Accommodation in Doha

Finding suitable accommodation in Doha is a priority for expats moving to the city. The task of manoeuvring one's way through the bureaucracy of a foreign property market can be challenging, and the accommodation scene in Doha is developing rapidly in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Areas are constantly changing and accommodation is being upgraded – it can be difficult to keep up, even for Doha residents. This rapid development, while promising, can make the search for the right home daunting, especially when navigating the complexities of a foreign property market. 

Understanding the local market trends, the variety of accommodation options available, and the legalities of renting in Qatar is crucial for expats. Equipped with the right information and possibly the assistance of reputable real estate professionals, newcomers can find a dwelling that not only meets their needs but also allows them to immerse themselves fully in the vibrant life and culture of Doha.

Areas and suburbs in Doha

Doha's strategic location, nestled between smaller hubs like Al Khor and Ras Laffan to the north and Mesaieed to the south, offers a plethora of living options catering for various preferences and needs. For those working in the burgeoning oil and gas sector or associated with the rapidly growing ports, living in these peripheral towns might seem appealing. However, the daily commute of up to 50 miles (80km) to Doha prompts many to opt for residences closer to the city's dynamic core, where the juxtaposition of modern amenities against the backdrop of traditional Qatari culture presents a unique living experience.

For expats, Doha offers a rich tapestry of neighbourhoods, each with its unique charm and appeal. West Bay, with its diplomatic enclaves and luxury villas, remains a top choice for high-income families, offering proximity to financial districts and shopping malls. Meanwhile, The Pearl-Qatar stands out as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, with its upscale apartments, boutiques and eateries catering for a discerning clientele. Al Wakrah, on the other hand, offers a serene coastal lifestyle just a stone's throw from the capital, appealing to those seeking a quieter, more laid-back setting.

Read more in our comprehensive guide to the Best Areas and Suburbs in Doha.

Types of accommodation in Doha

Expats living in Doha will have a choice of accommodation options available for them depending on the neighbourhood or area they prefer. From villas and apartments to housing on sprawling, fully equipped expat compounds, new arrivals will be sure to find something to suit their individual needs.

Compounds are great for families to make friends with neighbours who share garden spaces and a swimming pool and can get to know each other. While some compounds offer standard and basic amenities, upscale luxury facilities abound in others, from gyms and tennis courts to restaurants.

Demand for compound accommodation is high, making it difficult to secure, but expats may find villas and apartments equally attractive. Freestanding villas also have a homely feel to them, and those who can afford all the luxuries of living in Doha can enjoy a large house with a decent-sized garden. Additionally, apartments are often suitable for single residents and young professionals, though some have multiple bedrooms.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Most accommodation in Doha comes fully furnished, which saves expats from having to ship their goods to Qatar. If this isn’t a preferred option, unfurnished and semi-furnished options are also available. Those who are interested may want to negotiate an adequate shipping and start-up allowance in their employment contract to cover furnishing costs.

Short lets

Finding suitable short-term accommodation in Doha is essential for tourists and business travellers alike, offering the comfort and flexibility needed during their stay. Doha boasts a wide array of fully furnished accommodation options, ranging from cosy studios to luxurious apartments equipped with modern amenities such as outdoor swimming pools, gardens and even on-site coffee shops.

For those in need of corporate or serviced apartments, Doha does not disappoint. Aparthotels and serviced apartments are specifically designed to meet the needs of business travellers, featuring in-built kitchen appliances, outdoor facilities and luxurious interiors for a comfortable and secure stay.

Finding accommodation in Doha

For the most part, accommodation remains one of the main benefits included in the lucrative expat employment packages. This takes much of the hassle of manoeuvring the property market out of an expat's hands.

Before moving, expats can familiarise themselves with available property and living options through online realty websites and platforms such as Qatar Living, JustProperty and Property Finder.

Expats who don't have the luxury of their employer's assistance in the search for property should enlist the services of a relocation company and a local real estate agent. These professionals have an intimate knowledge of Doha's property market and are often in a position to alert their clients to potential options before they are publicly advertised. Agents also help foreigners negotiate any language barrier in Qatar and can have any necessary documents translated.

Useful links

• Qatar Living Properties is a popular platform for finding accommodation in Qatar
• For an extensive selection of properties across Qatar, JustProperty Qatar offers detailed listings to help you find your ideal home
• Property Finder Qatar provides the latest rental listings, updated regularly

Renting accommodation in Doha

Most expats rent accommodation, rather than buy in Doha. Both the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and the Real Estate and Residences Registration Office oversee and manage matters on leases and land investments in Doha. When renting accommodation in the capital, expats must enlist real estate agents who will ensure the necessary documents get certified and registered through the correct governing body.

One of the main things to understand is Qatar’s culture. This influences the local way of living as well as its laws, and as such, couples cannot live together unless they are married (though in practice, many do). When looking into renting in Doha and the move to Qatar, do consider this.

Leases

If the employer is organising an expat's accommodation, they will negotiate the lease with the landlord. If not, expats may have to pay one year’s rent upfront or in quarterly instalments. The majority of expats in Doha choose to pay rent with post-dated cheques. Over the stipulated lease period, rent cannot increase.

Rental contracts in Doha are drawn up in Arabic and expats will receive a copy translated in English or their home language.

Deposits

Deposits are normally a month's worth of rent. For some expats working in Qatar, this may be included in an accommodation allowance, so do negotiate for it where possible.

Terminating a lease

Expats must usually give two months' notice but face high penalties for breaking a tenancy contract. When negotiating with a landlord, make an effort to understand what happens in the event of early termination.

Utilities in Doha

Tenants are normally responsible for paying utilities.

It's essential to receive an inventory detailing the standard of facilities and the available utilities in any rental. This ensures landlords and tenants know who is responsible for utility fees or general maintenance issues and it helps to avoid any conflicts when at the end of the lease period.

Electricity and water

In Doha, the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) is the sole provider of electricity and water services, administering these essential utilities across the country. For tenants or property owners looking to set up these services, a straightforward process is in place. 

Initially, one must submit an application in person at a Kahramaa service centre, along with the necessary documents. These include:

• a completed application form, 
• a copy of the Qatari ID, 
• the Kahramaa reference number (located on the apartment's front door frame or on the electricity box for villas), 
• a copy of the Tenancy Contract, and 
• the current meter readings. 

A deposit is also required to initiate the service.

Once the application is processed, several options are available for the payment of utility bills. These include online payments through internet banking once the Kahramaa account is registered, in-person payments at Kahramaa customer service centres, or payments at any Qatar bank or QPost branch. It generally takes a minimum of 48 hours for services to be connected following the completion of the application process.

When vacating a property, tenants are obligated to disconnect their utilities to avoid financial penalties. This process involves submitting a disconnection form, along with the tenant's Qatar ID and electricity number, to a service centre. The final meter readings are recorded on this form, and any outstanding balance must be settled. Following this, a Clearance Certificate is issued to confirm the disconnection, and the initial deposit is refunded.

For more detailed information and to initiate service requests, visit Kahramaa’s official website.

Gas

In Doha, domestic gas supply is predominantly managed through the use of bottled LPG canisters, a common practice in the region. Residents are responsible for arranging their gas supply by purchasing or exchanging these LPG canisters, which are readily available at supermarkets and Woqod gas stations across Qatar. 

Paying for domestic gas is straightforward, as it occurs at the point of purchase or exchange of the LPG canisters. The prices for new Shafaf cylinders, pre-filled with LPG, vary depending on the size, and refills are slightly less, indicating the direct exchange system in place for these gas supplies.

Bins and recycling

The Doha government and various organisations putting considerable effort into improving waste management and recycling practices. Residents are encouraged to participate actively in recycling programs, starting with the use of colour-coded bins for waste segregation 

Black bins are designated for dry or recyclable waste such as plastics, paper, metals and other non-organic materials. In contrast, green bins are used for biodegradable waste, including food scraps, vegetable and fruit peels, and garden waste.

The Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre (DSWMC) at Mesaieed plays a pivotal role in Doha's waste management ecosystem, treating up to 1550 tons of waste per day and generating surplus power for the national grid. Additionally, Doha hosts five waste transfer stations equipped with material recovery facilities to sort and recycle a significant portion of solid waste. 

For residents looking to recycle beyond household waste, various recycling points for paper, cardboard, and plastics are available at locations like The Pearl and Dahl Al Hamam Park, as well as in malls throughout Doha.

Internet

Internet services in Doha are primarily provided by Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar. These leading ISPs offer a spectrum of internet connection options to accommodate the diverse requirements of the city's residents, including high-speed fibre optic, DSL, and wireless broadband connections.

Internet censorship is a reality in Qatar, with access to certain types of content being restricted. This includes material considered offensive or contrary to local laws and cultural norms, such as pornography, criticism of Islam, and content related to LGBT interests. Additionally, various messaging and VoIP applications are blocked. Expats and visitors often turn to VPNs to circumvent these restrictions, enabling access to blocked content by routing internet traffic through servers located outside of Qatar. 

While the use of VPNs is common, it's important to exercise caution and respect local regulations. For expats navigating internet censorship, it's crucial to be informed about the local legal framework regarding internet use.

For more information on internet services and the latest offers, visit the official websites of Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar.