Qatar

[Sergei82]

I was responding to Vajra, Dubai is least Islam fundamentalist

Still, I will try not to make an eye contact with someone in burqa or niqab

Considering I don't drink beer at home and my meal rarely exceeds 10 USD (in fact, I'm on diet most of the time) after browsing Qatar expats forums I found out that accomodation is significantly (!) cheaper in Doha. And that is the biggest line in expenses for most of the expats here. Lower accomodation expense + higher salaries (depends on position and company, of course) == double win.

Apart from the accommodations, the range of haram items, which may be used by us who don't mind, may raise your eyebrows (take a look at this and this).

Quite a challenge I must say, considering the location and culture

Ban on alcohol... I can live with that. And if 80% of people there are expats, I think, it is not hard to find a woman without a burqa.

[Sergei82]

The biggest challenge I see so far is horrible demographics: 2 men per 1 woman.

[v4jr4]

The biggest challenge I see so far is horrible demographics: 2 men per 1 woman.

Not a big surprise tho

[Sergei82]

The biggest challenge I see so far is horrible demographics: 2 men per 1 woman.

Not a big surprise tho

Still so much better than Pune for me!

[v4jr4]

The biggest challenge I see so far is horrible demographics: 2 men per 1 woman.

Not a big surprise tho

Still so much better than Pune for me!

Here's the catch: according to the book that I mentioned previously, you can expect "mano-a-mano" transaction, although the rules (and religion) said no.

[durain]

and you cant do it at the back of the taxi either

[Callput]

and you cant do it at the back of the taxi either

Hey durian long time no see

[carteki]

Yeah - there definitely is a lot of work in Doha. I was there 2 weeks ago and practically didn't recognise it! But there is still nothing there except shiny new buildings. My mom has lived there for 7 years and we were still at a loss of things to do other than go shopping.

I understand the economics of it - a number of people are moving from Dubai to Doha because of jobs, but there really isn't a life there. The Qataries are less tolerant about western lifestyles than the Emirates and you will find your social life being very limited. A number of areas around Doha are alcohol free - including the Pearl (waterfront living and recreational area). Safety there also is an issue. Two of the shopping centres were closed recently to be completely rewired after a fire killed a couple of people. My mom's apartment block isn't earthed and we had a fairly earth shattering short while I was there.

In my view - Singapore 1st, Dubai 2nd, Qatar 4th or 5th from lifestyle.

[Sergei82]

WHO is 3rd?

[v4jr4]

In my view - Singapore 1st, Dubai 2nd, Qatar 4th or 5th from lifestyle.

3rd position is held by ~ *drum roll* ~ HK?

[Brah]

You're probably right about #3, I have to wonder where the PRC cities start to fall.

If we were all 10-15 years younger, I also have to wonder what Burma and VN will be like once they're up and running. OK VN is up and running but not flourishing as an alternate consideration yet.

Coveted expat hardship postings at first, and the golden window between then and when it is followed by the gentrification and globalization period, which eventually renders those places too eventually too expensive. Like some other places we know.

[Mi Amigo]

Wise observations Brah (and others).

2-3 years ago, a number of people we knew moved from here to Qatar. The wage earners were pilots under contract to SIA and their contracts were not being renewed (or at least not in a timely or favourable manner). So they took the opportunity to take up employment in Qatar. We've not heard any negative comments from those who moved there - obviously every place has its pros and cons and these are people who are used to adapting to new environments - so it would seem to be a reasonable place to live from what I've heard. Certainly for a few years if the financial benefits are good and there's an opportunity to save more money than would be the case here.

[Brah]

Well I've wondered about giving up say two years of outside life to go work in a less-than attractive place in order to make say double salary. As long as it were safe.

I knew a guy who did similar work as me based in Saudi, lived on a compound, and when they wanted fun they got out of the country. Made a lot of money and was an expat.

Not so sure those places or at least the big packages exist anymore.