Living in Qatar
Start your adventure in QatarAbout Qatar:
Qatar is a Middle Eastern country with a population of 2.2 million people, which is partly comprised of a large expatriate community. Although Qatar is considered a small or mid-sized country, it is still a popular international destination with many attractions. There are huge malls, museums, water parks, mosques, etc., along with the beautiful scenery surrounding the Middle East. There are also many popular water sport activities that many tourists and locals take advantage of because Qatar is almost entirely surrounded by water. So if you’re looking for an enriching cultural experience while living in an oceanfront international metropolis, then teaching in Doha, Qatar is perfect for you.
Due to the location, temperatures range from warm to hot throughout the whole year, starting at 16 degrees Celsius (60 degrees F) to 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees F). This is important, because many schools begin their day very early, around 6:30 AM or 7:00 AM, to avoid the afternoon heat.
Doha, Qatar is a very popular tourist destination due to the abundance of historical museums and beautiful mosques within the city. The waterside roads, fresh air, and huge, awe-inspiring deserts also attract travelers.
Overall, Qatar is a great place to teach abroad, and there are many teaching opportunities open to foreigners within Doha and the surrounding areas. Qatar also offers accommodations and amenities comparable to Western countries (sometimes even better than those found in Western countries- so no need to worry!).
Things to keep in mind about living in Qatar
- Qatar is a lovely gulf country and most of the population lives in the city of Doha, which is the capital.
- There is a typical mode of dressing, but it is not strict.
- Women here dress similarly to how people in the U.S. and Europe dress, but no bikinis are allowed unless you’re at the western hotels.
- International driver’s licenses are not recognized here.
- Getting a Qatari driver’s license is very easy, there is no lesson or any kind of test apart from the eye test.
- There are lots of cultural and major sporting events every year.
- There are other cultural events including live music performances outside on the beach, famous European musicians and lots of other international expositions.
- Alcohol will only be found in western hotels.
- Certain foods that are forbidden for Qataris will not be found in restaurants or stores unless you’re in western hotels.
Cost of living in Qatar
Depending on how frugal you choose to be in Qatar, your cost of living will typically range somewhere between $1,000 and $4,000 USD a month. The city that you choose to call home will make a big difference in your monthly expenses. If you’re in Doha, which is the most popular city to teach in within Qatar, you’ll end up spending more a month than you would in a more rural city.
If you choose to constantly eat out, this will also push your monthly expenses towards the higher end of the spectrum. Just like anywhere else in the world, you’ll be able to save or spend as much as you’d like, you just need to be conscious of how much you’re spending every month.
Languages spoken in Qatar
The official language in Qatar is Arabic, which is divided into two types:
Gulf and Standard
Both types are understood and spoken in other Middle Eastern countries like Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Iran, and other countries close to Qatar. The Standard language is also called Al Arabiya and Al Fus-Ha or High Arabic. The other names for Gulf Arabic are Khaliji and Qatari, and Gulf Arabic is further divided into two dialects: North and South Qatari. Other commonly spoken languages include English, Farsi, and Urdu, among many more.
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