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.

GEOGRAPHY and  BORDERS
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. 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.

DOHA
Situated half way along the East Coast of the peninsula, Doha is the capital of Qatar - where most business, leisure and social pursuits take place. As an important cultural and commercial centre it enjoys excellent communications with the outside world through its modern seaport, airport, and telephone links. Doha is a city of contrasts with modern financial and governmental office towers overlooking the crescent shaped Corniche promenade, traditional Arabic shopping at the Souks and white sandy beaches. Other important cities include Al Wakra, Umm Said, Khor Al Udaid, Al Khor, Madinat Al-Shamal, Al Ruwais, Al Zubara and Dukhan.

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. 

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.

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.
 
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.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND SIGNIFICANT DATES
Independence Day – 3 September
Eid al Fitr (4 days) – A festival that ends the fast of Ramadan.
Eid al Adha (4 days) – The Feast of the Sacrifice is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar, after Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.
Year 2006
Sep 23 to Oct 22 - Ramadan
During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Restaurants are closed during the day and there are restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself.
Oct 22/24 - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
Dec 31 - Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are an estimative.

 
GASTRONOMY
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.
 
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.

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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
Time - GMT +3 hours.
Electricity - 240V + 6% with frequency of 50 Hertz
Telephone - Qatar has direct dialing with 215 countries
 
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.
 
VISA
Please follow the link below to the Qatar Ministry of Interior for further information on entry visas for Qatar - http://www.moi.gov.qa

ECONOMY, INVESTMENT & COMMITMENT
As Qatar’s economy progresses and diversifies, there are ample opportunities provided for growth and investment. In addition to the construction and expansion projects related to the Asian Games in 2006, several other major developments are currently planned.