Today, 21^st century Qatar is a spectacle to behold. Massive urban development, large-scale investment projects, and generous government spending has turned this tiny peninsular nation into one of the most dynamic places in the world and one of the wealthiest countries in terms of share of  GDP per capita. In 2011, Qatar’s economy became the fastest growing market in the world, registering an impressive real GDP growth rate of 18.7 percent.

 

Although the oil and gas industry has been the cornerstone of modern Qatar’s economy since the discovery of reserves in the 1940s, the country is presently leaving no stone unturned to diversify its economic base and to transition itself from being a carbon-based economy to being a knowledge-based one.

 

As a result of this positive economic expansion, Qatar has seen an influx of foreign workers from many countries around the world. Some 80 percent of the nation’s population now comprises members of the expatriate community, and these global talents are helping advance various sectors and industries within the country, including oil and gas, real estate, finance, education, science and research, and sports and leisure.

 

The advent of economic prosperity in the last 70 years also stimulated the development of Qatar’s modern infrastructure, with many of the current roads, telecommunication links, educational facilities, hospitals, cultural centers, and science and technology research institutions being built just in the last decade. A testament to this explosive growth is the emergence of a dazzling new skyline in the capital city of Doha, an awe-inspiring collection of buildings that seem to have risen out of the sands like a mirage in the desert. The city’s infrastructure is a veritable tour de force that speaks volumes about the Qatari ambition.

 

The country is also recognized as a leading destination in the Gulf region for meetings, exhibitions, and conferences — a business-oriented location that also puts emphasis on leisure activities. This affords travelers the chance to conduct their business while enjoying the host country’s local attractions.

 

It can be said that even though Qatar has taken quantum leaps forward into modernity, visitors continue to love it for its charming Islamic culture and for its laid-back atmosphere. Its countryside still possesses that bucolic charm for which many historic places in the Arabian Peninsula is known. The country has successfully preserved and highlighted its authentic heritage and rich past, making it a perfect destination for those who want to experience genuine Middle Eastern culture and hospitality.    

 

Indeed, beneath the country’s fabulous wealth lies its true treasure: its people. Qatar is a place where people see things differently, where citizens embrace new ideas, and visitors are welcomed as honoured guests and dear friends.

 

SOME FACTS ABOUT QATAR

Land area

11,437 km²

 

Capital City

Doha

Population

1,853,000 (2010). About 78 percent of inhabitants (1,450,000) live in Doha.

Official Language

Arabic is the official language in Qatar, and English is widely spoken.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the country, and the Shariah (Islamic law) is a main source of its legislation.

Economy

Real GDP growth rate: 18.7 percent (2011). Qatar’s economic growth was the fastest in the world in 2011.

GDP per capita (PPP): US$109,000. Qatar’s GDP share per head was the highest in the world in 2012.

 

Major towns

Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed, and Ras Laffan

 

Currency

The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which is divided into 100 Dirhams. The exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of USD 1=QR 3.64.

 

Public Holidays

National Sports Day (second Tuesday of February): A day dedicated to sports and families

Eid al-Fitr (date varies): A religious festival that marks the end of the holy season of Ramadan

Eid al-Adha (date varies): A very important religious holiday also known as the Festival of Sacrifice

National Day (December 18): Celebrated in commemoration of Sheikh Jasim bin Mohamed Al Thani, the founder of the State of Qatar

Work Hours

Government offices: 7 am to 2 pm.

Private establishments: 8 am to 12 noon, and 4 pm to 8 pm.

Fridays and Saturdays are the weekend holidays

 

Local time

Greenwich Mean Time + 3 hours (GTM+3).

 

Electrical current

240 volts at 50 hertz frequency

 

Useful Links:

 

Government Offices

Hookoomi (Qatar Government Portal): portal.www.gov.qa

Central Tenders Committee: ctc.gov.qa/main-en.aspx

Hamad Medical Corporation: hmc.org.qa/hmcnewsite

Qatar Foundation: qf.org.qa

Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs: english.mofa.gov.qa

Qatar Ministry of Interior: moi.gov.qa/site/english

Qatar News Agency: www.qnaol.net

Qatar Tourism Authority: qatartourism.gov.qa

Supreme Education Council: english.education.gov.qa

 

Newspapers

Al Sharq: al-sharq.com

Al Watan: al-watan.com

Gulf States Newsletter: gulfstatesnews.com

Gulf Times: gulf-times.com

The Peninsula: thepeninsulaqatar.com

 

Television

Al Jazeera: Aljazeera.com

 

Phone and Internet

Qtel: qtel.qa

Vodafone Qatar: vodafone.com.qa

 

Airliners

Qatar Airways: qatarairways.com

 

Online Communities

Qatar Happening: qatarhappening.com

Qatar Living: qatarliving.com

Time Out Doha: timeoutdoha.com