Doha: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Doha is the capital of Qatar, and most of the country's population, about 2.5 million people, lives in its metropolitan area; the vast majority are foreigners. The economy rests on liquefied natural gas: Qatar is one of its largest exporters. After the 2022 FIFA World Cup the city gained a metro, stadiums, new districts and hotels.

Who it suits: professionals with a contract from a Qatari company, families who value safety and no income tax, property investors. Who it does not suit: people who struggle with heat, and those who value freedom of entertainment: alcohol sales are limited and rules of conduct are strict.

Districts: where newcomers settle

• The Pearl - an artificial island with seafront homes, promenades and restaurants, open to foreign buyers.
• West Bay - skyscrapers, offices and hotels.
• Lusail - a new city north of the centre with modern towers and a waterfront.
• Al Waab and Al Waaba - villas and compounds, popular with families.
• Msheireb - the renewed centre next to the old souq.

Cost of living

The riyal is pegged to the dollar at 3.64 riyals per dollar.

• Rent - high for foreigners, especially by the sea. Many employers provide a housing allowance or accommodation.
• Groceries - mostly imported, and imported goods cost more than in Europe.
• Transport - the metro is cheap, ride-hailing is affordable, and petrol is inexpensive.
• Utilities - air conditioning is the main summer cost.

Practicalities: transport, climate, language, money

• Transport. Three metro lines and trams in Lusail, but most people drive.
• Climate. +40-45 in summer with high humidity; comfortable from November to March.
• Language. Arabic is official; English is the language of work and services.
• Money. Qatari riyal; cards are accepted everywhere. There is no personal income tax.

Moving and legal status

• Entry - Russian citizens need no visa for short trips and can stay up to 30 days.
• Employment - residence through the employer, who arranges the permit and health insurance.
• Family - an employee with a sufficient salary can sponsor a spouse and children.
• Property - buying from QAR 730,000, about $200,600, in designated areas gives residence without an employer sponsor. From QAR 3,650,000, about $1,003,000, it comes with permanent resident benefits: public healthcare and education.

Work and business

• Where foreigners work - energy, construction, finance, healthcare, education and hospitality.
• Taxes - no income tax; 10% corporate tax for companies with foreign ownership.
• Your own business - free zones and the financial centre allow full foreign ownership.
• Rules - employment is tightly regulated, and changing employers goes through government procedures.

Family: schools and healthcare

• Schools - dozens of international schools with British, American and other curricula; places at good schools are limited.
• Healthcare - the public system is strong, and employers must insure their staff.
• A city for children - malls with indoor parks, beaches and museums; in summer life moves indoors.

Safety and everyday details

• One of the world's safest cities in terms of street crime.
• Strict rules of conduct: modest dress in public and no public drinking.
• During Ramadan eating and drinking in public in the daytime is not allowed.
• The working week runs from Sunday to Thursday.

First steps after moving

1. Medical check and fingerprints - mandatory for a residence card, arranged by your employer or property agent.
2. Residence card - the key document: you need it to open a bank account, get a phone line and sign a lease.
3. The government app - used to renew documents, pay fines and arrange visas for relatives.
4. Driving licence - licences from some countries are exchanged without a test; others need a course and an exam.
5. Housing - rent is usually paid by cheques a year ahead, and the lease is registered.

Culture and leisure

• The Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar - the country's main museums, both in striking buildings by the sea.
• Souq Waqif - the old market with cafés, spices and evening life.
• Katara Cultural Village - theatres, galleries and a beach.
• The desert - trips to the dunes and the Inland Sea in the south, best in winter.
• Sport - World Cup stadiums, yacht clubs and paths along the waterfront.

Is it worth living here

Doha is a safe and wealthy city with no income tax and strong schools and healthcare. Moving makes sense with a Qatari employer's contract or a property purchase from $200,600. The downsides are hot summers, strict rules and high rents. For life in the Middle East with more routes to residence, many compare Doha with the UAE.