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West Bay Lagoons or Al Rayyan Village

102

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 13:28

These are the 2 areas /compounds we are looking at and was hoping you could give me some feedback about them.

In terms of location, which is better (Dh will be working in West Bay btw)r
Do you live in either? What are the good & bad about them?
Re West Bay - I've seen a couple with direct beach access, which is nice, but I'd really like a garden for my wee ones. Can you get villas with a reasonable private garden there? Beach access doesn't worry me as Id rather have the garden
Which one would have more of a community feel and have more families with young ones?

Thanks for your help - any feedback is much appreciated!

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120

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 13:52

Thanks guys... DH just got back from his super quick trip and we will be chatting over next couple days...about what he saw etc Thks again....will keep u guys posted :) Quick question, are rents rising quickly? I e even if we sign in for X amount will we be out of our budget in couple years or once u are in a villa Then the increases are insignificant Thks :)

14

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 23:32

Just to add to RachelA's post - I would recommend seeing the Loydence on Azizya - not the other one. We went to the other school when we were on our look/see, which is tiny and we didn't feel was suitable at all for our children... we didn't get to see the other school, but I gather it is massive, purpose built and far more suitable. Having not seen it, I couldnt say more than that... :-) HTH, BG

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 20:34

Loydence is not a temporary school - they are expanding by adding new grade levels each year. I dont know if they will be primary only or if the plan is to move up to include secondary -- but I've heard that communications is good so a call or email might yield some answers. Perhaps the feedback referred to the fact that they opened in temporary facilities -- a converted villa - until their permanent building is complete? <em>edited by RachelA on 17/05/2012</em>

14

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 17:07

Hi Frazzle, I took some photos of Al Raayan just recently and I was pretty impressed. Regarding noise the villas are very well insulated and double glazed I couldn't hear any traffic. You can see the pics here: http://www.propertyfinder.qa/en/rent/villa-for-rent-doha-madinat-khalifa-966.html The facilities and club room excellent. Great family environment, see the cubby house in the garden!

53

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 16:54

Raahatd, We've been looking on Qatarsale.com (rentals and car sales), mubawab.com and mirage property.com Oh, propertyfinder.qa. Happy searching!

120

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 12:19

LALALA don't worry I have very thick skin and I usually scar wool off by my bluntness so it's good to see this honesty...thanks...can I pvt MSG you? Also do you mind me asking which school your kid(s) are in? Thanks guys ....Major error I realised after posting....meant if kids venture out to play after 4 PM..not am sorry then what time are hey in bed by? Gharaffa will look into it...is gulf gardens the same as GOlf gardens? Somewhere on Internet saying it had some major sewage problems at one time *Sigh...sometimes too much info can be a bad thing! :) Any recommendations on compunds ..they don't really have names on website oh And there seem to be so many websites ...any major website recommended showing all available for rent...ESP compund villas... And does anyone recommend any compounds around the gharaffa area... child friendly for kids...larger ones so ,hopefully more atmosphere and more organized activities? DH flies back Saturday so will have a more real idea of things then...right now swimming in the dark almost...still we are extremely lucky for the facilities and technology of today...wonder what ppl did 10 years ago...or more? Yes DESS told me last week we need to be British lol Acs and asd look nice but fees way to high! I did look at loydence ast week...someone said it was a 'temporary' school meaning a learning centre for kids to go to till they received a proper school placement... Thanks again guys

362

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 11:18

Raahadt The Pearl leads directly into WB Lagoons, but with an 11k p/mnth allowance I doubt that you would want to look at villas that cost 23k up per mnth! Your best option would probably be Gharaffa which is close to a few schools ie ACS, Compass & Sherborne. Loydence is also do-able from Gharaffa. I don't know of any children that get up at 4am! Mine (he's 12) gets up at 6am & I have him at school by 6.45 for a 7.10am start. He goes to sleep at 9.30pm & he's never tired during the day. We did sign him up for the school bus but when they told us they would collect him at 5.45am we said NO WAY!! We only live 15minutes from school, so I now take & fetch him every day (and save us QR700 per mnth!!). I think the English Modern School is Indian stream - open to correction here?

514

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EW GURU

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 10:46

Oh thanks RachelA. It was Loydence that I was thinking of. I have friends who have children there and seem to be very happy.

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 10:40

I think the school GinaM is thinking about (the new one) is ACS -- it's an American Curriculum, British management. It's new this year, and getting some very good feedback. Located in Gharrafa. I've also heard some very positive things about Loydence - a British school -- think it goes through Year 4 or 5 at the moment. I have passed their location in the West Bay -- not too far from Rainbow Roundabout -- and have heard mention of another campus in Gharrafa as well.

514

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EW GURU

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 10:36

My son goes to DESS Raahatd but his father is british so he has an english passport. I really like DESS but without an english passport your chances of getting into DESS are slim to none at the moment unfortunately. You will hear good and bad about most schools here though so probably best to go and have a look and try and make a judgement yourself. The American School is very highly regarded but very expensive. Doha College is also highly regarded but hard to get into. The other main ones are Parkhouse (not as central as the others), Doha Montessori and Sherbourne. There is a new one that opened this year that I have heard good things about but can't remember the name of it - maybe someone else can help with that. I live near Villagio and the drive to DESS isn't so bad - it takes me about 30 minutes in the morning and about 20 - 25 minutes coming home which is fine with me. Its about 10km each way. You just need to figure out the best ways to go to places here. Re the school bus - if I was you I would have a look at the driving here before making a decision there. I'm sure that there are plenty of good school bus services and drivers however I must miss them (but then again I think that every cr@ppy driver in Qatar follows me around just to annoy me! ;) ). The lebanese school bus which comes into my compound to pick up and drop off kids every day drives around the compound at a zillion miles an hour despite being asked every other day to slow down as there are kids playing on the compound. The standards are just different here - for much of the population putting a seat belt on their child is a foreign concept whereas I consider not putting a belt on them to be totally irresponsible (I won't even venture into car seat territory!). <em>edited by GinaM on 17/05/2012</em>

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EW GURU

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 09:06

Raahatd Advance warning, I'm known for being brutal at times :) If your husband is 'only' getting 11k a month for rent (which is more than my husband btw) I'd put your dreams of west bay lagoon aside. It would be sheer madness to subsidise rent by (approx) another 11k. This is unless he is in a very unusual situation where his housing allowance is absolutly tiny compared to his basic salary. Translate 11k into AUD and work out exactly how much you're really talking about there. West Bay Lagoon is one of the most expensive places to live in Doha. Not everyone can afford it (again we certainly couldn't). It seems like you can't. There are plenty of other decent options that are not the Lagoon. For a budget of around 11k look at Gharaffa. Commute to the Pearl is fine, its a decent area and school links are good. Gulf Gardens would be another good option if they have space. I know plenty of people who send kids to school on the bus. I also know schools where if kids do not wear their seatbelts or ignore the driver a certain number of times they're banned for a term. I know someone who this happened to and, whilst it was a well known school in Doha, it wasn't one of the wow ones.

120

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 07:01

Thanks Gina M and dotty Thanks guys for your responses....My husband last night he will be working in the pearl area so not sure then how far this would be from WB lagoon area? If west bay lagoon is a super huge compund would all the mini compunds within them have access to the same facilities? I see rents vary depending on house style and compunds within the WB lagoon My husband is getting $11 k allowance for rent...not much I think But I think we will have to contribute some from our end, Is it worth it or can we get a decent place in a Decent compund for kids not necessarily in the WB lagoon area? Also Gina can I ask which school your son goes to? And your thoughts of the school? Also if kids venture out at 4 am which what a lot off ppl have told me...what time do they sleep...coz school starts pretty early ? Lastly, has anyone heard of the English modern school? If none of my first options work out what are anyone's thoughts on this school please and how far would it from the pearl ? Thanks again :) This helps so much raahat

514

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EW GURU

Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 21:35

Hi raahatd I'm from Australia and my son (he is 7 now and moved here when he was one) travels to Australia and the UK at least twice a year. He has no serious issues with the weather or the greenery (or lack of) - kids are very resilent and adapt so much faster than us. There are only a few months a year when it is too hot for them - the rest of the hot months they just spend a lot of time in the pool or entertain themselves going from house to house (compound living is great for kids!) until about 4pm when they venture outside. And those few really really uncomfortable months most people just plan to be away for at least a month of them. I work so I tend to break up the summer by staying for a few weeks after school breaks up, then I go away for 4 weeks and then come back for a few weeks before school goes back. That way my son doesn't have too long to get bored. Re school buses - personally I would chop my arm off before I would send my son to school in one. Primarily because I see school buses with kids hanging out the windows etc and know for a fact that the driver is going to have zero percent interest or care factor in putting a seat belt on my child (and even if he does I then have to assume that he's going to be a good driver). Last year a little 5 year old girl died in a school bus when the driver dropped the kids off, parked the bus in the heat and walked off not realising that she had fallen asleep on the back seat. Now that probably wouldn't happen at a school like DESS or Doha College as no doubt they have rules in place but you just aren't talking the same driving standards or regulations as at home.

120

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 17:30

Thanks dottymom Can I ask another question? I know that my sister in law who has just moved to Saudi..her kids go in the school bus which picks them at compound...is that common in Doha? If yes is there a reason u woudnlt do it? Maybe to stay in touch with teachers? Thanks againOh and in relation to compounds..what about al fardaan gardens v? Seems really huge with lots of facilities...any similar compounds anyone can recommend please...where lots of kids activities in the compund? Many thanks all :)

49

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 13:55

Hi Raahatd I have children in both DESS and Sherborne and live in West Bay Lagoon. The drive to DESS takes about 25 minutes, there are a lot of traffic lights on the school run as well as 2 roundabouts to navigate I leave home about 6.40/45am everyday and usually arrive about 7.05am. The school drive home seems to take longer for some reason but once y get over the first roundabout it's a quick run. Regarding Sherborne, the traffic is once you get to the road of the school as there are about 5 schools very close to each other along the same road. The road works are horrific on that same road too. If I do the Sherborne school run I leave home at 6.30am and usually reach school at 6.55am, my daughter loves to arrive early!!! The roundabout at Gharaffa can be very hit and miss, sometimes you sail though other times you can sit there for ages, there are thankfully no traffic lights on the way and it's a very easy drive as you're going in the opposite direction of the traffic. Once the road works are completed near the school it will be a very easy run to school, fingers crossed! Park House is really far away, not a drive I'd want to attempt from west bay but maybe someone can correct me. Good luck and hope

120

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 11:26

hi guys Sorry to barge this post I need to know, living in Westbay How far is it from most schools such as Sherborne Doha college Park house Asd Yes I am aware of the wait lists on these schools and have no hope but am trying to find diff areas of living to while researching schools Also do you find lots of free open spaces for kids to bike or run around in Because we on gold coast in Australia we Have been lucky with open spaces and tonnes of parks and beaches My husband is currently there for five days talking to a prospective comany and learning about doha, and while he says he likes Doha he says his main concern is our kids r used to being outside I know that we can probable enrol them in organized activates after school, but will that be expensive? Also another question, if it's super hit during the day time and school starts around 7-8 in the morning and finishes around 2pm , do kids actually do much in the evening...wouldn't they need to go to bed early for school in the morning? I see somewhere that someone has mentioned lots of parks and lagoon in Westbay area dn that why they choose to live there, but does that mean they are driving 2 hours a day to and from schools? So just rough idea on the above schools and how far they might be from west bay area? Any good similar schools I can start harrassing AROUND the west bay area? Lastly roughly what would be the rents Ina compund in west bay near parks Not an apartment but a villa please? I do apologise for gate crashing this post once again!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 21:25

Thank you for your replies! I'm actually very keen on West Bay Lagoons, but DH is swaying towards Al Rayyan (his company are prepared to do a corporate lease). Having said that, I haven't seen Al Rayyan (he has) so I guess it would make sense to view something before we make a decision, but the location of WB is definitely something I'd like very much. And so would our visitors ;) Thanks again

49

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 20:26

Dear Frazzle I'm living in West Bay Lagoon and although I am fortunate enough to have what is considered a large garden here in Doha. I would say you could live here quite happily without any garden at all because of the abundance of parks and landscaping here. Temperatures also tend to be quite a lott cooler here too compared to the Al Waab area. At least 6 or 7 degrees. There are beautiful green parks between every 2 streets providing childrens play equipment, a tennis court and a beach. I actually feel like I'm anywhere but Doha when I come home. The Lagoon area is great for walking and biking around too. At the park where I live there are many children that come out to play in the afternoons and it is really quite sociable. I have quite a long school drive with my 2 children but im happy to do the drive as its well worth living here. When your children are of school age you might want to consider where you live as the is a lot of traffic all over Doha. Al Rayyan village is in a very central location with easy access to all areas of Doha and all the villas will be all shiny and new with top notch facilities. Good luck in making your choice.

49

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 20:26

Dear Frazzle I'm living in West Bay Lagoon and although I am fortunate enough to have what is considered a large garden here in Doha. I would say you could live here quite happily without any garden at all because of the abundance of parks and landscaping here. Temperatures also tend to be quite a lott cooler here too compared to the Al Waab area. At least 6 or 7 degrees. There are beautiful green parks between every 2 streets providing childrens play equipment, a tennis court and a beach. I actually feel like I'm anywhere but Doha when I come home. The Lagoon area is great for walking and biking around too. At the park where I live there are many children that come out to play in the afternoons and it is really quite sociable. I have quite a long school drive with my 2 children but im happy to do the drive as its well worth living here. When your children are of school age you might want to consider where you live as the is a lot of traffic all over Doha. Al Rayyan village is in a very central location with easy access to all areas of Doha and all the villas will be all shiny and new with top notch facilities. Good luck in making your choice.

171

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 16:01

kimmc3......did you mean noise from traffic? I am in the middle of the compound.....hear absolutely no noise at all....maybe outside houses are bothered by that but never heard any complaints. As to traffic issues.....I am coming out later in morning outwith rush hour so have never had any real issues with that...especially as I can get onto D ring no bother but I hear from others about how bad the morning commute can be if you do not time it right. I know sports roundabout is nightmare...I avoid it at all times and know all the back roads and shortcuts to do that. I lived in West Bay before and loved it but have adapted quite easily with living up here...maybe because living in West Bay made me think twice about going to Salwa and the airport side because of traffic but now can do it fine using D.

362

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 15:32

If I had the budget and didn't have to drive over to Doha College twice per day then I'd live in WB Lagoons without a second thought. You can get some beautiful villas there with enormous gardens. I'd hate to think what some of those villas water bills are for the private pools & massive expanses of lawn! Al Rayyan Village is certainly central to everything but it's noisy & busy traffic wise all around there. You can't really compare the two.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 14:40

In Al Rayyan....this is corporate rental only supposedly so if you are looking at renting by yourself, I am not sure if they do that? Anyway, compound is fine, narrow streets and neighbours are pretty close to you. Gardens, not big, but have covered terrace and huge roof terrace. All brand new appliances and houses so only few teething issues which are dealt with very promptly. Pool is quite small for size of compound, especially as compound is half empty now and can be busy at weekends. Rest of facilities are good...shop is now open...thank god....gym....supposed to be a cafe and restaurant opening soon inshallah. Right now, compound is mostly Exxonmobil, so mixture of ages with plenty of children. Location has turned out to be pretty good....half way between landmark and villagio. My husband drives to West Bay in morning....the issue is back up from the school round the corner and mad drivers, so it depends on what time you leave. He can get there in 15 / 20 mins and get home at 5 ish in about 10 mins.

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