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Qatar is a country in the Middle East a lot of Expats decide to work in because it is safer than many other Middle Eastern countries like Iraq and Afghanistan and it is a little more liberal in some areas than places like Kuwait or Saudi Arabia. Being safer and a little more liberal jobs in Qatar pay a little less than most countries in that part of the world but the pay is significantly higher than places like Europe, U.S. and the UK for the same type of work. Doha, a city in Qatar, is on the UBS prices and earnings report for 2009 comparing it to seventy two other cities around the world.
Food Prices
The cost of food based on a Western European diet is about middle of the road when rated against the other seventy two cities on the report. It comes out just slightly more costly than Sydney Australia.
Housing Costs
When it comes to getting an apartment Doha has a high price tag on there housing. A furnished four room apartment runs between $5,580 and $4,210 where a unfurnished three room apartment runs between $2,560 and $1990. Getting a little smaller apartment can save some money and an expat will probably end up paying about $1,650 for a nice apartment that is either one or two bedrooms unfurnished.
Transportation Costs
If you find yourself relying on public transportation expect a bus ticket to run you about $1.10 for a ten km trip or at least 10 stops. With the gas pries in the low range of about $0.22 a liter many expats end up buying their own vehicle or driving a company vehicle. A Nissan Tiida 1.8 will run you about $19,800 with an annual registration charge of about $19. A lot of companies provide you a company vehicle or a vehicle allowance so be sure to ask about this when you are negotiating your contract.
Electronics & Appliances
It is highly suggested to buy electronics when you get to Doha rather than before. Doha is one of the cheapest places to buy electronics with Sofia, Bogota, Jakarta, and Mumbai being the only cities listed as cheaper on the UBS report. Remember just because you buy electronics in Doha does not mean that they will work in your home country. You have to check the voltage levels to ensure the devices you buy are rated for your home country as well as Doha. With duel voltage devices being more popular these days it is usually not hard to find what you are looking for that works with a voltage range of 115V to 240V. If your home country is the same as Doha’s you do not have to worry about this as much but if you plan on working in other countries after you leave Doha it is always better to play it safe and get the duel voltage device.
Services
Doha is the twenty second most expensive place to get services on the UBS report. Services like DSL, cable TV, haircuts, dry cleaning, movies, and other commonly used services are a lot cheaper in Doha than in Dubai. With the price of pretty much everything more expensive in Dubai if you are offered similar contracts in each country Qatar would probably be your best bet.
Advice From An Expat
If you are looking to find a job in the Middle East remember there are risks associated with any place you pick. With risk comes a greater income though and that is why Expats take jobs in the Middle East. They are willing take the risk for a big payday but each Expat is different when it comes to the level of risk they are willing to take. Salary in the Iraq and Afghanistan are going to be a lot higher than the salary in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. The money in countries like Qatar and Kuwait is still high and instead of working in a war zone sleeping in a tent you can have your own apartment or shared apartment where you have your own bed. Each expat has to decide what they are willing to risk and what comforts they are willing to give up for a higher salary. In many cases due to companies underbidding contracts you may find jobs in Kuwait and Qatar actually pay more than job in Afghanistan and Iraq. From experience I have been offered a job in Afghanistan for about five thousand dollars a year less then what I was offered in Kuwait. So it is important to not just set your sites on one country. If you decide the risk is worth the reward and you plan to apply for a job in the Middle East make sure you get the best deal you can contract wise.
What To Look For In A Contract
Most companies who hire Expats in the Middle East either provide you housing and a vehicle or give you a cost of living allowance. If you are not offered transportation and housing or a cost of living allowance you should wait to find a job with a company that does. Many companies offer signing bonuses and completion bonuses but you may have to ask for it. Do not be shy when asking for things like these when negotiations start. You will also want to ask about danger and hardship pay. Many companies provide you with danger and hardship pay on top of what you will already make. Be sure to find out if you qualify for these things before you take a job. Make sure that they pay for your Visa and travel/moving expenses. If they tell you to send money for working visa find another company. A company should pay these things for you. Me sure your contract states that they will provide you with a plane ticket out of the country as well. Another important thing you need to do is once offered a job contact your local embassy in Qatar and make sure the company is legitimate.
If you are interested in working overseas in Qatari go to our Qatar Jobs Page and if you cant find what you are looking for there go to the job search page.
Prices are in USD (prices between March – April 2009)
Prices in Dubai are from the UBS Prices and Earnings 2009 report. The UBS Prices and Earnings Reports are something we recomend all expats to take a look at. It is full of great information on the cost of living in variouse cities around the world. The cities that they cover give you a good base line for the cost of living in different areas around the world.
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