Qatar, Doha

Overview

Qatar, Doha Doha is the capital and largest city of the state of Qatar. Doha is Qatar's largest city, with over 80% of the nation's population residing in Doha or its surrounding suburbs, and is also the economic centre of the country.

Qatar is a peninsula bordering the Arabian Gulf and Saudi Arabia. The climate is arid with mild and pleasant winters and very hot and humid summers.

The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood and spoken by Qataris and the many south Asians who live and do business in the country. The main religion is Islam.

Petroleum is the cornerstone of Qatar's economy and accounts for more than 70% of total government revenue.

In Qatar expatriates are required to dress conservatively by covering arms and legs, this is applicable to both men and women. Expatriate business dress is generally a suit and tie for men, while women should wear a modest cotton or linen dress that covers both arms and legs.

The security risk for expatriates in Qatar is low. Risks include very low levels of petty and opportunistic theft, burglary, robbery, fraud, corporate crime, and violent crime. There is also an underlying terrorism risk. Unaccompanied women can face verbal and physical harassment. Expatriates should be cautious not to offend Muslim sensibilities.

The currency of Qatar is the Qatari Rial (QAR) which is fixed to the US dollar. Banking is on a par with that of Western Europe and North America.

Medical facilities are good, however the cost of treatment for expatriates can be high. Proof of insurance or the means to settle any medical fees is generally required before treatment is provided. Emergency medical treatment is excellent but can be expensive.

The population of Doha is 1.3 Million (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is 0.1% for Qatar as at April 2018.

For a single Expat, the personal income tax rate in Qatar is 0% as there is currently no personal income tax.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Doha as at 1 April 2018 is very high in comparison to other places in the world.

In Doha, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):
1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Very High
2) Clothing: Average
3) Communication: High
4) Education: Average
5) Furniture & Appliances: Average
6) Groceries: Average
7) Healthcare: High
8) Household Accommodation: Very High
9) Miscellaneous: Very High
10) Personal Care: Low
11) Recreation & Culture: High
12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: High
13) Transport: Very Low

Doha is for example 21.4% more expensive than Houston TX for groceries, 156.6% more expensive for household costs than Kuala Lumpur, and -14.8% cheaper for transport costs than Dubai.

Doha is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.

The hardship premium for Doha for an expat from Perth, is for example 20%, i.e. host location (Doha) premium of 30% minus home (Perth) location premium of 10%.

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The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Doha as at 1 April 2018 is very high in comparison to other places in the world.

Doha is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.