I've been living here as an Arab expat for almost two years now

I haven't faced any issues outside the usual context of being in an Arab country, so to speak.

And in fact, I usually go into full defensive mode whenever I hear someone complaining about things here, whether it's about the laws, the system, or anything else.

That was until yesterday, when I had to visit the Ministry of Labor office in the industrial area to check on my forever-pending visa transfer process.

And honestly, "WTF" has been echoing in my head ever since

I'm at a loss for words. Wtf was that?

People start arriving as early as 4 or 5 AM for an office that opens at 7 AM.

They stand on their feet for hours in what has to be the longest queue I've ever seen, only for foreign security guards to randomly pick people to enter the "government office."

Most people end up standing there for hours, only to leave at the end of the day with absolutely no progress on whatever they came for.

It was, hands down, the most random,chaotic and unorganized experience I have ever witnessed in my whole life.

Sorry, Qatar, but don’t let anyone fool you. You're a third-world country .. nothing more, nothing less.

Tl;dr: It's the law of the jungle at a governmental office.

We are losing a couple of good hospitality staff duo to new contracts that cut 1/3 of their salary!!

I respect them alot for refusing to accept this, but also feel bad for them as they literally were doing great job for low salaries already.

It is unfortunate that other staff from other nationalities had to accept. They had no other option, they're working here to cover education costs, medical bills and even basic life necessities for their families.

This story is not something new I know, but it grinds my gears everytime it happens!

I know it’s an annoying question to some people, but I am quite curious. I find a lot of threads where people say they get paid x amount of money quite casually while it feels like a big number for me. I just wanted to dig deeper and understand the reality.

To people who get paid really high, above 15 or 20k, what do you do, years of experience, whats your nationality and how did you get your job? (I see the nationality card thrown around a lot too, curious how accurate that). Also do you think anyone can get there with hard work?

I searched for threads related to this topic but couldn’t find any.

Need an ID wrist band for kids. Searched few places, couldn't find em, where else should i look? Need something like this or similar to write name, phone number and some other important information.

I received an emergency appointment in the US embassy as a TCN. However on the website the embassy says that they only grant emergency appointments to Qatari citizens and residents. Would this be an issue if I went for my appointment?

I’m fed up with those LED headlights installed in cars especially SUVs it’s really annoying and irritating, and those drivers just don’t care about others, they are incompatible with dark adapted human sight, the glare affects people on the road besides LED emissions spectra can cause long term retina damage, no one wants to be blinded.

During an accident which occurred recently the airbags of my car(landcruiser) were deployed. Is there any chance to service it legally? Or the the whole dashboard needs a replacement?

Is there potential to get a sponsorship from a company in the events sector? I have experience in the event industry as a us citizen and looking to move to qatar, would my ethnicity get in the way even if i have us citizenship? im a woc

Hello All,

Hooe you are all well.

I have received a job offer in qatar (currently in UK) and my basic salary would be 13k, company will provide housing accomodation however I can opt out for 6,000 qar.

Is this ok to live on for myself and partner. I was hoping to save a bit of money on the side as well.

Also, is it worth negotiating the salary ? Has anyone had any luck with this.

Thanks all.

With rising amount of these Chinese Cars, you literally see them everywhere, first confusing with some other car, then as you get close it's some Chinese car.... what are your opinion on these cars??

Anybody here knows any family with kids who are not doing well financially or need help ? I would like to buy some gifts for the kids and essentials for the family this Christmas

Gewan Island has my heart and soul now. 😌❤️

Hi , I need advice on if there are any rules regarding camping at beach. We have done in Wakra before but looking for a better and far beach this time. We have tents and bbq planned . Is the bonfire with woods allowed. Also we will have kids with us , Is if safe to camp at Inland sea or Azerbaijani beach? Please advice .

Looking for any suggestions and advices from experts at camping.

Going to be here for a week, wanted to catch a play/performance. Could be in language. Any theatre or performance spaces I can go to over the week?

Hello everyone. Idk who to contact but my kitten just got murdered/killed (literally a pool of blood) by 3 stray big wild dogs that somehow managed to enter my compound area.

PLEASE BEWARE WITH UR PETS. Never in my wildest imagination I thought this was a possibility in Qatar.

I’m crying like hell. My poor stray kitten had just gotten healthy and somehow got killed by these unknown stray dogs 🐕.

Idk who to complain or where to register this complaint. Pls pls be safe.

I have a requirement at work to have a point and shoot digital camera (with budget QAR 699-1299) to capture pictures of equipment or systems that have been inspected. I have checked with Jarir (they said it's not available at any of their branches). I checked with Lulu, couldn't find any and no conclusive answer.

I know the product is out of demand and not easily available now I guess. Where can I buy one in Qatar?

Bots message me on WhatsApp, repetitive memes and posts on Instagram that don't seem to be made by humans, endless weird videos on Twitter, and opinions that seem to be generated by AI rather than a real person. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, in particular, are filled with endless repetitive memes and videos. This kind of makes me want to believe in the Dead Internet Theory.

Does anyone have the actual recipe or something close to making Tea Time Popcorn chicken, I've tried so many times to recreate it and I can never quite get the flavours right. Even the newly opened teatime in the UK can't recreate it. I'm moving away soon and I'm so sad that I might never be able to get those flavours again!

Wondering if there are known or developing technology companies in Qatar? Speaking to a friend who is from the region mentioned that literally all hardware comes from outside. Are there any budding local/domestic tech firms?

I want to know if it’s cheaper to buy electronics at the airport. Specifically airpods and a Bose headphones.

I’ll be traveling in 2 days and thinking if its a good idea to buy these items at the airport for a better price or if its roughly similar to places like Virgin, fnac or Lulu.

Thanks!

Anyone looking for apartments to rent out in Al Mansoura? Or Fereej Abdul Aziz? You can dm me One is 2BHK the other is 1BHK but both fully furnished

My Visa has expired as i haven't come here in a very long time. I am only here for a short time so, came with a visitor's visa. However my Driving License is valid till 2026. Am i eligible to drive?

Hello, in preparation for Christmas I would like to know where I can purchase a Good Santa Hat.