|
The State of Qatar is a sovereign independent country situated half way along the west coast of the Arabian Gulf.
The country consists of a limestone peninsula. Outlying islands and coral reef give a total land area in excess of 11,500 square kilometers. The population of Qatar is estimated at over 600,000 of which the vast majority live in and around the capital city of Doha.
Since declaring its independence on 3rd September 1971, Qatar has progressed steadily, fueled by the development of the country’s oil and gas resources.
The country’s ancient history is closely linked to the history of the Gulf region and the Arabian Peninsula in general. Qatar’s modern history begins with the emergence of the Al-Thani family rule in the 19th century.
| Government: |
Gained independence in 1971 |
| Head of State: |
The Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa-Al-Thani |
| Heir Apparent: |
Sheikh Tammin bin Hamad Al-Thani |
| Head of Government: |
Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani |
| Currency: |
Qatari Riyal (see below) |
| Time: |
Greenwich Mean Time +3 |
| Electricity: |
240 volts + 6% with frequency 50Hz, using UK-style
13 amp. sockets |
The official currency of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Currently, the exchange rate is US$1=QAR3.64. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, local banks and hotels. The Qatar National Bank operates a branch in the Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort.
The climate of Qatar is tropical and conspicuously hot and often humid during the summer, but pleasant with little rain in winter.
Islam is the prominent religion in Qatar. It proclaims faith and sets forth precepts. It also prescribes order for individuals and society, codifying law, family relationships, etiquette, dress, food and so on.
Qatar is an oil-rich peninsula jutting out into the Gulf between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. There are hills in the northwest, but the rest of the country consists of sand dunes and salt flats, with scattered vegetation towards the north.
Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood.
Government offices are open from 0700 to 1400 daily. Fridays and Saturdays are official holidays. Shopping Centres and Malls are open all day long. Politeness and patience in business dealings are needed.
There are several large modern malls with cinemas, restaurants and other facilities as well as brand stops. The old souks remain popular for bargains.
The following organizations can offer advice:
Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry
P.O. Box 402, Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974.425.131/2
Fax: +974.425.132
E-mail: qcci@qatar.net.qa
Website: www.arab.net/qatar/business/qr_commerce.html
While the best food is generally found in hotels, Western, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Persian and US Cuisine is also available. All the major hotels have good public restaurants and most offer outside catering of high quality: waiters, crockery and cutlery will be provided on request. There are a reasonable number of places to eat in Doha, including snack bars serving fast foods, as well as the traditional Levantine shawarma and Egyptian foul and taamiyeh. Restaurants are scarce outside the capital. Most international hotels serve alcohol, but it should not be consumed in public.
Public entertainment is rather limited. Doha has numerous movie theatres showing most recent international films, and there is also the National Theatre. Live entertainment is infrequent, but some international artists do perform in Qatar.
The visitor should be fully aware of Muslim religious laws and customs. Women should always dress modestly. It is also worth noting that, while it is acceptable to cross legs, always showing the sole of the feet or unknowingly pointing it at a person is considered an insult. At business and social functions, the traditional Qatari coffee, in special tiny cups, will invariably be served. This is a sign of welcome with strict rules: guests are served in order of seniority a few drops first, then, after three or four others have been served, the server returns to fill the first cup: always hold the cup in the right hand: two cups are polite, but never take only one or more than three. It is also worth noting that catering staff are treated with the same respect as other employees.
Limousine and Taxi services are available in the City of Doha at all times.
A service charge is often added to bills in hotels and most restaurants, otherwise ten per cent is appropriate.
|
