? Even if you do make lot of friends everyone has to be leave Doha someday. Sorry, I don't feel like depending on others to be happy! I might move as well along with kids after a year or 2 without DH, although DH is finding it hard too. Not much to do unwind unless he shells out good money! Finding a place in the school is anyways a issue here!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 15:13
Catonclan I very much feel the same as you, your sentiments rang very true with me. I'm also seriously considering the possibility of moving back home in England as my son is entering a very important few years in his secondary education and soon won't be able to move. I would really miss my husband badly though as we are very close. On the other hand though, I think it would do my mental health the world of good, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to keep a chirpy face on. Saudi would be an option for us but 'been there, done that' and not keen to repeat that exercise.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 13:49
Have been in Doha 3 months and so far enjoying it immensely,am being proactive and embracing a new chapter in my life. Have met some lovely ladies, down to earth and genuine, also met some who have delusions of grandeur and need a reality check to be honest - some have looked scandalized when I admit that I have never had a manicure/pedicure! Anyone negative I move away from, we all need to support each other and be grateful for what we have,just look around you at some of the workers here; I wonder what they would think if they could read some of the negative posts on this thread! Some people I have come into contact with have been here well over a year and show no interest in exploring Doha but instead prefer to whine incessantly....of course you won't find friends with an attitude like that. It's nice to be nice! Just because we are giving our own opinion on certain issues, does not mean we arent nice, lol. I will try to remember your name and in 5 years time, I wonder if you will still be your happy chirpy self!!! I do hope so. <em>edited by salsB on 13/06/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 13:48
Hoping that those who are not having such a good time can find some peace. It is a difficult, and infuriating as a place at times. We took the choice in the end for the sake of our kids to go home, back to UK. My DH is still working in Qatar, because jobs in his field in UK are very few. Living back in UK without him is hard too. I ended up pretty much a single parent. Everyone has to do what is right for them. I was happy enough with my friends met in Doha, but I would have gone insane if we had stayed. There are things to do, but everything was so expensive, and difficult. The traffic situation was a major hurdle to doing anything off compound. I drove, but was always relieved to get home in one piece. We never felt secure, with contracts worthless and the way the police work. Rules change at the drop of a hat. At least now, I am back at work, so if DH needed to come back, we can support ourselves. DH got a speeding fine a few weeks back, for a car which was the same make and colour as ours, the number plate was obscured, so could not be identified. He was out of the country, and had his roster to prove it. They refused to re-reg the car without settling the fine. The lady at the police just kept on saying "You pay". What can you do? Damned stupid country. They may have all the money, but they have a lot to learn! I always tried to keep my thoughts on the place private, as really if you have to be there, you just have to make the most of it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 12:47
Ladies, I have been here 9, yes NINE years. I am alive . ;) There were some VERY difficult years, yes, for sure. Is it generally easy to live here? No, IMHO, it is not. Can it be done ? Yes, obviously. Qatar is different from anywhere else in the ME. I lived in Saudi before and would leave Qatar for Saudi at the drop of the hat. But, that is not going to happen. Here you have to remember why you came and then make the best out of what you have. I am not one of the "brunch, mani pedi , coffeemorning" crowd. So my ways of meeting people are rather limited. Still, it is all doable. Good luck :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 09:44
Have been in Doha 3 months and so far enjoying it immensely,am being proactive and embracing a new chapter in my life. Have met some lovely ladies, down to earth and genuine, also met some who have delusions of grandeur and need a reality check to be honest - some have looked scandalized when I admit that I have never had a manicure/pedicure! Anyone negative I move away from, we all need to support each other and be grateful for what we have,just look around you at some of the workers here; I wonder what they would think if they could read some of the negative posts on this thread! Some people I have come into contact with have been here well over a year and show no interest in exploring Doha but instead prefer to whine incessantly....of course you won't find friends with an attitude like that. It's nice to be nice!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 01:06
Must admit the old vino calapso, Mr Smirnoff and Mr Grey Goose keep me sane here in Doha lol I love Irn Bru, going to scotland soon, wonder if its still made by girders!!! lol Love my drink too, keeps me sane aswell.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 00:43
Must admit the old vino calapso, Mr Smirnoff and Mr Grey Goose keep me sane here in Doha lol
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 00:14
I remember when I first moved to Dubai 8 years ago I met a wise old Indian man who said 'don't change' ... I didn't understand what he meant by that until you see how people lord it up in Dubai! I haven't noticed it so much here but have not been out and about a lot yet. I've yet to be faced with the typical questions of what does your husband do, where do you live, where do your kids go to school etc. I'm sure there are some lovely ladies in Qatar ... I've just got to find them! I used to tell people I worked as a reporter for the programme, "The Thirsty Traveller" lol
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 23:21
I remember when I first moved to Dubai 8 years ago I met a wise old Indian man who said 'don't change' ... I didn't understand what he meant by that until you see how people lord it up in Dubai! I haven't noticed it so much here but have not been out and about a lot yet. I've yet to be faced with the typical questions of what does your husband do, where do you live, where do your kids go to school etc. I'm sure there are some lovely ladies in Qatar ... I've just got to find them!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 22:40
Whilst in Dubai I never entered high end shops, and Ive said lots of times on different threads, I really hate shopping, must of been born with a missing Gene. I suppose some ladies heading to Doha from Dubai, that are used to the high life, high end spending and living on The Palm, will be kicked to the curb, lol. ( not saying every Expat is like this) Ive met a couple of them, not sure who they were trying to impress me or themselves. I had one lady turn her nose up at me because I said I lived at JLT!!!!! Maybe I really didnt fit into certain circles, due to my working class attitude and back ground, and I really dont think Ive changed, still like my voddie, haha
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 19:32
We weren't happy in Doha either and have been back home in Scotland over 2 years now. My DH was in Dubai in the 70s and our DS is currently there. We visited him at Christmas and DH was shocked by how big, impersonal and false the place has become (in his opinion). Our DS is happy enough but his limit there is 3 years. We made the most of our time in Doha and our favourite place was the souq. We did meet some lovely people but I recognise the pretentious princesses described by other posters. I refused to join the snooty brigade at some of the usual "lady" activities and made myself unpopular with my original group of "friends" I am still in touch with a few true friends via FB and on EW but have no plans to visit Doha again!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 19:27
I have noticed that this is quite common, people (especially wives) who come from Dubai find it very hard to assimilate to Doha. Obviously there is a huge difference in what's available here and it must be difficult to basically have a reduction in your standard of living with a move across the gulf. Hopefully some who are recently arrived will have more luck getting settled. Sad to hear that some who have posted have found other expats to be obnoxious and rude, that's hard when one of the things that makes life bearable is friendly faces and a welcoming community. I have found that it's much easier to meet like minded souls when you have children at school and have been fortunate to meet some fantastic friends this way. So for all the ex Dubai expats who are feeling miserable I hope that it gets better soon (or at least tolerable) and that if our paths cross then give us a chance, some of us have never even stepped into a Prada store.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 18:27
I was just saying to my husband last night, for every parent who will give a smile and nod at nursery, there are another 3 who have pegs so far up their arses that they couldn't smile if Prada was having a BOGOF sale. So many uptight wannabes here.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 18:22
At last !!! I thought I was the only one.Moving to Doha knocked my confidence big time. I have been here 3 and a half years and struggled all the way. While I have not lived in Dubai and can only compare with the UK. I have found very few people who were friendly or welcoming, but plenty who were obnoxious and rude? Especially westerners.What happens when they arrive in Doha ???
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 02:10
I am picky too in making friends, plus with 2 kids under 3 it's more difficult to find like minded people. I have met a few people but can't call anyone as "friend" yet. I find people rude & frustrated here. For now, I am keeping myself busy with kids and my social circle is whatsapp & facebook!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 01:31
I hear people saying to me, you got to get out there and sell yourself!!!! Its not that easy, for one thing I have nothing to sell, and to be honest, I am not just the type to pick up anyone and say to myself, you can and will be my friend. Ive very picky, and TBH, after some Ive met in Dubai, I wouldnt have a my worst enermy. lol I know we shouldnt tar everyone with the same brush, but am very choosy, and it is quite hard to find good ole decent pals, isnt it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 23:42
Niggly, try and pop on here tomorrow, say 12 midday, and hopefully I can give you my email. ok, will try to get on then, thanks! Hi Niggly.... If it will be tricky for you to get on tomorrow you can leave it now then delete, and I can pass it on to SalsB... She is my bessie!lol Great, thanks. It is .... <em>edited by Niggly on 12/06/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 23:30
After living in Dubai, I moved to Doha. What a shock that was. Spent 2,5 years being unhappy and miserable. Luckily we were able to move back to Dubai. Ladies who are unhappy and 'stuck' in Doha: I feel your pain. Life is precious, don't waste too much time in a place that's bad for you. Sending you positive vibes. How lucky are you We have been seriously considering returning mostly to do with the ***** time we have had with schools. I actually lived here as a child and have happy memories of Doha . I'd hoped my children would too but the eldest is always asking to go home to Dubai .:(
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 22:43
After living in Dubai, I moved to Doha. What a shock that was. Spent 2,5 years being unhappy and miserable. Luckily we were able to move back to Dubai. Ladies who are unhappy and 'stuck' in Doha: I feel your pain. Life is precious, don't waste too much time in a place that's bad for you. Sending you positive vibes.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 22:33
we would move back to the UAE in a heart beat and have even said we would take a big pay cut. this place is like living and driving in a badly planned construction zone. it's more expensive for a **** selection. driving is terrible. I have not found the expat or local community more welcoming at all, and whereas I have close Emirati friends, I don't even know one Qatari besides work colleagues. as other posters have said, on the weekend in Dubai, you can go to Oman, al Ain, Abu dhabi, Fujeirah, where can you go here? Sealine? Not to mention whole NOC situation.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 22:26
Niggly, try and pop on here tomorrow, say 12 midday, and hopefully I can give you my email. ok, will try to get on then, thanks! Hi Niggly.... If it will be tricky for you to get on tomorrow you can leave it now then delete, and I can pass it on to SalsB... She is my bessie!lol