If first impressions are anything to go by, Doha achieves a high score on several fronts. This modern, happening city of 2.8 million people is impressive – well, certainly from my South African eyes.

“You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression … “

Here are ten things that jumped out at me on arrival for my new life in Qatar.

1. It’s so clean

Wide-open spaces in large modern buildings and even wider streets – everything is so clean. I couldn’t help myself on arrival at Hamad International Airport; I had to take a photograph of the toilets. They are pristine. So, there will be no further worrying about using the loo before leaving home in future. Not a piece of litter in sight.

2. Officialdom       

You won’t cheat or beat the system here. Paperwork and processes are the order of the day. Thankfully, everything works quickly and efficiently. It’s so first-world. You’re stopped and checked at every point and, in my case, prodded and poked. The latter is part of the onboarding process when coming to live in Qatar, but more of this in my next blog post.

3. Bleached yellow

Doha is the colour of bleached yellow. It’s like the sun has faded the colouring of the city, which is much like other parts of the Middle East. By comparison, South Africa is azure blue and yellow (in summer) and England is grey (all year round, just about) and green (because of the rain).

Doha’s buildings mainly match, in various shades, the colour of the desert sand when viewed from a distance. But not when it comes to city centre skyscrapers.

  

4. Skyscrapers

I haven’t been to New York but imagine that Doha, like Dubai, must be a Middle East version of the Big Apple. As you approach the city centre from Hamad International, the skyline is super impressive, as is driving beneath these towering edifices. They’re all shiny and slinky in shape, and by night their glass exteriors and clever lighting, give these tantalisingly tall buildings (30-plus storeys) a glamorous new party look. 

5. Construction site

Doha is one big construction site. Everywhere you turn building is taking place. Cranes and half-built high-rises dot the horizon, while builder’s rubble seems to fill all the empty spaces in between. Roads are constantly moving to keep up with these changes. I’ve lost count of the number of cranes. I know there’s a FIFA World Cup coming up but, apparently, it’s been like this for years. And since everything is so new and modern, I must believe it.

 

6. Traffic

Multi-lane highways, heavy with traffic (mainly large swanky, new SUVs) driving on the right-hand side of the road is not for the faint-hearted. The road signage is good and Waze (the GPS system used here) is outstanding. Mrs Waze, as she is now known since, along with Etheraz, she is my new best friend, even knows about overnight road changes in guiding you to said destination. But it’s scary business for a newcomer.

7. Multi-national

I had expected to see local Qatari people in their white (for men) and black (women) robes. What I had not anticipated was the marvellous mix of people from around the globe. There are 51 different nationalities at our church, but there may have been even more at the local supermarket. It was wonderful (and weird) to see and hear.

8. It’s safe

Within 24 hours I sensed this was a safe country from a criminal perspective. I walked through the city centre at night. Okay, I was with the H (the husband), but not once did I fear that someone would pop up and demand my bag, cell phone, car or life. I did, however, wonder at my wellbeing when faced with crossing eight lanes of traffic and never knowing which way to look for oncoming traffic. I am learning, however, that there is great respect for pedestrians here.

9. Weather

It’s winter here right now and the weather is beautiful with an average temperature of about 24C, dropping down to no more than 14C at night. Yet, I see folk dressed up with jerseys, hoodies and coats which feels strange because I am wearing short-sleeved shirts and dresses (no shorts or minis, mind you). I suspect this is probably the only chance folk get to wear something different … with temperatures reaching the high 40Cs in summer.

10. Surreal

All is still surreal. This is not really a first impression, but rather an observation about how our world has evolved. As I gaze at the spectacular view of spinnaker sails, jet skis and yachts enjoying the bay (there are no waves!) with high-rises of the upmarket Pearl area dotting the skyline, I can hear that South African favourite, Boer Soek ‘n Vrou (Farmer seeks a wife), playing in the background. And I wonder, is this really happening …

Quick question: what were your first impressions?