Qatar Travel Guide

Full Name

State of Qatar

Former Name

NA

Capital City

Doha

Government Type

traditional monarchy

Area Size

The State of Qatar is a peninsula located between 24o 27- and 26o 10- N latitude and 50o 45- and 51o 40- E longitude. It is about 180 km long and 85 km wide, covering an area of 11,437 km2.

Time Zone

GMT +3 hours

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.

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. Qatar enjoys sunshine just about everyday of the year. The average temperatures during the summer range from 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.

Languages

Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Culture

The people of Qatar are friendly and make visitors feel very welcome. 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.

History

Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Oil and natural gas revenues enable Qatar to have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

Travel Information

Doha International Airport(DOH) offers top-level service and security to visitors from around the world.Twenty-two airlines presently operate through Doha International Airport, which also serves as the hub for Qatar Airways. With 44 check-in desks, eight gates, three baggage-claim belts, as well as many other services including large parking areas, banks, cafeterias, car rental agencies, and gift shop, Doha International Airport has everything you will need during your travels. Doha International Airport(DOH) is 8km (5 miles) southeast of the city (travel time 25 minutes). Taxis are available to the city with official rates displayed.

Accommodation

Recent building ensures that Qatar is well served by first-class hotels. There are also a number of 3- or 4-star hotels. Advance booking is strongly advised. All rates are subject to a 15% service charge. Few destinations can compete with the unique hospitality that awaits visitors to Qatar. Plush, upmarket hotels combine impeccable and discreet service with wonderful restaurants and fantastic leisure facilities. In fact, many of Qatar

Visa Requirements

Applications for tourist visas are submitted to the Immigration Department (Airport Visas Section) by one of the registered hotels. Visas are usually given within 24 hours and are valid for 14 days. They can be extended for another 14 days. For a business visa a company or a recognized establishment submits an application to the Immigration Department (Airport Visa Section). Visas are usually given within 24 hours and are valid for 14 days. They may be extended for another 3 months. GCC residents visa is granted at the Airport. The visa is valid for 14 days and may be extended for another 14 days. Having a valid residence visa in any GCC country is a precondition. Work Visit Visa, Family visit Visa, Multiple-entry Business Visa & Working Visa valid for one year and more. The Ministry of Interior issues approval. The sponsor handles fees and collection of visa.

Getting Around

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.

Health & Safety

Vaccination against typhoid is advised. Vaccination against hepatitis A is advised. Precautions against diphtheria, tuberculosis and rabies are sometimes recommended. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been filtered. Dairy products are generally safe to eat. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. There are several hospitals in Qatar, the most recent and modern being the Hamad General Hospital. The Poly Clinic has good dentists. Charges are high and health insurance is essential. As a precaution against the intense heat, visitors should maintain a high salt and fluid intake. Most visits to Qatar are trouble free, but the country, like most in the Gulf region, is rated as being under high threat of indiscriminate terrorist attacks against Western interests. Visitors should therefore be vigilant in public places. There is a low incidence of crime, but women are advised to take care when travelling alone at night.

National Holidays

Fixed Dates: 1 Jan (Eid al Adha/Feast of Sacrifice) 1 Apr (Public Holiday, only 2007) 3 Sep (Independence Day) 13 Oct (Eid al Fitr/End of Ramadan) 18 Dec (Eid al Adha/Feast of Sacrifice)

Currency

Qatar Rial (QAR)

Electricity

240V D & G

Working Hours

Offices and shops are usually open from 8.00am to noon and from 4.00/5.00 to 7.00 or later. Shopping malls stay open until 9:00 or 10:00pm. Friday is the weekly holiday, with many business working only a half day on Thursday. Embassies and government offices are closed on Thursday.

Emergency Numbers

ambulance/fire/police 999/118