Doha, Qatar

[Himmu]

Dear mums in Doha,
I've been offered a job in Doha, and I have to say I am very divided on it. The role is interesting, but am not 100% on the whole deal. I would hate to move across the world and have to pinch pennies. The idea would be, that we would need to be able to save.

I am the sole breadwinner, husband is home with our 2 boys (3 yr 7 months, and 4 months). We don't shop much and nether one drinks. Mainly eat organic, gluten free, but home cooked. We do both drive. Could I ask for advise if this, in your mind, is a package that will leave us a bit into savings?

Monthly package
26,000 QR salary
7,000 QR possible bonus
2,000 QR educational allowance for child 1 (states 2nd child will get the same when appropriate)
flights for myself only
medical for myself only
22 days of holiday

Monthly offer with 100% bonus, all inclusive is 35,000 QR.
No separate allowances for accommodation or travel.

Am I correct in thinking this would not make it worth while with 2 kids?

I've never lived there, so can't comment on costs or quality of living, but a friend has and she hated her time in Doha with a passion. She's now in Dubai and much much happier.

Oh, and I don't mean to sound negative about the whole thing - I guess I was just waiting for a better deal that got offered.

I'm in Doha (and really like the place). It's not enough money if you're in two minds. You can live on that but you'd be watching the pennies if you wanted to save.

I would also be very suspect of an employer that wouldn't provide family flights. Have they said they can provide a visa for your husband and children? Not all jobs qualify and no (full) visa means visa runs for your family (flights in and out the country) plus no possibility of a school place.

Sorry to be doom and gloom but unless you really want the adventure (or have no/limited options in the UK) it's not worth it.

Thank you silasramsbottom and Living.

Living - These are my hesitations as well. I feel like it would be a great opportunity to someone without kids. I have plenty of opportunities in the UK, and my current place of work is happy to keep me. The company from Doha has approached me and keeps on asking. They have said they will provide the visas ext, but I feel like the money is just not there.

It's hard as I'd love the adventure into a new culture. And would love the challenge of the role - but at this point, with 2 kids am not willing to move the boys over and then possibly very soon realise it's not going to work, and move them back. It feels too risky.

Thank you again!

I think they would have to offer flights and medical for the 4 of you as a start. And check that they would cover the costs (and organise) visas for you all.

I'm in Doha and like it.

2000QAR will not cover full school fees at most of the more reputable schools - and that's if you can get a place.

Accommodation is pricey and currently going up. You are unlikely to get a house for less than 13000 a month (was speaking about this to a friend just yesteday!).

Organic and gluten free stuff is at a hefty premium.

A "cheap" hire car would be at least 2000 a month.

If you didn't get your bonus I think you'd struggle.

Any allowance/provision for housing ?
I've been in Doha since 2011 and rentals have risen annually and it is a major outgoing for most unless the company provides or contributes substantially too . I struggled to find a house for 15,000 pcm four years ago. The lower cost apartment options on the outskirts would never be worth moving over for IMO.
School entry is a major factor. Practically all will be filled for September already with assessments for rising 4 year olds having taken place in January of this year. School costs 12,000 per term per child at one of the cheaper but very reptuable British primarys but the wait lists are massive .
If you husband wants to work/have residency be sure you can sponsor him or else you will have to add regular visa runs flights to your expenses.
To put your package in perspective , a teachers family will recieve housing , utilities , medical ,school places and fees + a salary starting at 15,000 pcm .Double that if both parents work.

Sorry my post does come off as extremely negative but as far relocating to Qatar is concerned I personally would only do it if ;
A) There was huge financial advantages
or
B) A big career enhancing offer
or
c) No job in the UK or anywhere better
or
d) I really liked sand and dust and months of 40-50c heat and humidity.

Actually we have a nice enjoyable life here but it isn't a place I'll miss when the container , to take us on the next adventure ,arrives.

Thanks for the comments all. It seems like the company is seeing this from a completely different angle, and are surprised when am bringing up these points. I am grateful to have another point of view from you ladies.

Yallahabibi - No separate housing allowance, included in the take home package. Don't worry about sounding too gloomy, you are just validating what I have been thinking.

It's really not enough then.
People are here on a hell of a lot less but primarily they would be single .
If you can't save money or get a big jump up your career ladder I wouldn't come .
We are a seasoned expat family and have with many years in the Gulf but find Qatar expensive for the quality of life .
Safe ,sunny and getting more interesting as the country develops but it is costly .

I think it's getting less interesting as the country develops but we can agree to disagree on that one.

For me for the last three years or so Doha has been getting worse not better. Sure there's more 'stuff' but all the interesting bits that were uniquely Doha are being knocked down for 'redevelopment'. I still haven't gotten over the Costa on the corniche