The State of Qatar lies halfway along the West Coast of the Arabian Gulf east of the Arabian Peninsula. Its territory comprises a number of Islands Including Halul, AI Ashat, Shira’wa and others; and has an area of 11,521 square kilometers.
Doha Buildings
The topography of Qatar generally consists of flat rocky surfaces with some limestone outcrops scattered in the west of the country; and the country has a desert climate of hot summers and warm semi-dry winters.
The official language of Qatar Is Arabic but English is also widely spoken and used.
The population of Qatar is 744 thousand, about 83% of whom reside in Doha, the capital city and its Rayyan suburb.
Islam is the official religion of the country and tsar ‘a law is the main source of legislation
Main Towns
Doha, situated half way along the East Coast of the peninsula, is the capital, where most of the commercial, financial and government activities are concentrated.
Mesaieed, 45 km south of the capital, is the first and main industrial city where heavy industries are based, It has a major oil export port besides a commercial one.
Ras Laffan, 85 km north of Doha, is another industrial City with large-scale liquefied natural gas exportation port and gas liquefaction plants.
AI-Khor, about 57 km north of Doha, is a coastal town famous for its fine beaches and old tower and regional museum.
AI-Wakrah, 15 km south of Doha, is a booming town with several tourist attractions including traditional houses and a harbor for small fishing boats.
Dukhan, 84 km west of Doha, is a beautiful town around which onshore oil fields are concentrated.
Madinat Al Shamal, about 107 km from Doha, is a modern town built to as an administrative centre for a number of coastal villages in the north.
Als Shahaniya, 60 km west of Doha, is famous for camel racing. It has a camel racing track.
Al Zubara, 105 km west of Doha, is home for an important historical castle and one of the major archeological sites in the country.
Independence
The State of Qatar became an independent country on the 3rd of September 1971.
Accession of H.H. the Emir
H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani acceded to power in the country on the 27th of June 1995.
The Flag of Qatar
Maroon with a broad white serrated band with nine points on the hoist side.
Work Hours
Government offices: 7 am. to 2 pm. Friday and Saturday are the weekend holidays.
Private establishments: 8 am. to 12 noon, and 4 pm. to 8 pm.
Public Holidays
Independence Day: 3rd of September.
Eid AI-Fitr: 4 days from the 1 st of Shawwal of al-Hijrah.
Eid Al- Adha: 5 days from Arafat day on the 9th of Zilhijjah of al-Hijrah.
LOCAL TIME
3 hours + Greenwich Mean Time
ELECTRICITY
240 volts + 6% with frequency of 50 hertz
Points of Entry
Land: through the two main border points at Abu Samra and Sauda Nathil.
Air: through Doha International Airport.
Sea: through Doha and Mesaieed ports.
Some taxes are levied for some goods at the points of entry
Entry Regulations
Qatar grants tourist and visit visas at border points for the nationals of more than 33 countries including USA, Canada, Iceland, West European countries, and some East European countries, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Brunei, Australia and New Zealand, besides the nationals of the GCC countries.
Entry visas for the foreign residents of the GCC countries and their companions are offered at border points, while visit visas for businesspersons coming from places other than the countries mentioned above need to be arranged beforehand.
Tourist visas are issued in 24 hours from the passport section at Doha international airport. They are valid for two weeks and are renewable. Visitors who wish to be granted these visas are required to use Qatar Airways to enter the country. With the exception of all travel documents holders, persons of all nationalities whose immediate next of kin are living in Qatar are eligible to have such visas. They are not required to have residence permits in one the GCC countries. This visa policy goes in line with the policy of openness currently observed in the country in various fields.
For more information, please refer to the website of the Ministry of Interior: www.moi.gov.qa