According to an old article of Entrepreneur Middle East, “Starting and launching your business in Qatar can often be seen as a long, confusing, expensive and arduous process”. They have also outlined the following documents that must be processed to be fully incorporated and perform all the necessary activities to run and grow a business in Qatar.
- Commercial Registration, more commonly known as the CR which states that there is “a legal entity with name x that is owned by these shareholders.”.
- Trade License, which refers to a legal office space under the CR.
- Computer Card (also known as Signature Card or Khaid Munshiah), which is used to issue Residence Permits (RP) for the company employees.
Read the full article here (some changes might have been implemented over the years, please make sure to cross-check the details before doing any actions).
And as a continuation of our Special Series highlighting the nominees of our ongoing BLQ Reader’s Choice 2020, here’s a preview of the 5 nominees for the BEST HOME-GROWN BUSINESS (NON-FOOD) Category in alphabetical order.
1. Conor – Coriner Cargo Qatar
It is a Filipino tradition to send gift items to our loved ones back home or anywhere else. And in many parts of the world where there is a Filipino, there’s always a local or international cargo shipping company in place. Popularly called “balikbayan boxes” these bundle of joy is always filled with items from abroad – from grocery items, toys, electronic appliances, household items and more.
With two branches located in Souq Al Aseiry, Conor Int’l Express Cargo & Services has been serving the Filipino people in Qatar since 1995. They are the pioneer in providing the best and safest cargo services including air and sea cargo to the Philippines and offering worldwide shipments as well as airport to airport cargo services.
Date of visit to the shop: January 8, 2020
Conor-Coriner Cargo Qatar
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ConorCargoQatar/
- Instagram – not available
- Contact Number – 4441 8196
- Location Link – https://g.page/ConorCargoQatar?share
2. DJ Salon and Spa for Men
We had the pleasure of witnessing the opening of this men’s salon in March of 2018. Located in Al Khalidiya Street in Najma, DJ Salon and Spa for Men features 2 levels for hair grooming and salon (ground and first floor), and a wellness spa in their basement. Manned by an all-Filipino staff, DJ Salon delivers the best “kabayan” service at reasonable prices.
Date published on BLQ FB Page: November 11, 2019
DJ Salon and Spa for Men
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/djsalonandspaformen/
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/djsalonandspa/?hl=en
- Contact Number – 3325 8813
- Location Link – https://goo.gl/maps/FckDTfYrZqRgXxoi8
3. Happy Women Salon
One of the many surprises during the nomination process is the entry of Happy Women Salon. Since it caters to ladies market, it is something new to me. They are in service since 2014 and judging from their Facebook page review section, a lot of satisfied and loyal customers are saying good things about them – and probably the reason enough to get nominated for two categories.
They have 3 branches as of press time: Pearl Beauty Salon – Al Hilal by Happy Women Pearl Beauty Salon – Al Mairqab by Happy Women and Happy Women Salon in Bin Mahmoud. It will be a good pair for DJ Salon to get to know more about Happy Women Salon on our succeeding posts. Remember, “happy wife, happy life!“
Date of visit to the shop: January 8, 2020
Happy Women Salon
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/happywomensalon/
- Instagram – not available
- Contact Number – 44365121 / 66819313
- Location Link – click here
4. Kabayan Express
Aside from cargo shipping, another critical requirement of many Kabayan ex-pats in Qatar is the legal documentation from the Philippines. When most requirements for work, marriage, property, and many others require authentications from government agencies back home, sending it via courier or going home personally may be too expensive, risky, and time-consuming.
It’s good to know that there are companies like Kabayan Express who can give professional assistance for all these services and more. We’ve personally tried their services several times already especially with my wife’s documentation requirements – and it was really hassle-free! They used to have an office inside Souq al Aseiry, then to this location inside United Bank Limited (UBL) building in Souq.
Date of visit to the shop: January 8, 2020
Kabayan Express
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kabayanexpress/
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kabayanexpress/?hl=en
- Contact Number – 3010 9011
- Location Link – CLICK HERE (New location starting February 2020)
5. Qabayan FM 94.3
“The first and only Filipino radio station in Qatar – Qabayan Radio 94.3, Music pa more!” Who hasn’t memorized this line that we always hear playing in between segments at Qabayan FM 94.3? Many of us may have requested for online-greetings and actually recorded on Instagram while the RJ’s are reading it on air (guilty here!). Have you joined their contests? Or requested for your favorite songs? Or sent greetings for your friends, family and… even to yourself? Were you also discussing the QOTD (Question of the Day) with your spouse inside your car, or your colleagues while having your lunch break, or have actually posted your comments on their social media page?
That’s how engaging Qabayan FM 94.3 is. And as we make them part of our daily routine since they graced the airwaves in March 2019, there is no denying that they are making our day more interesting.
Listen to them when they play this on air: “Live from the Economic Plaza Al Sadd Doha, Qatar“, and you’ll know where to find them. They even welcome their fans and friends to visit the studio for a meet-and-greet with our favorite Qabayan Radio Jockeys (RJs).
Date of visit to the shop: January 8, 2020
Qabayan FM 94.3
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Qabayan943/
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/qabayan943/?hl=en
- Contact Number – 4499 4944
- Location Link – https://goo.gl/maps/RPDnETHha9M3G3ap6
VOTE HERE!
To vote for them along with your other Favorite Filipino Brands in Qatar in other categories, simply click this photo link that will redirect you to the survey form:6
