![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
I've noticed lately that many people have the same questions about our upcoming move to Qatar. So, in order to provide more answers than anyone is likely to want, I'm posting a Qatar FAQ. This is based on information I have gleaned from various websites, travel guides, and people who have been to Qatar; much of the statistical stuff comes from the CIA World Factbook and the Qatari Embassy in Washington, D.C.
I have a second reason for posting this, too -- especially for posting it before I even arrive in Qatar. On a greeting card last week, my aunt (who spent a year in Siberia) wrote: "I predict it'll be a real mind-bender -- different from your expectations, especially in the awareness of things you just don't see in print. I'm really looking forward to your impressions." I, also, am looking forward to finding out the accuracy of the impression of Qatar I have already formed from the aforementioned sources. So, in posting my responses as of July 15, I am documenting what I thought life in Qatar might be like.
So, without futher ado:
Frequently Asked Questions about our move to Qatar
Geography
( You're moving **where**? )
( Wow, is it really that tiny? )
( What's the climate like? )
( But it's a dry heat, right? )
Culture & Religion
( Who are these Qatari people, anyway? )
( Will you have to learn Arabic? )
( It's a Muslim country, right? )
( Will they have a problem with you being Christian? )
( So, what's the food like? )
( Can you drink? )
( So, have you stocked up on burqas yet? )
( What about other restrictions on women? )
Politics & Economy
( OK, I'm a masochist. Tell me about Qatar's history. )
( So they still have a sheikh, then? )
( Anything in the way of elections? )
( What's the legal system like? Will they chop off your hand if you steal something? )
( Aren't you scared of terrorists? )
( Well then, what's the economy like? )
( What's the currency? )
( I've about run out of questions, haven't I? )
OK folks, I'm about done! If you can think of other important questions I've left unanswered, please let me know and I'll add them! (Thank you to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
y_pestis for help proofreading and coming up with more questions.)
I have a second reason for posting this, too -- especially for posting it before I even arrive in Qatar. On a greeting card last week, my aunt (who spent a year in Siberia) wrote: "I predict it'll be a real mind-bender -- different from your expectations, especially in the awareness of things you just don't see in print. I'm really looking forward to your impressions." I, also, am looking forward to finding out the accuracy of the impression of Qatar I have already formed from the aforementioned sources. So, in posting my responses as of July 15, I am documenting what I thought life in Qatar might be like.
So, without futher ado:
Geography
( You're moving **where**? )
( Wow, is it really that tiny? )
( What's the climate like? )
( But it's a dry heat, right? )
Culture & Religion
( Who are these Qatari people, anyway? )
( Will you have to learn Arabic? )
( It's a Muslim country, right? )
( Will they have a problem with you being Christian? )
( So, what's the food like? )
( Can you drink? )
( So, have you stocked up on burqas yet? )
( What about other restrictions on women? )
Politics & Economy
( OK, I'm a masochist. Tell me about Qatar's history. )
( So they still have a sheikh, then? )
( Anything in the way of elections? )
( What's the legal system like? Will they chop off your hand if you steal something? )
( Aren't you scared of terrorists? )
( Well then, what's the economy like? )
( What's the currency? )
( I've about run out of questions, haven't I? )
OK folks, I'm about done! If you can think of other important questions I've left unanswered, please let me know and I'll add them! (Thank you to
y_pestis for help proofreading and coming up with more questions.)
