Flock to This Country: Better Healthcare and Tax-Free Salaries Trump Dubai

• EXPLORE FURTHER: We relocated to Dubai seeking a better life—but find ourselves less well-off compared to our time in the UK.

The petroleum-abundant Middle Eastern country of Qatar remained under British governance for over five decades during the 20th century—but this sovereign country is now attracting Britons to reside and work within its borders on its own terms.

Many young individuals relocating to Qatar frequently establish themselves in the nation's capital, Doha, and enthusiastically discuss the advantages they encounter, such as tax-exempt earnings and minimal living costs. crime enabling them to leave vehicles and houses unlocked.

TikTok Videos praise the allure of a nation with a populace of 2.6 million individuals, among whom merely 313,000 hold citizenship status – coinciding with British people expressing disenchantment with nearby regions. Dubai .

It is believed that around 20,000 residents in Qatar are British citizens, with the majority of the nation’s workforce consisting of expatriates and migrant laborers.

Human rights organizations have joined others in expressing worries over Qatar's handling of underprivileged immigrants from less developed nations, who may become dependent on their employers and receive low salaries.

And ex-England football internationals David Beckham and Gary Neville have faced criticism in recent years due to their association with Qatar – including Beckham a representative for the 2022 FIFA World Cup held there and Neville reporting on it as a commentator for a government-run television station .

However, pro-Qatar messages seem to be effective as an increasing number of UK expatriates are persuading their peers to relocate, encompassing roles such as educators, fashion creators, and IT specialists—emphasizing tax benefits along with cheaper real estate and goods. Additionally, top-notch medical care is also being promoted as a major draw.

MailOnline has examined the expenses related to living costs including dining out, transportation, and apparel to make comparisons. London versus Qatar's capital, Doha, which is home to 80 percent of the country's residents.

The expense of sustaining daily life in Britain has increased. found to be 34.2 per cent higher than in Qatar, with restaurant prices steeper by 48 per cent and grocery costs by 41.5 per cent.

Qatar - which was a British protectorate between 1916 and independence in 1961 - is seven hours away by plane, with prices available online currently starting from £122 for one-way flights and £251 for a round trip.

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 cheaper than the equivalent cost of £57 in neighbouring Dubai .

An imported 330ml beer is better value in London, at an average of £6 compared to £8,26 in Doha - though a cappuccino is £4 in the UK capital against £3.78 in Qatar's.

A McDonalds meal also comes in cheaper in the Middle East, charged at £8 in London but just £5.16 in Doha.

In the meantime, the average monthly cost for utilities like water and electricity in Doha is £69.04, which is significantly lower compared to London’s £233.10. However, internet costs are more expensive in Qatar at £65.11 versus £31.64 in London.

Equipping yourself with clothing can mean finding a pair of jeans at nearly half the cost in the UK within Qatar, whereas the price for each square meter of a downtown apartment in Doha is less than one-quarter of what you would pay for comparable space in central London, according to analysts.

Previously, MailOnline reported 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, meanwhile flaunting their new lifestyles on TikTok - however, some other social media users have also been Speaking about relocating to Britain despite such offers.

A similar exemption from income tax is attracting people to Doha, coupled with cheaper prices for certain items—meanwhile, residents enjoy abundant sunshine, with peak temperatures reaching about 45°C.

One of those enjoying life in Qatar following their move from London is a educator who also has a presence as a TikTok creator known by the username Iqra Inspire , who uploads videos showcasing her new life there.

A single post to her 4,400 subscribers highlights several pros and cons from her discoveries in Doha with the title: "Five aspects of Qatar that surprised me as a British expatriate."

In the 49-second video, she begins by commending 'the cleanliness,' sharing clips of public restrooms in Qatar with the comment: 'How beautiful are these? I could easily stay here; totally no issue at all.'

Iqra continues by discussing what she refers to as the 'intense, intense heat,' adding: Right now, I realize it’s quite warm here, but I didn’t expect it to soar above 50 degrees – basically, going outside could lead to heatstroke. It’s best to stay indoors and avoid venturing out altogether.

But she expands on the apparent benefits of life in Qatar, continuing by telling viewers: 'Now we come to my favourite thing, which is the safety – people literally leave their laptops, their phones out.

'They don't lock their cars, their houses, the designer bags absolutely everywhere – it's just, like, so non-violent here, it's crazy.

'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 utterly extravagant architectural designs wherever you look – they never fail to impress me.'

It's not only about hotels; it includes shopping centers, office buildings, mosques, basically everything surrounding you.

In response to a question from a follower about transitioning from the UK to Dubai, she stated: "It definitely takes some time to get settled, but praise be to God, it’s completely worthwhile."

MailOnline highlighted last June how British educators were leaving their positions in large numbers and relocating overseas, savoring reduced stress, increased finances, and improved living standards.

The internet has been flooded with pictures of educators displaying luxurious lives in Dubai and throughout the Middle East, along with similar depictions in the Far East and Australia.

In the meantime, in the UK, both the number and rate of teacher vacancies hit their peak since 2010 when consistent records started being kept. hitting 2,800 vacancies as of November 2023, equivalent to six unfilled positions for every 1,000 teachers employed.

Individuals from various fields of work are likewise being enticed by Qatar, according to suggestions made by other social media users.

A British person living overseas is a TikToker who goes by the username AngInQatar , whose profile starts with the title: 'The Diary of a London Babe Residing in Qatar.'

She shared her feelings of immense gratitude with her 2,850 followers on the platform, mentioning in one video about "Discoveries I've made Since Moving to Qatar From the UK Three Years Ago".

The social media poster 'She said, "Could you believe Qatar is my favorite spot on this planet?"' Deciding to move here three years ago turned out to be the finest choice I have ever made. Although it only took a short time to adapt, after adjusting, I haven’t felt more content.

'While living here, you will encounter incredibly harsh winter conditions; however, when you share these temperatures with folks back home, they might believe you are overstating how chilly it really is.'

I'm referring to outdoor fireplaces and blankets at restaurants even when it’s 25 degrees Celsius and we're still freezing. You'll grasp this only if you reside here.

She proceeded to outline the financial advantages of being located there, reassuring her audience: "There is no income tax, so whatever you earn, you get to keep."

Furthermore, numerous employers will often pay for lodging, utilities, transportation, meals, and healthcare—leaving you with extra money to enjoy as you please instead of spending most of your earnings on living expenses.

She provided guidance as well, mentioning 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, praising how inexpensive it is. They mentioned that an Uber ride for up to 10 minutes costs around £2 or £3, whereas a full-day pass on the Doha Metro rapid transit system is priced at approximately £1.50.

However, she also praised the environmental factors, stating: ' Being near the water is incredibly calming for my spirit.

'I genuinely wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. If I had the power to transport my whole family and friends to Qatar, the UK would lose sight of me forever.'

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 a star in the UK.

'Standing here, I genuinely gaze up at the sky and find myself appreciating the sun, the moon, and the stars.'

A different British TikToker who currently resides in Qatar and posts using the username Thisisrobynmarie , is a corporate fashion designer boasting over 4,100 followers.

She has posted 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 now looks."

Responding to a commenter who highlighted certain individuals' doubts regarding life in Qatar, she shared: "My aim is for my content to alter these perceptions of Qatar—it’s a stunning location inhabited by wonderful people."

When someone else voiced worries regarding air quality, she responded: "The air does contain a significant amount of sand and dust, which I acknowledge, yet it’s far preferable compared 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.

Research ahead of the tournament found that 6,500 migrant workers had been killed in the Gulf state since it won the right to host 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 was employed by the Qatar-based network beIN Sports during the 2022 tournament, has faced accusations of hypocrisy – but maintained he felt no conflict regarding participation in the tournament.

At the time, he stated: "Over the past several weeks, this matter has faced significant examination. I acknowledge my role because I am meant to be criticized, and both myself and our associates from the BBC were harshly attacked just yesterday."

The truth is, my perspective is straightforward: I abhor worker mistreatment, despise the notion of insufficient pay, poor working conditions, and inadequate housing for individuals. Additionally, I cannot tolerate abuses related to women’s rights and general human rights. It goes against everything I believe in.

'I've also maintained connections with individuals in this region for numerous years. These relationships have been longstanding within our nation.'

The reality is that we source the majority of our energy from the Middle East, these countries also hold significant stakes in our banking sector, and members of the royal family maintain connections with the region through various sports-related activities and charity work.

'There's an idea that our government and political parties maintain connections with entities from the Middle East. These entities supposedly control London Heathrow Airport as well as the London Stock Exchange.'

'Football has attracted the attention, and it is football events that have drawn focus to the issues present in these regions.'

At the same time, his ex-Red Devils and Three Lions teammate Beckham he defended his position as ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar , stating that 'the only way to make changes is through engagement.'

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 stated: "Before entering anything, I conduct all sorts of checks to ensure it aligns with what’s best for me, beneficial for my business, and also stands up ethically."

His connection to the country began when he signed with Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, as the French team was led by its Qatari ownership.

Beckham stated, "My desire to participate in the World Cup stemmed from my belief that football has the power to transform lives and alter public opinions. Hosting a World Cup in any nation draws significant attention to various critical matters."

I viewed that as a chance. Primarily, to participate in another World Cup.

Secondly, Qatar is a fairly new nation that is currently undergoing transformation and experiencing various changes. Hosting the World Cup accelerates this process of change.

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