Qatar
Qatar is an extraordinary country located on the Persian Gulf peninsula. Ancient cultural traditions and respect for their history are intertwined with the most modern views and technologies. Qatar – one of the richest and most interesting countries in the Middle East, which is mandatory to visit all travelers.
Qatar on map
About the country
The Pearl Qatar
Qatar had been a relatively closed country for many decades and maintained its cultural and moral foundations. Even now when the country is available, compliance is mandatory for all.
What to see
Old Port of Doha, Mina district
Qatar does not have many ancient attractions, but it is compensated by magnificent museums, traditional markets, pleasant embankments, ultra-modern areas with skyscrapers and a bright old port. Interesting places so much that we recommend to stock up at least a couple of weeks of free time.
Skyscrapers in the West Bay area
Among the most important places to visit are the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art, the eastern bazaar of Souq Wakif, the incredibly stylish and energy-efficient downtown of Msheireb, Katara cultural village, the newest district of Lusail, the Old Port of Doha, Mina district with colorful houses, the National Library and the Al-Khor Museum or Fort Al-Zubar which can be reached by car or taxi.
Transport
Subway in Doha
The main feature of Doha - the most modern metro in the world. Quiet trains without a driver will take you anywhere in the city. You can also use modern trams in several parts of the city.
Bus and free shuttle in Doha. Both electric
The far parts of the capital or other cities can be reached by bus or free shuttles that run from metro stations. In all other cases, you can always use a taxi service by ordering it from the Uber app or by renting a car.
The flag of Qatar
Flag of Qatar against the background of the Qatar National Museum
The flag of Qatar was adopted on 9 July 1971 and is a dark maroon-coloured canvas (the color is the official name Qatar Maroon) with a wide white stripe located vertically along the pole and nine teeth (or triangles) on the edge of colors.
Maroon color symbolizes the country’s struggle for independence. White is a symbol of purity, sincerity and commitment to Islam. The nine triangles symbolize the ninth emirate signed the conclusion of the Qatari-British treaty in 1916. Qatar became the 9th member after Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain.
The flag of Qatar is sometimes confused with the flag of Bahrain, but it differs in the number of teeth (triangles), shades of red, and the percentage of white to red.
History of Qatar
Msheireb Museum Exhibition in Doha
The earliest references to Qatar date back to the 2nd century B.C. But the main way of the country’s establishment should be considered from the 7th century, when the local nomadic tribes adopted Islam and became part of the Arab Caliphate. From the 16th to 18th centuries, Qatar was the site of a struggle between Persia, the Ottoman Empire, various Arab tribes, Oman, and the Al Saud Dynasty. Not surprising - the convenient geographical location of the Qatar Peninsula was especially attractive to many.
In 1776, numerous tribes were united by the Al Thani dynasty, which marked the beginning of a path towards stability, independence and balanced relations with neighboring regions.
In 1868, Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani Al Thani signed an agreement with the British authorities, which recognized Qatar as an independent political entity. Although the country came under Ottoman control a few years later, Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad Al Thani retained considerable independence.
In 1916, during the First World War, Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani signed the Qatari-British treaty with important reservations that preserve national sovereignty.
Natural pearl mining is a crucial part of Qatar’s history
In late 1939, oil was first discovered in Qatar. Due to World War II, the pearl industry was in recession. In December 1949, Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani made a crucial strategic decision to start oil exports, which became a significant part of the economy by the mid-1950s.
In 1968, the United Kingdom announced the withdrawal of all English troops east of the Suez Canal, along with a proposal to create a Federation of Arab Principalities that would unify Qatar, Bahrain, and the six sheikhdoms of the Trucial States (now the UAE). The seventh, Ras Al-Khaimah, joined on February 10, 1972.
In 1970, the First Constitution of Qatar was adopted and the Council of Ministers was formed.
On 3 September 1971, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani declared the independence of Qatar.
Climate and weather
Golf course and Education City Stadium in the municipality of Al-Rayyan, Qatar
Like its Persian Gulf neighbours, Qatar has a desert climate with a bright and warm year-round sun. Despite the hot summer, winters in Qatar are soft and comfortable. The temperature in winter varies from 17°C to 25°C. In summer, the same temperature can reach 36°C - 40°C. Precipitation occurs rarely, mainly in winter. They are short-lived in nature.
Cities of Qatar
QNCC - Qatar National Convention Centre in the Municipality of Al-Rayyan, Qatar
Qatar is a small country with a total area of 11,586 km² and a population of about 3 million people. The country is divided into 8 municipalities: Doha, Al-Daayen, Al-Khawr, Al-Wakrah, Al-Rayyan, Al-Shamal, Umm Salal, Al-Shahaniya. The bulk of the population is located in the administrative center of Doha, which is the capital of the state.
Language
Stadium 974 and container with greeting inscriptions in different languages
Arabic is the official language of Qatar, but in fact English is the second language - it is fluent in almost all local residents, as well as expats who work in all stores, restaurants and hotels.
All signs are duplicated in two languages.
Rules of conduct and prohibitions
Rows of soft drinks in Qatar supermarkets
Qatar was a comfortable and safe country, but certain rules of conduct should be strictly observed.
It is strictly forbidden to make any statement about the monarch or his family.
In public, women should avoid wearing excessive, tight or provocative clothing. Men should not wear shorts or tank tops.
It is strictly forbidden to photograph or film the police, military or strategic objects. You shouldn’t photograph the locals without their consent.
Alcohol consumption outside hotels and resorts is prohibited. The ban also applies to the import of alcohol. You can’t bring a bottle of alcohol with you - it will be confiscated.
Propaganda of any religion other than Islam is prohibited.
It is forbidden for men and women to live outside of marriage. But do not worry, this applies mainly to local residents - stamps in the passports of foreigners are not checked.
Qatar currency and money
The Qatari riyal
The Qatari riyal has been the official currency since 1973. It is officially known by the abbreviation QAR, but an unofficial abbreviation of QR can also be found. The Qatari riyal is divided into 100 dirhams.
A special feature of the currency is its fixed exchange rate relative to the US dollar. The exchange rate is 1 USD = 3.64 QAR
Visa
No visa required for citizens of 101 countries, however, please note that a return ticket (or a ticket to your next destination) is mandatory. The return ticket will be checked!
You can stay without a visa for no more than 90 days during a 180-day period.
Как добраться
Qatar can be visited by plane, sea or car.
By sea
Cruise ship at Old Port of Doha
Cruises to the Persian Gulf countries are in special demand. For a short time you can visit several countries in comfortable cruise ships.
By plane
Hamad International Airport in Doha
Quickest way to get there. Since 2014, international flights have arrived one of the best airports in the world - Hamad International Airport in Doha, which is connected to the subway.
By car
Qatar has a land border with Saudi Arabia, so with its visa you can easily reach Qatar from Saudi Arabia or from neighbouring countries Bahrain, the UAE or Oman through it
