Destinations
Qatar
A Window Into The Past and A Glimpse Into The Future in Qatar
Qatar is a country in the Middle East where cultural authenticity meets modernity; where the sand meets the sea; where people come together to experience unique escapades in culture, tourism, lifestyle, and business. The country is characterized by its flat and arid desert-scapes with year-round sunshine, hot summers, and mild winters.
Qatar Tourism Industry
Qatar holds adventures for all. The country is strategically located at the crossroads of East and West, making it just 6-7 hours away from key international travel destinations. 80% of the world’s population is within a 6-hour flight from Qatar and people from 88 countries can enter the country visa-free. Qatar is considered the most open country in the region, and the 8th most open in the world according to visa openness rankings by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in August 2018.
Qatar offers great desert adventures, spectacular modern skyscrapers, a unrivaled Museum of Islamic Art, a fine and expansive traditional souq, and burgeoning arts and culinary scenes, among other things. On any given day, one could try tasty local cuisine at a sophisticated restaurant and then watch the sunset over the breath-taking view of sand dunes.
About Qatar
Qatar is an independent emirate on the west coast of the Persian Gulf occupying a desert peninsula that extends northward from the larger Arabian Peninsula. The country shares a land border with Saudi Arabia to the south, and with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran as the nearby countries.
Once a struggling British colony, Qatar gained independence in 1971 and has then become one of the world’s richest countries because of its massive reserves of oil and natural gas.
Due to its natural features, Qatar is the world’s fifth-largest gas producer, second-largest gas exporter, and largest liquified natural gas exporter. Various oil companies in the country employ large numbers of foreign workers for production. Because of its oil wealth, the country enjoys a high standard of living and a well-established social services system.
Qatar Culture
Qatar is a traditional country experiencing rapid modern social changes. Despite the modern development, Qataris continuously exert effort to maintain its cultural heritage. Islam is the religion for the majority of people accounting for about 70% of the population. Qataris enjoy more freedom compared to some Arabic countries. However, foreign visitors are still expected to dress in a style that is sensitive to Islamic culture. Conservative clothing is recommended, especially in public areas.
Qatar is a hospitable country that loves welcoming guests. Although Qataris have a strong sense of family privacy, they are always eager to extend their hospitality to strangers.
Facts About Qatar
Qatar is a safe place to travel to. The crime rates in the country are low, especially towards foreigners. Petty violations such as theft may still exist, so it still pays to be vigilant.
This Arabian country is quite affordable to live in or travel to, and the government does not charge a lot on several things including electricity, water, and home phone lines. On the other hand, the capital city Doha can be very expensive if one opts to go to the more luxurious tourist destinations.
English is the second most used language in Qatar after Arabic due to its colonial roots with Britain. Although English is not an official language, it is widely accepted as the country’s second language.
Must-see, Must-visit
Qatar boasts a wide array of awesome touristic attractions including waterfront views, sandy beaches, desert paradise, retail, exhibition spaces, and eateries.
Katara Cultural Village – With its art galleries and workshops, theatres and performances venues, and exceptional restaurants set on a waterfront promenade, this cultural village in Doha is the best destination for culture and entertainment.
The Pearl-Qatar – A stunning man-made island with luxury towers and villas, high-end shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants. One can also rent a boat, go paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach.
Inland Sea/ Khor Al Adaid – As a UNESCO-recognized natural reserve, the site is a rare example of the sea encroaching deep into the heart of the desert. It is accessible by 4×4 vehicles where visitors can take a desert safari adventure over the dunes to this site.
Hamad International Airport is the only international airport in the state of Qatar. Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing and most highly acclaimed airlines in the world. The airline connects more than 160 destinations on the map every day. Hence, no matter where one comes from the globe, there will always be an easy access to Qatar.
Public transportation in the country is generally organized and secure. For instance, regulated and registered taxi services (Karwa, Fox Transportation, Uber and Careem to name a few) are widely available and generally safe to use.
