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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2014 - 22:32
Hiya, oral contraceptives are over the counter medication in Qatar. No need for a prescription but you may need to try a few pharmacies before you find your specific brand each time- supply consistency is sometimes a problem.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 21:28
In emergency situations panic often sets in and the general response is to do nothing. I would advise preparing yourself for such situations so that you can respond appropriately. Hamad International Training centre offers basic life support and first aide courses for first responders (that's all of us!). I think the cost is quite resonable and it's certainly a skill worth investing in.
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Latest post on 04 December 2013 - 22:27
Try the Doha Rygby Club, they were looking for a book keeper
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Latest post on 04 December 2013 - 22:24
I'm afraid my childminder is no good to either of you but is available after 4 should anyone be interested ( very trustworthy and fantastically caring lady)
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Latest post on 04 December 2013 - 22:20
authentic Ayurvedic massage/treatment us offered at Kolticutt (not sure about that spelling!). They usually advertise in the paper and I think I've seen them in Marhaba before? the new centre is opposite hmc in the KIA building I think. they do the usual prebooked appointments but also offer an intensive home visit program. Hope that helps
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2013 - 20:22
The Breast Screening number is 66004051, give them a ring and book an appointment. I believe the centre is still in Woman's Hospital. HMC have a very good Multiple disciplinary pathway should you need it, with very good surgeons. Take care if you do decide to go privately, while the private centres are becoming increasingly more involved in the National Cancer Stratergy they have a way to go and just don't have the same level of resources and expertise as hamad. Good Luck, breasts are notoriously lumpy things but it pays to be over cautious.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2013 - 21:07
Ahh, that's a shame! thank you for the info though, will have to wait a little longer!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 20:12
sounds delightful! shoulders and knees covered is always best (and the bit in-between obviously!). wakra use to be ok, but the side away from Doha past the harbour. it's always safest not to be alone if you can arrange it. if you don't mind a drive fuwairit and al ghariya is worth the trip too
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 20:05
if I remember rightly you will need your marriage certificate and rps, as well as your husbands current QDC card. it took us about 10mins and was very straight forward (they have the forms in the waiting room, will scan what they need and take your photo). I'm pretty sure they have a website so google them just to double check. happy shopping!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 16:33
there use to be an ice factory off al saad/ c-ring road but it may have gone now (coming from hamad turn right before al saad signals and then right again) they stock ice for fishing- cheaper than drinking water. failing that carrefour fish section will usually give you ice chips if you ask. ( the only other ice factory I know of is beyond wakra on the way to sealine!)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 17:22
You can always count on Marks and Spencers for decaf tea and coffee, I think they even have tea on sale at the moment :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 21:18
The majority of local vets provide a pet import/export service and should be able to help. Vet near villagio: 44877144 vet near hamad hospital: 44367187
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 20:04
the most reasonable option is the oasis beach club, inbetwren the sailing club and al sharq hotel. family membership is around 4800 for the year and it is nicely located from wakra if you come behind the airport. it's a little more dated than other places but has everything you'd need.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 22:30
Wow! No kids books at jarir , that's a shame. There is an educational bookshop in city centre on the top floor, above debenhams. Hopefully you can find something there. Also virgin stock a selection of kids books, the villagio branch has a much better selection.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 06:47
For possibly the best colourist in Doha try Anna, her salon is right next door to festival city (ikea). You're guaranteed a natural result, not just the same shade as the majority if the ladies in Doha!! ;) Her number is 55474282
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 23:46
I had a fantastic birth expeience with dr Abdul Rahman ( from SA) at Doha clinic. He is less busy because he's male and believes in a less interventional approach. He is an older doc with a very calming and personal approach. I was very impressed with the delivery unit too but not too taken with the afte care on the ward. Google empowered birth Qatar for some great resources. Clare runs hypnobirhing workshops and regular coffee mornings so is a great way to get first hand unbiased info Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 23:31
Max have a selection and BHS are generous enough to last the duration too. eBay and aramex will give you the best selection at a decent price too
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2013 - 22:54
I visited around 5 years ago and loved it. As a single traveller, i choose to use group travel and would recommend looking at the itinerary for the company I travel with, intrepid. They always get the best out of places and, if truth be told, don't do anything that as an independent traveller you couldn't do alone. Enjoy!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 20:10
If you're willing to venture a little further I'd suggest garvey's ( the European family club) on salwa road. It might be a bit more personal and much more affordable, it's always a nice experience if you're feeling home sick. Drive up salwa road away from Doha and turn right directly after ponderosa ( on your right after a number if traffic lights). Take the first left and then turn right. Garvey's is on your left. Welcome to Doha and merry Xmas!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 21:07
Did you try family food or al meera? They usually stock a range of sizes for both bayonet and screw lamps. We have even bought bulbs that have a kind of size adaptor so that a smaller bulb can fit in a bigger fitting :0 Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 00:23
Last year we got ours from the ramada and were thrilled to bits! It unexpectedly came with stuffing and gravy too. Garvey's are also offering turkey with all the trimmings for 600qr I think, very reasonable price (feeds 6-8)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 23:52
I'm not a smoker but you may find the following useful! You can buy cigars at QDC, there is also a little shop outside carrefour in city centre that has a good selection. Failing that you could try the cigar bar at the Ritz etc... (any hotel with a cigar bar will stock them.)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 22:09
I highly recommend QCC, phone Mr Hari on 55532351
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 22:43
Hi happy bird, The falcons have moved to the shops opposite the emiri Dian, directly across from the car park . It's a nice quiet soul and also houses an Arabian horse stable, you drive past them on the way to the corniche.
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Latest post on 07 September 2012 - 12:47
Whoops, should have explained! Usually when you arrive you'll be placed in a temporary apartment (highest grades may still be placed in hotels). For the first little while hmc transport is available to do the work run for you (although they are often late). Again, there is a shortage of temporary accommodation too so it is possible you may share the apartment especially if it isn't clear to hmc that you'll be travelling as a family. Confirm that you will need family accomodation (for x people) before you leave home. Hamad rent apartments and villas across the city so you could end up anywhere but our guys usually end up right next to the hospital I'm sure hr explained, you are also responsible for your families visa. If your medical, CID check, contract signing and immigration process ( in that order once you arrive) takes a while you may have to send them on visa runs. Housing and hr are completely seperate (like most departments!) so this is unlikely to affect tour recruitment. My collegue ended up sending his family on an extended holiday because he was unhappy with the accommodation and didn't want to keep doing visa runs ( and the kids were being home schooled so it was easier)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2012 - 07:32
Aha, the housing question! Hmc have a bit of a housing backlog and so this is a hot topic! At the grade you specify you can expect a villa. Once you have your rp housing will process you for permanent accommodation but this can take months due to a housing shortage. Families do get priority and hmc are trying to address the shortage by acquiring new properties. It is important that you only accept something that you are really happy with because it is near impossible to change once you're in somewhere( I think there's even a 4 year rule) I didn't move over with family but our last employee to join with family arrived in feb and moved into his villa in august( you may be more fortunate but it often helps to know things can take time) Just a heads up too, it is legal for wives to sposor husbands in Qatar HOWEVER hmc will not permit this. If you need to sponsor your husband I would make this very clear to hr and get something formal in writing. I'm sure you've read the school links, it is very hard to get school places without the children having rps so you may need to do some enquiring too (this i can't help you with!)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 10:42
As a veteran hmc employee I can share the following insites... Recruitment through hmc is slightly different than private companies and is notoriously long. You should receive an initial letter of offer (single page) stating your basic salary, grade, leave entitlement and allowances. Once you accept this the recruitment process begins. This process includes independent credentialing, completed by a separate department. The visa process does not begin until credentialing is completed. After credentialing your visa will be processed. If you hold dual nationality visa issue takes much longer. Once your visa is issued flights will follow. If you plan to bring your family you should be aware that hmc expect family members join you once your resident permit is finalised (can take 2 months). Before your rp is issued hmc have no requirement to provide you with family accommodation, if you require this make sure you arrange it through recruitment before you arrive. Hmc has strict employee pay scales that impact on other benefits such as holiday entitlement, annual ticketing and ( more importantly) housing. Each pay scale has an upper limit, it is unlikely that you will receive a payrise during your emloyment so try to be placed at the top of the scale ( there is also no fixed annual increment and very limited opportunity for promotion) Salary grades are confidential, I believe the top grade is 117( might help you to judge where you are). A doctor is around 111-113. Staff recruited for 'new ventures' often have higher grades than existing staff. Allowances are not paid whilst you are on leave, and leave is only accrued whilst you work( it is not an annual entitlement like in the uk) Schooling allowance begins when the child turns 5. I would advise you to keep in close contact with your recruitment person, emailing weekly for an update is fine. Hope that helps
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 10:55
Cabana club at ramada hold Latin dancing nights, I don't think u need a passport. For paloma at the intercon u will need Id, they may take a copy in u explain why but this is hit and miss. The Latin bar at the Sheraton also has salsa nights, i think u may be ok there without Id but it may depend on the time of day. Your best bet is to invest in a copy of marhaba as it has all the contact numbers listed. Welcome to Qatar!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 10:49
For simple hemming any tailor will do, especially if you've pinned the legs already. There are a number of shops in al aziziya area ( drive up salwa road and turn right at ponderosa, turn right at the first small roundabout and then left at the next cross road - it's a bad cross road that is poorly marked. You turn left after the speed hump) there are multiple tailors in this area, most have abayas in the window. Failing that there is still a tailor on Mergab street next to the pet shop and also a few dress makers on the road from centrepoint to nandos. Hope that helps
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Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 21:36
We donate to Qatar Red Crescent, there are a number of drop of 'offices' including one on MErgab (a few doors away from Turkey Central) and one in the Thursday Friday Souq. They are always very appreciative and share donations locally as well as Internationally
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 13:16
Tajmeel stock and use a range of Loreal products http://qatarinternationalbeautyacademy.com/IntroducingTajmeel/tabid/57/Default.aspx
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 15:49
The Ramada do outside catering, including very yummy Shawarmas. If they're too pricey try Mamara (there's a few around-Mergab had one near the pet shop ont he corner)-they cater for the Rugby Club regularily.
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Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 15:47
HMC has a whole Dermatology section behind Rumeillah hospital. the staff are friendly and the docs are professional. Get a referal from your pimary health centre. It's 100qr to open a file and 30qr per appointment.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 15:45
Hi Dan Lou, City Centre told me that the shoe guy was only closed for a few days so it may be worth trying again this week (he's very good). Failing that you can try any of the little stalls on the street. They can do most repairs. If you haven't seen them they look a little like a Punch and Judy shelter and open split timings (as is traditional here). There is usually a guy outside most Al Meera supermarkets, or in Souq Waqif. Around Salwa and Villagio I'd guess you'd find one by the tailors in Azizia area. Hope that helps!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 08:30
If you buy a second hand car that has fully comp insurance you are able to keep it. If you buy a second hand car that does not have fully comp insurance you cannot then change back to fully comp. I've lived in Qatar for nearly 10 years and drive the same second hand car (now 15 years old). I've never had any problems re-insuring, passing inspection or re-registering her. I have also never had any problems claiming when the inevitable accidents happen. If you're buying a second hand car in Qatar I strongly believe that there is no benefit to being fully comp. The cost of fixing post-accident comes down to who's at fault: if it's yours you pay and if it isn't you don't. After discount (which all garages will give you) you're looking at a similar price to the excess the fully comp insurance would have you pay (insurance companies don't usually get discount).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 12:07
Occasionally a shop in city centre stocks very small cameras. It's located on the top floor opposite the rear enterance to the Expo Centre (near the food court, at the opposite end from the cinema). It's a small shop that sells novelty items such as ultraviolet lights, belly button rings, lighters etc...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 20:21
Hi Rachel A, you can change the policy over to your name for a nominal fee (I did mine many years ago so wouldn't like to hazard a guess at the current amount but it's unlikely to be unreasonable). I recommend that you insist on changing the policy name, many drivers will keep it in the old owners name, which isn't usually a problem when claiming but can be a problem if you want to sell the car on. It's easiest if the current policy holder accompanies you with all relevant paper work, should take all of 10mins. Good Luck and happy driving!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 13:01
I can recommend QCC for all your cleaning needs! They are a professional and efficient company and can send a multitude of workers to do big jobs quick! The number is 55532351 (Mr Hari) If you want a really excellent car service I can recommend 'Titanium' car services. They'll take EVERYTHING out and make your car look like new! At the mo they have a summer special for 900QR per car. They're on the street between Garvey's and Teebah Gardens (there's a Pizza hut on the street too), towards the villagio end of the street on the right hand side of the road.
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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 12:56
HMC can prescribe Valium, provided the doc has permision in the system. Having worked at HMC for many years I have to admit to NEVER having seen or heard of xanex being prescribed. We, too, suffer from a flying phobia and have found that Valium just doesn't work the same. As a solution we always stock up when outside the country (xanex is an over-the-counter med in lots of Far Eastern countries...you just have to get there first!)
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Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 13:48
I bought one yesterday at Home Centre. It's for indoors but cost little enough to replace regularily!
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 13:01
Hi Cassie, I can recommend a smaller tour group run by Ibrahim, he does day or sunset safaris and provides food too. His camp is usually in Inland sea and set up well. His number is 55534233, he's lots of fun!
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 13:51
Hi Katcalls, Having worked in health here for a number of years I would say that it's a cultural issue rather than a trust issue. Some things that I would find unacceptable in a western environment are simply not considered important here (random health care workers sat in your consultation, patients or staff popping in whilst you are being examined, staff coming to see a westener for curiosity sake etc...). It's done with the best intentions, just not the most professional by western standard intentions! With regard to single lady issues, private hospitals are usually ok, at delivery you have to present a marriage cert but not usually before this stage. To note, HMC doesn't endorse informing the police if a single lady delivers but this is inevitable due to lack of paper work (it becomes an administrative issue) and is this way to prevent/control/action abuse. Non-baby issues should be fine in private hospitals, usually Woman's Hospital requires a marriage cert to open a file however ladies with oncology bases issues are certainly managed through HMC. Termination options are also asupported but for married ladies with justified health risks only. Hope this helps! Hope this helps.
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 13:49
Roses often comes 'off the shelf' for months at a time! A good alternative that is always 'in' is Carrefour Lime cordial (cover is in french but the photo is pretty clear). You can find it down the canned drinks/water lane :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 13:17
The Australian Institute of Swimming at Aspire teach anyone to swim and have sessions through summer too, google ASSI. There is also a swim club at Al Saad stadium that teaches swimming. ASSI might be your best first choice, they also certify instructors so may have a contact that can offer private lessons.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 10:54
The beauty centre located above the food court in Villagio mall offer laser hair removal for sure.
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 10:09
Hi Rachel, Just be aware that you'll also need to get the form stamped at the Qatar Embassy in USA before they'll accept it here, we recently tried without doing this and had the certs rejected.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 10:07
40-50, you guys are funny! It reached 60 last summer :) Humidity is often in the 80's too. A nice shaded pool around sunset is great but the beach is a no-no, far too salty (it's like being 'brined'!!) Evenings are ok too, you just need to be prepared to wash everything you wear :) Usually the heat comes on gradually and so by the time it gets up in the 'highs' you'll be use to it...that's possibly the only plus of staying over summer! ;)
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 09:58
Hi Dan Lou, I asked about the climbing wall when it first went up and was told that it doesn't belong to Aspire and is for QF use only! Such a shame! That was some time ago and so it may be worth phoning Aspire and enquiring again :)
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Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 19:56
Hi RachelA, Government is not covered by Labour laws. For holidays we generally do much better though :) Problem comes if you try to contest anything, the Labour Department has no control over government 'beings' so you have no higher authority to go to (..if gratuity, leave, pay was with-held or your contract was not adhered to)
 
 
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