The school fees guide alone saved me three weeks of emails to admissions offices. I had real numbers before I'd even accepted the offer.
The British Expat's Guide to Qatar
Move to Doha with confidence.
Verified school fees. Real compound reviews. Honest cost of living breakdowns. Everything a British professional needs — from people who actually live here.
Essential Reading
Everything you need to know
before you land
36 guides covering every aspect of expat life in Qatar — written by people who've done it, not AI scrapers or tourism boards.
Education
International Schools in Qatar
Verified annual fees for Doha College, DESS, Qatar Academy, ASD, Brighton College and 8 more. What's included, what's extra, and waiting list reality.
Read guideHousing
Best Compounds in Doha 2026
Al Waab City, Beverly Hills, Al Fardan Gardens, The Pearl, Lusail and 7 more. Real rental ranges, amenity ratings, and family suitability scores.
Read guideHealthcare
Health Insurance in Qatar
What your employer's plan likely doesn't cover. Hamad vs private hospitals. The Nar'aakom app explained. Paediatric care you can trust.
Read guideAdmin
Getting Your Qatar QID
Degree certificates, marriage certs, birth certs, school reports. What needs attesting, where to go, how long it actually takes.
Read guideFinance
Qatar Cost of Living 2026
An honest breakdown in QAR and GBP. Maid costs, schooling, rent when housing isn't in your package, groceries, eating out — all of it.
Read guideTransport
Converting Your UK Licence
Step-by-step guide to converting your UK driving licence in Qatar. Buying vs leasing, road rules, and why you need a car (public transport won't cut it).
Read guideTech
Best VPNs for Qatar 2026
What actually works, what's blocked, and what to set up before you fly. BBC iPlayer, WhatsApp calls, and everything else you're used to at home.
Read guideFinance
Sending Money Home to the UK
The cheapest way to move QAR to GBP. Wise vs OFX vs your bank — we ran the numbers. The difference over a year is significant.
Read guideRelocation
Shipping to Qatar: True Costs
Container vs shared load. Crown, AGS, Santa Fe — who's worth it. Customs, restricted items, and the timeline most removal companies won't tell you.
Read guideSchool Fee Database
What international schools really cost
Annual tuition in QAR and GBP equivalent. Updated for 2025–26 academic year. Includes registration and activity fees where verified.
Doha International Schools — Annual Fees 2025/26
Full Database| School | Curriculum | Annual Fee (QAR) | Approx GBP | Waiting List |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doha College | British (GCSE/A-Level) | 47,500 – 57,000 | £10,200 – £12,300 | Long |
| DESS (Doha English Speaking School) | British | 38,000 – 48,000 | £8,200 – £10,400 | Long |
| Brighton College Qatar | British | 72,000 – 86,000 | £15,500 – £18,600 | Medium |
| Qatar Academy (QA) | IB | 35,000 – 55,000 | £7,600 – £11,900 | Long |
| American School of Doha (ASD) | American / IB | 52,000 – 65,000 | £11,200 – £14,000 | Medium |
| DPS Modern Indian School | CBSE / IB | 14,000 – 22,000 | £3,000 – £4,700 | Short |
Housing Guide
Compound living in Doha
Most British expat families end up in a compound. Here's what the key ones actually offer — and what they'll cost you per year.
Top Expat Compounds — Annual Rent 2026
Full Compound Guide| Compound | Location | 3-Bed Annual (QAR) | Pool / Gym | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Waab City | Al Waab | 120,000 – 160,000 | ✓ Both | Families |
| Beverly Hills Compound | Al Gharrafa | 130,000 – 175,000 | ✓ Both | Families |
| Al Fardan Gardens | Al Maamoura | 110,000 – 145,000 | ✓ Pool | Professionals |
| The Pearl Qatar | The Pearl | 145,000 – 250,000 | ✓ Both | Luxury / No kids |
| Lusail City Apartments | Lusail | 90,000 – 140,000 | Varies | Budget-conscious |
Cost of Living
The numbers most employers won't show you
A realistic monthly budget for a family of four in Doha. All figures in QAR with approximate GBP equivalents at current rates.
What Expats Say
From the community
Every other Qatar guide I found was either five years old or written by someone who'd never been. DohaLifeHQ is the real thing.
I used the compound comparison to shortlist three options before I arrived. Moved into Al Waab City two weeks after landing. Perfect.