About Qatar

Qatar is where cultural authenticity meets modernity; where the sand meets the sea; where people come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.

The State of Qatar is a peninsula located amid the western coast of the Arabian Gulf. The peninsula is approximately 100km across and extends 200km into the Gulf. Qatar includes several islands the largest of which are, Halul, Shraouh and Al-Asshat. It shares its southern border with Saudi Arabia and a maritime border Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Vibrant, evolving, innovative and exciting are just some of the ways people describe Qatar. A blend of business sense, family values, cutting-edge technology, multiculturalism and traditional principles makes Qatar truly unique.

Qataris are now harnessing natural resources and human potential to transform their society into one of educational, technological, sustainable and commercial excellence. Qatar welcomes ideas and innovations that help the nation tackle complex issues. It is in this spirit of openness and exchange that Qatar has defined its role and its objectives for the future.

Qatar National Vision 2030 was developed with the aim of achieving sustained development and economic progress for the nation. The plan rests on four pillars: environmental, human, social and economic development. A key objective is the transformation of Qatar from a carbon-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. Qatar is investing enormous resources into education, science and research initiatives.

The country's local population has welcomed more than a million foreign guests – residents who, under Qatari patronage are assisting the nation in its transformation.

Ethics and Social Codes of Conduct

There are certain ethics and social codes that visitors and new residents in Qatar should observe. They should know that courtesy and hospitality are of the virtues that are highly appreciated and respected in the Arab world. They will surely feel how friendly and gentle the Qatari people are. A visitor or a resident in Qatar is required to observe the following codes of conduct:

1

National holidays National days represent the most important Islamic and national events. As Islamic calendar depends on the sighting of the phases of the moon, the corresponding Gregorian dates of such days vary from year to another.

2

Other ReligionsThough Islam is the official religion of Qatar in accordance with the Qatari constitution, other religions are completely respected and tolerated. Qatar has allowed the establishment of a church in its territory.

3

AlcoholNon-Muslims are permitted to have alcoholic drinks at hotels (provided there is a special permit for this) or their homes. However, it is prohibited to drive a car while or after drinking or appear in public while drunk.

4

CostumeIt is expected to wear decent clothes in public places, and both men and women should avoid walking around in their swimming suits away from beaches or swimming pools.

5

Car Drivingmotorists should not insult others or showing extreme anger while driving as this may subject him/her to severe penalties including imprisonment. Traffic violations are also punishable and may have severe consequences and penalties.

6

RamdanThis holy month of Ramadan is a celebration of the first revelation of the Holy Quran. It is also the sacred fasting month for Muslims during which they abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dust. Non-Muslims are not required to fast during the month, however, they should abstain from eating, drinking and smoking in public.

Climate

Qatar has a desert climate with year-round sunshine, hot summers and mild winters. Mean monthly temperatures range from 17°C in January to 36°C in July, sometimes reaching highs of 40°C+ during the summer. Rain is infrequent, falling in brief showers mainly in winter.

Medical Matters

There are no major health risks and no special inoculations required by visitors. The quality of healthcare is generally very high. There are many well-stocked pharmacies, with English speaking staff, throughout Doha city, including some open 24 hours.

Safety

Qatar has among the lowest crime rates in the world. It is a safe destination with religious and political stability. While normal precautions should be observed, visitors need have little concern walking in any part of the city.

Disabled Visitors

Leading hotels, the airports, shopping malls, larger banks and other new or recently-restored public buildings offer wheelchair access, disabled toilets and allocated parking, but visitors with special requirements are advised to check the situation at other locations.