Doha was not exactly a budget destination and that will probably not change anytime soon. Qatar currently has the highest per capita GDP and the economy is soaring. This is yet another example of an economy built on the petroleum industry (mainly natural gas here, with the world’s largest known reserves). I would say Qatar has overtaken Dubai as the economic star in the region, but Dubai still has a much more 'western' feel. Hotels in Doha are plentiful but costs can be hefty. Couchsurfing might be possible, although many people do not visit Qatar unless they are going for work or know someone living there. Qatar does not offer visas on arrival to many countries outside of the gulf region, meaning most would need to apply in advance to visit. If you’re still interested in going, plenty of airlines fly out here offering good deals, especially Qatar Airways.
The city has a feel that it’s in the midst of an economic boom. Construction is going on everywhere and there is no shortage of places to spend your money at. Large themed malls and shopping centers are popular places. There is only one store that sells alcohol and you must have a license to buy from there (this can take residents 4-6 weeks to have one issued). You can go to any of the large resorts for a pricey drink. Qatar does NOT allow visitors or residents to bring in any duty free alcohol or any type of alcoholic drink on arrival; if you bring some it will be confiscated at the airport. There is duty free shopping only when leaving the country.
Education city is a little ways outside the city center and is becoming a city of sort in itself. There is a massive conference hall across the street that was hosting the Doha 2012 COP18 while I was there. Describing the facilities of Education City as opulent is an understatement, especially when going around the inside of the buildings. They have their own server farm hosting a cloud and every classroom seemed to be wired up. There were numerous lectures and presentations offered throughout the week for students and faculty to attend during lunch or at breaks in the day; many of these also offered free snack or a lunch if during lunchtime. The place was bustling with activity while I was there. Overall seemed like a great place to work or study.
The city has a feel that it’s in the midst of an economic boom. Construction is going on everywhere and there is no shortage of places to spend your money at. Large themed malls and shopping centers are popular places. There is only one store that sells alcohol and you must have a license to buy from there (this can take residents 4-6 weeks to have one issued). You can go to any of the large resorts for a pricey drink. Qatar does NOT allow visitors or residents to bring in any duty free alcohol or any type of alcoholic drink on arrival; if you bring some it will be confiscated at the airport. There is duty free shopping only when leaving the country.
Education city is a little ways outside the city center and is becoming a city of sort in itself. There is a massive conference hall across the street that was hosting the Doha 2012 COP18 while I was there. Describing the facilities of Education City as opulent is an understatement, especially when going around the inside of the buildings. They have their own server farm hosting a cloud and every classroom seemed to be wired up. There were numerous lectures and presentations offered throughout the week for students and faculty to attend during lunch or at breaks in the day; many of these also offered free snack or a lunch if during lunchtime. The place was bustling with activity while I was there. Overall seemed like a great place to work or study.
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