Working as a physiotherapist in Qatar
Sex: Female
Age at time of emigration: 21
Country of origin: UK
Length of stay: Here just under 18 months
Location (area of country): Doha, Qatar
Professional Life
How long ago did you go to Qatar?
Just under 18 months.
How did you find the process of preparing to work in Qatar?
It was a simple enough process. I went to work in Qatar through an agency and they helped me co-ordinate the necessary paperwork and my employer arranged my work visa. I had to sit a computerised MCQ based on core physiotherapy competencies which I sat in London before I could be registered in Qatar.
Were you able to choose to work in an area that interested you?
Yes I got a basic grade rotation based job in one of the biggest hospitals in Qatar.
Did you find it easy to integrate into your work environment?
Initially it was difficult to settle in but after a few weeks I got used to my new environment.
What differences, if any, did you find between working as a physiotherapist in the UK and Qatar?
- Female patients usually only like to be treated by female physiotherapists and therefore there is a greater demand for female physiotherapists.
- As a Muslim dominant country it is expected that you wear appropriate clothing especially during Ramadan.
- The working hours vary in that you usually start around 7am and finish around 3pm, which is nice when its 50 degrees outside.
What are the best things about working in Qatar?
- Good exposure to a wide variety of areas as I rotate every 4 months.
- Good exposure to different treatment approaches and techniques as my colleagues have been educated in different countries all over the world.
What are the 3 worst things about working in Qatar?
You are under the supervision of your sponsor and you have to get permission to fly outside the country, the salary is less than you would earn in the UK and I miss my family in London.
How many holiday days did you have per year, and do you think you had sufficient free-time to travel during the year?
It varies there are several religious holidays and I get 20 days annual leave a year so plenty of time to travel.
Could you work with sports teams while living there? If so, what sport, and at what level of team?
There are but I’m not currently involved with any teams.
On return to the UK, do you feel Qatar helped or hindered your search for a job, in a way that gaining experience in another country would not?
I’m still working here but i’m sure the experience will stand to me when trying to get a job at home.
Personal Life
What part of the country did you live in?
Doha, the capital of Qatar.
How would you describe the weather in comparison to Ireland?
During the summer temperatures reach 50 degrees Celsius and its really humid heat but there’s air conditioning everywhere.
Would you recommend going over with friends or by yourself? Why?
I would recommend going with friends. I went with 2 other physios and 2 nurses and we’re a great support network for each other.
What did you make of the culture in Qatar when you first arrived?
Initially it was over whelming, its very different to London where I grew up. The people are very friendly though. They don’t really like alcohol and its only available in limited places. It’s also important to remember that its illegal to be drunk in public and I can’t stay or live with my boyfriend because we are not married.
Did you have a good social life while there?
Ya we go out regularly together and i’ve made great friends through work.
What are the most popular past-times in Qatar?
Dhow cruising is popular in Qatar.
In comparison with the UK, is it expensive to live in Qatar? What did you find was the most expensive aspect of living there?
It’s similar to the cost of living in the UK. My accommodation is subsidised by my workplace so my rent is cheaper but branded cosmetics and make-up products are very expensive because they are not as highly in demand.
What are the 3 best things about living in Qatar?
The weather, the people and the beach.
What are the 3 worst things about living in Qatar?
Having to wear full dress in certain areas (which can be difficult in 50 degrees), the food and not seeing my family as much.
How would you rate your experience overall (both professionally and personally) in Qatar?
It’s been a wonderful experience. I have developed so much as a physiotherapist. I feel I’ve a good foundation in the core areas and I’m constantly encouraged to engage in CPD. Personally, I’ve made some fantastic friends and experienced a totally different culture to what I was expecting. I would recommend keeping an open mind and Qatar could really surprise you.
7 /10