Week 1 in Doha
[Originally written in October 2024]
I just wrapped up my first week in Doha, Qatar, and there’s a lot to appreciate.
Doha resembles the most polished part of Las Vegas but with genuine luxury. Marble is marble here, and when you see fountains that resemble the Bellagio’s, they’re made of stone, not plastic. It’s a desert oasis in the wealthiest country in the world, with stunning architecture and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The Middle Eastern dust haze adds a unique mystique to the landscape.
The food is exceptional, too. My best meal so far was at a Lebanese restaurant—gotu kola, potatoes with olive oil and paprika, and a variety of meats. The higher quality ingredients mean the dishes rely less on sauces and heavy seasonings like sodium.
Geopolitically, being in Doha is fascinating. The region is at the center of so much global tension, and hearing local perspectives has been eye-opening. For example, the strained relationship between Saudi Arabia and Qatar due to the 2017–2021 blockade still lingers. Qatar’s alliance with Iran feels significant, especially since the Qatari Emir just met with Iran’s president in Doha.
Despite all this, Doha feels incredibly safe—a strange contrast to the volatility on just the other side of Saudi Arabia with Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
That said, there are some downsides. I’ve felt a tad bored and lonely for two main reasons:
The reserved culture makes it hard to connect with people, especially Qataris. I haven’t seen many Westerners or expats yet.
The country feels underpopulated. The infrastructure is impressive, but much of it sits empty. For example, Vendome Mall on a Monday afternoon had maybe 50 people in it.
There’s an eerie, dystopian vibe to the emptiness. I’m concerned the social scene will be dead. Qatar feels diverse within a narrow band—Arabs, Africans, Filipinos, and South Asians dominate the demographic, but I haven’t seen many Hispanics/Latinos (fair enough), East Asians, or Europeans.
Despite the initial challenges, I think it will get better:
Work will pick up when the team returns.
I’ll start traveling soon—Thailand in December and India in January.
With data and local connections, I’ll be able to get around more easily, whether it’s ordering delivery, using Uber, etc.
When I start feeling angsty, two things keep me grounded:
The chance to explore this part of the world—Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
The dad lore - stories I hope to tell my kids one day.
It’s too early to say if this was the right decision, but it’s certainly been interesting. Let’s see where the adventure goes.
EDIT: I wrote this before I knew that Cipriani Socialista Doha existed. I’m good now - I made friends and Doha definitely isn’t lonely or quiet or dead.