Expatriate Forums in Qatar

Accomodation in Doha

andreina — Sat May 30, 2009 8:48 am

Author: andreina

Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 8:48 am

Free online classified advertising gives a list of free internet classified ads among the Middle East and Northern Africa. Fundook helps in making your lives in big cities and towns more easy and enjoyable.
http://www.doha.fundook.com/
http://www.doha.fundook.com/Category/Jobs

Current rent situation

888 — Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:33 pm

Author: 888

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:33 pm

This forum looks dead but i will try anyway.

Can someone please tell me the rent for 2 bedroom unfurnished apartment or a one bedroom unfurnished but new apartment.

Asus V75 $130 Haier A7 $200 Haier M600 Black Pearl $

salesman — Mon May 14, 2007 6:24 am

Author: salesman

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 6:24 am

[b]We are on a Bonanza,If you order for 2 mobile phone,you will get 1 mobile phone for
free & if you order for 5units of mobile phone you will have 2 free mobile phone and
free shipping.

Foward every Enquriy and questions to the sales department through the links below.....

Nokia N800 $150
Nokia 8800 $170
Nokia N80 $180
Nokia N72 $140
Nokia N73 $150
Nokia N76 $170
Nokia N90 $165
Nokia N91 $180
Nokia N92 $200
Nokia E70 $220
Nokia E60 $200
Nokia E61 $210
Nokia N95 $300
Nokia N93 $250

02 XDA atom life $250
02 Xda Zinc $230
02 Xda Drphite $200
02 Orbit $190
02 cosmo $170
02 Xda Stealth $180
02 Xda Exec $150usd
02 Xda II mini $150
02 Xda IIs $160

Motorola Razor v3x $145
Motorola V3i $140
Motorola A1010 $110
Motorola A1000 $100
Motorola Rock1 $120
Motorola W220 $160
Motorola Q for Verizon……$200
Motorola Mpx 220 $122
Motorola Mpx 300 $130

Nextel i930 $120
Nextel i870 $110
Nextel i860 $100
Nextel i850 $90

Palm Treo 650 $140
Palm Treo 700p $170

Samsung D500 $150
Samsung D600 $160
Samsung E800 $155
Samsung I730 $120

Asus P525 $180
Asus P505 $160
Asus Z810 $200
Asus V85 $150
Asus V75 $130

Haier A7 $200
Haier M600 Black Pearl $190
Haier M2000 $170
Haier M1200 $150
Haier M1000 $140
Haier M260 $130
Haier N70 $129

HTC X7500 $350
HTC S710 $330
HTC P350 $300
HTC P3400 $250
HTC P4350 $200
HTC P3600 $210
HTC P3300 $150
HTC S620 $170
HTC S310 $190
HTC TYTN $1700
HTC MT EOR $190

ETEN GLOFIISH X800 $200
ETEN GLOFIISH M700 $190
ETEN GLOFIISH X500 $170
ETEN M550 $180
ETEN G500+ $170
ETEN M600+ $150
ETEN G500 $160
ETEN M600 $140
ETEN M500 $140
ETEN P300B $160
ETEN P300 $150
ETEN P700 $180

IPAQ 514 $140
IPAQ RW6815 $150
IPAQ RW6828 $160
IPAQ RW6818 $180
IPAQ HW6515 $140
IPAQ HW6510 $120

X cute Dv80 $190
X cute Dc50 $180
X cute Dv2 $160
X cute Dv1 $140

Qtek 8100 $125
QTEK 8300 $145
Qtek 8310 $155
Qtek 8500 $165
Qtek 8600 $225
Qtek 9600 $270

Sony Ericsson P910i $150
Sony Ericsson P900 $140
Sony Ericsson P1000 $154
Sony Ericsson W600i $160
Sony Ericsson W800i $170

I-Mate JAM 128MB $210
I-Mate JAM $190
I-Mate JAMin $220
I-Mate JASJAR Quadband $350
I-Mate K-Jam QuadBand $240
I-Mate Smartflip QB. $250
I-Mate SP5 $140
TomTom Mobile 5 $290
TomTom GO GPS Car Navigation System $280
TomTom Navigator 5 Bluetooth GPS $270
TomTom Mobile GPS for Smartphones $260

Apple Ipod 60Gb $140
Apple Ipod 30Gb $120
Apple Ipod nano 4Gb $70

SIDEKICK 2 $120
SIDEKICK 3 $150

GAMES
PS 3 FOR $180USD
PS 2 FOR $150USD
PS 1 FOR $130USD
PSP FOR $100USD

NITENDO WII FOR $170USD

XBOX GAMES:
Xbox 360 Core System ----- $163
Xbox 360 Prenium pack --$190
Xbox 360 Platinum Bundle Console ----- $155
Intec G8600 Xbox 360 9.2 TFT Screen--$85

Foward every Enquriy and questions to the sales department through the links below.....

Medical Insurance & Health Insurance Guide

admin — Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:20 am

Author: admin

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:20 am

Expatriate Insurance, Medical & Health Insurance Guide

For new ex-patriots, leaving our Countries to be based in a developing country, perhaps for some years, it is often a shock to discover that medical treatment of a reasonable quality is just not available, or very expensive, in their new location. Conditions can differ vastly from Baku to Beijing to the Bahamas. Many documented case histories sadly indicate the devastating experience both mentally, physically and financially of falling seriously ill when overseas, can become. Private Medical Insurance when abroad is like a parachute when flying. You may not need one but it better be there, as you and your family would may not survive without one. e.g.: Being evacuated from the Gobi desert, following a car accident resulting in broken bones, coupled to a suspected fractured skull is not an easy matter at any time.

The medical insurance plans you may need are readily available through a worldwide network of specialist Brokers, Independent Financial Advisors, or via the Plan Insurers themselves, who advertise extensively through magazines and expatriate media. Several specialist independent Brokers now have their own websites, offering multiple choices of health insurance plans. The taking of independent advice is always recommended, in order that you not only buy the right plan, but pay premiums appropriate to your new country area. Do not buy a plan without studying the policy wording carefully, particularly underwriting conditions, benefits, etc. If in doubt, ask and then complete all application forms fully, to the best of your ability.

The Premium/Benefit Trade Off

Too frequently, a potential customer or new client will look to lowest price or premium cost comparisons, before really considering the specific benefits and area of cover they may actually need. The ex-patriot client should carefully review benefits of cover offered, check out any limits to that cover and any exclusions made by the insurer. Some plans are cheaper for a reason. Often they include large voluntary deductibles on any claim you might make in future and may severely cap the benefits received under the plan. Cover limits can vary from ?50,000 total cover to as much as ?5,000,000 total cover. Any major operation in the USA or perhaps an organ transplant can soon eat up a " capped cover" plan. Exclusions to the policy should also be read carefully and advice taken from an independent Advisor. Our motto is for clients to "define their needs" first, particular Area of cover they need, then their annual healthcare insurance budget. Then, they should look to premium comparisons, last of all.

Many new entrant expatriate Insurers are taking a much easier line on HIV and AIDS issues as well as offering chronic conditions cover, if such conditions develop during the plan lifetime. Post September 11th 2001, many expatriates are now considering the purchase of income replacement insurance, term life and kidnap insurance, or travel insurance, in addition to their Health Insurance Plans.

Underwriting Terms of Plans

For the individual expatriate or family there are usually only two ways to take out international medical insurance. By means of a "moratorium" application or a "full underwriting" application. It is important to understand this rather jargonised phrases as claims can be rejected if you have inappropriate underwriting. A moratorium plan means that any "pre existing" condition, for which you have had treatment, advice or consultation upon during the last 2,3 or even 5 years in some cases, will be EXCLUDED from cover. Should you then not have any treatment, advice or consultations for such conditions for a further two years, your insurer may add that condition to your policy. Full underwriting applications mean that all medical history questions have to be completed (not needed on a moratorium plan) and that most insurers may then exclude any particular stated condition, which they feel will lead to claims upon them. Full underwriting schemes are a little more complex as sometimes confirmation and clarification letters may be needed from your Doctor in order to have a specific condition covered under your new plan, or for that insurer to offer cover at all (E.g.; HIV or AIDS conditions cover or other long-term endemic/chronic conditions.)

For larger groups of expatriates and large corporate plans, Insurers will frequently offer cover on a "Medical History Disregarded" basis, meaning that a new plan member might even be in hospital for a triple bypass, but still have that condition included in the total corporate plan. Clearly with larger numbers of people in a plan, insurers are prepared to take higher risks and offer lower premiums. Company plans can have premiums some 15% to even 40% less than individual plans, due to the larger numbers of employees and higher annual premium overall, charged by that Insurer.

Vital Questions for the Insurance Provider

1. Does the plan allow for cooling off periods, cancellation and then repayment of premium in full?

2. Does the plan offer "Moratorium or is it "Full underwriting" and do I need to have a medical examination before joining.

3. Does the new Insurer offer a 24 hour help line, 7 days a week, available from anywhere in the World (free phone)? Most Insurers now offer this facility

4. Are my pre-existing conditions excluded when joining and if so, for how long are such conditions excluded?

5. Or all and any Nationalities accepted or are there restrictions applying to local nationals? Some Insurers will only take expatriates abroad and not local nationals into an overseas plan (e.g.: - They may cover six British Nationals in Zambia, not the 100 Zambian local national employees)

6. Does the plan allow you to continue cover unbroken through your lifetime? In most cases insurers will continue to offer existing clients cover year on year, irrespective of age or claims history. I.e.: - Once a customer, you may remain a customer, although premium rates charged can increase dramatically with old age.

7. Does the Insurer allow for any Doctor or Consultant or Hospital within the plan? Are there any restrictions in this respect? Most international plans do not place restrictions on either hospitals or Doctors, but almost all demand that their help lines are called first prior to approval of any inpatient care. (I.e.: pre qualified claim or placing of a bond with a specific hospital by Insurance Company)

8. Does the Insurer provide for direct settlement of bills presented by hospitals worldwide, regardless of location? (Or do I have to pay first?)

9. What are the Insurers procedures for Outpatient claims? Do these require any pre authorization or if stated in the plan can I just pay and claim? How long before I get my money back from the Insurer? (14 days? 28 days?)

The vast majority of expatriate health plans DO NOT exclude certain occupations as do many UK based insurance plans. Expatriate plans do however add to premiums for such as Winter Sports or diving holidays.

Nomenclature, names and Plan Titles

The Product Providers and Insurers delight in launching new plan names with "exclusive" qualities in their brand names over those of their direct competitors. However, international medical insurance plans broadly have three key components, which are in-patient or daycare treatment, outpatient treatment, and then and add-on options.

In this way, a basic or standard plan usually includes in-patient and daycare, but no Outpatient or other cover. Comprehensive plans mostly cover outpatient in addition to the inpatient costs, often with a capped limit, whilst "deluxe" "platinum" or "Premier Plus" plans offer a full cover range of inpatient, daycare, outpatient with routine dental. Possibly maternity, evacuation, personal accident cover and even chronic conditions cover in certain cases. (All the bells and whistles plan) We tend to ignore the names of plans but ensure we have clear ideas of benefits specifically, capping, area of cover and any exclusions, when comparing plans against a clients requirements. For example a USA passport holder living in Paris, who never needs cover in the USA apart from the occasional holiday trip, could take Area 1 European cover, which is often half the price of full world wide cover including the USA. Area 2 is usually described as Worldwide cover excluding the USA or Canada" with Area 3 being the most expensive offering global cover including the USA, all year round

A small travel add-on option can often help with up to 30 days emergency cover in USA or Canada should such be needed. Elective care in USA can also be added for just thirty days a year too, at a substantial discount to full Area 3 cover premiums. Some Insurers now offer modular benefit packages where clients can "pick and choose" benefits, working out their own premiums, at the end of this mix and match.

Emergency, Evacuation and Repatriation

1. Does the Plan include evacuation and repatriation and mortal remains repatriation or are these benefits add on extras?

2. What costs are included in the evacuation or repatriation cover? Some plans only cover travel costs, not accommodation; some plans only give cover one way.

3. Does the Plan cover both your outward journey and pay for you to return from where you started?

4. Does the plan cater for one person or can a business colleague or a family member accompany the Plan holder when travelling for treatment after evacuation? Emergency treatment when abroad can be very stressful at the best of times and being accompanied can be a huge comfort.

Outpatient Costs and General Practitioner Costs

Expatriates with families and small children will know that "Outpatient costs" and visits to the local Doctor are usually the main cost area at home, but particularly whilst abroad. Expats in developing countries are more prone to ill health and most will have at least one or more visits to a GP during a tour of duty. You need to know that GP costs will be fully reimbursed, or that you know the level of deductible, which will be made from any and all outpatient claims. (Each and every claim or an amount, which cumulates annually) Read your Plan carefully.

1. Many Insurers offer a limit or budget Outpatient benefits and these issues should be carefully studied in the new plan. Note any restrictions

2. Check the wording of drugs and dressings offered to note whether "Full Cover" or financial limits are set in the plan.

3. Few plans offer "Elective" or "Well woman " Well man" checks. Most international plans cater for healthcare once the patient has symptoms or is ill. They do not offer preventative checks or Health Checks at the control of the client. (Some larger company plans do offer well man checks)

Outpatient Cover, Complementary Medicine, Dental plan or Routine Maternity plan

If you are able to afford the premiums, Outpatient cover added to in-patient/daycare cover makes sense. In-patient care gives catastrophic cover or a hospital cost cover, but gives no cost cover if you are "walking wounded". A medium range comprehensive plan may well limit the amount you may claim on the Outpatient costs, but a deluxe or fully comprehensive will give Full Cover for this benefit.

Many plans do offer benefit for accidental damage to teeth by accident, but not routine elective dental healthcare Routine Dental treatment is mostly quoted as an optional extra, as is any option to take out routine maternity treatment. Thus, if you break a tooth you are covered but if you visit the dentist for a crown, beware, you may have to pay. Routine maternity care cover can be a valuable part of overseas family planning, yet many women and families overseas, unfortunately only contact their Broker or Insurer when already pregnant. Few Insurers will allow routine maternity costs re imbursement when a woman is pregnant actually taking out the plan. Almost all Insurers will consider an existing pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, but will cover emergency in pregnancy. If a couple have held medical insurance for one year, the Insurer may offer an option, with CO-insurance for routine maternity costs to a budget limit. Talk this over with a specialist Advisor in Expatriate Health Insurance

More Insurers are now taking a more enlightened approach to the subject of complementary care and costs of such as chiropractioners, osteopaths, homeopaths, acupuncturists and the like. These benefits are usually severely "budget capped" by the Insurers, however.

Other Cost Considerations and Options

With the growing range of plans available across the world, across a vast premium spectrum, several new benefit cost areas are mentioned below, which are not always available from all Insurers, but can be quoted selectively in certain Plans.

Well Child care, well man and well woman checks, all can be quoted

Prosthetic Appliances, can be quoted but capped

Eyeglasses and tests quoted on many deluxe and top plans

Crowns, dentures and bridges, routine dental quoted on top plans

Death of Close Relative, round trip costs covered on many plans

Treatment in USA elective or emergency usually can be quoted

Vaccinations, quoted on some plans

Annual Health Checks, quoted on some top plans

Organ Transplants, AIDS and Chronic cover on some top plans

Hazardous Sports, quoted on some plans.

Legal Costs after accidents abroad, quoted in some plans

Complaints

All Insurer Plans should clearly stipulate the complaints and disputes procedures they follow together with any Regulator. They should illustrate how you may contact the right adjudicators in their company or contact your independent Advisor for help) There are also independent Regulatory Authorities available n most Western countries, such as the UK, who can assist you with a dispute with an Insurer (who is being difficult when settling your claim) If you have bought your Plan through the offices of an independent Broker or Specialist Advisor they will almost certainly be glad to help in legitimate disputes with an Insurer. If you are right, have proper records, the Insurers will pay up.

Overview

Generally, as with most Insurance services, you get what you pay for. Read the documentation carefully, particularly the benefits and exclusions clauses. International Medical Insurance is a complex and difficult field. Many Insurers are competing for your long-term business. They all will argue, "Their Plan is Best." Certain strategic insurance considerations have been also affecting the expatriate market since the World Trade Centre disaster. Many ex-patriots are now looking for international term life and income replacement cover, as well as medical insurance. Time will tell how long term insurance growth is affected in this expanding expatriate global market place.

If you purchase a comprehensive plan from a reputable Insurer, via an independent Broker, you are usually not disappointed. However, if you buy what is clearly a cheap cut plan, without advice, beware when trying to make a claim. (They may well have pages and pages of exclusions in the small print)

It is also important for your budget to choose the correct geographical area of cover. Routine travel options can be taken at much less cost than full-blown USA cover, if you do not really need elective USA cover. Voluntary excesses on claims can substantially reduce premiums, as can co- insurance payments. (Sharing risk costs with the Insurer)

In the final analysis, international expat medical insurance is best to have at your side so that "you may sleep at night abroad" rather than to think of ways to claim. If both parties fully understand the contract and deal in good faith, Insurers very much want to keep clients for the long term. It is always better however, to compare and study at least three packs of brochures from differing Insurers, or have a review done by an independent Broker specializing in the Healthcare Insurance field. All the material needs attention and careful reading. Understand what you are committing to, what the contract actually states, not what you may think it states (or some salesman told you) and what geographical limitations are set giving your area do cover.

You may not need to read this contract again until the moment you need medical aid. Remember, that Brand name alone does not necessarily indicate good service, but that in 2002, many lesser-known expatriate specialist Insurers offer excellent premiums, wide benefits, good claims records and fast efficient electronic client services. Professional support teams are vital in overseas emergencies. Your Helpline card is the key to medical help and assistance 24 hours a day, whilst Overseas. Make sure that you have it to hand and that you know how to use it. With most Insurers now offering toll free global lines 24 hours a day, these vital help-lines are the first port of call, prior to any treatment being arranged, with the exception of emergencies. Establish contact as soon as you can, then let the Insurers assistance teams do the rest.

Article Prepared By

J Leslie Smith B Sc Econ Honours Associate IEE
Chairman and Managing Director
Medibroker International

concerns about safety in Qatar

vgarci — Wed Aug 16, 2006 7:11 pm

Author: vgarci

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 7:11 pm

My husband has been offered a position within his work which would require we move to Qatar with our two small children for at least 3 years. I have heard good things about living over there but I must say I am naturally concerned about the threat of terrorism. I understand that there was a suicide bomber last year near a theatre...was anybody there when that happened? Do any of you have any of these concerns? Please respond with any encouraging words or advice you may have....

thanks

concerns about safety in Qatar

vgarci — Wed Aug 16, 2006 5:35 pm

Author: vgarci

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 5:35 pm

My husband has been offered a position within his work which would require us to move to Qatar for about three years. We have two small children and am concerned about terrorism threats. I understand that there was a suicide bomber near a theatre there last year and am concerned of future threats especially considering we might be there for three plus years. Does anybody have any encouraging words or advice to share?

Thanks!

Qatar Retal Accomodation

Darryl — Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:18 pm

Author: Darryl

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:18 pm

Many thanks this is a great help!!

expat housing

ramis64 — Sun May 28, 2006 3:16 pm

Author: ramis64

Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 3:16 pm

You can get accomodation in Qatar without any problem, caveat, if there is any event going on like a football tournament etc, you won't get any accomodation. Be careful, we have the Asian games in December this year, so you have to avoid that time as you wont get any room to stay in Qatar then.

If you have any specific query regarding the accomodation, like what can you find for specified amount, I'd love to be of help.

Take care

Job offer to Qatar

chriscam — Wed May 17, 2006 2:02 pm

Author: chriscam

Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 2:02 pm

Hi,

I also have been offered a 12 month contract in Doha. Feel it is difficult to not bring the wife and three kids, as there seems to be no school availability-employer not paying-and may have to home school. Kids are 8,6 and nearly 2. Trouble is, my wife is unsure if she wants that, and is concerned that she will be very isolated stuck at home with three social kids, while every potential playmate is in school.
Does anyone home school? Are we crazy to even consider a job that doesn't include school for the kids? Are the contacts to young families easy and how do we get that going?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Considering relocating to Qatar - trying to get a feel..

Anonymous — Thu Feb 02, 2006 12:25 pm

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 12:25 pm

Somre FAQ that i found in the web, should be helpful for you

(The contributor is affiliated with the U.S. Embassy and has lived in Doha for a year.)

Travel time to this city from Europe or the US: Approximately fourteen hours from the East coast; seven hours to Europe, another seven to Doha. With layovers and airport security it takes about twenty-four hours to arrive at post.

Average daily commute: It depends on where you live; never more than twenty-five minutes. Doha is a small city, but the traffic rivals that in much bigger cities. Roundabouts can get quite blocked up if there is no police presence directing peak traffic hours, especially from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. when everything shuts down for "lunch".

Pollution index (good, moderate, unhealthy, or very unhealthy): Moderate. There are lots of big SUVs on the road, and lots of blowing sand during "shamals" that irritate the sinuses; but overall not too bad.

Security concerns? Qatar is a police state, and there is a strong police presence. Petty crime is virtually nonexistent. I feel safer here than I did in the U.S. Terrorism is, of course, in the back of your mind at all times, but the Qatari government is vigilant in protecting its borders and residents. RSO is fantastic at post, and security is tight on compounds and at the Embassy. Common sense and the normal precautions should be used, but on the whole it's a very safe post!

Is housing predominantly apartments or houses with yards? Houses with yards. Houses vary in size, but most have at least three bedrooms; some yards are smaller than others. All are on compounds with all the amenities—pools, tennis, gyms, maid's quarters, etc.—again some nicer than others. There are a few townhouses and apartments for singles, but most people are in houses.

International schools used by community: American School of Doha, Doha English Speaking School, Qatar Academy, and Qatar International School—too many to list (see websites for more info). My kids go to ASD, and I couldn't be happier. It's a wonderful facility with a very caring and supportive staff. The curriculum seems more than adequate, and they have terrific after school activities and sports opportunities, as well. I also hear wonderful things about DESS, too. Education is a priority to Qataris; therefore the quality and selection of schools is staggering. There are numerous international schools as well, Indian, French, Pilipino, Pakistani, Iranian, etc. Several prominent American Universities have also opened campuses at "Education City", Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, and Virginia Commonwealth, to name a few. Whatever you are looking for you will find in Doha!

Preschool available? Quality? Again, the options are limitless. There are many British-run nurseries and playschools to choose from, as well as preschool programs at the elementary schools. Tots’ Corner and Tinkerbell's have great word of mouth, as do Mulberry Bush and Sunbeam. A good Montessori school is available too.

Daycare available? Quality? Most families have live-in nannies/housemaids, but there are a few creches to pick from. I’m not sure of the quality.

Good post for families/singles/couples? Wonderful for families! Qataris place high importance on children, and this is reflected throughout the city. Play places and indoor amusements are everywhere. Child-friendly environments abound! There are tons of activities: sports, arts, cooking classes, dance classes, scouts, etc. This truly is a family-friendly post. Married couples and singles also seem to do well here. I would imagine that the dating scene is virtually nonexistent, due to the Muslim culture, but I know singles who haven't been complaining yet!

Interesting/fun things to do in the area: Shop! Doha has the seventh-largest mall in the world. It has everything, including two ice rinks, two bowling alleys, an indoor "amusement park", etc. There are tons of terrific souqs, where handicrafts, carpets, and jewelry can be purchased at dirt-cheap prices. Dhow trips to Palm Tree Island are fun and inexpensive. You can picnic on the beautiful Corniche or just take a stroll. Visit the beach at Sealine resort, or take a ride to the inland sea and conquer the dunes. There are plenty of cinemas, art exhibits, and occasional concerts, plus lots of sporting events to attend. The professional tennis players come in February and March for the Exxon/Mobil Open and the Total Open. There is also horse racing, boat racing, soccer, golf, etc. The Summer Wonders Festival, held each July, is very entertaining, especially for the kids.

What is there to do after-hours? There are a few hotel bars attended by expats, parties at the Marine House, movies; lots of options.

Fast food available and price of a Big Mac Meal (or similar)? Fifteen riyals (about $4). Everything's here: KFC, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Arby's, Dairy Queen, etc. And it's everywhere! There are three Burger Kings in City Centre alone!

Decent restaurants available? The full range, from local fast food to five star hotel cuisines. I've gained ten pounds! Eating in Doha is amazing. There's Chili's, Applebee's, Bennigan's, Fuddrucker's,etc. Porcini's at the Ritz has amazing Italian. You could probably eat out every night and still not try them all. Don't be afraid to try the local Arabic fast foods; they are cheap, delicious, and addictive!

Food and groceries? There are several large grocery stores to choose from: Mega Mart (which offers lots of U.S. products), Family Food Center, Carrefour (like a Walmart Supercenter), Lulu Center, etc.; also lots of smaller stores. And don't forget to check out the wholesale vegetable, fish, and livestock markets for a wide selection of fresh products. Be prepared to get lots of attention, and be prepared to bargain! Lots of American stuff is here, but pricier. In the summer, broccoli costs as much as the beef! We have lots of great produce, but the beef is mostly Aussie, which is different but quite good.

Are there any currency, exchange rate, or debit/credit card considerations that a newcomer should know about? Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted. The exchange rate is fixed by the Qatari government@3.65qrs=$1us.

Are there any considerations regarding what type of automobile to bring (or not to bring) because of rugged terrain or lack of parts and service? Recently, the Qataris applied a ban on importing vehicles older than five years. Most people seem to have SUVs, although they are not needed unless you plan to go to the inland sea a lot! Roads are well cared for here. There is a Ford, GM, and Chrysler dealership in town, but they do not always have American standard parts, so plan ahead. Land Cruisers, Lexus, and Toyota trucks seem to be very popular here, as well as Mercedes and BMWs. Again, these vehicles may not be built to American standards, so bring parts with you. So far, routine maintenance on our vehicles has been very inexpensive.

What is the best way to make phone calls back to the U.S. if one does not have access to an Embassy switchboard? Calls to U.S. cost about fifty to seventy-five cents a minute, depending on time of call.

Do you recommend getting a prepaid cell phone locally? The Embassy provides cell phones for employees; spouse can get GSM service through Q-tel or prepaid "hala" cards; all reasonably priced.

Items you would ship if you could do it again: Triscuits! Also certain varieties of Campbell's soup and more women's clothes (larger sizes are hard to find).

Availability and cost of domestic help: The going rate for Westerners for a live-in full time housekeeper is 1000-1500qrs depending on your needs. We pay the equivalent of US$400. You must sponsor your live-in and provide housing and a return ticket to their home country upon termination. Gardeners are usually provided by the compounds. Drivers are available, but I'm not sure of the cost.

Realistic language needs: None. Most people speak English, but it would be much appreciated if you took the time to learn some pleasantries in Arabic. Actually, most of the population is made up of third-country nationals, but Arabic is known to most of them.

English-language newspaper(s) available? The Gulf Times, The Pennisula, and the International Herald-Tribune.

English-language cable/satellite TV available? Cost? Q-tel has lots of options at lots of different prices.

Internet access cost and quality: Dial-up is slow but fairly reliable. DSL is available at around $80 a month, and is much faster, I'm told.

Size of Expat community? Very large. Lots of British, Australians, and French; but as previously stated, the country is mostly third-country nationals: Pilipino, Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan, to name a few.

Wages and job opportunities for Expats on the local economy? The opportunities are there in management, teaching, engineering, and other professional pursuits. Most service and industry jobs are held by third-country nationals.

Entertaining/social life? It is what you make of it. There are lots of opportunities to socialize and meet very interesting people. Embassy folks are required to attend occasional functions, depending on position, but that's the same everywhere.

English-language religious services attended by expatriates? Lots of options. There is a Catholic Mass held in several different languages each week in several locations.

Dress code at work and in public? Normal business wear; casual Thursdays. In public, dress conservatively. This is a Muslim country, and proper respect for the culture should be shown: no shorts or mini skirts, no bare shoulders or midriffs, etc. It's not as strict here as Saudi Arabia, but Qatari women wear abayas. To dress provocatively would be disrespectful and would draw unwanted attention to yourself.

Health concerns (healthy, risky) and quality of medical care available? Great medical facilities. A few Embassy spouses just had babies here and had great experiences. Lots of specialists are available, and I've heard good things about the cleanliness too. The U.S. Embassy has a terrific nurse and gets regular quarterly RMO visits. I've been very pleased.

Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)? We haven't needed one yet, but I know there are some terrific animal rescues and shelters in town, so there must be great vets too.

Morale among Expats? Very good, I think. We have a terrific staff at post that seems to work well together, and everyone seems to be happy with the environment.

You can leave behind your: winter coats. Although your housemaid may wear hers, you'll not need yours. Also, your preconceived ideas about the Middle East!

But don't forget your: swim suits, athletic gear, beach gear, etc.

Weather patterns? Hot! Humid and Hot! They say it gets cold in the winter, but I never really noticed it going below 60 degrees.

Can you save money? Yes, if you try. Baby products are amazingly cheap, and entertainment costs are low.

What can you spend it on? Dining out, shopping, weekend trips to Dubai. Qatar Airways flies to just about everywhere, so travel is easy.

Knowing what you now know, would you still go there? Absolutely, even with the terrorism threat. I feel safe here, and the people are warm and friendly. It's been a terrific first post for us, and we would love to stay longer!

Recommended Internet links for further research: Newspapers-- www.gulf-times.com, schools--www.asdqatar.org, www.dess.org, www.qis.org, www.dohacollege.com, www.qataracademy.edu.qa, sports--www.dohaasiangames.org, general--www.planetqatar.com, www.qatarairways.com, www.diwan.gov.qa.

Any other comments: Doha is still considered a Hard-to-Fill post, but anyone who comes here will question the logic in that. This is a wonderful place to have your family. The homes are gorgeous, the schools are great, the cost of living is quite reasonable, and the people are so nice. I feel lucky to be here, and I am quite happy. It is an exciting time for Doha. The city is rapidly preparing for the 2006 Asian Games, resulting in lots of construction and improvements. A new airport is expected by 2010, the Pearl of the Gulf (a new exclusive residential and business development) is breaking ground, and many new hotels and tourist attractions are being planned. Qatar is very proud of its accomplishments and hopes to attract millions more in tourists in the next decade.