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Qatar,
officially State of Qatar, independent emirate (1995 est. pop.
534,000), 4,400 sq mi (11,400 sq km), on a largely barren peninsula
in the Persian Gulf, bordering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
Emirates (S). The capital is Doha. The economy of Qatar is dominated
by oil and natural gas, which accounts for 70% of export income.
Oil and gas revenues have been used to diversify the economy,
including the development of chemicals, steel, cement, and fertilizer
industries and banking. Minorities (20%) of the population are
Qataris (Arabs of the Wahhabi sect of Islam); the rest are largely
other Arabs, Pakistanis, Indians, and Iranians. Arabic is the
official language, but English is also widely spoken. The country
is a monarchy. |
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History
Qatar was ruled by Bahrain from the 1700s until the mid-1800s,
when Great Britain and the Ottoman Empire began vying for control
of the peninsula. It was a British protectorate from 1916 until
1971, when it became independent. In the 1980s and 90s Qatar
had territorial disputes with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. During
the Persian Gulf War (1991) international coalition forces were
deployed on Qatari soil.
The present emir, Sheikh Hamad
bin Khalifa al-Thani, came to power in 1995 after ousting
his father. In the late 1990s Sheikh Hamad eased press censorship
and promoted ties with Iran and Israel. Since 2001 Qatar has
allowed U.S. use of the Al Udeid air base, and the headquarters
for the U.S. invasion of Iraq (2003) were in the country.
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Arabian
Oryx
The once near-extinct Arabian Oryx now live and breed in protected
herds on a farm located in Shahaniya. These social antelopes
graze on the sparse vegetation offered by the arid Arabian peninsula
and use their large horns as weapons of self-defense against
enemies. This graceful white animal is believed to be the basis
of the legend of the unicorn and is featured prominently on
the tails of all Qatar Airways aircraft. |
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Borders
There are two land border points at Abu Samra and Sauda Nathil,
two sea port border points at Doha port and Mesaiseed port,
and one main air port of entry through the Doha International
Airport. |
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Climate
Qatar enjoys sunshine just about everyday of the year. The average
temperatures during the summer range from 38°C to 42°C
during the day and 18°C at night, while winter temperatures
are 34°C during the day and 10°C at night. Swimming
in the Arabian Gulf or in the many hotel pools, water sports,
desert and city tours, shopping – a perfect location for
visitors to soak up the sunshine. Once the sun sets, go star-gazing
in the clear night sky, enjoy a moonlight stroll along the Corniche,
or view the skyline from Doha Bay on a traditional dhow. This
clean and pristine environment offers visitors ideal conditions
to completely unwind and enjoy their time in Qatar. |
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Clothing
In their daily lives, Qataris wear traditional dress. For men
this means a long, white shirt, thobe, crisp and welcoming in
appearance, worn over white trousers. A head covering, gutra,
is secured with four black, tasseled cords which have been intricately
braided.Women wear a long black flowing dress, abayah, and some
women choose to wear a veil. The dresses are discretely interwoven
with delicate threads and patterns, each one an individual creation.The
contrast created between the men’s white shirt and women’s
black dress is breath-taking. It symbolizes the difference between
men and women, while the long shirt and dress indicates the
similarities.
For special
events and times of tradition, Qataris don their ceremonial
clothing. Decorated with elaborate embroidery in both gold
and silver, this clothing has been the inspiration for many
international fashion designers.
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Culture
The people of Qatar are friendly and make visitors feel very
welcome. Arabic is the official language, although English is
widely used. Qatar is an Islamic state, which guides not only
the religious beliefs of Qataris but also plays a large part
in daily living.
Beautiful mosques
are located throughout the country for daily prayers, and
Qataris are guided by the Muslim teachings and values. Primarily
a Bedouin culture, Qatar’s traditions are based on poetry
and song, while amazing art is created through weaving. Using
tools made from both wood and gazelle horn, weavers work with
sheep, goat, and camel wool to create beautiful rugs, tents,
and cushions.
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Currency
The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which divides
into 100 Dirhams. Banknote denominations include 1, 5, 10, 50,
100, and 500. Coinages included 25 and 50 dirhams. The Riyal
exchange rate is pegged to the US Dollar at QR 3.65. |
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Dining
While Arabian cuisine is based on the traditional foods of the
nomadic tribes – who ate what they could carry –
Qatari cuisine is based the traditional foods of just about
anywhere and everywhere! In keeping with its historic status
as an international entrepôt, Qatar takes an international
approach to eating out. Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Thai flavours
mingle with those of Italy, France, the Mediterranean, Mexican
and beyond. However, no visitor should miss the chance to sample
local specialties. Supremely fresh fish and seafood from the
Arabian Gulf is an obvious choice, with lobster, crab, shrimp,
tuna, kingfish and red snapper topping the list of favourites.
Meat dishes tend to be based on lamb – the nomadic tribes
people would be accompanied by flocks of sheep – slow-cooked
and served with a variety of side dishes.
Restrictions on the sale of alcohol means some visitors will
opt to stay within the confines of the major hotels (where beers,
wines and spirits are readily available) but the choice is sufficiently
wide to cater for all tastes. For example, there are French/Mediterranean
restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton, the Sheraton, the Ramada and
the Mercure Grand; Italian restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton,
the Sheraton, the Ramada and the Inter-Continental; and Tex-Mex
restaurants at the Inter-Continental and the Marriott.
Common Arabian specialties include hummus (a paste made from
chickpeas and sesame seeds), tabbouleh (chopped parsley, mint
and crushed wheat); ghuzi (a whole roast lamb served on a bed
of rice with pine-nuts), koussa mahsi (stuffed courgettes),
and shawarma, grilled slivers of lamb or chicken, wrapped with
salad in a pocket of Arab bread. Qatari specialties include
matchbous (spiced lamb with rice), hareis (slow-cooked wheat
and lamb) and seafood served with delicately-seasoned rice.
Favourite desserts include a type of bread pudding called Umm
Ali (literally, “Mother of Ali”), a sweet cheesecake
with a cream topping, known as esh asaraya (“bread of
the harem”), and mehalabiya, a pudding made with pistachios
and rose-water. Breakfast is served early by western standards,
and traditionally consists of yoghurt, cheese, olives and fruits
washed down with strong coffee. Lunch is the main meal of the
day, while dinner is a much lighter meal (except during Ramadan)
and is usually served late in the evening.
Be sure to check
out the renowned Arabian cuisine which is available throughout
Qatar, including the Balhambar Restaurant where diners are
treated to traditional Qatari dishes prepared with pride by
local residents. As a note of interest, the Balhambar Restaurant
is an “investment project” of the Social Development
Centre (an initiative of Qatar Foundation). Local residents
are trained at the restaurant to prepare traditional dishes
in an effort to preserve the culture and heritage of Qatar.
With the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf as a backdrop,
combined with delicious traditional Qatari dishes, this is
a dining experience not to be missed.
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Economy
Oil and gas reserves are the mainstays of Qatar’s economy.
With oil reserves of 13.2 billion barrels and gas reserves of
900 trillion cubic feet, Qatar has the highest per capita in
the world and the second largest gas reserves in the world after
Russia. The State is using the financial gains realized from
these reserves to invest in various sectors, including tourism. |
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Falconry
These birds of prey were used originally by Bedouins to hunt
game, providing an important addition to their diets. In Qatar
today, the tradition of falconry remains a major sporting
activity during the hunting season from October to March.
During the off-season, owners and falcons continue with training
exercises. Its incredible eyesight allows the falcon to lock
onto its prey; it can fly at speeds of over 100 kilometres
per hour and dives at twice that rate. An important bond is
created between owners and falcons, and the birds are treated
with great care and respect.
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Fishing
Although smaller in scale than in previous years, fishing
continues to be a source of trade in Qatar. In addition to
shrimp, lobster and crab, the most popular fish in the area
are the hammour. This deep-water grouper is high in calcium
and iron. You can watch the daily catch being unloaded on
the Corniche or visit the fish souq (market) to purchase some
of the treasures from the sea.
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General
Information
Time - GMT +3 hours
Electricity - 240V + 6% with frequency of 50 Hertz
Telephone - The dialing code is +974, to call other countries
from Qatar place one 0 before the country code e.g. if calling
UK dial 044 then number. |
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Geography
Surrounded by water on three sides, Qatar is a peninsula in
the Arabian Gulf with its only land border existing at the southern
end where Qatar meets Saudi Arabia. The entire county is approximately
240 kilometres from north to south, and less than 160 kilometres
wide. |
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History
Qatar has a rich and vibrant history – a history that
can be traced back as far as 4000 BC. Throughout the centuries,
the fishing and pearling trades have established Qatar as an
important port in the Gulf. With the expansion and growth of
its oil and gas industry, the port and the country maintain
their international importance.
The Al-Thani
family began its rule of Qatar in the 18th century and still
today you can see the positive influences this family has
on the growth and development of Qatar. When the present Emir,
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, came to power
in 1995, he brought a modern and positive approach that transformed
the country into an ideal host for major sporting events and
international conferences, as well as a luxurious tourist
destination.
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Press
While visiting Qatar, keep up on the latest local and international
news and events through the Qatar press. Qatar-based satellite
television channel Aljazeera offers up-to-the-minute news from
around the world, while the five daily newspapers provide news
and entertainment in both Arabic-language– Al Raya, Al
Sharq, and Al Watan – and English-language – Gulf
Times and The Peninsula. Qatar News Agency is the sole subscriber
to foreign news agencies in the country. Many foreign news agencies
are located in Qatar and international papers are available,
including Herald Tribune and Financial Times.
Qatar Television
offers both Arabic- and English-language programming suitable
for the entire family, including movies, series, cartoons,
and news reports. Qatar Radio is broadcast in Arabic, English,
and French. There is also a vast selection of print media
available in both Arabic- and English-language. Many magazines
are available, including the must-read Marhaba. Containing
an introduction to the country, places to stay, things to
do, it is a great resource for visitors. Other publications
include Al-Ufuq, Dohat Al Jamee Magazine, Abode Magazine,
Eve Magazine, and Qatar Happening. Up-to-date information
at your fingertips.
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Transportation
Moving around Qatar is quite easy and there are several options
available to visitors. Limousine services are available through
a variety of companies. More expensive than taxis, but very
reasonably priced, late model vehicles with knowledgeable drivers
are provided. The most economical method is the white and orange
taxis. Although there is no central dispatch to call a taxi,
you can easily wave one down. Another option is renting a vehicle
from one of the many operators located in Qatar. |
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