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| Credit: Unknown source |
What do you want to ask about Qatar but felt it may be too trivial?
Every time I return home or meet someone on a overseas trip, people are always curious about Qatar. Gosh, you're working in the Middle-East... what is it like? So, to the curious visitors who has never been to Qatar or the Middle East, here's the answers to the most common questions I always get asked.Q: Are there riots? You know, isn't there much revolution going on in the Middle East?
A: No, there are no riots. All is calm and quiet in Qatar.
Q: Are there terrorists?
A: Absolutely none!
Q: Is it desert everywhere?
A: No, the capital city of Qatar, Doha, is a modern city of more than a million people. Yes, it is mostly desert outside of Doha.
Q: Are the people very rich?
A: Like everywhere else, there are rich and poor people.
Q: Is it safe in the streets?
A: Absolutely safe. There are almost no crime in Qatar. Just don't get me started on safe driving...
Q: What food do you eat? I hear there are no pork.
A: Whatever I like; except pork of course.
Q: Are there only Arabic restaurants whenever you eat out?
A: No. There are as many Western, Chinese, Indian and Fastfood restaurants as there are Arabic ones.
Q: Must foreign women cover up? Can they wear what they like?
A: There is no need for foreign women to cover up. They can wear whatever they want as long as they are modest in their dressing.
Q: Are you fluent in Arabic?
A: Unfortunately not. English is used everywhere and my basic Arabic had become hopeless as I do not get a chance to practise.
Q: It it tough working in Qatar?
A: It can be tough or easy, depending on your job, just like anywhere else in the world.
Q: Do people understand each other at work
A: Most of the time, yes. English is widely used in the commercial world. The level of English vary in government and civil service sectors.
Q: Does everyone drive fancy cars?
A: Not true. I do not see many Ferrari, Porches, Maserati on the street. I do see a lot of SUV especially Toyota LandCruisers. I'm not sure they qualify as fancy cars.
Q: Is the weather bearable? Isn't it too hot?
A: The weather is quite acceptable for about 8 months of the year. It only becomes unacceptably hot during the summer months of June to November.
Q: Is my xxxx academic qualifications accepted?
A: There is a wide spectrum of companies in Qatar from all over the world. The companies from your home country is likely to accept your qualifications. If you are working in a foreign company, it is best to check with the HR department prior.
Q: You mean there are summer and winter in Qatar as well?
A: Yes, there are distinct summer and winter months in Qatar. It can go down to 12C during Winter and up to 48C during Summer.
Q: Is Dubai and Qatar the same place?
A: No. Dubai is part of UAE and they are separate sovereign countries. They are one hour away by flight from one another.
Q: Have you seen a transformer?
A: Although in the movie, Transformer 1, the first transformers were discovered in Qatar, I have yet to see one so far... :-) I have seen a few transformers in the toy stores though...
