Guide to Life in Qatar Qatar Support Office 1801 Maple Avenue, Suite 5320 Evanston, Illinois 60208 +847 467-0900 Northwestern University in Qatar PO Box 34102 Doha, Qatar +974 4454-5000 www.qatar.northwestern.edu __________________________________________________________________________ GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR 1 Last Updated: 6/27/2016 The Guide is intended to provide an informal and preliminary orientation to life in Doha, Qatar. The Guide does not supersede the terms and conditions outlined in any faculty or staff appointment letter and it is offered solely for informational purposes. Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4 Learning about Qatar ................................................................................................................... 5 Location ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Geographic Features and Climate ............................................................................................... 5 People .......................................................................................................................................... 5 Capital City ................................................................................................................................. 5 Government ................................................................................................................................. 5 Economy...................................................................................................................................... 5 Religion ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Military ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Communication ........................................................................................................................... 6 Media ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Electricity .................................................................................................................................... 7 Qatar Foundation and Education City ......................................................................................... 7 Arab Culture and Customs .......................................................................................................... 7 Islamic Religious Practices ...................................................................................................... 7 Dress ...................................................................................................................................... 10 Business Customs .................................................................................................................. 10 Social Customs ...................................................................................................................... 10 Liquor and Pork ..................................................................................................................... 11 Before You Go ............................................................................................................................. 13 Pre-employment Trip ................................................................................................................ 13 Onboarding ................................................................................................................................ 13 Offer Letter ............................................................................................................................ 13 Travel Arrangements for Relocation to Qatar ....................................................................... 13 Payroll Administration .......................................................................................................... 14 Compensation ........................................................................................................................ 14 Benefits .................................................................................................................................. 14 Taxes ...................................................................................................................................... 14 Relocation.................................................................................................................................. 15 Documents to Prepare ............................................................................................................ 15 Household Shipment.............................................................................................................. 15 FBI Background Clearance ................................................................................................... 17 Degree Legalization ............................................................................................................... 17 Photos for Immigration Process ............................................................................................ 18 Settling In ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Your First Few Days in Doha ................................................................................................... 18 Immigration Process .................................................................................................................. 18 Residence permit ................................................................................................................... 18 Medical Appointment ............................................................................................................ 19 Fingerprinting ........................................................................................................................ 19 GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR 2 Last Updated: 6/27/2016 Exit Permits ........................................................................................................................... 19 Qatar Identification Cards ..................................................................................................... 20 Government Health Card ....................................................................................................... 20 Alcohol Permit ....................................................................................................................... 20 Import Permits for Pets .......................................................................................................... 21 Housing ..................................................................................................................................... 21 Schooling for Dependents ......................................................................................................... 21 Residential Mail, Phone, and Internet Services......................................................................... 22 Personal Mail ......................................................................................................................... 22 Personal Packages.................................................................................................................. 23 Home Telephone Service ....................................................................................................... 24 Cell Phone Service................................................................................................................. 24 Emergency Calling Tree ........................................................................................................ 24 Telecommunications and Internet Services ........................................................................... 25 Northwestern Employment Policies in Qatar........................................................................... 26 Health and Other Benefits ......................................................................................................... 26 Health Insurance .................................................................................................................... 26 Hospitals ................................................................................................................................ 27 Prescription Drug Coverage .................................................................................................. 27 Life, ADD, Disability, FSA, and Retirement Plans ............................................................... 27 Educational Assistance and Reduced Tuition Plans .............................................................. 28 Other Employment Matters ....................................................................................................... 28 Office Phones ........................................................................................................................ 28 Expense Reimbursements ...................................................................................................... 28 Qatar Holidays ......................................................................................................................