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EXPLORE FURTHER: We relocated to Dubai seeking a better life — yet we find ourselves in a more difficult situation compared to when we were in the UK.
The petroleum-abundant Gulf nation of
Qatar
remained under British governance for over five decades during the 20th century—but this sovereign country is now attracting Britons to reside and work within its borders on its own terms.
Many young individuals relocating to Qatar frequently choose to settle in the nation’s capital, Doha. They enthusiastically share their perspectives on the advantages, which include tax-exempt incomes and minimal living costs.
crime
enabling them to leave vehicles and houses unlocked.
TikTok
Videos praise the allure of a nation with a populace of 2.6 million, among whom merely 313,000 hold citizenship – coinciding with British individuals expressing their waning interest in the adjacent region.
Dubai
.
It is estimated that around 20,000 residents in Qatar are British nationals, with the bulk of immigration consisting primarily of expatriates and migrant workers.
Human rights organizations are among those expressing worries over Qatar’s handling of underprivileged immigrants from less developed nations, who may become dependent on their employers and earn minimal salaries.
And ex-England football internationals
David Beckham
and
Gary Neville
have faced criticism in recent years due to their association with Qatar – including Beckham
an ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup held there
and Neville
reporting on it as a commentator for a government-run television station
.
However, pro-Qatar messages seem to be effective, leading an increasing number of UK expatriates to promote relocation among their peers. This includes educators, fashion designers, and IT specialists who highlight benefits such as tax exemptions, reduced property costs, cheaper goods for consumers, and exceptional medical care.
MailOnline has examined the expenses related to living costs in areas like dining out, transportation, and apparel to make comparisons.
London
versus Qatar’s capital, Doha, which is home to 80 percent of the country’s residents.
The cost of living in Britain has been rising.
was found to be 34.2 percent higher compared to Qatar, with restaurant prices being 48 percent more expensive and grocery expenses rising by 41.5 percent.
Qatar, which was under British protection from 1916 until gaining independence in 1961, is located seven flying hours away, with current online pricing showing one-way tickets starting at £122 and return trips beginning at £251.
According to data from the crowd-sourced database Numbeo, a three-course dinner for two individuals at an average-priced restaurant costs around £80 in London.
compared to £37.16 in Doha – making it less expensive than the similar cost of £57 in nearby Dubai
.
An imported 330ml beer is better value in London, at an average of £6 compared to £8,26 in Doha – though a cappuccino is £4 in the UK capital against £3.78 in Qatar’s.
A McDonald’s meal is more affordable in the Middle East, costing £8 in London compared to only £5.16 in Doha.
In the meantime, the average monthly cost for utilities like water and electricity in Doha is £69.04, which is significantly lower compared to London’s £233.10. However, internet fees are more expensive in Qatar at £65.11, as opposed to £31.64 in London.
Equipping yourself with clothing could mean finding a pair of jeans at nearly half the cost in the UK within Qatar. Additionally, according to analysts, purchasing a city center apartment in Doha would set you back less than a quarter of what similar properties in London might cost per square meter.
Previously, MailOnline reported in March how
Doctors have been leading an outflow from the National Health Service in the UK to Dubai.
, which is the capital of Qatar’s neighbor and competitor, the United Arab Emirates.
They have managed to
savor tax-free windfall bonuses, meanwhile flaunting their new lifestyles on TikTok – however, some other social media users have also been
Speaking about relocating to Britain
despite such offers.
A similar exemption from income tax, combined with lower costs for certain products, is attracting people to Doha. Additionally, the city offers plenty of sunshine and peak temperatures reaching about 45°C.
Among those celebrating life in Qatar after moving from London is a teacher and TikTok user using the name
Iqra Inspire
, who shares videos of her new life there.
One post to her 4,400 followers outlines some of both the advantages and disadvantages of her Doha findings, titled: ‘Five things that shocked me about Qatar as a British expat.’
In the 49-second clip, she starts by praising ‘the cleanliness’ – posting footage of public toilets in Qatar while saying: ‘How gorgeous are they? I could actually live here, absolutely no problem.’
Iqra continues by discussing what she refers to as the ‘intense, intense heat,’ adding:
Right now, I realize it’s really warm here, but I didn’t expect it to soar above 50 degrees—going outside feels like asking for heatstroke. It’s best to stay indoors and not venture out at all.
However, she elaborates on the perceived advantages of living in Qatar, further explaining to her audience: “My favorite aspect is the security—people actually leave their laptops and phones outside.”
They leave their vehicles unlocked, homes open, and Designer bags scattered around without concern—It’s incredibly peaceful here; almost unbelievable.
‘So clearly, the cost of groceries continues to astonish me – £10 for some berries? This is something I just can’t adapt to.’
‘And then there’s the utterly extravagant architectural designs scattered throughout; they never fail to impress me.’
It’s not only limited to hotels; it includes shopping centers, office buildings, mosques, basically everything surrounding you.
In response to a question from a follower about whether transitioning from the UK to Dubai was ‘easy,’ she stated: ‘Certainly, it requires some time to acclimate, but praise be to God, it is absolutely worthwhile.’
MailOnline
highlighted last June how British educators were leaving their positions in large numbers
as well as relocating overseas, relishing reduced stress levels, increased finances, and improved living standards.
There has been a flood of pictures online depicting educators enjoying luxurious lives in Dubai and throughout the Middle East, as well as in the Far East and Australia.
In the meantime, in the UK, both the number and rate of teacher vacancies hit their peak since 2010 when consistent record-keeping started.
hitting
2,800 in November 2023, equivalent to six vacant positions for every 1,000 teachers employed.
Individuals from various fields of work are likewise being enticed by Qatar, according to suggestions made by other social media users.
A British person living overseas is a TikToker who goes by the username
AngInQatar
, whose profile starts with the phrase: ‘The Diary of a London Girl Residing in Qatar.’
She shared her feelings of immense gratitude with her 2,850 followers on the platform, mentioning how thankful she is for the relocation. One of her videos highlights various insights she gained after moving to Qatar from the UK about three years ago.
The social media poster
She said, ‘Could you believe Qatar is my favorite spot on this planet?’
Relocating here three years ago turned out to be the finest choice I have ever made. Although it only took a short time to acclimate, since then, my happiness has soared immensely.
‘Living here means enduring incredibly harsh winters, yet when you share these conditions with folks from your hometown, they might believe you’re overstating how chilly it really gets.’
I’m referring to outdoor fireplaces and blankets at restaurants even when it’s 25 degrees Celsius and we’re still feeling cold. You’ll grasp this only if you reside here.
She proceeded to outline the financial advantages of the destination, reassuring her audience: “With no income tax, whatever you earn is yours to keep.”
Furthermore, numerous employers provide coverage for lodging, utilities, transportation, meals, and healthcare – leaving you with additional spending money to pursue your interests instead of having most of your earnings consumed by living costs.
She provided guidance as well, noting that newcomers may experience loneliness and isolation when adapting to a new location, and encouraged them to ‘let themselves’ feel this way.
Friendships should develop naturally without being forced.’
The TikToker was equally enthusiastic about the affordability and convenience of public transportation, mentioning that even an Uber ride for up to 10 minutes only costs around £2 or £3, whereas a full-day pass on the Doha Metro rapid transit system is just the equivalent of £1.50.
However, she also praised the environmental aspects, stating: ‘
Being near the water is incredibly calming for my spirit.
‘Frankly, there isn’t anywhere else I’d prefer to be. If I had the ability to transport my whole family and friends to Qatar, the UK wouldn’t lay eyes on me ever again.’
I realize this might sound cliché, but gazing at the stars here made me realize that I can’t recall the last time I spotted a star in the UK.
‘Standing here, I find myself gazing at the sky and truly valuing the sunlight, the moonlight, and the stars.’
Another British TikToker now based in Qatar, posting under the profile name
Thisisrobynmarie
is a corporate fashion designer boasting over 4,100 followers.
She has posted videos of her surroundings with captions like: “POV [point of view]: You departed from the UK to reside in Qatar. This is how your daily life appears now.”
Responding to a commenter who highlighted certain individuals’ doubts regarding life in Qatar, she shared: “My aim is for my content to alter these perceptions of Qatar—it’s a stunning location with wonderful inhabitants.”
When someone else voiced worries about the air quality, she responded: “The air does contain a significant amount of sand and dust, which I acknowledge, yet it’s far preferable compared to the contamination found in London.”
Qatar faced criticism ahead of staging the 2022 World Cup after being granted hosting rights by football’s world governing body FIFA back in 2010.
A study conducted prior to the tournament revealed that approximately 6,500 migrant workers lost their lives in the Gulf nation after it secured the hosting rights for the event.
A report from Amnesty International exposed hazardous working environments for individuals constructing stadiums and infrastructure.
Activists likewise contested the advancements made towards eliminating the kafala system, which prevents migrant workers from exiting the country or switching jobs without their sponsor’s approval.
Ex-Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville, now a TV pundit, has been outspoken on the poor conditions for and deaths of migrant workers building the Qatar World Cup infrastructure, the lack of women’s rights and the nation’s human rights record.
Neville, who worked for Qatari broadcaster beIN SPORTS during the 2022 finals, has been accused of hypocrisy – but
insisted he did ‘not feel conflicted’
regarding participation in the tournament.
He stated back then: “Over the past several weeks, this has faced significant examination. I acknowledge that role because I am meant to be criticized, and both myself and my colleagues at the BBC were attacked for it just yesterday.”
The truth is, my perspective is straightforward: I abhor worker exploitation, despise the notion of inadequate pay, and cannot tolerate poor working conditions or substandard housing. Additionally, I am deeply opposed to violations of women’s rights and general human rights. It all goes against what I believe in.
‘However, I’ve maintained connections with individuals in this region for numerous years. These ties run deep within our nation.’
The reality is that we source the majority of our energy from the Middle East, these countries also hold significant stakes in our banking sector, and members of the Royal Family maintain connections with the region through various sports-related activities and charitable endeavors.
‘You think our government and political parties have relationships with the Middle East. They own London Heathrow airport, they own the London Stock Exchange.
‘Football has attracted the attention, and it is football events that have drawn focus to the issues present in these regions.’
Meanwhile, his former Red Devils and Three Lions team-mate Beckham
he defended his position as the ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
, stating that ‘the only method for bringing about change is through engagement.’
Beckham, who has been celebrating turning 50 last week, was paid £10million to endorse the global footballing showcase that was won by Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
In an interview with
The Athletic
In June 2023, Beckham stated: “Whenever I venture into something new, I conduct all sorts of checks to ensure it aligns with what’s best for me, beneficial for my business, and also stands up ethically.”
His connection to the country began in 2013 when he signed with Paris Saint-Germai, a club led by its Qatar-based ownership.
Beckham stated: “I was eager to participate in the World Cup as I have consistently believed that this tournament has the power to transform lives and alter how people perceive things. Hosting a World Cup in any nation draws significant attention to various critical matters.”
I viewed that as a chance. Primarily, to participate in another World Cup.
Secondly, Qatar is a fairly new nation and it is undergoing transformation as part of this ongoing journey. Hosting the World Cup accelerates these changes.
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