Information about Qatar: Qatar is a peninsular Arab country whose terrain comprises arid desert and a long Persian (Arab) Gulf shoreline of beaches and dunes. Also on the coast is the capital, Doha, known for its futuristic skyscrapers and other ultramodern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design, such as the limestone Museum of Islamic Art. The museum sits on the city’s Corniche waterfront promenade. Read More...

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Qatar is a peninsular Arab country whose terrain comprises arid desert and a long Persian (Arab) Gulf shoreline of beaches and dunes. Also on the coast is the capital, Doha, known for its futuristic skyscrapers and other ultramodern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design, such as the limestone Museum of Islamic Art. The museum sits on the city’s Corniche waterfront promenade. 
 
Qatar has one of the world's largest reserves of petroleum and natural gas and employs large numbers of foreign workers in its production process. Because of its oil wealth, the country's residents enjoy a high standard of living and a well-established system of social services.
 
 





Currency

The Rial is the foreign money of Qatar. That is subdivided into a hundred dirham and is aliased as QR (English). The Qatari Rial has been pegged to the US Dollar at 1 USD = 3.64 Rial since July 2001.
 



Climate

Qatar has a desert climate. The country experiences long summers from May to September characterized by intense dry heat, with temperatures rising above 45°C. Winter temperatures are mild but may fall below 5°C. Rainfall is only experienced during the winter with the northern parts of the country receiving 30% more rainfall than the south. Qatar is impacted by Shamal winds, which cause sand and dust storms throughout the year. 



Language

Arabic is the official language, and most Qataris speak a dialect of Gulf Arabic similar to that spoken in surrounding states. Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools, and English is commonly used. Among the large expatriate population, Persian and Urdu are often spoken.

 
Economy

​​It is a country’s economy that plays the most important role in laying the foundation for prosperity in all aspects: political, social, and scientific. Thus, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (H.H the Father Emir) and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar's new Emir have put a great deal of effort into supporting the Qatari economy.
 
Qatar has witnessed remarkable prosperity, especially in the last few years, with continued high GDP growth in 2012, according to data issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This same body identifies Qatar as having the highest GDP per capita in the world. The IMF report mentioned that major investments – especially in infrastructure projects and increasing output in the industrial sector – will result in continued growth of the Qatari GDP. Qatar hopes to enjoy continuing prosperity through the number of long-term export contracts that are now in place.  

As infrastructure-related construction activities pick up, as the demand-supply situation in the real estate market converges, and as the expatriate population increases, inflation will gradually increase from 3% in 2013 to 5% by 2016. Qatar’s currency, the Riyal, is pegged to the US Dollar. This is conducive to the economic stability of the Qatari economy, with the US Dollar still a globally bankable - and powerful - currency. Having the dollar as a base is important in supporting Qatar’s strong financial position, and thriving banking sector. Qatar has made great progress in its economic activity, overseas trade, architectural development, and new infrastructure development.
 
The Qatari economy is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Middle East and, indeed, the world. High growth rates have been maintained due to the high cost of hydrocarbons on the world’s commodities markets. These prices look set to remain reasonably stable while Qatar’s exports of gas continue to increase. The growth of Qatar’s GDP has been absolutely astronomical. Total GDP in the year 2000 was $65 billion. By 2012, this figure had increased to $173 billion, and rising. The majority of this increase comes from the rise in sales of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The emphasis for the country’s Government is on diversifying the economy so that other sectors – such as banking and finance, tourism, executive education and technology make greater contributions to the GDP.



Education

The education system in Qatar is jointly directed and controlled by the Supreme Education Council (SEC) and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) at all levels. The SEC is responsible for overseeing independent schools, whereas the MOE is responsible for providing support to private schools. Formal schooling officially began in 1956. Primary schooling is obligatory for every child and is free in public schools. Education in Qatar is very diverse, with several schools representing a variety of international curriculum systems. There are approximately 338 international schools in the country. Several prestigious universities from around the world have satellite campuses in the country in Education City and within suburbs of the capital Doha.


Culture

The culture of Qatar is strongly influenced by traditional Bedouin culture, with less acute influence deriving from India, East Africa and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf. The peninsula's harsh climatic conditions compelled its inhabitants to turn to the sea for sustenance. Thus, there is a distinct emphasis placed on the sea in local culture. Literature and folklore themes are often related to sea-based activities.

Oral arts such as poetry and singing were historically more prevalent than figurative art because of the restrictions placed by Islam on depictions of sentient beings; however, certain visual art disciplines such as calligraphy, architecture and textile arts were widely practiced. Figurative arts were gradually assimilated into the country's culture during the oil era.

 



Health

Healthcare standards in Qatar are generally high. Qatari citizens are covered by a national health insurance scheme, while expatriates must either receive health insurance from their employers, or in the case of the self-employed, purchase insurance. Qatar's healthcare spending is among the highest in the Middle East, with $4.7 billion being invested in healthcare in 2014. This was a $2.1 billion increase from 2010. The premier healthcare provider in the country is the Hamad Medical Corporation, established by the government as a non-profit healthcare provider, which runs a network of hospitals, an ambulance services, and a home healthcare service, all of which are accredited by the Joint Commission.



Safety

Qatar ensures the well-being of its citizens, residents, and visitors through its world-class public infrastructure and public safety. Qatar has earned the number one rank for “Safest Country in the World” on the Numbeo Crime Index, for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022. The country’s capital, Doha, is also ranked the second safest global city in 2022. These achievements are a testament to the successful policies implemented by the country’s leadership to safeguard a stable and high quality of life in Qatar. As a result, visitors can experience Qatar’s tourist attractions and sites with a strong sense of security. 


Cuisine

Qatari cuisine is made up of traditional Arab cuisine. Machbūs, a meal consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables, is the national dish in Qatar, typically made with either lamb or chicken and slow-cooked to give it a depth of flavour. Seafood and dates are staple food items in the country.
 

 

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