Practical Information

Borders

There are two land border points at Abu Samra and Sauda Nathil, two sea port border points at Doha port and Mesaiseed port, and one main air port of entry through the Doha International Airport.

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 on a traditional dhow. This clean and pristine environment offers visitors ideal conditions to completely unwind and enjoy their time in Qatar.

Clothing

In their daily lives, Qataris wear traditional dress. For men this means a long, white shirt, thobe, crisp and welcoming in appearance, worn over white trousers. A head covering, gutra, is secured with four black, tasseled cords which have been intricately braided.Women wear a long black flowing dress, abayah, and some women choose to wear a veil. The dresses are discretely interwoven with delicate threads and patterns, each one an individual creation.The contrast created between the men's white shirt and women's black dress is breath-taking. It symbolizes the difference between men and women, while the long shirt and dress indicates the similarities.

For special events and times of tradition, Qataris don their ceremonial clothing. Decorated with elaborate embroidery in both gold and silver, this clothing has been the inspiration for many international fashion designers.

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), which divides 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.

Dining

While Arabian cuisine is based on the traditional foods of the nomadic tribes - who ate what they could carry - Qatari cuisine is based the traditional foods of just about anywhere and everywhere! In keeping with its historic status as an international entrepôt, Qatar takes an international approach to eating out. Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Thai flavours mingle with those of Italy, France, the Mediterranean, Mexican and beyond. However, no visitor should miss the chance to sample local specialties. Supremely fresh fish and seafood from the Arabian Gulf is an obvious choice, with lobster, crab, shrimp, tuna, kingfish and red snapper topping the list of favourites. Meat dishes tend to be based on lamb - the nomadic tribes people would be accompanied by flocks of sheep - slow-cooked and served with a variety of side dishes.

Restrictions on the sale of alcohol means some visitors will opt to stay within the confines of the major hotels (where beers, wines and spirits are readily available) but the choice is sufficiently wide to cater for all tastes. For example, there are French/Mediterranean restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton, the Sheraton, the Ramada and the Mercure Grand; Italian restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton, the Sheraton, the Ramada and the Inter-Continental; and Tex-Mex restaurants at the Inter-Continental and the Marriott.

Common Arabian specialties include hummus (a paste made from chickpeas and sesame seeds), tabbouleh (chopped parsley, mint and crushed wheat); ghuzi (a whole roast lamb served on a bed of rice with pine-nuts), koussa mahsi (stuffed courgettes), and shawarma, grilled slivers of lamb or chicken, wrapped with salad in a pocket of Arab bread. Qatari specialties include matchbous (spiced lamb with rice), hareis (slow-cooked wheat and lamb) and seafood served with delicately-seasoned rice. Favourite desserts include a type of bread pudding called Umm Ali (literally, "Mother of Ali"), a sweet cheesecake with a cream topping, known as esh asaraya ("bread of the harem"), and mehalabiya, a pudding made with pistachios and rose-water. Breakfast is served early by western standards, and traditionally consists of yoghurt, cheese, olives and fruits washed down with strong coffee. Lunch is the main meal of the day, while dinner is a much lighter meal (except during Ramadan) and is usually served late in the evening.

Be sure to check out the renowned Arabian cuisine which is available throughout Qatar, including the Balhambar Restaurant where diners are treated to traditional Qatari dishes prepared with pride by local residents. As a note of interest, the Balhambar Restaurant is an "investment project" of the Social Development Centre (an initiative of Qatar Foundation). Local residents are trained at the restaurant to prepare traditional dishes in an effort to preserve the culture and heritage of Qatar. With the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf as a backdrop, combined with delicious traditional Qatari dishes, this is a dining experience not to be missed.

Economy

Oil and gas reserves are the mainstays of Qatar's economy. With oil reserves of 13.2 billion barrels and gas reserves of 900 trillion cubic feet, Qatar has the highest per capita in the world and the second largest gas reserves in the world after Russia. The State is using the financial gains realized from these reserves to invest in various sectors, including tourism.

Fishing

Although smaller in scale than in previous years, fishing continues to be a source of trade in Qatar. In addition to shrimp, lobster and crab, the most popular fish in the area are the hammour. This deep-water grouper is high in calcium and iron. You can watch the daily catch being unloaded on the Corniche or visit the fish souq (market) to purchase some of the treasures from the sea.

General Information

Time - GMT +3 hours
Electricity - 240V + 6% with frequency of 50 Hertz
Telephone - Qatar has direct dialing with 215 countries

Geography

Surrounded by water on three sides, Qatar is a peninsula in the Arabian Gulf with its only land border existing at the southern end where Qatar meets Saudi Arabia. The entire county is approximately 240 kilometres from north to south, and less than 160 kilometres wide.

History

Qatar has a rich and vibrant history - a history that can be traced back as far as 4000 BC. Throughout the centuries, the fishing and pearling trades have established Qatar as an important port in the Gulf. With the expansion and growth of its oil and gas industry, the port and the country maintain their international importance.

The Al-Thani family began its rule of Qatar in the 18th century and still today you can see the positive influences this family has on the growth and development of Qatar. When the present Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, came to power in 1995, he brought a modern and positive approach that transformed the country into an ideal host for major sporting events and international conferences, as well as a luxurious tourist destination.

Press

While visiting Qatar, keep up on the latest local and international news and events through the Qatar press. 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-language- Al Raya, Al Sharq, and Al Watan - and English-language - Gulf Times and The Peninsula. Qatar News Agency is the sole subscriber to foreign news agencies in the country. Many foreign news agencies are located in Qatar and international papers are available, including Herald Tribune and Financial Times.

Qatar Television offers both Arabic- and English-language 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-language. Many magazines are available, including the must-read Marhaba. Containing an introduction to the country, places to stay, things to do, it is a great resource for visitors. Other publications include Al-Ufuq, Dohat Al Jamee Magazine, Abode Magazine, Eve Magazine, and Qatar Happening. Up-to-date information at your fingertips.

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 white and orange taxis. Although there is no central dispatch to call a taxi, you can easily wave one down. Another option is renting a vehicle from one of the many operators located in Qatar.

Visa

Please follow the link below to the Qatar Ministry of Interior for further information on entry visas for Qata - http://www.moi.gov.qa.

Further Information

David Chaddock has written a comprehensive book on the county entitled Qatar: The Business Traveller's Handbook. The information contained in the book will assist the traveller wishing to investigate or conduct business in Qatar. The publication is available in most bookstores and through online bookstores. Copies are normally found in Doha at Carrefour and Jarir Bookstore.
ISBN 1 903185 06 8

Gorilla Guides

128 Kensington Church Street
London W8 4BH
Tel: 44 20 7221 7166
Fax: 44 20 7792 9288
stacey-inter@btconnect.com
www.stacey-international.co.uk

Useful Contacts

Limousine Services
Doha Limousine (+974) 483 9999
Al Watan Limousine (+974) 447 8415
Mustafawi Limousine (+974) 467 1007

Car Rentals
Al-Mana (+974) 462 2891
Avis (+974) 444 7766
Budget (+974) 441 9500
Hertz (+974) 462 2891
Europe Car (+974) 443 8404