A handy Directory for black expats living in Qatar
Moving to Qatar and entering a different culture/community can be quite a big change. As a black woman in particular you definitely get used to specific pre- planning to accommodate your needs wherever you’re travelling to in the world and even more so when moving to countries in which we are the vast minority.
When I moved to here I didn’t know a single soul and had to FBI style scour the internet looking for things like community, hair salons that treat afro hair and where to satisfy my soul food cravings! Side note: Immersing yourself in the culture of the county that you’ve immigrated to is so important so please make the effort to do this first and foremost (arabic food is insane!) Whatever it is that brings you to Qatar I’ll put you onto a lil starter pack that will help make you feel a little bit closer to home in your time of need.
Sistas of Qatar — A Facebook group created to unite women of colour in Qatar. The goal of the group is to meet, network connect with other women of colour from around the world who find themselves in this region. Here you can ask questions, ask for advice, enquire about recommendations etc and group members are so helpful and responsive. Social events such as meetups, book clubs cinema trips, kid’s playdates and nights out are organized within the group. Connecting with other women can be so powerful and comforting so this is definitely an essential group to join.
Brothers and Sisters of Qatar — Another Facebook group similar to Sistas of Qatar (but with men in it) designed for support networking and socializing with others of African descent living in Qatar. The group is informative and equally useful.
Ray’s Jerk Shack — Authentic Jamaican Jerk made from Ray’s special ingredients smoked in a jerk drum to deliver moth watering flavours to tantaslise your taste buds. This is the real deal, no gimmicks!
Embellie — A boutique Salon specialising in afro textured hair. Braiding, cornrows, steam treatments, they do it all and really well.
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Butterfly Beauty Shop Qatar — Selling an abundance of afro hair products, including scalp oils, shampoos/conditioners, hair extensions for braids/weaves etc. Usually I would have to stock my suitcase with products when I travel home or order items from amazon whilst in Qatar for extortionate shipping prices, so this place is a real game changer.
Total Glam Hairs — An online Human Hair shop based in Qatar, selling wigs, extensions, hair bundles, wig installation and wig care.
Total Glam Makeup — A Qatar based Make Up Artist who knows how to facebeat black and brown skin tones beautifully. Available for events, editorials, photo shoots and make up training.
Nosh Cravings — This vegan fast food spot is delicious and black owned. Favourites include Chicken and Waffles, Mac N Cheese an array of amazing desserts — all 100% vegan.
C.R.E.A.M. Bakery — A trendy bakery that blends it’s love for desserts and hip hop — black owned.
Lavanda Cafe — A super chiccafe spot with a colourful menu of food pasteries, desserts and coffees — black owned.
Lulu Hypermarket — You can buy a wide selection of foods from all over the world in many supermarkets in Qatar. However, I find Lulu to be the most bountiful in terms of its selection of Afro/ Caribbean foods, fruits, veg and seasonings. The day that I found Ugandan avacados in here I swear I almost cried!
