I was recently tagged by the lovely Jersey Girl from Adventures of a Jersey Girl to join the expat tag challenge. So here are the answers to the ten expat tag questions set out! Hope you find it insightful and helps other people consider moving to Qatar from the UK. 

1. Table of Contents

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   Where were you born, where did you grow up and where do you currently live?

We are British expats currently based in Doha.We moved to Doha from London but I am originally from Birmingham in the Midlands.

2. What made you leave your home country?

I left the UK because I was offered a job over in Qatar that I couldn’t refuse. Everybody assumes we moved from my husband’s job but we are one of the rare expat couples that moved for the wife’s job.

3. What type of reactions do you get when you meet new people and tell them where you are from?

When I tell people that I live in Qatar usually people had a lot of questions either on the weather, the dress code or life during ramadan. I have written about these over on my blog:

Ramadan Qatar 

What to Wear in Doha

4. What was the easiest/hardest part in adjusting to your new country?

I think that the hardest thing for any expat is being without family and friends. I have felt this more since having a baby abroad.

Read this post for tips for feeling homesick as an expat

5. Images, words or sounds that sum up the expat experience you’ve had so far.

If there was an image that reminds me of Doha it is either of the Doha skyline or of the Museum of Islamic Art. Both are iconic and will forever remind me of Doha.

The beautiful Doha skyline

The Museum of Islamic Art Doha Qatar

Though the desert is equally evocative!

The desert in Qatar

In terms of smells, for me the smell of Doha is Oud, a local perfume and the smell of spices as you walk through the Souq!

6. Your favorite food or drink item in your new country?

I have loved discovering Arabic food while living in Qatar. I think food is such an important way to get to know a culture. The tastes of Qatar for me are hummus, kebabs and the beautiful local drink lemon mint!

Arabic food at the Ramadan Tent Suhoor at the Grand Hyatt Doha

7. What’s the one thing you said “yes” to in your new city that you wouldn’t say “yes” to, back home?

For me the reason we moved to Doha was the chance to move abroad and experience another culture. We knew that if we didn’t take this opportunity we would regret it!

8. Are there any cultural norms/phrases in your new country which you cannot stand?

If there is one thing that I can not stand about Doha it’s the traffic and driving. I love driving back home but I find it really stressful here so don’t do it anymore.

9. What do you enjoy most doing in your new country?

One the great things that Qatar has afforded me is the ability to travel with my family. In fact, I don’t think my blog would ever have been born without us been living in Qatar!

10. Do you think you will ever move home for good?

I know we won’t be in Qatar forever but whether we move straight home or not is still up in the air. I think I would like to return home at some point though. Since having a family, you really miss your friends and family.

Thanks Jersey Girl for the nomination. I would like to tag some of my other favourite expat bloggers to join the challenge

Are you considering a move abroad – here are some questions you should answer before taking on a posting!Looking for more expat relocation inspiration check out this post

Further Reading on Qatar:

Preparing For Your Trip:
Ultimate Guide of Where to Stay in Doha
What to Wear in Doha