Qatar

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Quick Facts

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Capital

Doha

Population

817,000

Government

Traditional Monarchy

Religions

Islam

Languages

Arabic

Calling Code

+974

Nationality

Local name

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Introduction

Camels in Desert

© All Rights Reserved Not Lost

If the Arabian penninsula can be viewed to represent a fat, stubby foot, Qatar is the tragically placed mole at the front of the leg just above the foot. It's a little-noticed, oil-rich country where Islam is the guiding principle of life. That said, it isn't quite as strict as neighbouring Saudi Arabia; women have greater liberty and alcohol is legal.

Qatar's dry environment left it unoccupied for many centuries. When it was settled in any meaningful sort of a way, it was by Bedouins, whose lifestyle was well-suited to the penninsula's conditions. Most tourists will find it a testing climate, but for those who can handle it, the country affords fantastic desert expeditions. The burial mounds at Umm Salal Ali are worth the trek from Doha; they are said to be well over 5000 years old.

Qatar is only just starting to really develop its tourist industry, so if you want to get in before the rush, now is the time to head over. Qatar technically only shares international borders with Saudi Arabia. Although it is very easy to get to Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Qatar is made up of 10 municipalities.

• Ad Dawhah
• Al Ghuwariyah
• Al Jumaliyah
• Al Khawr
• Al Wakrah
• Ar Rayyan
• Jariyan al Batnah
• Ash Shamal
• Umm Salal
• Mesaieed

Cities

• Doha, the capital, is home to over 90% of Qatar's population
• Al Wakrah
• Al Khawr
• Mesaieed

Sights and Activities

Qatari Fort

© All Rights Reserved tigger89

Modern Architecture

Experiance the building boom of downtown Doha. New and crazy buildings are going up ever minute in this city that was nothing more then a few adobe structures a century ago. One of the most interesting is the Aspire Tower which is 318 m (1050 ft) high located in Sprots City in Doha. The tower dominates the city scape and offers great views from the top.

Zubarah Fort

The Zubarah Fort was only built in 1938 in order to protect the town of Zubarah. There have been many forts built on this location because the town has been a major trading center for several centuries. The fort was restored in 1987 and is amazing tourist site. Its two large towers that offer excellent views.

Umm Salal Ali Mounds

Umm Salal Ali Mounds are located in the city of Umm Salal Ali only 40 km from Doha. These mounds are very different from the mounds located in different countries around the Middle East. Some of of the mounds even date back to the third millennium BC. These mounds would be a very good introduction to ancient Middle Eastern burial practices.

Other Sights and Activities

• Shopping - Large shopping malls have moved into the country with all the different world class designers being represented. This is one of the best places in the world to buy an expensive pen or watch!
• Diving - Enjoy diving at some artificial reefs.
• Boating - Go for a motor boat ride or sailing in the amazing bays around Doha.
• Golf - Hit a few balls at the Doha Golf Club, remember its not cheap.
• Desert Safari - Climb 60 m sand dunes and see the inland sand sea.
• Oryx Farm and Equestrian Club - Watch these pure Arabian horse up close and personal in their original habitat.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Qatar has an arid climate with warm to hot weather. There is no rain whatsoever from May to October. From November to April, there are about 2 to 6 days a month with some rainfall, totalling less than 100mm of rain a year. Temperatures are pleasant from November to April. January is the coldest month with average maximum temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius, dropping to 13 degrees at night. June and July are the hottest months with daytime temperatures averaging 40 degrees Celsius and nights still around 30 degrees! Temperatures hitting 50 degrees are not uncommon during summer and together with sometimes humid conditions makes this time almost unbearable.

Getting there

Plane

Doha International Airport receives all international flights and most flights to and from the country are with the national airline Qatar Airways, known as one of the best airlines in the world. Destinations with Qatar Airways to and from Doha include Nairboi and Dar es Salaam in the east of Africa, South African cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, all countries in North Africa, lots of destinations in Asia, especially to China, India and Pakistan and many larger cities in Southeast Asia and Europe like Bangkok and London. The United States are served as well, with flights to and from New York (Newark) and Houston.
Neighbouring countries and other countries throughout the Middle East have connections on almost a daily basis and lots of other airlines in the region fly to Qatar as well.

By Car

Usually, only residents of Qatar and Saudi Arabia cross the border of the two countries. You need your own transport and a valid transit visa if you want to travel through Saudi Arabia, so getting to Qatar by car is not really an option. Of course, in case you manage, have your papers and insurance in order.
In the future, Qatar might be linked to Bahrain, via a very long causeway.

By Bus

Saudi Arabia Public Transport Co travel between Doha and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, with onward transport to Amman, Damascus, Manama, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Kuwait. Again, you need a valid transit visa for Saudi Arabia and a visa and onward transport for you next destination.

By Boat

Several ferries and fast catamarans travel between Iran and Qatar. Connections include Bushehr to Qatar. Check the Iran Traveling Center for more details about schedules and prices.

Getting Around

By Car

Roads are in a good condition but driving skills of locals are not always the same as you might be used at home. Drive defensively. Cars are available at the international airport or in Doha and traffic drives on the right. You need your national driver's licence or international driving permit.

By Bus

Mowasalat offers brand new buses that ply the routes between Doha and most major towns in this small country.
Otherwise, taxis can take you anywhere, but of course at a cost. Taxis are generally best used in Doha only and rental cars if you wish to visit more of the country and can share costs with a few other people.

By Foot and Bike

Doha is easily explored on foot while for trips outside Doha you can also rent bikes. For trips further away though renting a car still is the best option.

Red Tape

Nationals of the following countries can get a visa upon arrival:

France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, United Kingdom and United States.

All other nationalities need to apply for a visa at the nearest embassy or consulate of Qatar.

Money

See also Money Matters

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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