Moving to - Navartis

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Moving to
QATAR
Moving to
QATAR KEY FACTS:
QATAR
Overview
Relocating to Qatar
Helpful advice and key information
•Population – 1,870,041
•Area – Total 11,437 sq km
•Established – September, 1971 (independence from UK)
•Capital – Doha
•Language – Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
•Local Time – 3 hours + GMT
•Government – Constitutional monarchy - The political system of Qatar is a unicameral federal
republic, Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani announced the first legislative election to take place in 2013.
•Religion – Islam is the official religion of the country, and the Shariah (Islamic Law) is the principal
source of legislation in the country.
•Drives on the – Right side
•Currency – Qatari riyal
•Dialling Code – 974
This document is accurate as far as January 2013, the content is subject to change without notice. Copyright Navartis Ltd.
For more information on recruitment opportunities in Qatar, call Navartis on 01302 556674
Moving to
Why Move To Qatar?
QATAR
Qatar is an independent state in the Southern Arabian
Gulf surrounded by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United
Arab Emirates and Iran. The country is situated
midway along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf
Qatar generally consists of flat rocky surfaces. It does,
however, include some hills and sand dunes which
reach an altitude of 40m above sea level in the
western and northern parts of the country.
A recent survey concluded that most people that move
to Qatar do so purely for financial reasons, being the
largest motivating factor, with 46.8% of expats stating
this. However, a massive 28.1% stated they came to
Qatar in order to experience a new culture. Another
5.3% came for the adventure of living abroad, while
more pragmatically 8.8% came simply because there
were no work opportunities at home.
The climate is characterised by a mild winter and a
hot summer. Rainfall in the winter is slight, averaging
some 80 millimetres a year.
Qatar, offers fantastic employment prospects for
skilled foreign workers. Moving to Qatar also opens
up attractive possibilities like transferring your UK
pension offshore through specific schemes like
QROPS for example offering many benefits to the
UK expats including saving thousands of pounds in
taxes that could otherwise be claimed by HMRC.
Temperatures range from 7 degrees centigrade
in January to around 45 degrees at the height of
summer. The weather is generally pleasant during
the period from October until May.
The country is prosperous from oil and gas exports,
offering a good standard of living for its citizens
comparable with the west.
There are excellent facilities and a modern
infrastructure with robust transport system, providing
easy access for exploring. While Arabic is the official
language, English is widely spoken and Persian,
Hindi, Nepali and Urdu are also common.
Expats in Qatar would be wise to investigate these
options further before taking action. There are many
professional financial advisers who specialise in
arranging such pension transfers for UK expats in
Qatar.
English is widely spoken and
Persian, Hindi, Nepali and Urdu
are also common.
Moving to
QATAR
Why Move To Qatar?
The Economy
The economy of Qatar is one of the most active
economies financial centre.
The cornerstone of Qatar’s economy is the
exploitation of its hydrocarbon resources. Since the
mid-1980’s, there has been a major breakthrough
in the economic situation, with the gas field discovery
in Qatar territory; found to be of the world’s largest
known non-associated offshore site, placing the
country third in terms of world natural gas reserves.
Considerable resources have been invested in the
development of facilities to exploit process and
export this invaluable commodity.
As well as being a major oil and gas producer and
exporter, Qatar also boasts a diversified and fastexpanding industrial sector.
In recent years, new economic and market
liberalisation policies have been adopted to
consolidate and expand foreign and private sector
involvement in the economy. A number of new
measures and laws have been introduced, including
the creation of the shareholding Qatar Industrial
Manufacturing Company, the Qatar Industrial
Development Bank and the setting up of the Doha
Securities Market.
The government is moving rapidly towards the
creation of a more flexible business climate in Qatar
to encourage more foreign investment in downstream
industrial projects of both large and medium scale.
Major Cities
Doha: Doha is the capital city and seat of
government. It includes the country’s main sea
port and international airport. It is Qatar’s cultural,
commercial and financial centre.
Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC): Strategically
located on the north shore of the Qatari Peninsula
and at the centre of the Arabian Gulf, Ras Laffan
Industrial City represents one of the world’s most
significant and accessible emergent industrial export
locations. The ambitious vision of the state to exploit
its vast natural gas resource led to the initiation of
LNG projects: Qatargas and RasGas. Expansion of
LNG facilities at Ras Laffan has been proceeding
rapidly.
Mesaieed: Mesaieed is a major industrial city in
Qatar, located 45 kilometers south of Doha. The
citys’ industrial area houses basic industries and it
has a large sea port as well as the principal terminal
for the export of oil.
Moving to
QATAR
LIFE IN QATAR
Qatar is a country buzzing with energy, rich in
tradition and bursting with development where
traditional Islamic values exist alongside an
innovative state where there is plenty of freedom,
allowing westerners to enjoy a lifestyle with few
restrictions. The majority of expats will be based in
the capital Doha – a modern, growing city with all
the symbols of a modern western city. Outside the
modern city, there are beautiful beaches and further
south you’ll find majestic sand dunes.
Islamic values exist alongside an
innovative state where there is plenty
of freedom, allowing westerners to
enjoy a lifestyle with few restrictions.
Traditional dress is evident throughout Qatar with
the men wearing a long flowing white garment
called the dishdha with a headdress called the gutra.
Traditional Qatari women in public where the black
Abaya, a long loose black robe which covers the
clothes worn underneath. Most international women
are free to wear respectable clothing consisting of
skirts below the knee and blouses with a modest
neck line and no less than half sleeve.
Pork is outlawed in Qatar - it is also illegal to bring
it into the country. Muslims are forbidden to eat any
meat that is not slaughtered in accordance with
Islamic code halaal although there is a wide range
of alternative meats available throughout.
Alcohol is not illegal in Qatar, but there are laws
that apply to alcohol and its consumption. It is an
offence to drink alcohol or to be drunk in a public
place. People breaking this law can be deported,
fined or receive prison sentences. Muslims caught
drinking may be subjected to corporal punishment.
Expats living in Qatar can buy alcohol via a permit
system. It is also readily available in licenced
restaurants and hotels which may sell alcohol to
adult, non-Muslim customers in restricted areas.
Crime is virtually non-existent in Doha and it is
generally safe for visitors to travel around the country.
Movies are very popular in Qatar and there are
numerous cinemas showing English-language films.
You can also find ice-rinks and ten pin bowling
facilities. A lot of entertainment takes place in
modern hotels, although traditional entertainment is
also available – sitting in a cafe, enjoying a shisha
pipe and traditional showarma snack.
When it comes to food, there is a huge choice of
cuisine, traditional Qatar food reflects Muslim food
preferences, and it is rich in African, Indian and
Iranian influences. There are numerous world class
restaurants in Qatar, many of which are located in
hotels. There are many Italian, French, Swiss, Greek,
British, Indian, Chinese, American and Spanish
restaurants to choose from.
The month of Ramadan is a feature of life in the
Middle East. During this month of fasting, eating,
drinking and smoking are not permitted in public,
from sunrise to sunset. This is strictly adhered to,
and even as a non-Muslim it is unacceptable
to partake in any of the above in view of anyone
who is observing Ramadan.
Of course, one of the big attractions of life in
Qatar is the warmth of the climate. With year
round sunshine and mild winters, expats enjoy a
good outdoor lifestyle, with a strong work culture
and busy social life.
Moving to
QATAR
Why Move To Qatar?
Climate
Another option is using the local real-estate agents,
which requires more time and patience. Whatever
you choose, all properties will have air conditioning.
Qatar has an arid desert climate with mild winters
and very hot summers. The summer months of June
to September are particularly hot and humid, with
daytime temperatures reaching 40ºC or above.
Education
Winter time is cooler with occasional rain but
the weather is moderate with the daily winter
temperatures averaging between 15°C and 20°C.
Qatar has an excellent range of primary and
secondary private schools in Qatar catering
especially for the expats community.
Vegetation is sparse, if not totally absent but suddenly
comes to life when it rains. Overnight the brown dry
landscape turns green, with grass, lush shrubs and
colourful flowers.
The Ministry of Education and the Supreme Education
Council jointly control the education system. The
Supreme Education Council, however, is currently
more influential and is trying to create a world-class
education system in Qatar. It does this by giving the
schools independence to exercise more control over
their own affairs.
Money
The currency in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which
is divided into 100 Dirham.
There are many commercial banks operating in
Qatar, including seven national banks.
International and private schools are popular
among expats but it is not uncommon to
find many locals attending these schools.
Most popular curriculums include the International,
British, American and French.
Setting up an account is easy, as is transferring
money to the UK. You’ll be given a cash point card
to withdraw money from ATM machines. Credit
cards are widely accepted.
In general, standards at private schools are high,
with small class sizes and modern facilities, although
can be expensive.
Accommodation
Most schools have a waiting list so it’s best to
contact the schools well in advance. Schools accept
students at any time of the year depending on place
availability.
The most popular accommodation for expats
are the self-contained compounds. These
are ideal for families and come with swimming
pools, tennis courts, satellite TV and security.
However, there can be long waiting lists and
because of this some companies can often allocate
properties for employees securing the availability.
Moving to
QATAR
Why Move To Qatar?
Health
Recreation
Qatar’s health sector and medical facilities have
highly qualified doctors and medical staff as well as
some of the most advanced medical equipment in the
world, made up of a combination of free treatment
at government health facilities, on presentation of a
Health Card, and private medical practices, many of
which are staffed by English-speaking doctors.
Qatar has a wealth of recreational activities. For the
sports lover, there is fishing, horse riding, golf and a
variety of water sports.
Health cards can be issued after receipt of the
resident permit. They are obtained from any
primary health care centre or health care office.
A completed application form, valid copy of your ID
and 2 passport size photos gets a health card, the
cost is currently around QR 100.
Although the government healthcare system is of a
high standard, many western expats opt for private
healthcare, due to the fact that most have some
form of private medical insurance.
There are no compulsory regulations
for entry into Qatar.
Sport & Leisure
Sport is considered an important national and social
activity in Qatar. There exists a huge and varied range
of options for those interested in following, or indeed
partaking in, sporting activities across the country.
Many of Qatar’s sporting venues are open to the
public in an effort by the Qatari government to
encourage residents to take part in regular exercise.
Desert driving is also popular; take a 4-wheel drive
vehicle across the sand dunes and camp in the
desert. Alternatively, relax around one of the many
resorts or poolside in any of the several popular
social clubs.
In the evening, there is a choice of numerous
restaurants serving Arabic, European, American and
Asian cuisine throughout Qatar.
Bars and nightclubs are numerous and often
attached to hotels, but can stay open until 3.00am
due to the legal regulations.
Food and drink
Every type of food can be purchased in Qatar. There
are plenty of fresh fruit, vegetable and fish markets
all worth visiting.
Qatar is famous for its large variety of restaurants
offering top class cuisine including French, Italian,
Swiss, Spanish, Greek, British and American.
Asia is equally well represented at the hotels and
at numerous outlets throughout the city with many
fine Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino and
Korean restaurants.
International fast food chains are also represented
by such names as McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried
Chicken, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Burger King and Al
Tazaj Fakieh.
Moving to
Why Move To Qatar?
QATAR
Travel and transport
Communications
Qatar enjoys excellent transport facilities. In 2002,
the government launched the green taxi company –
mowasalat operator taxis are referred to as “Karwa”.
The taxis are basically new air-conditioned cars. All are
equipped with GPS navigation systems and the starting
rate is about QR 4, these well-maintained taxis make it
easy and affordable to get around the country.
Qatar is an important connecting link in the world
telecommunications network. It has made remarkable
progress in the fields of telecommunications, postal
services and roads as well as sea ports and airports.
Most expats choose to rent a car during their stay.
There are plenty of reputable car rental companies,
including Hertz and Avis - and the road infrastructure
in Doha is good.
You can use your national driving licence for one
week, after which a Qatari licence must be obtained.
Alternatively, an International licence can be used
for 6 months.
The main airport is Doha International. After major
re-development, the airport is fast becoming one of
the world’s largest with a state of the art infrastructure.
There are no train, tram or metro systems in operation
in any cities in Qatar.
Q-Post the Postal Service of Qatar handles all
incoming and outgoing mail services and also
provides a wide range of postal and parcel solutions
to the public.
If you have your resident visa, your company will
apply for the telephone and Internet connectivity
although this can take a while.
Qatar Telecommunications Corporation (Q-tel)
is the prime communications provider in Qatar to
provide land, mobile and Internet services in the
state of Qatar. Local calls are free and international
call rates are available through this provider and
through pre-purchased calling cards.
Public wireless Internet is available at various
selected hot spots; however, a pre-paid hotspot
wireless connectivity card is required to access
the broadband. Free Internet access is available
at various leisure parks and paid access is also
available through a wide variety of internet cafes
throughout the cities.
The international dial code for Qatar is +974.
Moving to
WORKING IN QATAR
QATAR
Passports and visas
Finding Employment
Every non-Qatari national needs to be sponsored
in order to work in the country. The persons
employer acts as the sponsor and takes care of
most of the associated administration required. As
well as covering a person’s right to work in Qatar,
the process of employer sponsorship also includes
obtaining a residence permit.
Foreigners make up a very high percentage of
Qatar’s workforce and they can seek employment
from overseas with opportunities within a range of
industries from construction to tourism.
A Work Residence Permit cannot be obtained unless
the individual has a job offer or contract from an
employer. Once a job offer is accepted, the employer
will begin the application and inform the employee
of what documentation is required.
To apply for the permit, the requirements include
having your educational and personal documents
verified as well as passing a medical test and having
fingerprints taken.
A Work Resident Permit is valid for up to three years
and is granted to people who have employment
contracts to work in Qatar. Cost QR 1000 per year.
Navartis recruitment has specialist advisors who
work with clients to secure the best possible career
packages and is the best way to seek work within
Qatar. By utilising their expertise, this often ensures
the smooth arrangement of flights, accommodation
and organisation particulars are all taken care of
within their recruitment services, ensuring a carefree transition into Qatar employment. Taking into
consideration the current popularity of tax-free
destinations like Qatar and the number of people
wanting to relocate, finding a job isn’t a foregone
conclusion nor is it a quick process.
However, for those high calibre candidates with skills
in demand the tax-free lifestyle and booming market
can be a great career move.
Generally the remuneration packages and the
lifestyle that can be achieved are more favourable
than equivalent roles in the UK and the quality of life
and experience of working in such a vibrant economy
are opportunities not to be missed for many.
Moving to
QATAR
WORKING IN QATAR
The Qatar workplace
Working hours
Since Qatar is a Muslim country its business culture
follows suit and may be quite different to that which
you are used to back in the west.
Officially, working hours are Sunday through to
Thursday (weekends in Qatar are Fridays & Saturdays)
usually varying between 40 and 48 hours.
Smart, conservative clothing is expected in an office
environment, despite the soaring heat outside and
the fiercely efficient air conditioning inside.
Usually the working day commences from 7:30am
finishing between 3:30pm and 6pm depending on
the particular company’s policy.
Although English is very widely spoken, especially in
the commercial environment it’s also recommended to
learn some key Arabic phrases which will show you are
enthusiastic and endear you to your new colleagues.
There are no differences in time keeping between
summer and winter.
The Arabs enjoy doing business in a personal and
friendly way, always take the time to engage in small
talk with your new associates, avoid jumping straight
into the business side of things. Its little things like
this that will help you establish a warm working
relationship with the Qatar faithful. Strong eye
contact is a must.
Avoid asking people about female members of their
family and be prepared for meetings to be disrupted
by personal calls from family members.
Arab people tend not to put great emphasis on
timekeeping and punctuality, so don’t get frustrated
if you are made to wait for meetings.
Friday is the main day of prayer, so meetings
should not be scheduled for this day. Calls to
Arab colleagues or clients should also be
avoided on this day.
In the month of Ramadan, the working day is
reduced to six hours for Muslims, who fast during
daylight hours.
Holidays
There are a total of ten paid public religious
holidays: Eid Al Fitr (four working days); Eid Al Adha
(five working days); and Independence Day (one
working day).
Although not a public holiday, Ramadan is an
important part of life in Qatar.
With few exceptions, Christian holidays (Christmas,
Easter, etc.) are not actively celebrated in Qatar;
however, even the cheeriest expats needn’t worry, as
they will still be able to find somewhere to take part
in the festivities.
For the bigger holidays, namely
Christmas and New Year’s Eve/Day,
most employers will not allow any time
off, but expats can use their holiday
days to take leave.
Moving to
GENERAL INFORMATION
QATAR
Useful words and phrases:
Courtesies
Peace be with you (greeting)
AsSalam Alaikom
HelloMarhaba
Good MorningSabah al Kheir
Good EveningMasa al Kheir
How Are you?Keif Haalak?
ThankyouShukran
PleaseMin fadlak
GoodbyeMa-as-salamah
YesNa’am
NoLa
SorryMuta’ assef
How much?Kam?
Directions
Tell meQulli
On your rightAl Yameenak
On your leftAla Shimalak
Straight onAlatool
When?Mata? or Emta?
GoImshi
Come!Ta’ala!
Stop!Qif!
Time
What time is it?As-sa’a kam?
It is lateAI-wagt ut’akhar
It is earlyBadri

Moving to - Navartis

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