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What is the main reason for moving to Qatar?
Dubai and Doha may seem alike at first glance – but there are notable differences between these two thriving Middle Eastern cities. And it’s because of these reasons that some are moving to Dubai and some are moving to Qatar. So let’s take a look at both these cities and see why people are moving to Qatar instead of Dubai.
Comparison between Dubai and Qatar
City Of Endless Opportunities
Both these cities offer many opportunities. They blend ancient traditions with modern comforts, making them magnets for nomads seeking to expand their horizons and take their careers to the next level. But why are some people opting for Qatar over Dubai and are moving to Qatar?
Dubai is a city of the future. It has a glittering lifestyle defined by fancy hotels, high-end shopping, and vibrant nightlife. In contrast, Doha delivers a more relaxed, traditional vibe with a firm focus on Qatari culture and heritage. This shows in their taxes and finances.
Neither Doha nor Dubai has an income tax.
That’s right, your paycheck stays intact in both places, which is a big plus for your bank account. But there are a few financial subtleties to consider. Doha offers a slightly lighter hit to your wallet, with generally lower living costs.
There is no sales or value-added tax, except for a tiny tax on luxury items. Plus, the minimum wage is QR1,000 a month, with extra cash for food and housing. That’s USD 275. Dubai, on the other hand, is known for its fancy lifestyle, which can nudge your expenses up a notch. They’ve also got a 5% VAT on goods and services, though that’s still quite low by global standards.
You can also check This about moving to Qatar and the pros and cons regarding moving to Qatar.
Salaries
When it comes to salaries, Doha serves up slightly fatter paychecks in some sectors. In Qatar, the game’s strong in the hydrocarbon industry, which swells to over 50% of the GDP. But for digital nomads, Qatar is a welcoming and supportive environment for remote work. They foster innovation and attract international talents through initiatives like the Qatar Free Zones Authority and the Qatar Science & Technology Park.
The Sights Of Qatar
Qatar is a place where you can easily reach desert dunes and crystal-clear waters, where modern cities like Doha coexist with ancient villages and cultural wonders. Qatar stands out on the Arabian Peninsula, its compact size extending north into the Persian Gulf in Western Asia. To the south, it shares a border with Saudi Arabia, while the rest is surrounded by tranquil waters.
Climate
Qatar boasts a desert climate with year-round sunshine, comfortable summers, and pleasantly cool winters.
Fun Fact
Qatar, with its absence of rivers and a meager annual rainfall of about 10 cm, relies on advanced desalination plants to transform seawater into drinking water, ensuring a steady supply for its residents. Qatar covers just 11,437 km squared. It shares an 87 km land border with Saudi Arabia in the Middle East, with only a narrow gulf separating it from Bahrain.
It has majestic desert dunes shaped by the shifting sands of time. These crescent-shaped dunes, kissed by the Al Shamal winds, are surrounded by ancient hills and mountains, casting a canvas of black and brown hues. The tallest peak, Qurain Abu al-Bawl in southern Qatar, rises just 103 meters above sea level, contrasting with Qatar’s lowest point at sea level.
Beyond the desert, Qatar unveils a coastline stretching 563 km. Here, you’ll find beaches with powdery white sands and calm seas that shift from turquoise to deep blue. Along this coastline, ten islands offer pockets of paradise, some adorned with stunning sights and resorts.
Qatar’s Beaches Take Sealine Beach, for example. It’s located in Mesaieed and is Qatar’s go-to coastal retreat. It’s not just for swimming; this beach is a playground for families and pals. It has camel rides, safari adventures, and thrilling dune bashing!
And, as the sun dips below the horizon, Sealine Beach transforms into a magical spot for sunset lovers. Getting here is a breeze. A mere 35-minute drive from Doha International Airport or 40 minutes from downtown Doha, and you’re in paradise.
Khor Al Adaid
Then we have Khor Al Adaid. Which is just a half-hour drive through the enchanting Mesaieed dunes from Sealine Beach.
Here, you’ll uncover Qatar’s hidden gem: the Inland Sea. Recognized by UNESCO, it’s a natural wonderland. Fish to your heart’s content, set up camp under the stars, or witness the sun’s graceful descent into the water. Accessing this oasis requires a skilled driver to navigate the dunes.
It’s a 30-minute ride from Sealine Beach or a roughly two-and-a-half-hour drive from Doha.
Al Maroona Beach
Now let’s take a look at Al Maroona Beach. Here, you’ll have picture-perfect golden sands and inviting turquoise waters. This is a beach lover’s haven in northeastern Qatar, just before Fuwairit Beach. This slice of paradise boasts shallow, crystal-clear waters and powdery-soft sand, making it ideal for a day of seaside bliss. Getting from Doha to Al Maroona takes roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes via Al Shamal Road. Activities In Doha, you’ll find arts, culture, and intellectual thrills. The Museum of Islamic Art, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, art galleries, and cultural fiestas rule here. If you crave conversations deeper than small talk, Doha’s got your back.
water lovers
Doha has a bunch of outdoor activities for water lovers as well. It’s a paradise with scuba diving, jet-skiing, and dhow trips. Landlubbers can go wild with quad-biking or opt for a tranquil camel ride. When in Doha, don’t miss the Museum of Islamic Art. It’s a haven for history buffs. Another gem is the Villaggio Mall, an Italian-themed shopping wonderland complete with a canal and gondolas.
Other cities in Qatar
Doha isn’t the only cool city in Qatar, though. Qatar has many small cities and towns. Some are port towns, while others are heavy contributors to the oil and gas industry. You’ll find abandoned villages, archaeological sites, inlets, natural mangroves, and a lot more here. One such city is Al Khor.
Al Khor
Al Khor is in the north of Qatar and serves as the capital of the Al Khor and Al Thakira Municipality. Established in 1972, it boasts a rich history rooted in pearl trading, once a cornerstone of Qatar’s economy. From its modest origins as a remote fishing and pearl diving settlement, Al Khor has burgeoned into a significant urban center, spanning approximately 16,000 square meters. It now ranks among Qatar’s primary cities, second only to Doha.
While the city’s association with the oil and gas industry is prominent due to its proximity to Ras Laffan Industrial City and North Oil, Al Khor offers a diverse range of attractions beyond its industrial ties. Nature enthusiasts will find wonders in this region, including the ancient Ain Hleetan Well, Al Khor Towers, Thakira Mangroves, Purple Island, and the serene Al Farkiah Beach.
Moreover, Al Khor proudly houses the Al Khor Park and Zoo, as well as the magnificent Al Bayt Stadium. The very stadium where the 2022 FIFA World Cup took place. To the west is the city of Dukhan. Dukhan emerged into prominence with the discovery of oil. Today, it stands as an industrial hub primarily inhabited by Qatar Petroleum employees.
The city remains restricted to outsiders, with photography strictly prohibited within its confines. However, the surrounding region teems with attractions, drawing visitors keen on exploration. Dukhan’s allure lies in its proximity to a wealth of captivating sites and points of interest.
Madinat Al Shamal
Madinat Al Shamal, situated at Qatar’s northern tip, traces its origins to the 1970s. Although it ranks among the nation’s least populated areas today, it boasts a unique charm. Encircled by rundown fishing villages and an array of inviting beaches, it offers a serene escape. Throughout the year, tourists flock to Madinat Al Shamal to relish its offerings.
Al Ruwais
Eastward lies Al Ruwais, a quaint coastal town covered in remarkable landmarks. Arsan Café, housed within a converted police station, is a must-visit spot. Here, you can savor some of the region’s finest coffee while gazing out at the expanse of the Arabian Gulf. Yet, it’s Al Ruwais Beach that steals the limelight, particularly during sunrise and sunset. This beach boasts crystal-clear, shallow waters that invite you to wade in and relish the sensation of soft sand beneath your feet. It’s a pristine, family-friendly haven, ideal for spending a leisurely day in the embrace of unspoiled natural beauty.
Here is a summary of the comparison between Dubai and Qatar and why people prefer moving to Qatar:
| Reasons for moving to Qatar | Reason for moving to Dubai | |
| 1 | moving to Qatar and living there has no income tax | no income tax |
| 2 | moving to Qatar and living there has lower living costs | higher living costs |
| 3 | moving to Qatar and living there has no sales or value-added tax, except for a tiny tax on luxury items | there is a 5% value-added tax |
| 4 | the minimum wage is QR1,000 a month, with extra cash for food and housing | – |
| 5 | – | fancy lifestyle |
| 6 | you can easily reach desert dunes and crystal-clear waters, where modern cities like Doha coexist with ancient villages and cultural wonders | – |
| 8 | moving to Qatar and living there relies on advanced desalination plants to transform seawater into drinking water | – |
| 9 | moving to Qatar and living there offers more budget-friendly rents compared to Dubai’s luxury price tags | heftier price tag than Doha when it comes to the cost of living |
Expenses
Whether you’re in Doha or Dubai, your biggest expense will be your abode. While Doha typically offers more budget-friendly rents compared to Dubai’s luxury price tags, the latter gives you a broader range of choices. Dubai has a heftier price tag than Doha when it comes to the cost of living. This is due to exorbitant rent and school fees in Dubai, which can take up a significant chunk of your earnings.
On the plus side, salaries in Dubai are generally higher to counterbalance these expenditures. While Qatar may not be your budget-friendly paradise, it’s a tad gentler on the wallet compared to its Gulf neighbors.
- According to the 2023 Mercer Cost of Living Index, Doha sits at a modest 126th place out of 227 cities. That’s more pocket-friendly than Dubai, Riyadh, or Kuwait City.
- For reference, Dubai sits at number 18, while Rome is number 59.
So, by moving to Qatar, your wallet catches a break. The cost of living is much lower compared to Dubai. The main reason?
You can also watch this video about moving to Qatar if you are interested in the topic of moving to Qatar and its advantages:
Doha isn’t quite the tourist magnet Dubai is, so there’s less demand for the high-end stuff. If you’re rolling with a family of four in Doha, brace yourself for a monthly bill of around $3,100, and that’s without the rent. Flying solo?
Expect it to drop to $880. But even then, it’s still cheaper than Dubai. Meanwhile, Dubai often shines on the global stage as one of the pricier places to live in. It might not be pocket-friendly like your small-town hideaway, but it’s a far cry from the wallet-squeezing grip of New York, London, or Paris. Rents will make you wince, and dining out can be a hit on your savings.
Dubai may have higher salaries, but it’s not enough to make up for the expenses. What about buying your own house? By moving to Qatar, you’ll find everything from soaring skyscrapers in West Bay to cozy villas in the Pearl-Qatar.
But keep this in mind: Quality often comes with a hefty price tag. Expats in Qatar can buy both freehold and leasehold properties. Invest in real estate, and you might score a residency visa. If you’re eyeing a long stay in Qatar, the reasonable property prices might be your golden ticket. Mortgages have become more accessible, but remember, expats can only borrow up to 70% of the property’s value.
As far as safety goes, you can rest easy in both Doha and Dubai. But Qatar often clinches a slightly higher rank in global safety assessments, making it a top choice for families. It’s renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, offering an exceptional quality of life. Let us know in the comments what’s your favorite thing about moving to Qatar.
