QATAR: My second home

Since 2010, Qatar has become my second home. At 21, I moved here from the Philippines with a simple dream: to provide a home for my family, gain work experience, and build a future for myself.

Qatar, located in the Middle East, is known for its growing economy and the rapid development of its capital, Doha. Over the years, I’ve watched the country change, with new buildings, different cultures, and a growing number of people from all over the world.

Life in Qatar as an expat has become part of my routine. The weekdays are filled with work, from Sunday to Thursday, while weekends are spent hanging out with friends, running errands like grocery shopping, or exploring the city. I also like to just relax at home sometimes.

One thing people often misunderstand about Qatar is that it doesn’t have pubs or places to drink alcohol. Actually, expats can buy alcohol with a special license for home use, and many hotels have lounges and nightclubs where you can drink.

Qatar has a more conservative culture, but over time, it has become a little more open. For example, it's important to ask permission before taking pictures of women and children, and it's also polite not to shake hands with local women.

Holidays:

For holidays, Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr are both week-long breaks. This is perfect for expats, as it gives us a chance to visit family back home or travel to nearby countries without using up vacation days.

The job market in Qatar has become more challenging, especially after the blockade in 2017, but there are still opportunities for expats.

Transportation is easy to get around with, as there are buses, taxis, Uber, and Careem. The metro started operating in May 2019. Cars are affordable, but getting a driving license can be tricky.

Living costs in Qatar depend on your lifestyle. You can buy a simple loaf of bread for around QAR 5 (about $1.40), or a fancy one for QAR 20 (about $5.50). Basic food prices are controlled, especially during Ramadan.

There was a time when I almost left Qatar. My employer offered me a transfer to a new department, but I decided to decline. They threatened to send me back to the Philippines, but I stood my ground. The next day, someone else took the position, and I was able to stay with the company for two more years.

For anyone planning to move to Qatar, here are some tips:

• Read your employment contract carefully.

• Join community forums to ask questions and find support from other expats.

• Surround yourself with a good support group to help you adjust.

  
  

Living in Qatar has been a rewarding experience, and I’m grateful for all that I’ve learned and the memories I’ve made along the way.