Anyone in this forum diving in Qatar ?
I'm currently contemplating a move over there to be based in Doha - and trying to find a few expat contacts there that dive, and who can point me in the right direction for dive ops working in Qatar
Any info appreciated
Cheers
Wantonmien,
I have been working U.S. Military Contracts in Iraq and now Kuwiat for seven years. Currently I am in Kuwait. I did my first Kuwait dives last Friday and to be honest, not much in the Poseidan's Wow department. But here in Kuwait we have a local chapter of the British Sub-Aquatic Club or BSAC for short. They own the boat in Kuwait that we dived off of so the usage charge is minimal. I have my own kit, but the club also has kit to rent. Every Tuesday we have a Social...they are quite nice. And the club offeres free Dive Training. My training here in Kuwait has been superior to any I have taken from PADI so far. The Kuwait Mantas BSAC has members from the UK, NZ, US, AU, GER, HOL, BEL, NOR, KUW, EGT...it is quite the mix. Through the Club we get discounts and take mini-excursions. Last Month they went to Jordan and this month we are headed to Sharm. I also know that there are at least two BSAC club in UAE, not quite sure on Qatar. But with the World Cub construction and all of the increase in Expats, one might form.:vintagediver:
I have traveled to UAE a few time and dived in both Dubai or Fujairah...I recommend diving with Karin at Divers Down, I found them to be the best in UAE that I have used..plus she makes a mean green tea.
You mentioned R&Rs. The nice thing about Qatar/Dubai is you are just a few hours from of some of the best diving in the world...Red Sea, Bali, Maldives, Thailand, Indonsia, and Micronesia...plus quick jumps to Europe. Those you can consider too when deciding on whether qatar is the place for you or not. If you have access to US Mail...then there is nothing that you can not order via the internet stores, Houe of Scuba, LeisurePro, ect.
Good luck with your decission...
P.S. As far as contacts, I have meet Gordon (Searcaigh) and Karin (Aquamarin) and both are great individuals whom I would include as my friends. I have corresponded on SB with Simon a few times; he has always been a great provider of Middle Eastern Information. :wavey:
~Michael~
