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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Doha is the capital city of Qatar, known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture. |
👥 Population | Approx. 1.5 million |
💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 QAR ≈ 0.27 USD; banks like Qatar National Bank and Doha Bank are widely available. |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; however, bottled water is commonly preferred. |
🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz; Type G sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Ooredoo and Vodafone are the two main providers with coverage in city areas. |
💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted; online services available via local banks. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and long-term rentals. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in shops and restaurants. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental websites provide multiple options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Doha Youth Hostel and various budget hotels. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Corniche offers scenic views and proximity to major attractions. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | West Bay provides modern amenities with coworking spaces nearby. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Regus and Convenient Office provide excellent workspaces with great facilities. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Petit is known for its great ambiance and WiFi. |
💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are held at The Business Center and on Meetup.com. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like 'Expats in Qatar' on Facebook host various social events. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Karwa and Uber operate efficiently in Doha. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; electric scooters are available in some parks. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Katara Beach offers a great spot for relaxation and water sports. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Qatar Airways is the leading airline in the region. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways serves international destinations widely. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Doha is well-connected via several major highways including Salwa Road. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lusail Tram and Metro are expanding across the city. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Qatar's public transport pass system includes Salik cards for travel. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Doha with nearby cities and destinations. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hamad Medical Corporation is the leading health institution. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Pilates by Tania provides various fitness and wellness programs. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness are popular gym options. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats and dry-cleaning services are available. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Carriage are popular for food delivery. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Qatari Machboos, a spiced rice dish traditionally made with meat. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Evergreen Organics offer great plant-based dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Tasse serves a variety of sweets and desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souq Waqif offers a mix of local crafts and food at reasonable prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Qatar Online Shopping is popular for a variety of goods. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket provide grocery delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Pearl Qatar is known for its lively bars and nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol consumption is limited; few local breweries exist. |
🍷 Wine Bars | The Corner offers a selection of wines and is popular among expats. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Souq Waqif offer local snacks. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The West Bay area has a variety of international restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Museum of Islamic Art and The Pearl Qatar are must-visit landmarks. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art showcases contemporary works. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Visit Al Zubara Fort, a UNESCO Heritage site. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The State Grand Mosque is a stunning architectural marvel. |
🎉 Annual Events | Qatar International Food Festival takes place every spring. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Souq Waqif is where culture, food, and shopping converge. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Qatar National Theatre frequently hosts performances and cultural events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Souq Waqif is the main market for traditional Qatari goods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Doha has a burgeoning music scene, with performances at various venues. |
🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen in the industrial area and at Katara Cultural Village. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Arabian Culinary Center offers great classes for local cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Al Markhiya Gallery showcases contemporary art from Arab artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Court House and the Qatar National Museum are notable sites. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Qatar's culture is steeped in Bedouin traditions and hospitality. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Khor Al Adaid, known as the Inland Sea, is perfect for nature escapes. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Aspire Park is a large park for outdoor activities and relaxation. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Doha Corniche offers scenic pathways for walking and jogging. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sky View of The Pearl offers breathtaking views of the skyline. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Al Thakira Mangroves is great for birdwatching and photography. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Camping in the desert around Sealine Beach allows for bonfire spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Qatar Post and DHL offer various delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Service centers for tech devices are available across the city. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers in Doha often have table tennis facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Arabic language courses available at various institutes like Doha Institute. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Qatar National Library offers study and reading spaces. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural village centers host various community events and services. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Geekdom Centers is a popular spot for gamers. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is restricted; few venues exist. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. QAR 18,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = QAR 720,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. QAR 12,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = QAR 480,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. QAR 15,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = QAR 900,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. QAR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = QAR 600,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. QAR 13,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = QAR 1,040,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. QAR 9,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = QAR 720,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 0% on personal income, 10% on corporate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% withholding tax on dividends. |
🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax, offering an attractive tax regime for expatriates. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% |
🧾 VAT | 5% VAT is applied. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are minimal; favorable for businesses. |
🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% transfer fee when purchasing properties. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No taxation on offshore income, suitable for digital nomads. |