How to import a pet into Qatar?

There’s quite a few people that drop me lines on how to import a pet into Qatar.

So I now present you with a great guide written by Nicky.

Click here for the Qatar Pet Import and Export Guide

Searching for a job in Doha Qatar?

One of the biggest questions we get at ILQ is ‘How do I get a job in Qatar?’; which is then usually followed by ‘Can you help me get a job?’ or ‘Know of any vacancies in Qatar?’

At the moment, a couple of ways of searching for jobs on ILQ is through our Beta Classifieds or through the forum (Job Hunting). (That’s all changing to something fantastic).

However, I wanted to take the time to mention a great start-up Qatar Visitor Jobs. It’s still building up, but it’s growing at a great rate and I thought I’d share it with you.

Also, don’t forget that ILQ has some great quick guides.

See: Working in Qatar and Moving to Qatar and The Ultimate Expat Workers Guide

Tags: Getting a job in Qatar, Searching for a job in Doha Qatar, finding a job in Qatar

Almost halloween

logohalloween

Just thought I’d mention that if you’re looking for Halloween Event in Qatar then head on down to ILQ’s events section. If you’ve got your own event going on, be sure to share it with us all as well!

Qatar Events <—- Click there!

Qatar Souvenir / Gift Ideas

souvenir

Sometimes I get asked about what a good souvenir is to take back home, or what would be a good gift to give people that’s from Qatar, so now here’s a little list :)

Click here for Qatar Souvenir Ideas

Ramadan in a nutshell

nutshellIt’s Ramadan and you thought that you’d try fasting! (if you’ve never done it before). Perhaps you wanted to just learn a bit. Today’s lesson is all about the correct way to fast. OOoooooh, you say?

Fasting begins from sunrise and it’s time to eat during sundown. (You can find out times at the Ministry of Interiors website, Islamweb, or even receive free daily texts from Vodafone to find out.)

It’s purpose is to purify and to teach appreciation.
No bad words, no food, no water, no sexual thoughts (or actions), and no rudeness.

You’re supposed to be kind, gentle, pure, and appreciate the fact that you are lucky in life to have food and to think more about those who have less in life in order to be giving.

Once you’ve gone through that for the day, it’s time to eat! The cannon blasts into the sea (the boom sound signifies it is time to eat), don’t go gorging your face! You’re supposed to eat three dates. Wait 30-60 minutes and then start eating.

Why three dates? Because that’s what the prophet ate. A more scientific answer is that it is just enough in quantity to kick start your metabolism, has enough sugar to keep you going for a bit longer and out of that hunger phase, and just like pringles, one is not enough.

Tents and Events!

addon

It’s Ramadan 2009! As usual there’s a great list that’s constantly being updated to let you know about the Ramadan events! Why not head over to a tent and enjoy the Qatar Tent Events! Yes! I’ll call this…. *updates title* Tents and Events!

Click here to go to Qatar Ramadan Event Guide 2009

A good guide

I recently had a comment asking me why some sections mention where they serve alcohol. The answer is quite simple. For those that want to stay away from places that serve alcohol (or otherwise), it’s a great way to find out about where to go and where not to.

If there’s a hotel for example, it’s a great way to find out which ones are Shariah compliant for those who want it, and it’s also great for those who want the opposite.

Win Win situation if you ask me. ILQ’s a community site dedicated to providing people with the honest facts, it’s up to everyone to decide what they want to do with it. No reason for anyone to get overly sensitive :)

Garangao – A Child’s Dream

Tomorrows the day to celebrate Garangao [Ga-ran-ga-oh] (or sometimes called Gir-ga-oon)

Garangao, celebrated on the 14th day of Ramadan, is special to the Gulf region , particularly Qatar, and is believed to have its roots in the pearl-diving tradition of the region. Over the years, the festival has gained more popularity with several expatriates joining the celebrations.

This evening, children, clad in their traditional clothes, will come out of their homes and knock on every door in their neighbourhood, which will be ready to receive them with sweets and nuts. They collect the goodies in the special cotton bags, hanging loosely from their necks. Kids will be seen wandering around the streets until late into the night singing the special Garangao song.

Now people are not just interested in buying the goodies, but they go for the specially designed packets and bags decorated with popular cartoon characters and other symbols dear to the children. So shops are vying to offer new and attractive designs. The prices of these packets range from QR5 to QR50, according to the size and varieties of the goodies.

Several Qatari clubs and organizations, which are instrumental in popularizing the festival, have come out with a variety of cultural events to mark the occasion, as in the previous years.

I remember when I was young, we’d all go around singing songs to the different homes and filling our bags with sweets! It was great! I encourage all nationalities to enjoy this festive occassion :)

From http://iloveqatar.net/forum/read.php?8,3826

Freedom of Expression

    Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which the Qatari Government is a signatory of states: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any medias and regardless of any frontiers.

    The Emiri Decision Number 86 of the year 2007 on the establishment of the Doha Free Information Centre marked yet another step towards establishing a State of rights and freedom of speech. The decision stipulated that the Centre be a non-profit organization, headquartered in Doha City, and have the authority to establish other affiliated centres inside and outside Qatar. It is worth mentioning that His Highness the Emir issued a decision in 1998 annulling the ministry of information, giving birth to a new era of freedom of speech where censorship was removed from local media.