General Information

GENERAL INFORMATION Official Name

State of Qatar

Capital

Doha

Head of State

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani

Heir Apparent

His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani

Head of Government

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani

Legislation

Advisory Council

Law

Based on Sharia Law with both Civil and Sharia Courts

People Nationality

Based on Sharia Law with both Civil and Sharia Courts

Law

Qatari(s)

Population

744,000 (March 2004)

Language

Arabic (official), English

Religion

Islam

Area

11,437 sq km (4,427 sq miles)

Main Cities

Doha, Mesaieed, Al-Khor, Dukhan, Ruwais, AlWakrah, Al-Shamal, Ras Laffan

National Flag

The colour of the national flag is maroon, with a broad vertical white stripe at the pole side. The two colours are separated by a nine-point serrated line

Climate

winter: 20 to 30 degrees Celsius; summer: 25 to 48 degrees Celsius

Weekend

Fridays and Saturdays

Working Hours

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. 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 stargazing 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-theminute 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.egoverment.com

More information about Qatar can be found on: http://www.qiec.com.qa/print.php