In general, Qatar is quite expensive. It is the world’s third-most expensive place to live, behind Oslo and Zurich. Expenses, however, vary depending on lifestyle and family size. In the capital, Doha, you can expect to pay around QR15,000 a month for a single person living in decent accommodation. This can rise significantly if you have children, or if you’re planning to purchase a property.
Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are partially subsidized by the government, so they will be cheaper than in Europe. However, food and drinks are much more expensive.
A pint of draft beer in a bar will cost around QR50, while a cup of coffee in a cafe is about the same price. Rent is also higher than in other parts of the world, though this depends on location and type of building.
As far as education goes, public schools are free for Qatari nationals. However, international schools are expensive – tuition fees start at QR25,000 and can go up to QR70,000 per year for high school, plus extras such as transport and uniforms.
There are two main local universities, as well as local branches of elite international institutions such as Carnegie Mellon and Northwestern. Tuition is lower than in the US, but more expensive than other countries such as the UK and Australia.
When it comes to commuting, Doha has a good public transport system and a number of bus routes that can get you from one end of the city to the other. However, many people find that hiring a car is more convenient as it gives them the freedom to travel when they want and to avoid crowds.
For those who enjoy sports, there are a number of stadiums and arenas that host regular matches and events, as well as the main golf course. However, it is important to note that many of these venues are very large and can be uncomfortable for fans due to the heat and noise levels.
The organisers of the 2022 World Cup did a lot to promote Qatari restaurants and culture, but they didn’t do enough to make sure everyone had a good experience, restaurant owners say. For example, some restaurants were forced to close because the tens of thousands of visitors were too busy catching up with friends, shopping and eating at the event’s branded eateries to spend any time exploring other options.
Another problem was that public transport was inundated with football-fans, making it difficult for them to move around. Some of Doha’s busiest streets saw just a few buses leave every 30 seconds during peak hours, while in other areas, buses were only available once an hour. This caused huge congestion and meant that people didn’t visit sites that Qatari authorities and Fifa had earmarked as must-sees for visitors. Restaurants for rent in Qatar