In many countries you need to get to know the locals with the local power and influence - with, as they say here, Wasta.
Wasta refers to having the power, relations, connections, influence or clout to get things done. Knowing people with Wasta can help in all areas of life, from getting a traffic accident dealt with quickly to pulling off a business deal or leaving the country after an exit permit has been refused.
However, as was pointed out to me recently by a friend here, it is often important to get to know the expats with power as well as the Qataris.
It is hard to appreciate prior to coming to Qatar just how few Qataris there are. The Qatari population forms just 200,000 out of over 1,500,000 residents. A majority of these Qataris are youths still in school or training and yet to fill senior positions.
As a result many senor positions are filled by expats. While the very top positions in major companies are held by Qataris, these Qataris are often moved to different positions. The expats directly below them, on the other hand, may have been in the same position for fifteen or more years: in effect, they run the business.
So, after moving to Qatar, you may find yourself wining and dining your own countrymen in order to find your wasta.
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