It is important to know the inside scoop when choosing where to live. Finding the right place will ensure you have the best experience, and this guide provides valuable information. Qatar’s growing economy has attracted many ex-pats to the capital of Doha. This guide will focus mainly on the areas and neighborhoods of Doha. The following information includes:
- These are the most visited cities in Qatar
- Qatar: Where to Live as a Family
- If you’re single, where to live
- Qatar: Retire in Qatar
- Qatar: Where to Live on a Budget
- Avoid these places in Qatar
- Useful resources
These Are the Most Popular Cities of Qatar
Doha is where most ex-pats think of Qatar when they consider where to live. You might consider other cities if you’re willing to travel or work in an industry such as oil, export, or tourism. You won’t be disappointed if you choose Qatar as your home. The country is safe and secure with a high level of police presence.
However, common sense is still a good idea. Women shouldn’t go out late at night alone, especially in the vicinity of the souqs. It is also important to remember that this country is Islamic and has a strict dress code.
Doha
It is one of the most visited cities in Qatar. You will find everything here, from stunning skyscrapers to palm-fringed beaches and luxurious malls to the blue waters and vistas of the Gulf Sea. The city also hosts some of the best restaurants, museums, and events in the country. You can even attend major concerts (Latin star Maluma just performed), run marathons such as the Color Run, or catch the Qatar Open Tennis Tournament.
Al Rayyan
Al Rayyan is a great choice if you look for peace but not too close to the action. This was once the home of nomadic farmers and is located just 10 km from Doha, and the Pearl is now a quiet suburb of Doha, Qatar’s capital. The Education City in Al Rayyan houses several top-ranked international universities, such as Carnegie Mellon and Georgetown. The city is also home to the Al Wajbah Fort, an equestrian foundation, and the National Arabian Horse Show.
Umm Said
Umm Said, located on Qatar’s east coastline peninsula, is only 45 km from Doha. This city is the heart of the country’s economy. This city is a hub for oil and commercial exports, and it has numerous refineries and complexes that produce everything from steel, petrochemicals, and fertilizers. Surprisingly this industrial city also boasts some amazing beaches. This is not the best choice for families.
Where to Live in Qatar for a Family
It is crucial to understand what you want when deciding where to live. Are there schools close to you? Do you consider the cost to be a major factor? Do you prefer the convenience of everything being at your fingertips? Doha is the most popular location for ex-pats from Qatar. This guide will therefore be primarily focused on Doha.
Good schools are essential for families looking to relocate to Qatar. Accessible healthcare is essential, as well as plenty of activities and facilities to keep your children busy. You will likely be looking for spacious and well-maintained homes.
Al Waab
Al Waab, a great place to live for families in Qatar, is one of the top places. This area, part of Doha, is close to the Villaggio Mall & Aspire Park. It also has many schools and nurseries. A new Al Waab City, which is currently under construction, is also being built, and it will be home to various amenities, including shops, restaurants, and parks. This area is also a great option for families moving to Qatar. It has many villas built on their own or in a compound. Who can expect a four-bedroom villa with all the facilities to cost between QAR15,000 and QAR20,000 per month.
Madinat Khalifa
The Madinat Khalifa, located in Doha, is an upscale area loved by families. Madinat Khalifa, particularly for families with children in school, is considered one of Qatar’s best living areas. Many schools nearby, including Compass School, Doha English Speaking School, and Blyth Academy. There is also a Landmark Mall and a Carrefour. Riviera Gardens is a great option if you are looking to relocate here. The sought-after complex boasts many spacious villas. A three-bedroom villa with 3 bedrooms will cost you around QAR16,000 monthly.
West Bay
West Bay is a great place to live for families looking for luxurious quarters. Education is easy here because there are many kindergartens and nurseries. You can also easily reach the best of Doha. Qatar has many five-star hotels for visitors, including the Ritz-Carlton and W Hotels. Zig Zag Towers offers the best accommodation. Two-bedroom apartments start at QAR13,000, and a two-bedroom apartment starts at QAR13,000—a large, standalone villa costs anywhere from QAR30,000 to QR50,000 per month.
Abu Hamour
Abu Hamour is a great option for families with limited budgets. This area is technically part of Doha, but it has so many amenities that it functions independently. Park House English School, Doha Brit School, and Doha College are just a few schools available. There are also many kindergartens and nurseries in the vicinity. There are also food markets and a Carrefour. The best part is Abu Hamour’s many new compounds and standalone villas. For QAR14,000/month, you can find a villa with four bedrooms here.
Where to Live in Qatar If You’re Single
It would help if you considered a few things when choosing where to live in Qatar for a single person. First, you will want to live in the heart of downtown, and you might also need to be close to shops, restaurants, or entertainment, and you may not consider schools and prices as important.
Al Sadd
Doha’s oldest, most popular area is a major contender for Qatari ex-pats. This area is considered the heart of Doha and provides easy access to all other parts of the country and city. This area is great for single ex-pats because it has many shops, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. It is also affordable for single-income households. Who can find a two-bedroom apartment here for between QAR8,000 and QAR10,000 per month? Al Sadd has limited parking and traffic jams as its only downside. Al Mirqad Street is best avoided if you drive.
The Pearl
Pearl is a well-known landmark in Doha. The Pearl occupies 985 acres on the north side of the Corniche. The area is home to a variety of high-end shops and restaurants. There are not many schools in the area. Due to the high cost of renting, The Pearl is popular among singles and couples. You can still find a three-bedroom townhouse at QAR25,000, but apartments start at QAR13,000 per month.
Retire in Qatar
When it comes time to move to Qatar, your priorities will change if you retire. You will likely want to live in an area with good healthcare, strong communities, and great weather. After decades of living in the rat race, you will appreciate a slower pace.
Al Wakra
Al Wakra is a great option if you’re looking for a place to retire in Qatar. The small community of Al Wakra offers a slower pace of life and a sense of community. It is located just 30 minutes from Doha, so it is easy to access the airport and all the city’s other attractions.
You can also explore the Al Wakrah Heritage Village or souq, which offers plenty of historical information. You can also walk along the Corniche or volunteer at one of the many schools if that is what you are looking for. Al Wakrah Hospital has a variety of facilities and offers different specialties. It is important to remember that most of the population is male and still working. A two-bedroom apartment in Qatar is available for as low as QAR8,000 if you are interested.
Where to Live in Qatar with a Budget
When choosing Qatari housing, your primary consideration will be money. You will seek out areas that offer affordable housing. You don’t have to sacrifice quality accommodation, however.
Old Airport Area
This area is an older part of Doha and has busy main roads. Despite being near the airport, the area isn’t in the flight path, so you don’t need to be concerned about noise from planes. No green space surrounds it, so it is ideal for a more natural, relaxed environment. These villas are often rented as standalone units, though some compounds like Al Fardan 1 or La Mirage. You can find great deals on housing because many of these older buildings are available. You can get a four-bedroom villa unfurnished for QAR13,000/month or a two-bedroom apartment for QAR6,000/month.
Al Thumama
This lovely neighborhood, located near the Old Airport Area, is very popular with budget-minded ex-pats. Al Thumama is one of Doha’s most recent districts, and it has a great infrastructure and well-connected transport connections. Many schools and Kahramaa Park, a state-of-the-art educational resource, encourage green living. A two-bedroom apartment in this area costs on average QAR8,500 per month.
Avoidable Places in Qatar
It all comes down to your personal preferences. If you have children, it is good to pick a quieter location. Qatari drivers are known for being very lax about road safety. You don’t want your children in areas with many cars. Avoid areas near slums and industrial areas. These areas are known for their high crime rates and industrial accidents, and it is best to avoid them.
Read More: Top 10 Countries with the Fastest Internet Speed
