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Housing
VCUQatar provides fully furnished apartments or villas (including appliances, cutlery, utensils, bed linens etc.) for their sponsored employees. You will also be provided with a temporary mobile phone, laptop and basic groceries.
VCUQatar provides internet facilities but does not provide landline or television facilities for employees. However, upon receipt of your Qatar ID, you are eligible to apply for telecommunication services from the available providers through Ooredoo or Vodafone.
Examples of Housing
The pictures below illustrate the standard of accommodation we provide to international faculty and staff.
Education in Qatar
Qatar has a variety of schools, nursery and pre-schools with different curricula, including American, British, International Baccalaureate, Indian, Lebanese, etc. However, because of the large number of school-age children, availability is at a premium. Depending on your request, the HR Manager can assist you with your schooling needs at the time of your relocation to Qatar.
It is advisable to register well before the summer holidays as some schools start their registration one year in advance. Early registration is also recommended as many schools require prospective students to sit for an entrance exam in addition to providing reports and test results from previous schools.
Nursery/ Preschools
HR will provide this information upon request.
Schools
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Tel: +974 4020 6900 Email: info.thumama@americanacademy.sch.qa
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Tel: +974-4459-1500 Email: reception@asd.edu.qa
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Tel: +974 469 3777 Email: registrar@aja.edu.qa
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Tel: (+974) 44734666 Email: jane.fabrigas@akisbs.tv
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Tel: +974 4034 9888 / 4034 9821 Email: info.mk@nais.qa
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Tel: 4019 8000 Email: info@dohabritishschool.com
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Tel: +974 4407 6777 Email: enquiries@dohacollege.com
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Tel +974 4459 2750
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Tel: 4458 3121 / 4458 3122 Email: feedback@dmisqatar.com
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Email: registrar_aaq@gemsedu.com Phone: +974 4032 9000
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Lycée Franco-Qatarien Voltaire Tel: (+974) 4035 Email: vswaab@voltairedoha.com
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(There are 8 schools under Newton International. Please visit the website for more info) |
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International School of London Tel: +974 4433 8600 Email: mail@islqatar.com |
Fax: +974 4468 3800 Email: info@parkhouseschool.com
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Tel +974 4454 2000
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Phone: +974 5543 9555/ 4421 7553 Email: info@blythacademyqatar.com
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Tel: +974 4483 3456 Email: info@qis.org
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Tel: +974 4696590/ 4690520
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Tel: +974 4457 8777 Email: info@gulfenglishschool.com
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Tel: +974 4041 7445 / 7444 Email: registrar_wsq@gemsedu.com
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Tel: +974 4036 4020 / 4021 Email: admissions@vis.qa
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Tel: +974 4012 7633 Email: info@sek.qa
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Tel: +974 4442 0844 Email: reception@pps.sch.qa
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Tel: +974 4459 6400 Email: office@sherborneqatar.org
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Swiss International School Qatar Tel: +974 4036 3131 Email: info@sisq.qa
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Tel: +974 4496 5888 Email: info@kingscollegedoha.com
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Tel: +974 3329 6569 Email: admissions@this.qa
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Medical & Healthcare
Employees are eligible for both private health care insurance and as residents of Qatar have access to the national health service.
Private Health Care
VCUQatar provides COVA CARE/ BlueCross / BlueShield coverage and AXA insurance as benefits for employees. After your arrival in Qatar, the HR team will provide information about health care benefits during the orientation. Employees can opt for either of the plans and if they decide to convert their plan from one to the other later, it can only be done during the open enrollment every April.
National Health Service
Employees will also receive the Government Health Card from Hamad Medical Corporation. After your Qatar ID card has been issued, you must complete the medical card application form and submit it to HR.
Within Hamad Medical City are Hamad Hospital, Al Amal Oncology Hospital, Rumailah Hospital and the Woman’s Hospital.
The Emergency Telephone Number is 999.
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(Please click on website link to see various locations and contact details) Tel: +974 4439 5777 Email: neasmaak@hamad.qa Customer Service: 16060 |
(Please click on website link to see locations and contact details) Customer Service: 16060 |
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Women’s Hospital Email: nesmaak@hamad.qa Customer Service : 16060 |
Hamad General Hospital (includes Accident and Emergency) Tel: +974 4439 4444 Email: nesmaak@hamad.qa
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Services include plastic surgery, Ear nose and throat surgery, ophthalmology and a stroke unit. Tel: +974 4439 6666 Email: nesmaak@hamad.qa Customer Service: 16060
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Private Hospitals
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Tel: +974 4489 8888 Email: info@ahlihospital.com |
Tel: +974 4447 6444 Email: info@alemadihospital.com.qa |
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Tel: +974 4442 1999 |
Tel: +974 4438 4333 |
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Tel: +974 4499 2444 Email: info@turkishhospitals.com
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Sidra Medicine (Women and Children Hospital) Tel: +974 4003 3333 |
Tips for a successful stay
Some Dos
- Do remember that Qatar is a nation which embraces the Islamic culture, and certain clothing is more appropriate to present oneself respectably. Men and women should wear shorts and sleeveless tops only at the beach or a private, enclosed pool.
- Do make sure to drink plenty of water, and watch for potential heat-related sicknesses, especially in the summer months. Headaches, nausea, and dizziness are some of the signs that you may be dehydrated and overheating.
- Do remember to protect yourself from the sun. Some type of head cover is recommended to prevent severe sunburn. Sun-block is a must, at all times of the year.
- Do ask permission from people before taking their photograph. Many of the older people and most of the local women object to having their picture taken. Most government buildings, police, and armed forces buildings are off-limits for casual photography. Taking photographs at the airport is also forbidden.
- Do be prepared to bargain with shopkeepers – especially in the Souqs (street markets). Enjoy the experience!
Some Don’ts
- Don't wade in the coastal waters barefoot. Poisonous stonefish frequent the shallows. These appear to be rocks, but can inject poison into your foot when stepped on.
- Don’t cross your feet in such a way as to expose the bottoms of your feet to a Qatari host. Showing the bottoms of one's feet is considered an insult.
- Traditional wisdom and practicality of the past has emphasized the use and preference of the right hand for greeting people and taking food. It is best to interact with others and give/ receive items with the right.
- Do not drink and drive. There is zero tolerance for drunken behavior or driving a car under the influence of alcohol, even a small amount. Severe penalties can include fines, imprisonment and deportation. Special caution should be exercised when driving home after dinner or a party - designated drivers are strongly recommended
- It is illegal to gift, sell, or exchange alcohol in Qatar.
Useful Information
Shopping Hours
Some shops close from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. every afternoon. Many malls are open from 10:00 a.m. to midnight (check ahead!). On Fridays, all shops and food outlets will be closed from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for prayer.
The Holy Month of Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public during the hours of fasting (between dawn and sunset).
Consumption of Alcohol
The importation and consumption of alcohol is strictly regulated. While alcohol will be available in most hotel restaurants and bars, you will need to obtain a liquor permit in order to purchase alcohol from the Qatar Distribution Center (QDC) for consumption in your home. Permits are available on-site at the QDC.
Liquor purchased through the QDC must be taken directly home and should be kept concealed while driving.
For more information, please contact the Human Resources Office.
Time
Standard time in Doha, Qatar is 3 hours ahead of UCT (Universal Coordinated Time, formerly know as GMT) and seven hours ahead of EST (Eastern Standard Time). During Daylight Savings Time in the U.S., Qatar is 7 hours ahead of EST.
Weather
The country of Qatar has a desert climate, with long hot summers and generally mild winters. Winter temperatures vary but rarely drop below 45 degrees Farenheit (approximately 7 degrees Celsius.) However, it can feel quite cold because most buildings are not centrally heated.
The summer months are very humid and hot, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 110 degrees Farenheit (approximately 45 degrees Celsius.) Rainfall is scarce and occurs mainly between October and March.
Population
Although there are no reliable figures available, it is estimated that the current population in Qatar to be 2.9 million.
Qatari citizens account for roughly 20% of the population. Other Arab groups, mostly Palestinians, Lebanese, Omani, Syrians, and Egyptians account for another 20%. Pakistanis and Indians each represent 18%, Iranians 10%, while Europeans, Americans and others make up the balance.
Language
The official language of Qatar is Arabic. However, English is widely used in everyday life and a majority of businesses are capable of completing transactions and services using English. In addition, all classes taught at Education City universities are taught in English.
Arabic lessons are offered to expatriates through various training centers in Qatar based on an individual's language proficiency levels. Contact the Human Resources office for more information.
Safety & Security
At VCUQatar, we take the safety and security of our students, faculty and staff and their family members seriously. As part of a continuous effort, we have a dedicated team of staff working tirelessly to ensure students, employees, and their family members are kept safe whether they are at work, at home, or elsewhere in Qatar. More information is provided during the New Employee Orientation.
Embassy Registration for U.S. Citizens
The US Embassy has a Warden System that is used by the Embassy to immediately notify those registered of any serious incident happening in the immediate area or to provide information on a serious situation that may have occurred elsewhere but impacts Qatar. Please make sure to register online at:
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Note: When registering, please make sure to identify your employer/affiliate as VCU.
In addition, please make sure to update your personal information. If your phone number or family situation has changed, you should re-register with this new information.
If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen
Non-U.S. employees working in Qatar should also register with their home country's embassy. Your embassy needs to be aware of your presence in Qatar, so that they can assist you in the event of an emergency. As the process for registering with embassies varies, please contact your embassy directly for information on how to register.
Family Life in Qatar
Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar is committed to creating a supportive network of people, activities and programs to promote the research and personal development of all faculty and staff in the VCUQatar community. Our Human Resources department has a dedicated team to welcome you and answer any queries you may have about Qatar, from what is available in the supermarkets to recommending schools for your children.
The HR department will also keep in touch with your spouse about their interests and helps them get involved in activities and organizations in Qatar while also making suggestions regarding jobs. The university has events organized throughout the year from lectures and exhibitions to community classes, family days and Ramadan iftars so your family feels they are part of the VCUQatar community.
Qatar is a family-oriented country where children are welcomed just about everywhere. Families, and especially children, play an important role in Qatari culture. Family outings are very popular and you will see large extended family groups picnicking outside and around the playgrounds, parks and the Corniche area in cooler months.
Activities
Organized sports are big here in Qatar. Activities to keep your family active include aikido, aerobics, badminton, baseball, basketball and bowling. Cycling is a favourite pastime and you’ll find families peddling around the compounds. Cross-country bikes can also be found for sale in Doha.
Take advantage of horseback riding on Arabian horses in Doha. There are several tracks and expert facilities with breeders in Qatar. Classes can be arranged for adults and kids both in group settings or private sessions. Perhaps you prefer ice-skating at the City Center Mall where you can take ice-skating and hockey lessons.
Sports
Doha offers pristinely manicured golf courses for your family to play and enjoy in the cool weather months. The Qatar Master’s Tournament is held every March on its golf course. Lessons are available for all ages and levels.
Tennis is another widely played sport in Doha with most compounds and sports clubs housing their own tennis courts. There are several instructors to take lessons from. World-class tournaments are held annually.
Or perhaps you prefer karate, rugby, track, squash, Tae Kwon Do, volleyball or swimming at either the sports clubs or your compound’s pool. The opportunities are endless.
Culture
For those of you who like a little more culture and a little fewer sports, you will find art and voice lessons, music instruction and language classes. There are dance lessons for children and teens in ballet and ballroom dancing.
The Doha Players is regionally renowned for producing several plays and musicals throughout the year where both young and old can perform, run backstage operations or simply enjoy as audience members. All sorts of societies thrive in Qatar, such as the American Women’s Association, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts. You can join chess and film clubs or take cooking and gardening classes. There are environmental and natural history groups that meet regularly and plan activities as well as photography and science clubs.
Museums
Visit the country’s museums, including the Islamic Art Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Qatar National Museum and the Weaponry Museum, containing centuries’ old daggers and gilt-handled swords. History buffs will enjoy travelling outside Doha to the various forts and towers dotting Qatar’s landscape. Jebel Jassassiyeh features more than 900 carvings dating back thousands of years, offering many delights for the professional or amateur archaeologist.
The Corniche
The Corniche may be one of the most popular locations in Doha. Stretching along Doha Bay, this grassy expanse offers a pedestrian-only area for walking, running and playing. With the Arabian Gulf as a backdrop, families can enjoy a picnic or a stroll. Additionally, many organized activities take place along the Corniche, including parades and fireworks. During holidays and festivals, Doha residents go to the Corniche to see the coloured lights and decorations, eat local foods and watch the extravagant fireworks displays.
Al Rumelia Park, located opposite the Corniche, contains ornamental pools and waterways with wooden bridges where kids can play and visit small food and souvenir stalls. There are an outdoor theatre, children’s playground and a half-pipe for skateboarders. With many benches and grassy areas to enjoy, families find much to do together in this relaxing environment.
Boats and ferry rides to surrounding islands usually dock from the Corniche and the fishing harbour is here as well. You can take a voyage on a traditional wooden boat, called a Dhow around Doha Bay.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to sail, the Arabian Gulf is the perfect place for your family to learn maritime skills. With more than 700 km of coastline, you can spend the entire day with your family beachcombing for shells and building skyscraper sandcastles.
Shopping Malls
There are many newly opened shopping malls in Qatar ie Mall of Qatar and Doha Festival City, to name a few. Most of the large shopping complexes have entire play areas dedicated to children. These amusement centres offer a variety of games, rides, and activities, including Circus Land at the Landmark Shopping Mall, Jungle Zone at Hyatt Plaza, and Toby’s Adventureland at The Mall. Located in City Center Doha, Winter Wonderland offers ice skating, bowling alleys, and a water park, while X-Treme World offers a range of rides, games, and sports.
Most of the shopping centres have cinemas showing some of the latest blockbuster movie releases, complete with candy, soft drinks and popcorn. Throughout the year, Qatar has many festivals to entertain the entire family. Qatar Summer Wonders, in July, is filled with fun activities, shows and events.
Housemaid services in Doha
One of the advantages of living in the Middle East is the ease with which you can hire someone to help you with your household chores. The majority of ex-pat families in Doha have domestic help.
Useful sites
Please visit the links provided below for more information on activities offered for your children and the communities and organizations you would like to join.