Doha Homes

Traditionally families are very large in Doha, and they tend to live either in the same home or very closely together. Until Qatar’s economic boom and influx of expatriates from around the world, there were very few apartment blocks, and most people lived in large houses that could accommodate the whole family. Indigenous Dohan’s and expatriates tend not to live together.

Nowadays, as Doha’s population is 80% foreigners, apartments and compounds are a more popular option, especially for those who travel there alone or for temporary work.

In recent years, there have been several large developments going up around Doha. Since 2004, foreigners have been allowed to purchase properties in certain areas. Most people purchase these as investment properties and the majority of developments are yet to be completed. They are the height of luxury, and no expense was spared in their construction. The most famous and largest development ‘The Pearl’ will eventually house over 20,000 residents, and boasts several luxury hotel, numerous restaurants and bars, and is situated on a man-made island off the coast of Doha in beautiful clear blue waters. The properties range from studio apartments to 4 bedroom villas, and all feature modern amenities with full access to The Pearl’s facilities.

A traditional Doha home is very different to the ones that the foreign residents of the city may choose to live in. Most indigenous Dohan’s are very strong Muslims, and the style of their houses reflect this. Since the growth of Doha’s economy, houses are still kept in a traditional style but with modern amenities and more extravagant architecture.

Dohan people take pride in their hospitality and warmth, and this is evident in the style of their homes. In Arabic homes, women are not allowed to be seen unless it is by a close relative, and Qatari men and women rarely socialize together; because of this Islamic Dohan homes are built in a style called majili. There is a separate entrance at the front of the house where men can greet visitors and sit with them. In this reception area, traditionally the Bedouins would be seated on large cushions on the floor. These days it is more common to have a sofa and chairs in this area. The rest of the rooms are either to the rear or side of the house where the women stay. This style of house usually has high walls for privacy from passersby. The entrance to the homes usually have an ornate fountain, and trees to create shade. A lot of compounds, although specifically designed for foreigners, are still built in this traditional style.

Traditionally, houses in Doha were built using clay as the mortar to bond unpolished stones together, and where stones were not available, clay bricks were used.

As builders and architects became more advanced and knowledgeable, different methods and tools were used to build houses best suited to the harsh Middle Eastern climate. Gypsum was used instead of clay, and wood was used as a frame in ceilings. Ceilings were horizontally flat with protrusions at the edges to minimize the intensity of the heat inside the building.

Windows are usually very small and rectangular to lessen the harsh sunlight that comes into the homes. The windows are usually overlooking a courtyard. The sitting rooms and upper rooms also had windows that would over look the courtyard and the street. Badjirs, which are ventilation and lighting grills are used in the upstairs rooms, these days all houses in Doha use air conditioning. It is not unusual for Qatari homes to have a servants quarter. Many houses have beautiful curved balconies, although they are more for show than for practical use because of the heat.

It is not unusual for several identical homes to be built next to each other as families tend to live very close by in similar homes.

There are very few homeless people in Doha, as the government ensures people are well provided for with accommodation. Young married Qatari couples are given low-cost loans to help them in getting their first home, and often these loans turn into gifts that do not need to be repaid.

Buildings and homes are generally of a very high standard in Doha due to the large amount of money available both to developers and residents. Also, because of the low cost of labor, maintenance levels are of a very good quality, and most families will have a cleaner.

Houses in Doha are generally a lot larger than those in US or European cities, and most detached homes have quite generous patios or gardens. Swimming pools are quite common throughout homes in Doha, particularly in apartment complexes and compounds.

These days most Dohan’s own a car, and so an undercover car space or garage is an essential part to their homes, especially considering the intense heat they experience all year round.