Once expats moving to Qatar actually figure out where this tiny Gulf state is located on a map, the next bit of information to process is normally the fact that Qatar has emerged as a liquid natural gas powerhouse that claims the highest per capital income in the world (2011).

The gas- and oil-rich economy has elevated the miniature emirate to an important global player. As a result of the fossil fuel boom, as well as monarch Emir Hamad bin Khalif Al Thani’s socio-political liberalisation policies, Qatar now hosts regiments of Commonwealth and South Asian expats; and increasing numbers of foreigners are moving to Qatar to work hard, save money in the tax-free environment, and maintain a standard of living and wealth relatively similar to that of Western Europe.

While there are plenty of work opportunities for expats interested in employment in the petrochemical sector, Qatar is also working to increase foreign investment in non-energy sectors, such as IT, construction, and –  to take a page from Dubai’s book – tourism.

Not to mention, with its successful 2022 World Cup bid, the nation will be filtering big spending into improving infrastructure. As a result, it’s likely more manpower will be required to transform Doha, the capital city often described as half building site, half park, into something whole.

Cranes, alongside this desert nation’s suffocating heat, are constants.

Expats and their families can look forward to an emirate that puts an emphasis on cultural and education disciplines. Whereas Qatar used to be the backward 'country cousin' of the region, it now aims to be the Middle Eastern flagship for social development and intellectualism. In recent years, it has worked hard to create a “knowledge economy”, and to promote ventures like the Museum of Islamic art and a massive Education City.

That said, the nation still adheres to an Islamic mandate, censorship is still enforced and foreigners will never be able to command the same place in society as Qataris.

Additionally, expats considering moving to Qatar should remember that the peninsula is only recently getting rid of growing pains. This gangly phase means provincialisms still exist: many non-English speakers are still in the service sector; bureaucratic difficulties and red tape can still prove frustrating and endless; and there exists an Arab society that is not nearly as liberal as neighbours like the UAE or Bahrain.

Despite these challenges though, the expat community in Qatar is large and welcoming; and it’s relatively easy to make connections that can ease the relocation process, and that can help you to overcome the challenges of culture shock.