"I STARTED my job in Qatar this year. It's a fascinating country and I am learning more about it every day.
It has always been my dream to see the world and learn about different cultures while applying my project skills and experience.
As a project manager with Qatar Mice Development Institute (QMDI), I am currently focusing on the DIMDEX 2008 exhibition in March next year.
Singaporean Sandy Wong shares her experience of working and living in Qatar
This is the first-ever dedicated maritime defence show in the Middle East, and it is generating much excitement across the region, including Europe and the United States.
The Middle East is increasingly seen as the 'place to be' for businesses and investments. This is further reinforced by the pro-business climate that governments like Qatar are trying to promote.
The working environment here is very modern. People here work from 7.30am to 3.30pm, and it took some getting used to.
My colleagues are from multiethnic backgrounds, so this is a good opportunity to learn from one another.
While Arabic is the official language, business and international correspondence is usually conducted in English.
Another thing that foreigners have to adjust to is the weather. Average temperatures during the summer range from 42 deg C during the day but can drop to 18 deg C at night. On the upside, the air is dry, so you don't perspire much.
Qatar is an Arab Muslim society, and there are strict rules pertaining to dress codes, especially for women.
There are also women's and family days at some public attractions where men are not allowed unless they are accompanying their wives and children.
Home for me is a modern apartment provided by the company in a designated compound.
I live with two housemates, and we each have a room to ourselves. The three of us share many hours of fun shopping and cooking together.
Being in the Middle East and so far away from home, we are not able to get our regular favourites like chicken rice, laksa and char kway teow. However, we brought along instant pre-packed sauces so that we can get a taste of home.
While I miss home and my family in Singapore, I am grateful for the company of my housemates.
There is a wireless Internet connection in the apartment for us to keep in touch with our friends and families back home. International roaming charges are expensive, so I limit my phone calls.
A typical weekend in Qatar revolves around grocery shopping and walking through the malls.
The main malls are City Centre and Villagio, which boast major international names like Carrefour, Coffee Bean, Starbucks, the TGIF restaurant, and fast food joints like KFC and McDonald's.
Major fashion labels making waves in Qatar include H&M, Mango, Zara and Next.
Those heading to work and live in Qatar should acquire a basic understanding of the cultural differences and the dos and don'ts of a Muslim society.
Personally, I would suggest stocking up on local Singaporean sauces and dry foodstuffs like Chinese mushrooms and ikan bilis for cooking. Such items are either impossible to find, very expensive or are of less than ideal quality.
Being able to whip up your favourite Singapore dish will also help ease your homesickness.
I also recommend stocking up your DVD collection as well as some good novels to relax after a hard day's work.
Bring your own electronic equipment, such as a digital camera with an international warranty, as electronics in Qatar are limited and the prices may be higher.
These are just small inconveniences you learn to live with. So far, my Qatar experience has been a fulfilling journey of learning, sharing and discovery."
Articles contributed by the public relations department of Singex, Singapore Expo. For more information, visit www.singex.com and www.singaporeexpo.com.sg
