RajahJun

Getting a driver's license in Doha, Qatar is quite easy if you're allowed to take the test immediately.  It's a different story when you have to go through driving school.  I needed the driver's license because my job as a sales executive requires me to go around Doha everyday. In securing a driving license, first you have to go to the Ministry of Transportation and file an application for driver's license.  Afterwards, the applicant will be required to undergo physical examination.  Then  a police officer will review your application and do a customary interview.  If you have a driver's license from your country, you need to present it along with your application.  If the police officer feels that you are already an experienced driver, he will recommend the applicant to take the practical driving exam. Unfortunately, when I presented my driver's license from the Philippines, it was a bit worn-out and the police officer thought that it was fake, s...

It was my second week in Doha. I stayed at my brother's quarters on the outskirts of Doha...Abu Hamour. His accomodation was provided by the company where he is working.  It is beside a girls' school but you don't see any girls moving around. Behind are desert villas under construction.  Airconditioning is open 24/7 because no one can last the heat especially if  it is July where the temperature is the hottest and considered peak summer months.  Temperatures can go as high as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. I spent the idle days inside his room and  watching cable television the whole day.  It was toasting hot outside. A far cry from the heat in the Philippines. We didn't go job hunting immediately.  Instead we went to a big mall called the "Villagio" and beside it is a big structure which resembles a torch carried by olympic runners.  It was huge. The structure was built because the summer games were held in Doha.  Inside the Villagio mall was a ...

Mel Fonollera, Blog Writer It was 5:30 am, July 20, 2008 at the Ninoy Aquino International airport departure area and the queue was long.  I stood and waited in line.  At the end of the line was an airport personnel checking travelling papers of people going to Doha, Qatar.  I felt excited as well as anxious.  There were a lot of questions racing through my mind, which I really don’t have answers as of the moment.  Those questions concerned my future in Doha, Qatar.   I decided to try my fortune and look for work in the Doha, Qatar.  My business didn't pan out and I had to close it.  Based on the peso to rial exchange rate, I thought it was worthwhile because of the thirteen pesos difference. I decided to give it a try.  I was fortunate enough, that my brother helped me secure a visit visa to  Qatar.  He works for a construction firm in Doha and knows how I can get there fast.  His assistance would be a big factor i...