Areas and suburbs in Qatar
If your employer won't provide you with accommodation, choosing where to live in Qatar is a process that demands some practical consideration. Rather than searching for tree-lined lanes and quiet neighbours, choosing an area in Qatar within close proximity to the main income earner’s place of work takes priority.
Doha, the capital and business hub of Qatar, claims an assortment of diverse communities clumped together within different
areas. Occupation, corporation and length of contract usually dictate where an expat will be most “at home”, but this isn’t always the case.
Doha is between smaller hubs, such as Al Khor and Ras Laffan to the north, and Mesaieed to the south. These small towns offer accommodation to expats who work in the oil and gas industry, or who are employed by the ever-expanding ports in those areas. Expats living in these communities can expect a highway commute of approximately 35 to 50 miles (60 to 80 km) to the capital. This means that sometimes even expats employed in by these sectors prefer to find accommodation closer to the amenities and energy of Doha.
Ultimately, whether in a compound, a free standing villa, or in an apartment, one thing stands out when choosing accommodation in Doha: traffic. Schools and shopping malls are well situated to service all areas, but in a country where the peak traffic hour is all day long, travel time is a major concern when choosing a place to live.
Mushereib is a busy downtown area close to the business district and the main market area, called Souq Waqif. It’s characterised by narrow roads and small shops, and claims very high labour foot traffic and peak hour vehicle traffic at all times. Mushereib is an older area with many dated apartment buildings and aged flats.
This area is home to most of the embassies to various countries, and hosts a fair amount of diplomat accommodation. Mostly, Qatari high income earner families can be found in this area in very large and ostentatious villas which line two-lane main roads. West Bay is serviced by the City Centre Mall, situated very aptly in the financial district surrounded by high rise buildings. High traffic congestion is not prevalent here.
The Pearl is a portion of reclaimed land off the Qatar peninsula. The presence of high-end apartment buildings with luxury shops and restaurants makes this a sought after area for high income expats and Qataris alike. Access is made easy by a double lane road in and out. Upmarket jetties secure mooring space for large yachts. This is where the trendy live and play.
A very well-liked area among expats as it is close to the popular Villagio mall. Predominantly, modern family compound accommodation with all the amenities included is found here. Older sections of this area contain well maintained free standing villas. High traffic is sporadic depending on school times and events held at the Aspire Park sports dome. Al Waab/Al Sadd is one of the most aesthetically pleasing areas, and also boasts easy access to most of the major routes.
In Abu Hamour, there’s a good mix of compound accommodation and free-standing villas. Easy access to most schools makes this area popular for teachers. The wholesale market, which includes a fish and animal market, is situated near here, and unfortunately on hot, windy days, a not-so-pleasant smell permeates the surrounding area.
Al Gharaffa is one of the largest areas in Doha, with an eclectic mix of free-standing villas, compounds and apartments. It’s close to most of the major shopping centres and main roads, and affords residents good access to Education City. For this reason, it’s become a popular area among expats who work for government agencies, such as Qatar Foundation or Qatar University.
Duhail is a quiet area far from the hustle and bustle of the traffic-filled Doha centre. Close proximity to major highways and newer free standing villas makes this a popular area for people working in Ras Laffan.
Doha, the capital and business hub of Qatar, claims an assortment of diverse communities clumped together within different
areas. Occupation, corporation and length of contract usually dictate where an expat will be most “at home”, but this isn’t always the case.Doha is between smaller hubs, such as Al Khor and Ras Laffan to the north, and Mesaieed to the south. These small towns offer accommodation to expats who work in the oil and gas industry, or who are employed by the ever-expanding ports in those areas. Expats living in these communities can expect a highway commute of approximately 35 to 50 miles (60 to 80 km) to the capital. This means that sometimes even expats employed in by these sectors prefer to find accommodation closer to the amenities and energy of Doha.
Ultimately, whether in a compound, a free standing villa, or in an apartment, one thing stands out when choosing accommodation in Doha: traffic. Schools and shopping malls are well situated to service all areas, but in a country where the peak traffic hour is all day long, travel time is a major concern when choosing a place to live.
Areas and suburbs of Doha
Mushereib
Mushereib is a busy downtown area close to the business district and the main market area, called Souq Waqif. It’s characterised by narrow roads and small shops, and claims very high labour foot traffic and peak hour vehicle traffic at all times. Mushereib is an older area with many dated apartment buildings and aged flats.
West Bay/ Dafna
This area is home to most of the embassies to various countries, and hosts a fair amount of diplomat accommodation. Mostly, Qatari high income earner families can be found in this area in very large and ostentatious villas which line two-lane main roads. West Bay is serviced by the City Centre Mall, situated very aptly in the financial district surrounded by high rise buildings. High traffic congestion is not prevalent here.
Pearl
The Pearl is a portion of reclaimed land off the Qatar peninsula. The presence of high-end apartment buildings with luxury shops and restaurants makes this a sought after area for high income expats and Qataris alike. Access is made easy by a double lane road in and out. Upmarket jetties secure mooring space for large yachts. This is where the trendy live and play.
Al Waab/Al Sadd
A very well-liked area among expats as it is close to the popular Villagio mall. Predominantly, modern family compound accommodation with all the amenities included is found here. Older sections of this area contain well maintained free standing villas. High traffic is sporadic depending on school times and events held at the Aspire Park sports dome. Al Waab/Al Sadd is one of the most aesthetically pleasing areas, and also boasts easy access to most of the major routes.
Abu Hamour
In Abu Hamour, there’s a good mix of compound accommodation and free-standing villas. Easy access to most schools makes this area popular for teachers. The wholesale market, which includes a fish and animal market, is situated near here, and unfortunately on hot, windy days, a not-so-pleasant smell permeates the surrounding area.
Al Gharaffa
Al Gharaffa is one of the largest areas in Doha, with an eclectic mix of free-standing villas, compounds and apartments. It’s close to most of the major shopping centres and main roads, and affords residents good access to Education City. For this reason, it’s become a popular area among expats who work for government agencies, such as Qatar Foundation or Qatar University.
Duhail
Duhail is a quiet area far from the hustle and bustle of the traffic-filled Doha centre. Close proximity to major highways and newer free standing villas makes this a popular area for people working in Ras Laffan.
