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Digital Nomad Guide to Qatar | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Doha, Qatar

Digital Nomad Life in Qatar

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Qatar is becoming an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Qatar are Doha, Al Khor, and Al Wakrah. Digital nomads like living in Qatar because of its modern infrastructure, low taxes, and high quality of life. A digital nomad can live comfortably in Qatar on a monthly budget of around $2,000 USD. The culture of Qatar is a mix of traditional Islamic values and modern Western influences. Popular foods in Qatar include shawarma, falafel, hummus, and kabsa.

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How do I meet people in Qatar?

When we asked people living in Qatar about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Qatar often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, book clubs, and language classes. These activities provide a great way to meet people and make friends. Expats can also meet people by attending events such as concerts, art exhibitions, and festivals. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals in Qatar," explained one expat living in Qatar.

"There are just too many to list. I joined one of the many Dive Clubs they offer and learned to scuba. I did 40 dives," said one person in Doha.

What is life like in Qatar?

When we asked people living in Qatar what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Qatar can be quite comfortable. The country offers a wide range of modern amenities, including excellent healthcare, reliable transportation, and a variety of entertainment options. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from Qatar's low tax rates and generous expat packages. The country is also home to a diverse population, making it easy to find people from all over the world to connect with. Additionally, Qatar is a safe and secure place to live, with a low crime rate and a strong commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens," said one person in Qatar.

"At that time, the open air markets were wonderful. I don't know if they still exist. Shopping was probably the most popular thing people did for entertainment. There were also many "club" activities which required membership of some sort," said one expat who made the move to Doha.

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Where should I live in Qatar?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Finding a place to live in Qatar can be a daunting task. The best way to start is by researching the different areas of Qatar and deciding which one best suits your needs. You can find information about the different areas online, or by speaking to people who have lived in Qatar. Once you have narrowed down your search, you can start looking for rental properties. There are a variety of websites that list rental properties in Qatar, such as Qatar Living, Qatar Property Finder, and Qatar Rental. Additionally, you can contact real estate agents in Qatar who can help you find a suitable property. Finally, you can also look for rental properties in newspapers and magazines," said one person in Qatar.

What do I need to know before moving to Qatar?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Qatar, they said:

"Before retiring in Qatar, expats should be aware of the country's strict laws and regulations. It is important to research the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Qatar, as it is generally higher than in other countries. Additionally, expats should be aware of the climate in Qatar, as it can be very hot and humid during the summer months. Finally, expats should ensure that they have the necessary visas and permits to retire in Qatar," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Qatar.

"If you move to the Middle East learn to chill out. Nothing happens quickly. If you ask for something to be done find out when. Their sense of time is really very different from what we are use to in North America. Yah, Yah, Yah does not mean anytime soon," explained one person living in Doha, Qatar.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Qatar?

"Some shops are open till late at night. Separate gym hours for female. Domestic help easily available," said one expat who made the move to Doha.

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Learn MoreGet Quote

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Qatar?

"Every country have something that is challenging, even my own culture has somethings that bother me. In Nigeria it is the fact that you can not drive yourself, and women are generally not listened to at all! In The Netherlands it is their unfriendliness. No such thing as hospitality. I think they erased that word from their dictionary. In Qatar, it is (again that women are not respected) ingrained in their culture that men are superior. However the Qatari are waking up and realizing that they can be more powerful than men," said one person in Doha.

"Expats in Qatar often find the local culture to be quite different from their own, which can be challenging to adjust to. The conservative dress code and strict adherence to Islamic customs can be difficult to get used to, as can the lack of public displays of affection. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge, as Arabic is the official language of Qatar and English is not widely spoken. Finally, the hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from cooler climates," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Qatar.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Qatar for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Qatar for a while, you will need to obtain a residence permit. This document is issued by the Ministry of Interior and is valid for a period of one year. You may also need to apply for a visa, depending on your nationality. To apply for a visa, you will need to provide a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and other supporting documents," said one person in Qatar.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Qatar?

We asked people in Qatar if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be respectful of Qatar's culture and customs when visiting the country. It is important to dress modestly, especially for women, and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local laws and customs, such as not drinking alcohol in public or eating during the day during Ramadan. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of religious sites and to avoid taking photographs without permission. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid using offensive language or gestures," remarked one member in Qatar.

"I have a habit of calling everyone 'Darling', it didn't sit right with one of my English students..a high ranking officer in the army," explained one expat living in Doha, Qatar.

"Yes, when I turned and suddenly saw a women covered in an abaya and I nearly screamed. It took me some time to get used to the women in black," said one person in Doha.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What are healthcare services like in Qatar?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Qatar, they replied:

"Qatar offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. The public healthcare system in Qatar is managed by the Ministry of Public Health, and is available to all citizens and residents of Qatar. The public healthcare system is of a high quality, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents in Qatar have access to the public healthcare system, and can use it for both primary and specialist care. Expats in Qatar can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local health center and obtaining a health card. The health card allows expats to access the public healthcare system, and receive subsidized healthcare services," remarked one member in Qatar.

"Do not worry if your company does not provide insurance. National Health in Qatar is beyond compare. It costs QR100 for a year. When you go private they quite often refer you to National Health system as they have the best facilities. Only draw back is queuing even when you have an appointment," explained one expat living in Doha, Qatar.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Qatar?

"Expats and digital nomads in Qatar appreciate the country's high standard of living, with its modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare system, and low crime rate. They also enjoy the country's tax-free salaries, which can be a great incentive for those looking to save money. Additionally, Qatar is a culturally diverse country, with a variety of activities and attractions to explore. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the country's strict laws and regulations to be restrictive, and the hot climate can be difficult to adjust to. Additionally, the cost of living in Qatar can be quite high, making it difficult to save money," remarked one member in Qatar.

"I like the weather. I like the safe environment I like the tax free system. I like the health care. I don't like the dust I don't like the traffic I don't like the religious restrictions I don't like the landscape/scenery," explained one expat living in Doha, Qatar.

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Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Contribute to Qatar Network Contribute
Help others in Qatar by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Qatar.

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