society

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Travelling To Qatar

Published

1 year ago

September 8, 2023

Sahara Weekly

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

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.

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.

society

Ewekoro Local Government Strengthens Ties with Community and Celebrates Unity at Recent Events

Published

47 minutes ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ewekoro Local Government Strengthens Ties with Community and Celebrates Unity at Recent Events

Ewekoro, Ogun State – December 7, 2024

In a series of significant events underscoring the commitment to community welfare and development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ewekoro Division, led by Division Officer Mrs. Oyebade Folukemi, paid a congratulatory visit to the newly elected Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government Council, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa. This visit, which took place on December 2, 2024, marked a crucial step towards strengthening collaboration between the NSCDC and local government officials, aimed at enhancing the safety and security of the Ewekoro community.

Mrs. Oyebade expressed her congratulations to Hon. Adesina, emphasizing the NSCDC’s commitment to supporting local governance and ensuring a secure environment for residents. The visit served as a platform to discuss strategies for improving safety measures in the area, illustrating the proactive approach of the NSCDC in fostering a safe community for all.

In another notable event, market women from Ewekoro Local Government paid a visit to Hon. Adesina to express their gratitude for his administration’s efforts in empowering local traders. Under his leadership, significant projects have been implemented, including the construction of modern market facilities, such as the 183 lock-up shops at Arigbajo Market. These developments have greatly enhanced the socio-economic activities of market women, contributing positively to their livelihoods and the overall well-being of the community.

Led by Alhaja Ejire, the head of market women, the delegation thanked Hon. Adesina for his unwavering support and commitment to their cause. The discussions during the visit focused on exploring further collaboration to address the challenges faced by market women, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to people-oriented projects that uplift the community.

The strong presence of local leaders during this visit, including Vice-chairman Alhaja Abisola Nuratu Aliyu and other key administration officials, highlighted the unified effort to promote the welfare of Ewekoro’s residents. The Chairman’s administration has earned recognition for its initiatives that significantly impact the lives of market women and the broader community.

Additionally, the recent Obada Day 2024 celebration, held on December 1 at Owiwi Primary School in Obada Ward 10, showcased the unity and love within the communities of Obada Town. Hon. Sikiru Adesina joined dignitaries such as HRM Oba Olufemi Solaja, the Olu of Obada Town, and HRH Oba Kasimawo Ogundare, the Olu of Opelifa, to celebrate this significant event. The celebration emphasized the importance of love, unity, and progress in Ewekoro Local Government, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.

In a related announcement, the Ewekoro Local Government has informed all revenue consultants that the 2025 Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Sales of Form will commence on December 2 and close on December 13, 2024. Those interested in securing a position are encouraged to purchase the form during this period.

These recent engagements and celebrations reflect Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa’s commitment to fostering community spirit, enhancing local governance, and promoting economic growth in Ewekoro Local Government. As the administration continues to work hand-in-hand with various stakeholders, there is a renewed sense of optimism for the future development of the community.

society

FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

Published

14 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has raised an alert on the new XEC COVID-19 variant, urging heightened surveillance across Nigeria’s healthcare facilities.

The XEC variant, first identified in Australia, has now been detected in 29 countries and is showing a growth advantage over existing strains. Health experts are concerned about its potential impact on public health.

The warning was conveyed in a letter dated December 5, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. O.N. Anuma.

“I am directed to inform you of the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant which has already spread to 29 countries globally. This variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health,” the letter read.

Call to Action

Dr. Anuma emphasized the need for immediate vigilance in hospitals nationwide.

“Alert systems should be activated immediately for a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with COVID-like symptoms,” he said.

The ministry also stressed the importance of collaboration among health institutions to monitor the variant and share critical data.

“We urge you to work with relevant stakeholders to implement enhanced monitoring protocols and ensure timely information sharing with the Federal Ministry of Health for effective response strategies.”

Global Spread and Implications

First identified in Germany in June, the XEC variant has since been reported in France, the United States, the UK, Denmark, and other countries. Over 600 cases have been recorded globally, with scientists noting that while the variant has mutations that may aid its spread, vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing severe cases.

society

Bunmi Olu: A trailblazing woman and epitome of excellence reaches another incredible milestone ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Published

15 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Bunmi Olu: A trailblazing woman and epitome of excellence reaches another incredible milestone

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

A London-based Nigerian entrepreneur celebrates a landmark birthday with outstanding entrepreneurial acumen at fifty plus on Saturday, 7th December 2024

Bunmi Olu’s leadership style, marked by exceptional courage, integrity, and dedication to duty as founder of Dreamfo Widows and Widowers International NGO, has earned her a special place in the hearts of good Nigerians at home and abroad, and indeed the world at large

Your tireless pursuit of excellence in public service is a beacon of inspiration, and your remarkable legacy amongst women of virtue in the public sphere continues to inspire others to achieve greatness

As a trailblazing woman of substance, you continue to demonstrate remarkable courage in all your endeavors, while also committing to develop a responsible management system that ensures the efficient utilization of international resources at Dreamfo, a hub for thousands of widows and widowers

Your project vision has showcased considerable positive impact on womanhood and society as a whole, and it remains impressive. Your ability to make substantial contributions to the growth of future generations and create employment opportunities to some Dreamfo widows and widowers is indeed exceptional and second to none

Ma, your accomplishments as a distinguished woman in the battalion serve as a testament to your lasting influence on the community and its residents

Your exemplary work ethic and steadfast commitment to the well-being of the people have won their trust and appreciation, a reflection of your exceptional leadership

I’m delighted to extend my sincerest congratulations to you on this momentous birthday occasion

May this birthday celebration continue to motivate you to reach greater heights of achievement and service to humanity

Congratulations once more ma! May God continue to bless and guide you. Amen!

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos