Hai everybody

Hi everyone,

Just a day or so after we arrive (and therefore before we start work) is our wedding anniversary and we'd like to do something special. A friend who was in Qatar years ago suggested a trip to the Inland Sea. Any opinions? How would we arrange this from here? Would we be able to arrange it just the day before when we arrive? Any better suggestions? Obviously something romantic (and not involving bus loads of people!) ...

Without sounding like a brand queen, I only buy clothes twice a year and only from Prada, Miu Miu, Marni, Hugo and Dior Homme. Are these available in Doha or do I have to travel to Dubai or Riyadh to get them?

I'm hoping to come out at the end of the summer and will need a good car that seats at least six preferably 7 people. Can any one give me some idea of the cost of leasing for three years and what sort of cars are popular in Doha

Thanks

Looking for someone who decorates the leather camels with Arabian artifacts.   Met a woman who sold at a preChristmas bazaar.    Not looking for those fuzzy camels sold in the airport or Hallmark!

Hi everyone, soon after we arrive we're going to need to employ a driver part time.  How difficult will this be? Can we find a driver with his own car prepared to work half days five days a week?  Are we being incredibly unrealistic?  Any suggestions as to alternatives?  My husband drives, but I don't.  Our work timetables are likely to be incompatable.  I know that relying on taxis can be terribl;e and in lebanon I had a lovely man to get me to and from work.  Might I find the same in Doha?

Can someone tell me what that giant tower being built at Kalifa stadium is. It's just getting taller and taller. Will it be open to the public when finished? 

I will be moving to Qatar soon and I would like to find out what the living expenses are; can someone let me know how much it would cost monthly to get an SIM card subscription and rates per minutes of air time. Also, It would be great if you can give me the rate of land lines for long distance calls to other middle eastern countries and North America.

Is it possible to get pre-paid cards for cell instead of subscription and monthly payment....

Hello All,

 I'm hoping to be in Doha in Jan 2007. Biggest concern now is schooling for my daughter. She will have completed her first half of kindergarten in the US, and am looking for a suitable school for her for the Spring semester. The American School is full, as seem to be most other kindergartens.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. I am primarily looking for a school for the Jan - May 2007 period, as we may be away from Doha from May - Dec 07.

Just tried to go and it was closed! One of the ladies in one of the other shops said the gov't closed it down last week. She didn't know why and had no idea when it would re-open. I just got back from vacation so I haven't heard anything :-|

Anyone have anymore info? Or know if the one in Landmark is closed as well? Man, this sucks!

In contemplating a move to Qatar, I was wondering about the availability of English books as this is one of my favorite hobbies.  Is there such a thing as a public library, or are English books only available in bookstores, in which case is there a huge mark-up in comparisson to the US or Canada?

Thanks! 

Has anyone experienced the new speedbump located on Salwa Road toward the industrial area?  It's down the road from the Castle round-about.  I cannot believe the put in a speedbump smack in the middle of a 100km/h track!  And to top it all off the did not label it immediately...the waited until later (after the accidents) to label it.

 Just be warned, if you are heading that way keep an eye out for it...you don't want this to happen to you.....

I am looking for information on Qatari Henna.  Authentic types of patterning, symbols or designs that would be used by traditional Qatari's.  If anyone has any information or knows of a good Henna artist, please reply.

I am looking for a sandwich lady that I met once in Salam Tower.  She was from Australia or New Zealand.  She took orders in the morning and delivered around lunch time home made sandwiches to offices.  If anyone knows of her contact information I would like to give her some additional business.  Thanks

Can anyone tell me about the new bus service in Doha?  Are the buses comfortable and well air-conditioned?  How crowded--can you always get a seat?  Do the routes run all over the city?  And do the buses run on time?

 I'm asking about this because my husband is thinking of shipping over his motorcycle when we move to Doha.  I've heard on this board that riding a motorcycle is a bad idea in Doha (unsafe).  His employer will give a car allowance but we will need another vehicle since our son, daughter-in-law and grandbaby will be living with us.  Our son will need transportation to attend 2 different universities and my husband and I will have jobs to get to.  Will bus service be practical for getting around town or had we better bring that darn motorcycle?  I heard that there's a shortage of taxis--is that true?