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Qatar is one of the most vibrant economies in the world with a rich background of history and culture and
considered one of the leading business centres in the Region. A leader in different areas, Qatar is one
of the world's highest per capita income countries, andfastest growing economies. Qatar is becoming the
centre point for many economic and industrial activities and development projects from power and
energy to education. Proud of the heritage, Qatar is an attraction for many scholars of history,
archaeology, and environment. |
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| General Information |
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Official Name |
State of Qatar |
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Capital |
Doha |
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Head of State |
His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani |
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Heir Apparent |
His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani |
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Head of Government |
His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin
Jaber Al Thani |
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Legislation |
Advisory Council |
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Law |
Based on Sharia Law with both Civil and Sharia Courts |
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People Nationality |
Based on Sharia Law with both Civil and Sharia Courts |
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Law |
Qatari(s) |
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Population |
744,000 (March 2004) |
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Language |
Arabic (official), English |
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Religion |
Islam |
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Area |
11,437 sq km (4,427 sq miles) |
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Main Cities |
Doha, Mesaieed, Al-Khor, Dukhan, Ruwais, Al-Wakrah, Al-Shamal,
Ras Laffan |
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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 |
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Climate |
winter: 20 to 30 degrees Celsius; summer: 25 to 48 degrees
Celsius |
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Weekend |
Fridays and Saturdays |
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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) |
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Local Time |
Greenwich Mean Time + 3 hours |
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Electrical Current |
220-240 Volts + 6% with frequency 50 hertz |
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| WHY Qatar? |
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- 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.
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| GEOGRAPHY |
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 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. |
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| POPULATION |
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 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. |
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| CLIMATE |
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Qatar
enjoys sunshine just about everyday of the year. The average
temperatures during the summer range from 3hi je8°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. |
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| CULTURE |
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 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. |
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| CURRENCY |
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 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. |
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| MEDIA |
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 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. |
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| TRANSPORTATION |
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 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. |
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| VISA |
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 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
website http://www.e-goverment.com |
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