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GENERAL INFORMATION

Official Name State of Qatar


Capital Doha
His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al
Head of State
Thani
Heir Apparent His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani
His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad
Head of Government
Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani
Legislation Advisory Council
Based on Sharia Law with both Civil and Sharia
Law
Courts
Based on Sharia Law with both Civil and Sharia
People Nationality
Courts
Law Qatari(s)
Population 744,000 (March 2004)
Language Arabic (official), English
Religion Islam
Area 11,437 sq km (4,427 sq miles)
Doha, Mesaieed, Al-Khor, Dukhan, Ruwais, Al-
Main Cities
Wakrah, Al-Shamal, Ras Laffan
The colour of the national flag is maroon, with a
National Flag broad vertical white stripe at the pole side. The two
colours are separated by a nine-point serrated line
winter: 20 to 30 degrees Celsius; summer: 25 to 48
Climate
degrees Celsius
Weekend Fridays and Saturdays
Government: 7:00 to 14:00 (Fridays and Saturdays
are the weekend holidays)
Private sector: 08:00 to 12.00 and 16:00 to 20:00.
Working Hours Malls stay open until 21:00 or 22:00 (Fridays are the
weekend holidays)
Banks: 07:30 to 13:00 (Fridays and Saturdays are
the weekend holidays)
Local Time Greenwich Mean Time + 3 hours
Electrical Current 220-240 Volts + 6% with frequency 50 hertz
WHY Qatar?
• Qatar enjoys political and social stability.
• Qatar enjoys a high standard of living and high purchasing
power.
• Qatar has one of the most vibrant economies in the region
• Central location in the Gulf enables easy access to other
markets in the region.
• Foreign investments enjoy full protection
• Qatar has good relations with other countries
• Qatar has a well developed infrastructure
• Qatar welcomes foreign investment in either on a joint venture basis or as a
sole investor.
• Qatar is carrying out a comprehensive development plan including many
projects which provide lucrative investment opportunities.
• Exemption from income tax is granted
• No quantitative restrictions are imposed on imports no export taxes.
• Qatar provides cheap energy duty free imports of raw materials ,
equipment and machines.
• Easy recruitment of employees of different skills and nationalities
• The state is actively encouraging expansion of the private sector as a
contribution to the country's economic development
• First class hotels, beach resorts and a variety of clubs have plenty to offer
to the visitors.
In short, Qatar provides some of the best investment opportunities in the
world.
GEOGRAPHY
The limestone peninsula, which extends from the western
side of the Arabian Gulf into its warm shallow waters, has a
coastline well in excess of 700 kilometers, and total land
area of just over 11,437 square kilometers, including its
offshore islands and reefs. Not surprisingly, the country has
many historical ties with the sea.
Many areas of the country lay below sea level, with the highest point
approximately 120m above sea level. Salt flats or “sabkha” characterise
many of the low-laying areas, where the gypsum formations known as
“desert rose” can be found just below the surface.
POPULATION
The population numbers around 744,000 (March 2004) and
is concentrated predominantly around the capital, Doha,
which is built around a bay roughly half way along the
eastern coast.
The latest population center is developing north of Al Khor,
in association with the new Ras Laffan Industrial City, which
has the largest port for the export of liquefied gas in the world.
Sports, especially sea sports, are well catered for and the organised trips
around Qatar are of special interest to many people, even spending the night
in Bedouin Tent and gaining a true insight into the local culture.
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. This clean and pristine environment offers
visitors ideal conditions to completely unwind and enjoy their time in Qatar
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.
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.
CURRENCY
The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), divided 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.
MEDIA
While in Qatar, you can keep up on the latest local and
international news and events through the various Qatar
press publications and channels and radio. 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:
Al Raya, Al Sharq, and Al Watan –and English: Gulf Times,
The Peninsula and Qatar Tribune. Qatar News Agency is the sole subscriber to
foreign news agencies in the country. Many foreign news agencies are located
in Qatar and famous international papers are available.

Qatar Television offers both Arabic and English 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. Many magazines
are available, including the must-read Marhaba.
Considered as a window of Qatar over the world, the website
http://www.qatarinfo.net contains an introduction to the country, places to
stay, things to do. It is a great resource for visitors in ten languages. Other
publications include Qatar Today, both Arabic and English and Woman Today.
TRANSPORTATION
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 public transport buses, known as Karwa.

VISA
For all information on entry visas for Qatar, Please follow the
link below to the Qatar Ministry of Interior
http://www.moi.gov.qa And when in Qatar all the information
can be reached in Qatar E-government websitehttp://www.e-
goverment.com

More information about Qatar can be found on:


http://www.qiec.com.qa/print.php

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