Seeking advice on relocating family to Doha

Hi everyone,

I'm seeking some advice and insights on relocating to Doha. I'll be moving there with my current company and yes, aware my pay is relatively great, but I wanted to highlight that it comes without any accommodation allowance, education allowance etc. Just flat wage and bonus annually. Here are some details about my situation:

  • Current Total Compensation: Just over 930,000 QAR for the year (55k QAR per month, and the remainder is usually a discretionary bonus)
  • Family: My wife, 3-year-old son, and another baby on the way
  • Current Living Standard: Central London, UK

We'd like to maintain or even upgrade our standard of living (if possible) in Doha, as we're giving up the comfort and familiarity of London as well as being close to family. We're particularly interested in living in an unlived villa and also hoping to save money. But trying to figure out if still worth pursuing if no additional allowances. For background, I wouldn’t be trying to keep up with the joneses, but I also work hard to try and give my family as comfortable a life as I can, but also want to make sure I can put away enough to make this move worth it.

Here are some other questions I have:

  1. Housing: What are the best areas in Doha for families? We have been looking on PropertyFinder and QatarLiving in areas such as Al-Waab. Are there any recommendations on any new developments or for finding an unlived in (preferably newly built) villa that is modern to a UK standard?

  2. Cost of Living: How does the cost of living in Doha compare to London, especially in terms of groceries, utilities, and other daily expenses?

  3. Schools: What are the best schools for young children in Doha? Any recommendations for nurseries or kindergartens?

  4. Healthcare: How is the healthcare system in Doha? Are there any particular hospitals or clinics you would recommend for families? Maternity is a big one as well and want to make this is as comfortable as possible for my wife.

  5. Expat Community: How is the expat community in Doha? Are there any groups or networks that could help us settle in?

  6. Savings: Given my compensation, is it feasible to save a significant amount while living comfortably in Doha?

  7. Lifestyle: What are some family-friendly activities and amenities available in Doha? Any tips for adjusting to the cultural differences?

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance for your help.