Sailing and Living Aboard in Qatar

[Zanshin]

I have just received an intersting offer to spend some time in Qatar and wanted to see if anyone here might have and be willing to share information on the sailing conditions in Qatar and if there is a possibility of living aboard in a marina. From quick searches on the internet I see that Noonsite doesn't have anything more than clearing-in instructions (which is not a positive sign) and that the hotels seem to have marinas but that is it.

I have learned that there is only one liquor store there for foreigners and you need a letter from your employer stating all sort of personal details so that you can submit an application for a license to buy. Oh, and you can only submit that application in person in the store, but they won't let you enter the store without a license... I can live with that if the sailing is nice!

[GordMay]

The Pearl of Qatar is configured around three major coves; Porto Arabia, Viva Bahriya and Costa Malaz, each of which will have a marina. Unfortunately, they may not be completed until 2011.
Ronautica Middle East - The Pearl-Qatar Marinas

Photo as of February, 2008.