Location

Qatar is a peninsula located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf. Its territory comprises a number of islands including Halul, Sheraouh, Al-Ashat and others.

Topographic Features

The terrain is flat and rocky with some low-rising limestone outcrops in Dukhan area in the west and Jabal Fiwairit in the north. It is characterized by a variety of geographical phenomena including many coves, inlets, depressions and surface rainwater-draining basins known as riyadh (the gardens), which are found mainly in the north and central part of the peninsula. These areas have the most fertile soil and are rich in vegetation.

Land Area

The total land area of Qatar is approximately 11,521 square kilometers.

Population

The population of Qatar amount to 743000 inhabitants (according to the initial results of the second stage of the 2004 population census) compared to 522000 inhabitants in the last census conducted in 1997. 83% of inhabitants reside in Doha and its main suburb Al-Rayyan.

Official Language

Arabic is the official language in Qatar, and English is widely spoken.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the country, and the Shariah (Islamic Law) is a main source of its legislations.

Climate

Qatar has a moderate desert climate with long hot summers and short mild winters and little rain in winter.

Major Cities

Doha

The capital city, is situated on a calm bay halfway along the East Coast of the Qatar peninsula. It is inhabited by 83% of the population in both Doha and Rayan suburb. Doha is the commercial and cultural center of the country.

Al Wakrah

A coastal small town situated half way between Doha and Mesaieed, A Wakrah is a thriving commercial and fishing centre. It is famous for its picturesque mosques, its booming fishing harbor and its traditional houses that reflect the old Islamic architectural style.

Alkhor

Lies north of Qatar, 57km north of Doha. Until the early 1940s of the past century the town used to be a thriving port and pearl fishing center. Despite that other trades have started to replace those trades, the town teems with relics that testify to the town's venerable history. Its fine mosques, its museum that houses valuable archeological pieces and acquisitions and its historical towers are some examples of those relics.

Ras Laffan

This 40 sq. km estate, which lies 85 km north of Doha, is the other purpose-built industrial city in the country. With the largest gas exportation seaport and gas liquefaction plants in the Gulf region, it is considered one of the biggest industrial cities in the world.

Mesaieed

It's situated south east of the country. It is the center for heavy industry with a major seaport for oil explortation and a commercial seaport.

Madinat Al-Shamal

It's a modern town functioning as an administrative center for a number of coastal villages north of the country.

Dukhan

It was developed following the discovery of oil in the surrounding fields.

Shahaniya

It's situated 60km west of Doha and has a purpose-built camel racetrack. It is famous for camel races. 

Tourist Attractions

Sealine Beach Resort

Situated 55 km from the capital, the resort offers a large variety of rooms, villas and chalets - all overlooking the sea; alongside with many sports and recreational activities and a number of restaurants.

Al-Gharriyya Resort

This resort lies on the waterfront of al-Gharriyya area in the north. It comprises a number of super deluxe villas, children playgrounds, a swimming pool and restaurants.

Entertainment City (the Kingdom of Aladdin)

The Kingdom of Aladdin lies in the West Bay area. It has more than 18 play features to suit all age groups. It also has a rest house, an artificial lagoon, a theater and a cafeteria. It opens from 4 pm to 11 pm from Sunday through Friday. Mondays and Wednesdays are dedicated exclusively for ladies and children under 12.

The Zoo

The zoo lies 20 km from Doha on Salwa Road. It has a varied collection of animals, reptiles and birds as well as a mini amusement park for children. The zoo opens from 3 pm to 7 pm and closes on Saturdays. Entrance fees are QR2 for children and QR5 for adults.

Al- Rumaila Park

This park lies on Doha Corniche. It has grass areas, children rides, a popular market and restaurants. It opens around the clock and entrance is free of charge.

Dahl El-Hamam Public Park

Situated in KHhalifa Al-Shamalia, this public park contains several green lawns, passages for walking in addition to playgrounds for children. It is open for families free of charges.

Khor Al Udaid Beach

This beach lies on the southeastern most part of the country, 78 km from Doha. This beautiful beach is distinguished by its fine sand dunes that can be as high as 40 meters in some locations. Other fine beaches include Fuwairit, Dukhan and others.

Al Jassasiya

Al Jassasiya are a range of rocky hills overlooking the northeastern coast of the country between the two villages of Al Huwailah and Fuwairit. They are famous for their numerous stone carvings and engravings, some of which date back to prehistoric times.

Almaha Sanctuary

This tourist attraction is established to protect Al Maha (oryx) the endangered desert antelope.

Currency

The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which is divided into 100 dirhams. The Exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of US $ = 3.65QR's.

Independence

Qatar gained independence on September 3rd 1971.

27 June

On the 27Th of June His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the rule of the State of Qatar supported by the ruling family and the Qatari people.

Public Holidays

National Day: 18th of December in each year.
Eid Al-Fitr: At the 1st of Shawwal for four days.
Eid Al- Adha: starts at 9th of Zilhijjah for five days.

The National Anthem

The national Anthem of the State of Qatar was adopted with dawning of a new era when H.H. the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the reign of power. It was performed for the first time on Saturday 7th 1996 during the reception of GCC leaders on the occasion of the 17th GCC summit held in Doha.

The Flag

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

Meaning of the flag:

• The white colour reflects the internationally recognized symbol of peace.
• The maroon colour symbolizes the bloodshed during the several wars Qatar had undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century.
• The nine-point serrated line indicates that Qatar is the 9th member of the "reconciled Emirates" of the Arabian Gulf in the wake of concluding the Qatari-British treaty in 1916. This information on design and colour of Qatar flag was mentioned in the Archives of the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1931.

General Info

Work Hours

Government offices: 7 am to 2 pm.
Private establishments: 8 am to 12 noon, and 4 pm to 8 pm.
Friday and Saturday are the weekend holidays.

Local Time

3 hours + Greenwich Mean Time.

Electrical Current

240 Volts + 6% with frequency 50 hertz.