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What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Travelling To Qatar

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1 year ago

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Many people are looking to live and work in Qatar, but there are some things that you should know before you take the plunge and move abroad. I've lived here in Qatar for almost two years now, and this article will give you an honest look at what it's like to live in Qatar. Things that you should think about before moving to this country. Let's look at the pros and cons of moving to Qatar.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Travelling To Qatar

 

 

 

Many people are looking to live and work in Qatar, but there are some things that you should know before you take the plunge and move abroad.  Things that you should think about before moving to this country. Let’s look at the pros and cons of moving to Qatar.

Many people are looking to live and work in Qatar, but there are some things that you should know before you take the plunge and move abroad. I've lived here in Qatar for almost two years now, and this article will give you an honest look at what it's like to live in Qatar. Things that you should think about before moving to this country. Let's look at the pros and cons of moving to Qatar.

Pros of moving to Qatar

Here are some pros of moving to Qatar. Hope you will benefit by it:

 

1. Company Expatriate Package

The expat package offered by most companies in Qatar is generous. You will receive a salary plus any local or expat tax benefits based on your national status. For example, foreign workers pay no income tax in Qatar as they are not residents, but non-Qatari citizens are taxed at 15% of their income if they stay for more than six months.

2. High Salary with Tax Benefits

Qatar work visa holders are not required to pay taxes on their income. This can be made for a very attractive base salary offer from employers that can be as much as 80-100% more than what you could earn back home (depending on exchange rates).

3. Relatively Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Qatar is low compared to most Western countries, but there are also plenty of opportunities to save money if you are willing to shop and live within your means.

You can find apartments for less than $1,000 per month or rent an entire villa with a pool for $2,000 per month or less. Groceries are also relatively cheap compared to Western prices; getting a week’s worth of groceries for about $20 or less is possible.

4. Qatar work visa

There are many advantages of a Qatar work visa. Firstly, Qatar companies are largely dependent on foreign workers. Therefore, your chances of securing a job in a company that utilizes expats are higher than in most other gulf countries due to its limited national workforce. Secondly, all expats who wish to work in Qatar
must secure an employment permit issued by their respective company or sponsor. It means that upon arrival in the country, you can be assured that your new employer will welcome you with open arms if everything goes as planned.

5. Low crime rates

Qatar has one of the lowest crime rates in all of Asia. You don’t need to take precautions to protect yourself from becoming a victim. To prevent crime, there is a large police presence on the streets.

6. No Taxes on Property Sales

There are no taxes on property sales in Qatar, so you don’t have to pay any capital gains tax when selling your home (although you may need to pay some fees).

7. No Capital Gains Tax

There is no capital gains tax in Qatar, which makes owning real estate an attractive proposition from a financial standpoint.

 

 

Cons of moving to Qatar

1.The bad weather

Whether scorching hot or raining cats and dogs, you’ll unlikely be able to comfortably walk outside during daylight hours. This can significantly affect your work-life balance as many companies force their expats to work long hours to ‘catch up with those who live in areas that don’t have such harsh weather.

2.It gets expensive

While housing costs aren’t too bad in other countries, there’s a huge difference between renting a small studio apartment for $100/month and renting a spacious villa for $2000/month (or more).

3.Traffic is unbearable

If you have ever lived in an area where traffic was terrible, you know how stressful it can be. In Doha, traffic can take hours out of your day as you sit motionless on one of several highways that cut through Doha.

4.Different culture

While most expats who move here enjoy living in a country where Islam is practiced freely, some things will surprise you about Qatari culture (e.g., women wearing full burkas). Depending on your personal beliefs, this may or may not be a problem for you.

5. Qatar work VISA

 

One disadvantage of moving to Qatar is the costs involved. While expats won’t be saddled with visa fees or a resident permit ID charge,

they will have to pay for their medical insurance (as there are no public hospitals) and school fees for any kids attending an international school.

6. Driving in Qatar

Driving in a new country can be both exhilarating and terrifying, but there are definite disadvantages to driving in Qatar. These include challenges with navigating (many roads don’t even have street signs) and an occasional tendency for reckless drivers. If you’re considering moving here, prepare for some challenges behind the wheel.

7. Less outdoor activities

You should know that there aren’t many outdoor activities available in Qatar.

If you love hiking or rock climbing, you may want to consider relocating elsewhere because while there are a few basic paths around town, they aren’t exactly scenic.

8. Difficult to travel

It’s difficult to travel around town without getting lost (because everything looks exactly alike). Doha is like an endless sea of glass buildings and skyscrapers with no distinguishing landmarks whatsoever.

9. Legal issues

You should be aware of some legal issues before moving here. For example, if caught smuggling alcohol or drugs into Qatar, you could face a prison sentence and hefty fines.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

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3 hours ago

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December 21, 2024

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OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has successfully trained over 15,000 artisans and traders as part of its ongoing skills development initiative under the Ogun State Skills Fund (OSF).
This was disclosed by the Skills Development Specialist, Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He revealed that the training program recorded 6,605 participants in Vocational/ICT skills, 4,989 in Entrepreneurship, and 5,288 in Functional Literacy Training.
Engr. Fatoki explained that the OSF training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their income and businesses. “So far, over 4,000 beneficiaries have completed their training in the first batch, while the second batch is currently underway across various trades. The third phase will target market women, artisans, and traders, bringing the initiative closer to grassroots communities,” he stated.
He encouraged artisans, market women, and traders to register for the ongoing third batch of the training by visiting www.osf.ogunstate.gov.ng. He assured that the program focuses on demand-driven skills and operates at various training centers across the state.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to the program’s success, Engr. Fatoki reassured stakeholders that the initiative is non-partisan and designed solely for the benefit of market women, artisans, and traders.
In response, representatives of various groups expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative and pledged to mobilize their members to take part in the training.
Speaking earlier, the Project Gender Specialist, Mrs. Ewajesu, highlighted the program’s goal of empowering artisans and traders with critical skills to thrive in today’s competitive economic landscape. She explained that the training also improves participants’ literacy and business management capabilities, enhancing productivity and strengthening the state’s economy.
Mrs. Ewajesu urged participants to make the most of the opportunity, noting that the skills acquired would position them for greater success in their respective trades.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba Traders’ Associations, who expressed optimism about the program’s positive impact on their communities.

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

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10 hours ago

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December 21, 2024

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

 

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured. The incident occurred when over 7,500 participants, far exceeding the expected 5,000, rushed to gain entry to the event.

The funfair was reportedly organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat.

Naomi, who was arrested alongside Hamzat, reportedly collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital at Eleyele for medical attention. A senior hospital staff member confirmed the development, stating, “Both of them are currently at the hospital. The police have secured the premises, and no further details can be disclosed.”

Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso. A police source revealed that the Inspector General of Police has now taken charge of the case, stating, “For further details, you’ll need to contact Abuja.”

Victims and Medical Response

The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Adeoye Allen-Taylor, confirmed that four children remain on admission. He added that some casualties were brought in dead and that the Oyo State Government is covering all medical expenses.

At the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, five fatalities were reported, though none of the bodies were taken to the hospital’s mortuary. The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the death toll.

Government and Public Reactions

In response, the Oyo State Government mandated strict safety measures for all public events, especially those involving children and the elderly. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Dotun Oyelade, warned event organisers of severe penalties for compromising public safety.

Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the tragedy as “painful and preventable,” announced the cancellation of his December 25th birthday celebrations to honor the victims. “There will be no birthday celebration this year. I will remain indoors to reflect,” the governor stated while receiving a condolence delegation from the South-East PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Condolences from PDP and Fayemi

The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its condolences to the Oyo State Government and families of the victims. PDP Publicity Secretary Chief Sanya Atofarati attributed the tragedy to economic hardships, which he said pushed families to seek free entertainment for their children.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also extended his sympathies, urging authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation continues, as authorities work to uncover the causes of the tragedy and ensure accountability.

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Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

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11 hours ago

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December 21, 2024

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Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday at the popular Araromi spare parts market, Agodi-Gate, in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying property worth millions of naira.

The fire, which began around 2 a.m., continues to rage as firefighters struggle to contain the inferno.  The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the seriousness of the situation and called for assistance from water tanker owners.

“We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation,” Akinyinka stated.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined as investigations are ongoing.

This incident adds to a series of recent tragic fires in Ibadan. On Friday, a fire claimed the lives of a husband, his wife, and their grandson in the Ori-Eru, Idikan area of the city. The blaze, which occurred at 3:46 a.m., gutted a storey building.

Earlier in the week, another fire incident on Sunday morning destroyed three shops in the city, though the quick intervention of the state fire services prevented the flames from spreading to 13 neighboring shops.

Last Friday, a fire engulfed a Christ Apostolic Church parish in Lagelu Local Government Area during a vigil, trapping worshippers inside. The tragedy struck around 9:30 p.m. at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, leaving the community in shock.

These repeated incidents have raised concerns about fire safety in Ibadan, prompting calls for enhanced preventive measures and quicker emergency responses. Investigations into the cause of the Araromi market fire are underway, while efforts to control the blaze continue.

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