How Doha is Different from Other Middle Eastern Cities – Relish the Charm of a Unique City!

Doha shares many similarities with its neighbouring cities, but it also has unique characteristics that set it apart. Its multiculturalism is appealing to expats who come to work here. The locals are friendly enough, and they are used to expats. The city also offers many fun things to do. Here’s how this city is different from the others of its kind in the Middle East.

Image by ilfioredellavita from Pixabay 

1.     An Islamic land where tradition blends with modern living

Doha is one of the few places in the world where tradition and modernity go hand in hand. The city is conservative, but it has embraced modern living. Tourists are allowed to enjoy their holiday the way they want, and there are numerous Doha hotels with cutting-edge facilities. It is also easier to make connections in Doha than in other cities in the Middle East.

2.     Expat community

You’ll see a lot of foreigners at places like Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, but the expat population in Doha is smaller when compared to Dubai. The expat community in Doha is a tight-knit community, which makes it easier to make friends.

3.     Doha is less expensive

Doha is a wealthy city in its own right, but living here is less expensive when compared to other Middle Eastern cities. For example, renting an apartment in Dubai can cost you more than $10,000 a month, whereas Doha offers decent accommodation at reasonable rates. Medical insurance and other costs of living are also quite reasonable here.

4.     Safety

Doha is a city of safety. Whether you are a man or a woman, you can live here alone without any safety concerns on your mind. Getting into a cab at night is something you can do here, so is walking around at night. A lot of shops and malls stay open until late in Doha because people are out and about at night. At the Corniche, there are several cellphone charging stations where people leave their mobiles on charge; when they come back, they find their phone exactly where they left them.

5.     Food

Living in Doha can turn anyone into a foodie; the food culture is one of the main attractions of the city. Cafes and restaurants serve all kinds of food - from Middle Eastern and Indian to French and Italian. Arabic dishes, in particular, are something any tourist should try.

6.     Less traffic

Doha is a busy city, but the traffic here is tolerable, especially in contrast to a city like Dubai. That said, keep in mind that it’s much more dangerous here due to young people driving so recklessly.

7.     Luxury layovers

Flying to the Emirates in style is the norm. Emirates usually offer their passengers a complimentary transit visa. Qatar Airways offers the same; however, it comes with many perks like free accommodation in Doha and a pass to explore the city’s main attractions.

8.     A promising future

With the upcoming 2022 World Cup, Doha has laid the foundation for a promising future. Doha now beats Dubai in terms of popularity. The city is administering massive development projects for the benefit of the upcoming event. Doha is changing, and every day there’s a new building or a road being built. This is what makes Doha a contender for the title of the wealthiest city in the Middle East.

9.     Multiculturalism

Doha has a multicultural society, which makes things easier for an outsider. A foreigner can instantly feel at home here. Networking in Doha is easy and also important. People are friendly and welcoming here. If you are planning to live and work in Doha, know that the work culture is easygoing, and people are very cooperative and helpful.