1. HR Orientation Schedule & In-processing

A detailed orientation schedule has been created for you. Please download Excel file.

2. Important Date to Remember

On September 25, we will hold the University wide " Academic YaHala" Orientation (YaHala means welcome) and it will be presided over by the President.

Your College/Department will plan an academic orientation for new hires anywhere from two weeks to a month or so after your joining date.

3. Campus Information

The QU campus is located in the northern part of Doha close to the Doha Golf Club. The mailing address is:

Qatar University
(Your Department's Name)
P.O. Box 2713
Doha, Qatar 

4. Tips and Information for a Successful Stay in Qatar

4-1) General

• Do remember that Qatar is a Muslim country and you need to dress appropriately. Both men and women should only wear shorts and sleeveless tops at the beach or at a private enclosed pool.
   
• Do be prepared to bargain with shopkeepers – especially in the Souqs (street markets). Enjoy the experience!
   
• Do make sure to drink plenty of water, and watch for potential heat-related injuries, especially in the summer months. Headaches, nausea, and excessive sweating are some of the signs that you are dehydrating and overheating.
   
• Do remember to protect yourself from the sun. Some type of head cover is recommended to prevent severe sunburn. Sun block is a must, at all time of the year.
   
• Do ask permission from people before taking their photograph. Many of the older people and most of the local women object to having their picture taken. Most government buildings, police, and armed forces buildings are off-limits for casual photography. Taking photographs at the airport is also forbidden.
   
• Don't wade in the coastal waters barefoot. Poisonous stonefish frequent the shallows. These appear to be rocks, but can inject a poison into your foot when stepped on.
   
• Don’t cross your feet in such a way as to expose the bottoms of your feet to a Qatari host. Showing the bottoms of one's feet is considered an insult.
   
• Don't hand over or receive items with your left hand. Don't use your left hand to pick up food if eating with your fingers.

4-2) Shopping Hours

Some shops close from 1300 hrs to 1600 hrs every afternoon. Malls are open from 1000 hrs to midnight. On Fridays, all shops and food outlets will be closed from 1100 hrs to 1300 hrs for prayer.

4-3) Driving

• Do remember to keep your driver's license, vehicle registration, road permit, and insurance documents on hand. There is an on the spot QR 500 fine when pulled over by the police for not having your documentation.
   
• Do wear seat belts at all times. Seat belts save lives.
   
• Do check your tires often. Heat and road conditions can lead to blowouts.
   
• Do check for no-parking signs. Parking fines range from QR 300 to QR 1000.
   
• Do watch out for emergency vehicles and make way for them.
   
• Don't use your cell phone while driving.
   
• Don't drive off road into the desert. The sand can "swallow" tires and leave you stranded. Seemingly hard packed ground can give way unexpectedly. Leave the desert driving to the experienced locals.
   
• Don't forget to take your vehicle in for regular maintenance checks.
   
• Don't speed. Qatar police use surveillance cameras on highways. Fines start at QR 500. Driving through a stoplight is a minimum of QR 6000.
   

4-4)The Holy Month of Ramadan

This year the holy month of Ramadan will start on or about August 11 and will last for approximately 30 days. During the holy month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public during the hours of fasting (between dawn and sunset). QU working hours will also be affected. You may be required to work fewer and adjusted hours during this month.

Ramadan is followed by the Eid al Fitr holidays. The University will be closed for approximately five days during this time in celebration of the Eid. The exact date of the Eid and the duration of the Eid holidays will be announced in due course.

4-5) Cultural Shock

Cultural shock is a term used to describe the feelings people have when they move to an unfamiliar culture. Every person reacts differently to moving to a new place. There are four stages of cultural shock.

1. Euphoric or Honeymoon Stage: During this stage people are excited about their new lives. Everything is wonderful and they are having great time learning about their environment.
    
2. Culture Shock Stage: The differences between the two cultures become more apparent. People may feel overwhelmed, experience anger, frustration, sadness and incompetence. Please be patient and give yourself some time to overcome this stage.
    
3. Integration Stage: People start to deal with the differences between the old and new cultures. They learn to adapt and understand the new culture.
    
4. Acceptance Stage: People are now able to enter in the mainstream culture. They accept both cultures and combine them into their lives.

If you find that you are going through any of the above symptoms be patient and kind to yourself. Realize that this is normal and that it is part of the change process that you are going through.

Share your feelings with a colleague or friend. This will help you get through these emotional stages most of us have experienced.

5. Important Telephone Numbers:

Please click here to download Telephone Guide as a PDF file