Moving to Singapore from Al Bayt Stadium’s Bedouin tent stadium area in Al Khor after the World Cup Qatar can feel like shifting from a desert-inspired tent stadium to a hyper-modern garden city. This guide explains exactly how to relocate safely, what property options you have as a foreigner, and how Homejourney helps you make confident decisions at every step.
This article is part of Homejourney’s broader Singapore Expat & Investment Pillar Guide and complements our international travel content on Al Bayt Stadium’s Bedouin design and World Cup Qatar experiences, including Al Bayt Stadium Bedouin Tent Design Guide (2025) | Homejourney and Budget Travel Guide to Al Bayt Stadium’s Bedouin Tent | Homejourney .
From Al Bayt Stadium’s Bedouin Tent Design to Singapore Life
Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor is famous for its Bedouin tent design – a massive “tent stadium” inspired by traditional bayt al sha'ar, with shaded walkways, cooling systems, and a festival-like atmosphere during the World Cup Qatar. Day-to-day life there is shaped by car-based travel, wide open spaces, and a quieter, family-oriented rhythm.
Singapore, by contrast, is dense, vertical, and hyper-connected. You swap long highway drives from Al Khor to Doha for 10–30 minute MRT rides, year-round greenery, and an urban skyline instead of desert horizons. Yet there are familiar points: both places are very safe, multicultural, and used to hosting international visitors and expats.
Many people who loved the hospitality and design around Al Bayt Stadium consider Singapore next because:
- Both are regional hubs with strong aviation links and global work opportunities.
- Singapore offers political stability, strong rule of law, and reliable property rights – attractive for investors.
- The city is compact, walkable and transit-oriented, ideal if you are used to venue “bubbles” like the tent stadium precinct.
Homejourney’s role is to translate that interest into safe, informed housing and investment decisions in Singapore, backed by verified data and transparent guidance.
Relocating to Singapore: Visas, Work & Cost of Living
Visa & Work Permit Options
Most people moving from Al Bayt Stadium / Al Khor to Singapore come via a job posting, intra-company transfer, or business set-up. Key work passes you should discuss with your employer or a licensed relocation specialist include (administered by the Ministry of Manpower):
- Employment Pass (EP) – for foreign professionals, managers, executives with a qualifying fixed monthly salary and acceptable qualifications.
- S Pass – for mid-skilled staff meeting quota and salary rules.
- EntrePass / One Pass – for founders or globally recognised professionals.
Requirements change regularly; always check the Ministry of Manpower’s latest rules and use an authorised employment agent for detailed advice. Homejourney focuses on property and lifestyle; we recommend you engage an immigration or HR specialist for personalised visa planning.
Employment Opportunities
Compared with Al Khor, Singapore offers a far more diversified economy. Common sectors for expats include finance, technology, energy, logistics, aviation, and hospitality. Work culture is fast-paced but structured, with strong labour protections and clear contract norms.
An insider tip: if you work in aviation, events, sports management, or design related to major stadiums (like Al Bayt’s Bedouin-inspired architecture), target jobs around the Marina Bay and Paya Lebar districts, where many design, engineering, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) firms cluster.
Cost of Living: Al Khor / Doha vs Singapore
Expect Singapore to be similar or higher than Doha overall, but with key differences:
- Housing is usually the biggest expense; central condos in Singapore can be significantly pricier than apartments around Al Bayt Stadium.
- Transport can be cheaper if you rely on MRT and buses; owning a car in Singapore is very expensive due to COE and taxes.
- Food has a wide range: local hawker meals from around S$5–8, but imported Middle Eastern or international fine dining can be similar to or higher than Doha.
For a full cost comparison and housing breakdown, see Homejourney’s main Singapore Expat Pillar and our US expat guide which uses similar pricing structures Projects Directory [1].
Property in Singapore for Expats from Al Bayt Stadium / Al Khor
What Foreigners Can Buy
Singapore strictly regulates foreign ownership. According to current rules and market practice[1][2]:
- Foreigners can freely buy private condominiums and apartments.
- Foreigners generally cannot buy HDB resale flats unless they become Permanent Residents and meet additional criteria.
- Landed property (terrace, semi-detached, bungalow) usually requires special approval and is rarely granted to new arrivals.
Because of these rules, most new expats from Al Bayt Stadium choose to rent first, then consider buying a condo once their long-term plans are clearer.
ABSD for Foreigners
Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) is a critical cost for foreign buyers. As of 2025, the ABSD rate for foreigners is 60% of the higher of purchase price or market value for residential property[1]. This is on top of the basic Buyer’s Stamp Duty.
Example: For a S$2 million condo, ABSD alone would be S$1.2 million. Always factor this into your investment calculations, and check updated rates via the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) or a conveyancing lawyer before any purchase decision.
For financing scenarios, Homejourney’s Bank Rates page lets you compare mortgage packages safely across banks, while our Projects Directory provides verified data on individual projects, launch prices, and rental yields.
Popular Neighborhoods for Al Bayt Stadium / Al Khor Expats
Coming from a tent stadium precinct with lots of event energy, you may prefer Singapore areas that feel vibrant but still family-friendly:
- Marina Bay / Downtown – ultra-modern, iconic skyline, close to major events and waterfront promenades; similar “international hub” vibe to a World Cup zone.
- Orchard / River Valley – popular with expats for shopping, dining, and high-end condos[1][3]. Easy access to international schools and medical facilities.
- East Coast / Katong – coastal feel, good for families who liked weekend drives to the Al Bayt waterfront. You get parks, seafront cycling, and many international schools nearby[3].
- Holland Village / Dempsey – relaxed, low-rise, café culture, and international F&B; good if you enjoyed the community feel around World Cup Qatar fan zones.
Neighbourhoods like Serangoon Gardens, Pasir Ris, and West Coast are increasingly popular with expats seeking more space and value[3]. To explore live listings with transparent pricing filters, use Homejourney’s Property Search tool.
Rental Market Snapshot
As of 2025, Singapore’s rental market has stabilised after strong increases post-pandemic, with central, MRT-accessible condos in high demand[1]. Typical lease terms are 1–2 years with 1–2 months’ security deposit. Landlords may request proof of income and your approved work pass.
Insider tip: condos within a 5–7 minute walk of an MRT station usually command higher rent but dramatically reduce daily commute stress. When you visit, stand at the condo gate and time the actual walk during daytime heat to be sure it is comfortable.
Practical Settling‑In Guide
Banking & Finances
Opening a local bank account is straightforward once you have your work pass and proof of address. Major banks operate 9am–4.30pm on weekdays, with some branches open on Saturdays. Many expats from the Gulf maintain accounts in both countries for salary and investments.
Homejourney supports multi-currency workflows when you browse or shortlist properties, so you can mentally compare Singapore prices in your familiar home currency. Use our currency tools (including support for currencies used in Qatar and the wider region) within Property Search and Projects Directory to avoid conversion mistakes.
