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EXPLORE FURTHER: We relocated to Dubai seeking a better life—but find ourselves in a more difficult situation compared to our time in the UK.
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Did you move from the UK to Qatar? Contact [email protected] for more information.
People from Britain starting fresh beginnings in
Qatar
People have been praising the savings they are achieving, with data indicating that it stacks up well against neighboring competitor Dubai.
Newcomers in the income-tax-free Middle Eastern state have started listing their discounted purchases online, with reports suggesting that teachers are particularly well-positioned to benefit from this opportunity.
Now MailOnline has examined the
cost of living
, pitting
London
not just against Qatar’s capital, Doha, but also against neighboring Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, which has lately experienced
a noticeable migration of British expatriates
.
It comes after
MailOnline highlighted that an growing number of youngsters have not just been migrating to this place.
, typically based in Doha, yet they actively share their experiences online as well.
TikTok
Videos highlight the allure of a country with a populace of 2.6 million, only 313,000 being actual Qatari nationals—coinciding with moments whenBritons have discussed growing disillusionment with their neighbors.
Dubai
.
It is believed that around 20,000 British citizens reside in Qatar, mostly as part of the nation’s large population of expatriates and migrant laborers.
Asia
.
Human rights organizations have joined others in sounding the alarm over Qatar’s handling of destitute individuals arriving from less developed nations. These people often end up bound to their employers and struggling with minimal pay.
However, pro-Qatar messages appear to have assisted in recruiting professionals from the UK like educators, fashion designers, and IT specialists.
In addition to the tax-free way of life, benefits highlighted also encompass reduced property and consumer prices along with ‘exceptional healthcare’.
One of the educators highlighting the benefits of teaching in Qatar online is TikTok user Sufiyan Sidat, who shares content with nearly 2,500 followers using the username.
@sidxtofficial
.
In one of his videos, he breaks down their monthly spending with both him and his partner together costing £939. This includes £313 for food shopping, £209 each for dining out and leisure activities, along with £105 per person allocated towards fuel costs and membership fees at the gym.
Educators are one of the professionals whose housing expenses may be subsidized by their employers.
Mr Sidat’s analysis indicates that individuals who do not qualify for this financial assistance might generally anticipate spending around £2,712 each month while residing in Qatar.
He characterized his expenses of £939 per month as enabling “a quite comfortable life for both of us.”
He has also shared a video
comparing the rival attractions of Qatar and Dubai
– hailing the former as best in the categories ‘low cost of living’, ‘family friendly’, ‘cheap cars and maintenance’ and ‘less traffic’.
Nevertheless, he commends Dubai for excelling in the job market, entertainment, along with investment and business opportunities.
A different TikTok user has suggested to the audience
What £25,000 – or approximately 115,000 Qatari riyals – might get you they pondered.
, emphasizing valuable choices within the Middle Eastern country.
The TikToker known as
@Mandaxuk
provided instances like paying four or five months’ rent for a high-end two-bedroom flat or a full year’s stay in a studio at the Al Muntazah Plaza Hotel.
Also touted were second-hand cars such as a 2025 Toyota Camry or a 2013 Mercedes C-Class, as well as annual gym membership and ‘year-round access to luxury hotel beach clubs’.
At the same time, another TikToker known as Destiny, shared content as
Dest.lv
, shared
video of upscale apartments in Qatar that she investigated
With a monthly rental budget set at 8,500 Qatari riyals, which equates to approximately £1,800.
She commented about an apartment inside a hotel saying, “I genuinely adore the facilities here—the workout area was spacious and offered stunning views.”
The postings regarding expenditures within the state have emerged as the cost of living in Britain has been
discovered to be 34.2 per cent higher than in Qatar, with restaurant prices more expensive by 48 per cent and grocery costs by 41.5 per cent.
Qatar – which was a UK protectorate between 1916 and independence in 1971 – is seven hours away by plane.
Currently, airfares found online begin at £122 for one-way tickets and £251 for return trips.
Data from the crowdsourced database Numbeo suggests a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is £80 in London
compared to £37.16 in Doha – which is less expensive than the similar cost of £57 in nearby Dubai
.
A 330ml imported beer offers better value in London, costing around £6 on average as opposed to £8.26 in Doha; however, a cappuccino is priced at £4 in the British capital versus £3.78 in Qatar’s capital city.
A McDonald’s meal is more affordable in the Middle East, priced at £8 in London compared to only £5.16 in Doha.
In Doha, the average monthly cost for water and electricity utilities is £69.04, which is significantly lower compared to London’s £233.10. However, internet costs are more expensive in Qatar at £65.11, as opposed to London’s rate of £31.64.
Kitting yourself out in clothes can also see a pair of jeans almost half the UK price in Qatar.
While the price per square metre when buying a city centre apartment in Doha is less than a quarter of options in London, analysts suggested.
MailOnline previously told 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, all while flaunting their new lifestyles on TikTok –
Other social media contributors have also been so affected.
Speaking of relocating to the UK
given these advantages.
A similar exemption from income taxes is attracting people to Doha, coupled with cheaper prices for certain items—meanwhile, residents enjoy plenty of sunshine, with temperatures frequently reaching up to 45°C.
One of those generating excitement about life in Qatar following their move from London is a teacher who uses the TikTok handle
Iqra Inspire
.
A video posted online for her 4,400 subscribers outlines the pros and cons of her findings in Doha, under the title: ‘Five Things That Surprised Me About Qatar As A UK Expatriate.’
In the 49-second video snippet, she starts off by commending the nation’s ‘tidiness’ — featuring scenes of Qatar’s public restrooms — and comments, “Aren’t these lovely? I could easily reside here without any issues at all.”
Iqra continues by discussing what she refers to as the ‘intense, intense heat,’ further stating: ‘
Right now, I realize it’s quite warm here, but I certainly didn’t expect it to soar above 50 degrees.
‘Seriously, going outside means risking heatstroke. It’s best to stay indoors and not venture out at all.’
However, she elaborates on the perceived advantages of living in Qatar, adding that her favorite aspect is the security — people commonly leave their laptops and phones outdoors without worry.
They leave their vehicles unlocked, homes open, and Designer bags scattered around without worry – 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 absurdly opulent architectural designs wherever you look – they never fail to impress me.’
‘It’s not just hotels – it’s malls, offices, mosques, just everything around you.’
In response to a question from a follower about whether transitioning from the UK to Dubai was ‘easy,’ she stated, ‘It certainly takes time to get settled, but praise be to God, it is completely worthwhile.’
MailOnline
highlighted last June how British educators were leaving their positions in large numbers
and relocating overseas, experiencing reduced depresi, increased finances, and improved living standards.
Social media has been awash with images of teachers showing exotic lifestyles in Dubai and across the Middle East, as well as in the Far East and Australia.
Meanwhile, back in the UK, the number and rate of teacher vacancies reached its highest level since 2010 when comparable records begin –
hitting
2,800 in November 2023, or six empty posts per 1,000 teachers in service.
People working in other professions are also being tempted by Qatar, other social media users are suggesting.
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 Babe Residing in Qatar.’
She shared her gratitude with her 2,850 followers on the platform for moving, mentioning a video where she lists “Things I’ve learned since shifting my life to Qatar from the UK three years back.”
The social media poster
She said, “Could you believe Qatar is my favorite spot on this planet?”
Moving here three years ago was the best decision I ever made. It took a minute to adjust but, once I did, I’ve never been happier.
‘When you live here you’ll experience extremely cold weather but when you tell people back home the temperature, they’ll think you’re exaggerating about it being cold.
‘I’m talking outdoor fireplaces and blankets and restaurants when its 25 degrees Celsius and we’re still shivering. You’ll only understand if you live here.’
She proceeded to outline the financial advantages of being an attraction, reassuring her audience with these words: “There is no income tax here, which means whatever you earn goes right into your pocket.”
Furthermore, numerous employers provide coverage for accommodations, utilities, transportation, meals, and healthcare – leaving you with additional spending money to enjoy as desired instead of having most of your earnings consumed by living costs.
She provided guidance as well, highlighting that newcomers may experience loneliness and isolation when adapting to a new location, while encouraging them to ‘let themselves.’
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 factors, stating: ‘
Being near the water is incredibly calming for my spirit.
‘There is honestly nowhere I’d rather be. If I could teleport my entire family and friends to Qatar, the UK would never see me 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 one back in the UK.
‘Standing here, I genuinely admire the sky, taking time to cherish the sun, the moon, 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 shared videos of her surroundings with captions like: “POV [point of view]: You left the UK to reside in Qatar. This is how your daily life would look now.”
Responding to a commenter who highlighted some skepticism regarding life in Qatar, she shared: “My aim is for my content to alter these perceptions of Qatar—it’s a stunning location filled with wonderful individuals.”
When someone else expressed worries about the air quality, she responded: “The air does contain a significant amount of sand and dust, which I acknowledge, but it’s far preferable to the contamination found in London.”
Qatar encountered criticism before hosting the 2022 World Cup, which was awarded to them by FIFA, soccer’s global authority, in 2010.
A study conducted prior to the tournament revealed that approximately 6,500 migrant workers lost their lives in the Gulf country after it secured the hosting rights for the finals.
An Amnesty International report highlighted unsafe conditions for those building stadiums and infrastructure.
Campaigners also challenged progress on promises to abolish the kafala system restricting migrant workers from leaving the country or changing jobs without their employer’s permission.
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 said at the time: ‘In the last few weeks that’s come under huge scrutiny. I accept that position because I’m there to be shot at, and people have criticised me heavily as well as our colleagues over on the BBC who were yesterday.
‘The reality of it is, my view on it quite simply is that I detest workers’ rights abuses, I hate the idea of people not being paid enough money, working in poor conditions, the idea of people not having good accommodation. The women’s rights and human rights abuses. I can’t stand it.
‘But I also have relationships with people in this part of the world and have done for many many years. Those relationships are long standing in our country.
‘The fact that we buy most of our energy from the Middle East, that they own our banks, and the Royal Family have relationships with the Middle East – both sporting and charitable.
‘There is an assumption that our government and political parties maintain connections with entities from the Middle East. These entities allegedly possess ownership of London Heathrow Airport as well as the London Stock Exchange.’
‘It’s football that’s brought the scrutiny and football tournaments that have brought the scrutiny on issues that exist in these parts of the world.’
Meanwhile, his former Red Devils and Three Lions team-mate David Beckham
he defended his position as an ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
, saying that ‘engagement is the only way of making change’.
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 said: ‘Anything I go into, I do every kind of check to make sure it is the right thing for me, is the right thing for my business and is the right thing morally.’
His connection to the country began in 2013 when he signed with Paris Saint-Germai, a club led by its Qatar-based ownership.
Beckham said: ‘I wanted to be involved in the World Cup because I’ve always said this game can change lives, can change people’s perceptions, and when you bring a World Cup into any country, it shines a huge spotlight on issues.
‘I saw that as an opportunity. Firstly, to be involved in another World Cup.
Secondly, Qatar is a fairly new nation and it is undergoing a transformation as part of this process. Hosting the World Cup contributes significantly to these changes.
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