Now ye're talking - to a man living in Qatar

13-04-2021 8:53am

I live in Qatar, AMA wrote: »

There is a limit on the amount of alcohol you can buy that is related to your salary.

Wah? Reason enough for promotion...

How does that work in a practical sense?

I live in Qatar, AMA · 13-04-2021 8:56am

finbarrk wrote: »

Thanks. I don't know what will happen during the World Cup so. It will make it awkward.

I don't think it will - I suspect that the Qataris will be flexible and that this has already been agreed with FIFA.

I wouldn't be surprised if there is no alcohol in the stadiums, but we recently had the World Club final in Doha and the authorities set up a fanzone with live music and cheaper beer near the stadium. Many people think this was a "dry" run for the World Cup.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 13-04-2021 8:59am

Deleted User wrote: »

Wah? Reason enough for promotion...

How does that work in a practical sense?

The limits are fairly generous and they are tripled in the month before Ramadan begins. The last time I calculated it my limit worked out at 47 bottles of beer a day. I rarely have more than 40:)

Tom Dunne · 13-04-2021 9:00am

I live in Qatar, AMA wrote: »

I have visited a couple of mosques including, recently, the new National Mosque, where a couple of colleagues and I got a great tour and talk from a British Muslim who now lives in Qatar:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imam_Muhammad_ibn_Abd_al-Wahhab_Mosque

I always found visiting mosques to be a fascinating experience. On one occasion, I got chatting to a local in the mosque for over two and a half hours - I think he was as fascinated with me as I was with Islam.

I am really enjoying the thread, I can certainly relate to pretty much everything you have said.

13-04-2021 9:06am

I live in Qatar, AMA wrote: »

The limits are fairly generous and they are tripled in the month before Ramadan begins. The last time I calculated it my limit worked out at 47 bottles of beer a day. I rarely have more than 40:)

Grand for regular days I suppose :pac:

But, how is the limit policed - say I order online or otherwise. Do you need to bring a payslip?

I live in Qatar, AMA · 13-04-2021 9:14am

Deleted User wrote: »

Grand for regular days I suppose :pac:

But, how is the limit policed - say I order online or otherwise. Do you need to bring a payslip?

In order to get a liquor permit you need a "no-objection" letter from your employer that also states your salary level.

The liquor permit is a credit card sized photo ID, you need to show it to get into the liquor shop, and they swipe it at the cash register before scanning your purchases.

13-04-2021 9:19am

I live in Qatar, AMA wrote: »

In order to get a liquor permit you need a "no-objection" letter from your employer that also states your salary level.

The liquor permit is a credit card sized photo ID, you need to show it to get into the liquor shop, and they swipe it at the cash register before scanning your purchases.

"no-objection" letter from your employer

Can you imagine that being brought into Ireland... and FG thought they had a rough ride putting VAT on children's shoes or when their forerunners accepted the treaty leaving the 6 counties in NI. All would pale into insignificance. :pac:

monseiur · 13-04-2021 2:43pm

Just a note to thank you for an enjoyable and educational thread.
I applaud you for having the gumption to start a new and better life for you and your family. And there's the added bonus of not having half your salary deducted every month to pay dole, housing, medical cards and a myriad of other benefits to a shower of home grown and imported wasters.
I'm glad that you did not allow yourself to be dragged down by the lefty keyboard warriors who keep quoting some obscure UK tabloid and Amnesty etc.
We have more than our share of this type here, folk who never ventured past their own front gate and consequently have a blinkered tunnel vision of the world.
There is no Utopia on this planet and never will be. It's a case of when in Rome do as the Romans do etc.
You're right not to plan to retire to this rain sodden green speck in the north Athlantic - follow the sun to the south of Spain or similar. That's what I aim to do if funds allow ! Perhaps our paths may cross some day and we'll have a Moritz or Sam Miguel !!

Mars Bar · 13-04-2021 7:14pm

You technically needed a liquor license in Dubai up until a few months ago too!
They've done away with that now. As well as the law on non-married couples co-habiting.

EmmetSpiceland · 13-04-2021 7:31pm

Hi,

My question is this: you mentioned you work in the “public sector”, can you confirm if this is in, the Qatari equivalent of, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment?

Regards,

E.

gormdubhgorm · 14-04-2021 12:05am

I am glued to this thread just happened across it. I firstly have to commend the OP in answering all the questions he is asked, in such a full and detailed manner.

I know the OP said he did not like the Irish weather. If it was me I would miss the 'soft days'.

Anyway the impression I have got so far is that the existence in Qatar is sort of like a top notch holiday resort bubble or compound. The Qataris largely stick to their own and it is only the foreign nationals who mix with each other outside of a work environment.

I was wondering what it Qatar was like to wander around in on a normal day?
Or do you get to walk around in it at all? Or is it just basically going from larger bubble to smaller bubble from day to day?

Naive I know, but even the first time I wandered around London I was shocked that nodding to strangers was not the done thing. Some people walked faster freaked me out.

Do strangers nod to each other in Qatar even just the foreigners, or is it even worse than the likes of London or what?

Do drivers give each other a friendly 'hello' gesture in the car? The finger off the steering wheel thing they do down the county in Ireland. No matter who the person is.

Plus another thing I am wondering what is the population density? I seem to remember you said the state is about the size of Munster. But yet you said you were fortunate to have a garden. Is space at a premium or is it only in certain areas?

Atlantic Dawn · 14-04-2021 12:43am

What car(s) do you own? Is insurance comparable to Ireland or much cheaper. It looks a great country to own a car in.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 6:24am

Good morning all.

I came across this (timely) article yesterday about a younger family that moved to Qatar recently. I thought it was an excellent read:

https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/04/12/news/from-purgatory-to-glory-to-life-in-doha-the-ryan-bradley-story-2284576/?fbclid=IwAR3cpu2V4WocITdNYmDyrv7133VQdo9orbiXZVASq-aR7dcn8FIzKXykpDU

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 6:29am

monseiur wrote: »

Just a note to thank you for an enjoyable and educational thread.
I applaud you for having the gumption to start a new and better life for you and your family. And there's the added bonus of not having half your salary deducted every month to pay dole, housing, medical cards and a myriad of other benefits to a shower of home grown and imported wasters.
I'm glad that you did not allow yourself to be dragged down by the lefty keyboard warriors who keep quoting some obscure UK tabloid and Amnesty etc.
We have more than our share of this type here, folk who never ventured past their own front gate and consequently have a blinkered tunnel vision of the world.
There is no Utopia on this planet and never will be. It's a case of when in Rome do as the Romans do etc.
You're right not to plan to retire to this rain sodden green speck in the north Athlantic - follow the sun to the south of Spain or similar. That's what I aim to do if funds allow ! Perhaps our paths may cross some day and we'll have a Moritz or Sam Miguel !!

Thank you for your kind words, and I'll certainly be happy to have a beer with you should our paths ever cross.

We may however have to agree to disagree on some points.

I do believe in society, in an obligation to our fellow citizens. I believe in a free taxpayer-funded healthcare and education system, and a safety net below which we will not allow anyone to fall.

You might reasonably say that does not sit easily with being a tax-free expat and I'll have to accept that. But I do and always have paid my taxes in Ireland and, wherever I live after this spell, there will be taxes and I will pay them.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 6:33am

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

Hi,

My question is this: you mentioned you work in the “public sector”, can you confirm if this is in, the Qatari equivalent of, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment?

Regards,

E.

Hi and thank you for your question.

I do not work for a government department. I don't speak Arabic, and those offices operate exclusively in Arabic. On top of that most of the senior positions in government departments will be held by Qataris.

Where foreign consultants/experts (e.g. lawyers) are required they are invariably native Arabic speakers such as Egyptians or Iraqis.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 6:56am

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

I am glued to this thread just happened across it. I firstly have to commend the OP in answering all the questions he is asked, in such a full and detailed manner.

I know the OP said he did not like the Irish weather. If it was me I would miss the 'soft days'.

Anyway the impression I have got so far is that the existence in Qatar is sort of like a top notch holiday resort bubble or compound. The Qataris largely stick to their own and it is only the foreign nationals who mix with each other outside of a work environment.

I was wondering what it Qatar was like to wander around in on a normal day?
Or do you get to walk around in it at all? Or is it just basically going from larger bubble to smaller bubble from day to day?

Naive I know, but even the first time I wandered around London I was shocked that nodding to strangers was not the done thing. Some people walked faster freaked me out.

Do strangers nod to each other in Qatar even just the foreigners, or is it even worse than the likes of London or what?

Do drivers give each other a friendly 'hello' gesture in the car? The finger off the steering wheel thing they do down the county in Ireland. No matter who the person is.

Plus another thing I am wondering what is the population density? I seem to remember you said the state is about the size of Munster. But yet you said you were fortunate to have a garden. Is space at a premium or is it only in certain areas?

Hi and thank you for these questions (and your kind words).

I do miss the soft days, and would love one from time to time, its the soft months that get me down!

You are right that, for westerners at least, we live our lives in a gilded cage. Generally a good work environment, good salaries, good schools, good accommodation and (pre-Covid) the possibility of regular travel.

It is broadly true to say that Qatar = Doha. I would guess that 90% of people live in this city which is more than twice the size of Dublin - so it is a very urban environment rather than rural. I was born in the countryside and the "steering-wheel salute" is more common there than in the city.

Because of the heat, and because it was built from scratch, Doha is much more like an American city than a European city. It is based around cars, you (generally) can't walk to the shops - you drive to the mall. I do try to walk for exercise in the evenings (it's still not too hot) but you need to have your wits about you. Footpaths are uneven, or non-existent, and there may be no public lighting on lesser streets. You are unlikely to go for a walk around your neighbourhood and bump into neighbours.

There have however been several parks opened up in recent years with footpaths around the perimeters for taking exercise and these are very popular. It's common to arrange to meet friends there and take a walk together.

As for my garden, remember that we are living in a desert - arguably the most deserty bit of the Arabian Peninsula, so growing anything is a challenge, and for much of the year its too warm to sit outside. Most of the newer houses in Qatar will have just a small paved area out back, half-covered with awnings, and enough room to barbecue and have set of outdoor furniture.

We live in an older house, and the outdoor space is much bigger. We have enough room for some lawn. We have a lovely guy who comes a few times a week to water and tend the plants. He has managed to keep our lawn (mostly) green. I have no idea how he manages that - I just pay him and the (horrendous) water bill.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 7:11am

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

What car(s) do you own? Is insurance comparable to Ireland or much cheaper. It looks a great country to own a car in.

Hi and thank you very much for this question (I love cars!).

I suppose the first thing that I would say is that, if you are European, and you've ever wanted drive an American gas-guzzler, this is the place to do it. Petrol is a quarter of the price in Ireland. I am conscious too of the fact that the era of the internal combustion engine is (rightly) coming to an end, and I hope that the next car that I buy (probably in Europe) will be a plug-in hybrid.

We have two cars in the house. The first one we bought new shortly after we arrived (10 years ago). It is the ubiquitous (in these parts) Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Its a big-ish 4x4 with a 4-litre V6 petrol engine. They're fairly bulletproof, excellent off-road, and they hold their value really well. If you service them regularly you'll easily get 20 years out of them.

The second one we bought second-hand - its a BMW 5-series (F10) with a naturally aspirated 3-litre straight six (I told you I love cars!). Its about 7 years old, and it drives like a dream - I feel very lucky to have it.

Third-party motor insurance is obligatory and the price is controlled by the government. The price depends solely on the number of cylinders, there is an (ascending) price for 4, 6, 8 cylinders. There is no loading for age or gender of the owner and all policies are open-insurance (i.e. anyone who drives the car, and has a valid license, is insured). Our cars cost about 300 Euros a year each to insure.

If you want comprehensive insurance, which is probably wiser for newer cars, then that is priced according to the value of the car and the risk profile of the driver.

sambucus nigra · 14-04-2021 10:31am

Really interesting thread and appreciate you sharing your perspective. Few questions from me below:

There is a large US army base outside Doha as I understand it. Have you ever met any soldiers out and about in Qatar, or are they confined to the base (I would assume the latter). How are US-Qatar relations generally perceived?

Have you ever met someone Jewish living in Qatar?

Is it possible/commonplace to keep pets like dogs?

Have you a favourite local dish from the region you've discovered since living there?

Is much food produce (meat, milk, fruit, veg) produced locally or is most imported?

Kat1170 · 14-04-2021 10:43am

It's come up a good bit on Reddit lately with illegal British immigrants being shown the door in Spain.
The use of the terms expats and immigrants. Technically means the exact same thing but not when someone is referring to themselves generally.
You've used both terms in this AMA, just wondering if you see any difference in them and their use.

14-04-2021 10:43am

sambucus nigra wrote: »

Is it possible/commonplace to keep pets like dogs?

I think dogs are considered unclean in Islamic society. Although I see from the Interesting map thread that Golden Retrievers and German Sheppards are favoured in the general region.

Muahahaha · 14-04-2021 11:09am

I live in Qatar, AMA wrote: »

We live in an older house, and the outdoor space is much bigger. We have enough room for some lawn. We have a lovely guy who comes a few times a week to water and tend the plants. He has managed to keep our lawn (mostly) green. I have no idea how he manages that - I just pay him and the (horrendous) water bill.

Just on water- where does it come from in Qatar, is there a desalination plant or a source for it anywhere in the country? And how big are water bills there, what would be the per litre cost.

finbarrk · 14-04-2021 11:26am

If you were to go for a weekend away, where would you go to?

monseiur · 14-04-2021 12:15pm

I live in Qatar, AMA wrote: »

Thank you for your kind words, and I'll certainly be happy to have a beer with you should our paths ever cross.

We may however have to agree to disagree on some points.

I do believe in society, in an obligation to our fellow citizens. I believe in a free taxpayer-funded healthcare and education system, and a safety net below which we will not allow anyone to fall.

You might reasonably say that does not sit easily with being a tax-free expat and I'll have to accept that. But I do and always have paid my taxes in Ireland and, wherever I live after this spell, there will be taxes and I will pay them.

In case of any mis understanting - I have no problem paying my fair share of taxes, it's the abuse and wanton waste of these taxes that bother me. An example is our public health service, it's costing billions anually and it's not fit for purpose. I have to pay private health insurance + half my salary in taxes !

We have many thousands of young healthy able bodied men and women on the dole and yet we 'import' workers every year from eastern Europe and elsewhere to pick strawberrries and do related horicurtural work....same applied to hotel, bar and general catering work pre Covid.

We have some of the most fertile land in the world with the ability to be the bread basket of Europe & Middle East etc. producing pollution free, organic dairy products, fruit, veg. etc. Yet farmers are being forced to reduce production, reduce number of livestock etc. etc. all in the name reducing precieved emissions into the athmosphere and the taxpayer has to compensate the farmers for the related reduction in income. Idiotic doesn't begin to describe it.
Imagine if the Quataris had our land !
Sadly the lunatics have taken over our assylum and it will take a revolution to get them under control again.
I could go on and on but I'm sure you're well aware of our banana republic situtation !

OEP · 14-04-2021 1:48pm

monseiur wrote: »

In case of any mis understanting - I have no problem paying my fair share of taxes, it's the abuse and wanton waste of these taxes that bother me. An example is our public health service, it's costing billions anually and it's not fit for purpose. I have to pay private health insurance + half my salary in taxes !

We have many thousands of young healthy able bodied men and women on the dole and yet we 'import' workers every year from eastern Europe and elsewhere to pick strawberrries and do related horicurtural work....same applied to hotel, bar and general catering work pre Covid.

We have some of the most fertile land in the world with the ability to be the bread basket of Europe & Middle East etc. producing pollution free, organic dairy products, fruit, veg. etc. Yet farmers are being forced to reduce production, reduce number of livestock etc. etc. all in the name reducing precieved emissions into the athmosphere and the taxpayer has to compensate the farmers for the related reduction in income. Idiotic doesn't begin to describe it.
Imagine if the Quataris had our land !
Sadly the lunatics have taken over our assylum and it will take a revolution to get them under control again.
I could go on and on but I'm sure you're well aware of our banana republic situtation !

Perceived emissions?

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 2:04pm

sambucus nigra wrote: »

Really interesting thread and appreciate you sharing your perspective. Few questions from me below:

There is a large US army base outside Doha as I understand it. Have you ever met any soldiers out and about in Qatar, or are they confined to the base (I would assume the latter). How are US-Qatar relations generally perceived?

Have you ever met someone Jewish living in Qatar?

Is it possible/commonplace to keep pets like dogs?

Have you a favourite local dish from the region you've discovered since living there?

Is much food produce (meat, milk, fruit, veg) produced locally or is most imported?

Hi and thanks for the questions.

The US personnel at Al Udeid air-base tend to stay on base. I've never been there, but I know a few Irish contractor who have, and it is a fairly self-contained unit with cinemas, bowling-alleys etc. Some of the older children go to school in the International schools, and you'll sometimes see a bunch of obviously American lads with short haircuts in the malls, so they do venture out from time to time.

Qatar tries to have good relations with everyone - I think it would like to become the Switzerland of the Middle East. Being so wealthy, and having such a puny army, means that they have to be buddies with the big guys - and they are. They host the US Airbase, they go on joint missions and training with the RAF, and they host a Turkish armed forces base.

As far as I know there is no Jewish community in Qatar but I have (once I think) seen Hassidim at the airport so they must sometimes visit. Qatar is a big supporter financially of Gaza, so that would put them on the wrong side of the Israelis at the moment. They have not joined up either for the so-called Abraham Accords and they have criticized the UAE for doing so
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Accords

That said, they do like to be seen as an honest broker and in the past there was an Israeli Trade Mission (which was de facto an Embassy) in Doha, and formal diplomatic relations, but the Qataris shut it down after the 2009 invasion of Gaza.

Regarding being an honest broker - the ongoing dialogue between the Taliban and the US Government is taking place in Qatar.

On the subject of pets the Qataris and (I think Arabs generally) are not big fans of pets. Dogs are seen as unclean and if you are on you way to pray and come in contact with a dog you should go back and wash again. There is a particular breed of dog that is native to the region - the saluki - and if Qataris have a dog it is likely to be salukis in their desert camps rather than in town.

Lots of westerners keep dogs and cats, especially smaller dogs which san stay indoors during the hot season.

As for food I like Arabic food very much. The flat breads straight from the oven, grilled meats, hummus, baba ghanoush, moutabal, shawarmas, etc. are all delicious. My favourite place for regional food is "Turkey Central" a really busy place where every plate is chipped, and you serve your own drinks from the fridge, but the food is fantastic.

In the supermarket lamb, beef and chicken are all excellent quality and cheap compared to European prices. You can buy pork in a little annexe to the only off-licence - its expensive, but worth it from time to time. If you like fish the local hamour (a type of grouper) is delicious, as is the sherry fish.

The fish is farmed locally, and dairy products and some fruit and veg are produced locally. Most other things are imported. If your supermarket trolley is full of the western brands that you know and like then your shopping will be expensive. But if you are willing to be a bit more adventurous there is good value to be had.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 2:11pm

Kat1170 wrote: »

It's come up a good bit on Reddit lately with illegal British immigrants being shown the door in Spain.
The use of the terms expats and immigrants. Technically means the exact same thing but not when someone is referring to themselves generally.
You've used both terms in this AMA, just wondering if you see any difference in them and their use.

Hi and thank you for this question.

I try not to use the word expat because I see it as contributing to the caste-system mentality - but I know that I sometimes do use it.

I have tried to use "westerner" to refer to immigrants like me, and I am an immigrant - full stop.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 2:15pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I think dogs are considered unclean in Islamic society. Although I see from the Interesting map thread that Golden Retrievers and German Sheppards are favoured in the general region.

Hi again.

Yes, I believe that dogs are seen as unclean by Muslims.

I think that most of the Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are owned by westerners - and I think its wrong, they're not built for the heat and they're too big to be kept indoors.

I would urge people to either get a toy breed or a local breed called saluki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saluki

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 2:25pm

Muahahaha wrote: »

Just on water- where does it come from in Qatar, is there a desalination plant or a source for it anywhere in the country? And how big are water bills there, what would be the per litre cost.

Hi and thanks for the question.

I believe that the tap water comes from desalination plants - but bottled water at the supermarket is usually (but not always) natural water.

I pay about 300 Euros per month for water and electricity (they are supplied by the same company). I don't get an itemized bill because it goes to my landlord (long story) so I can't give you a per litre number.

Only non-Qataris pay domestic charges for water and electricity - another perk of Qatari citizenship!

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 2:30pm

finbarrk wrote: »

If you were to go for a weekend away, where would you go to?

Hi and thanks for the question.

Before the blockade and Covid Dubai was the usual weekend destination for everyone in Qatar - which was sort of boring - a similar culture, just bigger malls and better nightlife.

I have been to Shiraz in Iran for a long weekend and loved it - I will definitely go back to see Isfahan. Istanbul is also doable for a weekend and well worth it. Mumbai is just 3 hours away and I did that too and loved it. The two other places that I would like to go to for a weekend are Tbilisi and Yerevan.

pottokblue · 14-04-2021 2:35pm

Fond memories of visits to Shiraz, Isfahan, Istanbul in the future would love to visit Yerevan and Mumbai...

Yester · 14-04-2021 4:56pm

Thanks for a very interesting AMA.

Have you been to the camel races? Is it true that they have robot jockeys?

I live in Qatar, AMA · 14-04-2021 6:02pm

Yester wrote: »

Thanks for a very interesting AMA.

Have you been to the camel races? Is it true that they have robot jockeys?

Thanks for the question.

Yes and yes!

Like in horse-racing the weight that the animal carries will have an effect on the outcome. Unfortunately, unlike horse-racing, there is no handicapping i.e. adding weights in light of previous performance in order to equalise the chances of competitors:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handicap_(horse_racing)

As a result, in camel racing, there is an advantage in having a lighter jockey. Over time jockeys became smaller and younger until the typical jockey was a child from Asia. Not surprisingly there was considerable bad press about this and, as far as I know, there are no child jockeys in Qatar anymore.

The solution was to develop robot jockeys, effectively a box strapped to the back of the camel with a single arm, which holds a whip. The robots are controlled by remote control by the owner/trainer.

A race-track will have two separates and parallel courses, one for the camels, and one alongside where the owners/trainers in their 4x4s try to keep up with the camels, avoid one another, and control the robots. I find that side of the track to be more entertaining:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6Bm7EFG_5E

gormdubhgorm · 14-04-2021 6:56pm

You mentioned in a previous post that your daughter has done well academically, and is going off to a European University.

Was Arabic an option at the international school she attended in Qatar or do/did they only have European languages, Hindi, Chinese etc?

You also mentioned that you do not speak Arabic. Did you regret not having any/much? Or did you ever have any inclination to learn it?

YFlyer · 15-04-2021 4:07am

Do people actually fast during Ramadan?

smurfjed · 15-04-2021 5:58am

In the 10 years that you have spent there, have you noticed that your weather patterns have changed and that you are getting a lot more rain?

You mentioned that your bottled water was from natural sources, is there any locally sourced bottle water? I had read that the camel herders actually walked their camels into KSA to get water.

A UK company is in the process of trialing a solar powered water desalination system in KSA/NEOM. If successful it will be a world changer as it will remove the required to use 2 USG of oil to produce 1 USG desalinated water.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 15-04-2021 6:23am

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

You mentioned in a previous post that your daughter has done well academically, and is going off to a European University.

Was Arabic an option at the international school she attended in Qatar or do/did they only have European languages, Hindi, Chinese etc?

You also mentioned that you do not speak Arabic. Did you regret not having any/much? Or did you ever have any inclination to learn it?

Arabic was an option at the international school, and many of her classmates, being from families with their roots in the region, would have taken it. Like all languages (including English) in schools that offer the International Baccalaureate you can take the subject as a first (i.e. native) or second language. At her school the other languages available (apart from Arabic and English) were French and Spanish.

I don't think that many westerners take Arabic as a second language. It is perceived as being difficult, not only because there are very few shared words with European languages, but also because of the different script.

As for myself my Arabic is limited to a few words. I'm not sure if I regret it or not. I suppose that my understanding of culture and society would be a lot deeper if I did. The problem is that it is very hard to learn a language unless you have opportunities to speak it, and I live in an English-speaking world. My work environment is English-speaking, if I go to a shop, or for a haircut, or to a restaurant the language spoken will ne English. Because the communities socialise separately (especially the Qataris) there are very few opportunities for a westerner to speak Arabic.

faceman · 15-04-2021 6:27am

What's your view and that of the Irish community in Qatar, of the recently introduced mandatory hotel quarantine thats now imposed on you should you have the need to come back to Ireland?

Do you feel its justified or do you feel that you've been outcast by Ireland?

Do you think it has damaged brand Ireland inc internationally?

I live in Qatar, AMA · 15-04-2021 6:32am

YFlyer wrote: »

Do people actually fast during Ramadan?

Hi and thank you for this question.

My observation is that yes, Muslims do fast during Ramadan.

Do they all fast? I can't of course say - but the vast majority do. I work in an English-speaking professional environment but it seems to me that my many Muslim colleagues (mainly from Qatar, other Arab states and Pakistan) take Ramadan seriously and fast.

I don't think that they are all equally pious. I notice that some use the prayer room in the office building every day, whereas some never seem to go there. Perhaps this is similar, in the Ireland of old, to daily Mass-goers on the one hand and, on the other, those who knew which priest said a fast Mass on a Sunday.

When the fast is over there is often an often elaborate feast called Iftar. There may also be a meal called Suhoor, where people get up before sunrise to eat and drink.

Sir_Name · 15-04-2021 6:35am

I live in Qatar, AMA wrote: »

Hi again.

Yes, I believe that dogs are seen as unclean by Muslims.

I think that most of the Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are owned by westerners - and I think its wrong, they're not built for the heat and they're too big to be kept indoors.

I would urge people to either get a toy breed or a local breed called saluki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saluki

Same in the UAE - we also oddly see a lot of huskies here and again they are not built for this weather at all.

What about cats in Qatar? I've noticed here that cats, revered would probably be pushing it, but they are definitely more common, and tolerated. ie where we live there are community welfare for cats, whereby they treat them if strays/injured and spay them. Adopting rescue cats is a big thing here.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 15-04-2021 6:43am

smurfjed wrote: »

In the 10 years that you have spent there, have you noticed that your weather patterns have changed and that you are getting a lot more rain?

You mentioned that your bottled water was from natural sources, is there any locally sourced bottle water? I had read that the camel herders actually walked their camels into KSA to get water.

A UK company is in the process of trialing a solar powered water desalination system in KSA/NEOM. If successful it will be a world changer as it will remove the required to use 2 USG of oil to produce 1 USG desalinated water.

Hi and thanks for the questions.

Regarding the weather it is my (unscientific) impression that in some recent years (but not this one) we have had more rainfall than in my first years here. In some recent years we have had short bouts of torrential rain - comparable to Monsoon rains, which caused flash floods and damage to vehicles and property.

Regarding locally sourced bottled water, most of the water in the supermarket is locally sourced. You will find Volvic and Perrier etc. but the everyday water bottles are produced locally. Reading the labels some (usually a little nore expensive) describe themselves as natural water whereas others (which I assume come from desalination plants) do not. I'm not an expert on this and I could be wrong.

I am aware that the current desalination technology requires a lot of energy input, so if that can be done using solar power that would be fantastic.

I'm also peripherally aware of the NEOM project that you mention. I don't know if it will go ahead, but the scope of the ambition has to be admired.

Sir_Name · 15-04-2021 6:43am

I live in Qatar, AMA wrote: »

Hi and thanks for the question.

Before the blockade and Covid Dubai was the usual weekend destination for everyone in Qatar - which was sort of boring - a similar culture, just bigger malls and better nightlife.

I have been to Shiraz in Iran for a long weekend and loved it - I will definitely go back to see Isfahan. Istanbul is also doable for a weekend and well worth it. Mumbai is just 3 hours away and I did that too and loved it. The two other places that I would like to go to for a weekend are Tbilisi and Yerevan.

Assume at this stage you have been to Jordan, but in case you havent I would definitely recommend it!

I live in Qatar, AMA · 15-04-2021 6:49am

faceman wrote: »

What's your view and that of the Irish community in Qatar, of the recently introduced mandatory hotel quarantine thats now imposed on you should you have the need to come back to Ireland?

Do you feel its justified or do you feel that you've been outcast by Ireland?

Do you think it has damaged brand Ireland inc internationally?

Hi and thank you for these questions.

I can't say that I've any broader insights into the views of the Irish community but, speaking for myself, I'm astonished that it took Ireland so long to implement a hotel quarantine regime. It has been in place in Qatar for the best part of a year and (until some sort of vaccination passport is devised and agreed) seems to me to be a sensible policy. I think that everyone here dreads the thought that there might be bad news from home, and that they might be unable to travel - but this has been the reality for a while now.

So I don't think that I have been outcast - Ireland needs to protect itself. And every sensible country is taking similar measures - it doesn't affect Ireland's brand at all.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 15-04-2021 6:54am

Sir_Name wrote: »

Same in the UAE - we also oddly see a lot of huskies here and again they are not built for this weather at all.

What about cats in Qatar? I've noticed here that cats, revered would probably be pushing it, but they are definitely more common, and tolerated. ie where we live there are community welfare for cats, whereby they treat them if strays/injured and spay them. Adopting rescue cats is a big thing here.

Hi and thank you for the question.

There are a huge number of cats in Qatar - I'm not sure, but I think they may not be viewed as unclean in the same way that dogs are.

There are also a lot of feral cats, and there are several welfare organisations (community based rather than official) that try to find homes for strays etc.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 15-04-2021 6:56am

Sir_Name wrote: »

Assume at this stage you have been to Jordan, but in case you havent I would definitely recommend it!

I have not, but I would like to.

I'm also told that you can get a taxi from Amman to the border with Israel and the taxi driver will arrange for a taxi on the other side to take you to Jerusalem.

smurfjed · 15-04-2021 7:46am

I'm also peripherally aware of the NEOM project that you mention. I don't know if it will go ahead, but the scope of the ambition has to be admired.

I have no doubt that it will go ahead, but i do doubt its success. They built and opened an international airports there in 49 days

Admittedly, the terminal is a marque tent

In Islam, if one is licked by a dog, they must wash 7 times before offering prayers. The rock drawings in Saudi show the CANAAN dog was part of the tribes dating back 6000 years.

Tombo2001 · 15-04-2021 9:00am

This has been a very interesting AMA, and thanks.

I think the fact that you are a long term resident and that you work for the local public service is more unusual, lots of people go to the region for a two year stint.

With apologies, as its a long thread so this may have been asked:

- When you get up on a Friday/ Saturday morning, whats your normal leisure day. I dont mean 'I have breakfast', or routine stuff like 'I buy groceries' but what does leisure time consist of?

- What are the culinary staples in your house that you would never have eaten when living in Ireland?

I live in Qatar, AMA · 15-04-2021 9:15am

Tombo2001 wrote: »

This has been a very interesting AMA, and thanks.

I think the fact that you are a long term resident and that you work for the local public service is more unusual, lots of people go to the region for a two year stint.

With apologies, as its a long thread so this may have been asked:

- When you get up on a Friday/ Saturday morning, whats your normal leisure day. I dont mean 'I have breakfast', or routine stuff like 'I buy groceries' but what does leisure time consist of?

- What are the culinary staples in your house that you would never have eaten when living in Ireland?

Hi and thank you for the question.

Like a lot of families, weekends are a time for slightly more complicated meals than the pasta and rice dishes that are handy during the week - so we spend more time cooking at the weekends, especially if we're entertaining friends, and a lot of our socialising is done at home or visiting friends.

On Friday morning I'll generally hit the supermarket and do the "big shop". Friday afternoons are a handy time for catching up on personal emails and business or personal calls to Ireland. A gin & tonic in the late afternoon puts a stop to any serious productivity:)

I can't tell you exactly what we do on a Saturday other than they fly by as they always do in family households. There's always some errand to be done, jobs around the house, someone to be driven somewhere - the usual stuff.

New culinary staples:
Hamour fish;
Hummus and taboule are always in the fridge;
Red onions (brown ones are more expensive and often not as good);
Dates (especially Medjool dates from Jordan);
Maamoul (date filled biscuits);
Flat breads - especially small ones that make little pitta pockets for whatever filling you like;

I'm sure there's more, but these are the ones that spring to mind now.

Because of the proximity, and the large number of Indians living in Qatar, we definitely eat (and cook) more Indian food than when we lived in Ireland.

Tom Dunne · 15-04-2021 9:21am

I live in Qatar, AMA wrote: »

There are a huge number of cats in Qatar - I'm not sure, but I think they may not be viewed as unclean in the same way that dogs are.

Yes, that's pretty much it.

During my time in the Middle East, I decided for reasons that elude me now, to take on the moderation of the Islam forum here on Boards.ie. One gentleman on the forum, a follower of the faith, persisted in telling us how dogs are so unclean that they eat their own excrement, and nobody was telling him otherwise - he had YouTube videos to prove it.

So internet nutjobs aside, there is very much a perception that dogs can be used for utilitarian tasks such as guarding property, but not as pets. Any dogs that I encountered in my time were usually feral and sadly in most cases, abandoned by their Western owners when the owners left the country.

I live in Qatar, AMA · 15-04-2021 9:31am

Tom Dunne wrote: »

Yes, that's pretty much it.

During my time in the Middle East, I decided for reasons that elude me now, to take on the moderation of the Islam forum here on Boards.ie. One gentleman on the forum, a follower of the faith, persisted in telling us how dogs are so unclean that they eat their own excrement, and nobody was telling him otherwise - he had YouTube videos to prove it.

So internet nutjobs aside, there is very much a perception that dogs can be used for utilitarian tasks such as guarding property, but not as pets. Any dogs that I encountered in my time were usually feral and sadly in most cases, abandoned by their Western owners when the owners left the country.

I would say that if you are going to buy a dog make sure that it is small and that you can bring it home with you. Only some breeds are allowed to fly, and for me that is a consideration if you buy a dog in the Middle East.

Markitron · 15-04-2021 9:39am

I know you have touched on this, so sorry if I am asking you to repeat yourself, but what is the access to western media like?

Can you get the latest movies in the cinema or on blu-ray? If so are they in English? Are sports channels easily accessible? Is Amazon available to buy things from?

Thanks in advance.

Now ye're talking - to a man living in Qatar

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