Advice on purchasing welding equipment

[JAZZCNC]

Personaly I'd say go with MIG for more flexabilty in material thickness it can weld. It's less forgiving than MMA and TIG. Easier to learn than MMA and MUCH MUCH easier than TIG.
Doesn't have some of the hassles MMA can give regards Rod choice and quality. (thou in Qatar don't think damp will be problem.!)

Like Nick says doesn't quite give the Bang for Buck MMA does on thicker materials but with a decent Amp Mig you'll still weld fairly thick material ok. Duty cycle (time you can weld for in one Go) will be lower unless industrial strength machine but in DIY enviroment then it's fine and you'll just keep the weld beads shorter or take a littel longer to do.

With just a small amount of practice you'll be producing welds that are fine for most needs at DIY level.

If you can find someone near by that can weld then maybe they will let you try your hand and pass on some tips. Can't beat learning on the Job with little guidence for experienced welders.