Qatar

Tourism:
Life in Qatar has always been associated with the sea and the desert. Both were the source of livelihood for Qataris since ancient times. Today the desert and the sea still remain the source of livelihood, but also of pleasure and entertainment.

The sea and the desert are the backbone of tourism in Qatar:
The Sea with its warm waters and cozy beaches and the desert with its mystique natural and man-made grandeur. In recent years the government began to give due attention to tourism and as a result, the Qatar Tourism Authority was set up.
Hotel business has undergone a huge boom, and Qatar has come to host a number of international conferences.

Tourist Attractions:
Doha: Situated midway on the serene east shore of the Qatar peninsula, Doha is the capital of Qatar where almost 80% of the population lives; it is the hub of cultural, business and economic
activities of the country. A tour through the city would tempt you to visit scores of wonderful places which reflect the country’s cultural identity and its rapid development. Among other places that a visitor should not miss:
Lovely Beaches: Let’s begin from Doha where a calm bay embraces the edges of the mainland. Not far away from the airport a scenic corniche runs along the bay.

The Corniche, virtually “the lung of the city”, is a destination for people who enjoy walking and jogging especially from November to May when the weather is hospitable and temperatures are mild.
Among other tourist attractions along the Doha bay is the harbor for traditional boats known in the Gulf region as “booms”. Al Safiliyah Island a fascinating place for picnicking and adventure-loving people who can reach it by boat.

Visitors can also spend a pleasant day on the sandy white beach or enjoy scuba diving and watch sea shells, corals and colored fish.

Traditional Souqs: Doha thrives with many traditional souqs where visitors can discover the spirit of a truly oriental way of shopping. The falconry souq is worth visiting to have a look at the impressive
falcons with their charm, beauty and the unimaginable prices paid for them. Next to the falconry shops stands the camel market.

In the old traditional Souqs of Doha the exotic smells of spices, coffees mixed with the heady scent of cardamom, and medicinal herbs fill the air. With every step, all shops of handicrafts, oriental
textiles and glittering gold entice the visitor to have a look or haggle over pieces.

At the end of your tour, you might refresh yourself with a glass of tea mixed with rosewater, or a cup of Arabian or Turkish coffee with cardamom flavor while sitting back in one of the traditional coffee
shops scattered around town.

Hotels:
The Qatari hotel industry has made impressive progress in the last few years. Capitalizing on Qatar’s role as a host for international conferences and forums, Hotel industry also benefited from the government’s plans to boost tourist activities.Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar National Hotels Company (QNHC) have actively contributed to this area .Together with the private sector, QNHC has come a long way in boosting tourism.

It has set up a number of tourist facilities, recreational centers, exhibition halls, luxurious hotels, shopping centers, sports centers and museums.
QNHC has also facilitated procedures for attracting package tours, sports events and business activities. It has carried out the feasibility studies for 25 tourism projects such as: Al-Bida Park;
Refurbishing Aladdin’s Kingdom Fun Park; Building a hotel in Al Khor; Building an ‘EcoResort’ in Al Ghariyah Hotel industry has made considerable strides both in terms of quality of services and in room capacity which stands at 3000 rooms. Doha has got a number of luxury hotels, mostly located close to the airport or major commercial centers or Doha Corniche.

Heritage:
Qatari heritage, handed down from generation to generation, has always been an integral part of the Arab Islamic heritage of the Arabian Peninsula .It encompasses the features of the social fabric and the cultural peculiarity of the Arab man who has lived on this land and dealt with it and its environment in a give-and-take manner until his heritage has become a true reflection of the people’s lives and their adherence to their milieu. Although most handicrafts and traditional industries have disappeared, some managed to survive, thanks to the support rendered by the government.

Traditional handicrafts:
Shipbuilding: This industry existed for centuries in Qatar and the Gulf region, but almost disappeared following the discovery of oil in the early decades of the twentieth century .It used to rely on
materials imported from India, such as teak and pine wood that resist humidity, certain types of cotton wicks, nails and oil extracted from dolphins to be used as water insulator.

The carpentry tools used in shipbuilding were traditional too, like Al-Mejdah (the drill), the adz and the saw. The ship-builder was called“ Al-Gallaf.” There used to be different types of ships and each type had a different name such as Al-Bateel, Al-Mashuh and Al-Jalboot. Today there is only one shipbuilding workshop in Qatar, the Emiri Shipbuilding Workshop.

Al Sadu (warp industry) :Al Sadu is an original Bedouin tradition Al Sadu is a general term describing the traditional craft of hand spinning and weaving. It is still practiced in the Bedouin desert
communities, as it is closely associated with the availability of raw materials such as sheep wool, camel and goat hair and cotton. Aِl Sadu is exclusively a female activity. The same ancient tools are
still in use: the spindle, the loom and Al-Minshazah. Sadu products include tents, and other accessories used in Bedouin communities such as Al-Katea, Al-Odul, As-sakayef and sacs.

Goldsmith:
Goldsmith and trading in jewelry and precious stones is one of the oldest traditional handicrafts in Qatar .There are families whose names have long been associated with these crafts which are passed
from generation to generation .The tools used are hammers of different sizes, the anvil and flat, rough and smooth rasps, files, and the smelter .The main products are the anklet, the eardrop, bracelets, necklaces and head ornaments such as Loah As-Saâd and Kursi Jaber in addition to rings.

Embroidery:
This is the art of embroidering men’s and women’s traditional clothes, and it is one of the oldest professions in the region. A tailor works with a needle, colored threads, silver and gold cane threads, using what’s locally known as An-naqdah .Recently semi automatic and electric sewing machines were introduced. Women’s clothes like the jubbah, the robe, the shawl, the cloak are sewn as well as men’s clothes like cloaks, Ad-dakala and trousers.

Gypsum Ornamentation:
One can find gypsum ornamentations in many old houses. Gypsum was locally produced and used instead of clay for coating the walls of houses, forts, castles, towers and mosques because of its ability to withstand severe climatic conditions .It was also used for making architectural and plant ornament molds which were used to decorate many traditional houses in Qatar. It is also used for making censers which are still in high demand for decorative purposes.

Architecture:
Architecture in Qatar falls into three categories:
Religious architecture: like mosques. Civil architecture: like castles, palaces, houses and markets.
To avoid glaring sunlight, windows were small compared to walls, and were usually rectangular overlooking courtyards. In the sitting rooms and the upper rooms, windows overlooked both the courtyard and the street. There were also ventilation and lighting grills, called Badjirs, only in the upstairs rooms.

Fishing:
Since ancient times the sea has played a vital role in the daily life of the citizens of the peninsula of Qatar. Fishing is thus one of the ancient trades that the people of Qatar practiced to earn a living in the pre– oil era. There were different methods of fishing, such as Al-Maskar and Al-Hadhrah. ”Mending the nets and fish trap” Al hadhrah is an enclosure made form palm fronds and robes made of plant fiber. It was used in shallow waters to catch certain kinds of fish such as Assafi.

Almaskar is a stone structure of various sizes in the sea .Al Maskar method relies on the tide movement. During ebb an iron bar with a sharp end called the Nira, or the Sahila which is a net fixed with two pieces of wood on each side are used to catch fish entrapped in Al Maskar.

Pearl Diving:
Pearl diving is one of the oldest professions in the Gulf region. It was one of the main sources of income in the pre-oil era. There were two diving seasons: the big dive, a two-month journey, and
the small dive, a forty-day journey .Both seasons fell between June and September. Among the tools the divers used were the scuttle, Al-futam, Al-falakah and stones.

With the discovery of oil in the 1930’s and the introduction of Japanese artificial pearls, pearl diving became unprofitable and people turned to earn their living from other less demanding activities.

Falconry:
Falconry is one of the most important hobbies of the Qatari people. Obsession with falconry as a hobby, is passed on from fathers to sons as people believe it encourages the values of chivalry, courage, patience and diligence.

This hobby is practiced in winter when people start hunting falcons to train them at a later stage. Falcon hunting techniques differ from hunter to hunter depending on experience. Falcon raising and training is also done by the hunters themselves. Training is carried out in various ways such as waving a mock prey or a rabbit tied to a thread, or a pigeon tied to a thread and allowed to fly.

The most important tools of falconry are the veil that covers the bird’s face; the leg tie and the gauntlet (Al-mankalah) on which the falcon sits while carried by its trainer, and the feed bag in which all tools and preys are put. The most famous types of falcons are the lanner, the peregrine and Al-wukri.

Museums:
Qatar National Museum:
It is situated on the Corniche in Doha reflects the cultural facades of the country. It was built in 1912 as a palace for the then ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim. It was turned into a museum following refurbishment in 1975.

The museum’s complex, a masterpiece of local architecture, was awarded the Agha Khan Award for Architectural Renovation in 1980 .The museum houses a large collection of traditional and archaeological artifacts and an exhibition which portrays development in present-day Qatar after the discovery of oil .The Museum also includes an aquarium and a lagoon. The aquarium exhibits a wide variety of the marine life of the Gulf. In the lagoon some traditional single mast boats, such as the renowned, Fateh al- Kheir, Qatar’s first engine powered boat, are still anchored.

The Ethnographic Museum:
It is an old traditional Qatari house, built in 1935, but later was renovated and turned into a museum. It offers a glance at life before oil. The most interesting architectural aspect of the building is its traditional wind tower which was used for ventilation in the days when there was no electricity.

Weaponry Museum:
It is located in the Al Laqta area houses a rather impressive array of gilded swords, traditional curved daggers and armor dating back to the 16th century, as well as other weaponry such as rifles from the Ottoman era.

The Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Museum:
The Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is a «must see» for all visitors to Qatar. This privately owned museum houses some of the rarest collections that speak about ancient culture and heritage
of Qatar and other countries. Excellent exhibits of souvenirs, ancient artifacts, antique furniture, fossils, currencies of yesteryears, vintage cars and a selection of traditional clothes with embroidery of gold and silver threads and precious stones, hunting and prey-catching equipment used in olden days can all be seen at this museum which is now holds a prime location in Qatar’s cultural scene.

The museum consists of seven well appointed sections such as:
1: Islamic and Arabian arts and crafts.
2: Classic cars.
3: Old currencies.
4: Ancient manuscripts, writings and documents.
5: Paintings, drawings and sketches.
6: Islamic garments and embroidery.
7: Library.
Postal Museum: is Housed near the Souq Post Office, this museum mirrors the early days of Qatar’s postal services and has some quaint Victorian artifacts, including old scales, post boxes, and stamps. It is open from 4 pm - 6 pm daily, except on Fridays.

Gardens and Parks:
Palm Tree Island
As visitors stroll along the corniche, they can see the Palm Tree Island, an offshore man-made spot designed to provide a recreational resort for the young and the old alike, to enjoy its parks and sports facilities all year round. The trip to the Island on board a traditional boat takes only seven minutes. Palm Tree Island is now closed for future development. Among other tourist attractions along the Doha bay is the harbor for traditional boats known in the Gulf region as “booms”.

Doha Zoo:
Doha Zoo, opened in 1984, is one of the main attractions of the capital. It is on Salwa Road, about 20 km away from Doha . It has about 700 species of animals and birds. A small recreational center is available on the premises .Visitors to the zoo can ride the miniature railroad to catch a view of all animals.

Al Bida Park:
Bida Park, in the foreground of the photo is located on the Corniche; the park has play-facilities, lawns, restaurants and a popular market .Visitors to parks or even to the desert can enjoy watching birds which abound in Qatar, simply because Qatar is an important stopover point for migrating birds from Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Besides Al-Bida Park, there is a number of other parks in Doha, not to mention the parks in Al Wakrah and Al Khor.

Aladdin Entertainment City:
Located in the West Bay area in Doha, Aladdin Entertainment City has a rest house, an artificial lagoon, an equestrian arena, an outdoor theater, a cafeteria, an ice rink and a roller skating arena. The city also boasts more than 18 play facilities for children of all age groups .It is open from 4:00 to 11:00 pm from Sunday to Friday inclusive; Mondays and Wednesdays are exclusively for women and children under 12 years.

Ancient Wakrah:
Al Wakrah is a small coastal town located south of the capital city Doha and to the north of the industrial city Mseieed .It is a flourishing trade and fishing center with an old port which is still in use .Al Wakrah is famous for its beautiful mosques and old houses with their traditional Islamic architecture .The Wakrah museum displays, in addition to many artifacts, some of the beautiful traditional gates that the Qataris used in their houses in the old days.

AL Maha Reserve:
The Oryx now flourishes as a herd in the Al Shahaniyah This reserve was created to protect the Oryx, a kind of desert gazelle which was until recently one of the animal species threatened by extinction .The Oryx is considered to be the emblem animal of the state of Qatar and it is protected by law .This beautiful animal is known for its endurance and its ability to adapt to the harsh environment of the desert.

Khor Al Udeid:
Inland Sea (Khor Al Udeid) is in the south-east of the peninsula. It is considered the desert marvel of Qatar, Khor Al Udeid is 78 km away south-east of Doha. By daybreak it becomes much more like a resort on the shore of a lake, as the tide water advances on the land to form what is known as“ Internal Sea». By nightfall the sea recedes and the place becomes again a barren piece of land with its striking sand dunes of different sizes. The moonlight and glittering stars create a sense of eternity .Each time the sun rises or sets the sand dunes glitter in a wonderful array of colors .Khor Al Udeid can be reached by a four – wheel car in a trip that reminds you of a safari .Once there, you have a number of options: To dip yourself in water, or to climb to the top of a sand dune or to do some sand skating

Sealine Beach Resort:
One of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Qatar, a green oasis, located on the shores of Mesaieed city, 55 km away from Doha .It is surrounded from three directions by white sand dunes and opens up to the sea with a beautiful beach .The resort offers an assortment of rooms, chalets and villas overlooking the sea. You can enjoy swimming, a tour on camel or horseback, or skating down sand dunes. All top hotels in Doha organizes tours for their customers to enable them enjoy unique experiences and Qatari hospitality.

Al Shahaniyah Camel Race Track:
Al Shahaniyah, 60 km to the west of Doha is famous for its camel races.It has a camel race track and there are hundreds of camels which are a pleasure to behold.

Al Khor:
Al Khor, considered as a desert marvel, is located about 57km to the north of Doha. Up to the forties of the last century it was a very active port and a thriving pearl fishing center .With its historical tower, Al Khor still embraces many monuments and testimonies of the Arab culture in its mosques and museum.

Leisure: The Oryx Farm: Visitors can see the Oryx in its natural surroundings at the Oryx Farm located in Shahaniya. The national animal of Qatar, the Oryx is’t found anywhere else in the world in such large numbers. The beauty of the Arabian horses is wellknown throughout the world. The pure-bred Arab show and race horses at Al Shaqab Stud Farm provide a great opportunity to enjoy these horses close up.

The Equestrian Club: The Qatar Race and Equestrian Club, where visitors are welcome to view its stables, and the Rayyan Racing and Equestrian Club, where races and show-jumping events are held. Local tour operators can arrange visits to these sites.

Tennis and Squash Courts/Swimming Pools/Fitness Centers/ Spas: The major hotels offer a variety of facilities including tennis and squash courts, swimming pools, and fitness equipment. After
exercising, you can relax with a massage at the hotels ’health and spa facilities or make an appointment at one of the many Chinese
and Indian massage centers.

Cruises and Water Sports:
Surrounded by the Arabian Gulf on three sides of the peninsula, there are plenty of opportunities for water sports and cruising. Two artificial reefs have been built for scuba-diving and create a welcoming environment for marine life. Sailing is a wonderful pastime and several private companies offer dinghies and windsurfers for rent, as well as sailing lessons for novice and experienced sailors.

A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow in Doha Bay provides a stunning view of Doha at night, while luxury yachts can be rented for half- and fullday fishing trips. There are both jet-skiing and water-skiing rentals, as well as pedal boats, water cycle, and kayak rentals. And for the extremely adventurous, try parasailing, surfing, or wind-surfing.

A day spent on Palm Tree Island is a most welcome opportunity for relaxation with beaches and swimming pools. Major hotels and local tour operators can make the necessary arrangements to suit your schedule.

Golfing:
For the enthusiastic golfer, a visit to the Doha Golf Club is absolutely a must. This 18-hole, 7,181-yard, par 72 championship course was designed by Peter Harradine and has played host to major international golfing championships. There is also available anine-hole floodlit academy course and a splendid clubhouse with three restaurants and a golf shop. The long-established Mesaiseed Golf Course offers an outstanding course and has tennis courts and a swimming pool.

Desert Safari:
A trip to the inland sea, in the middle of the desert, is a splendid way to spend the day. Experienced tour operators add to the adventure by expertly steering their four-wheel drive vehicles up and down 60-metre sand dunes along the way. Each air conditioned vehicle comes fully equipped with all necessary gear to ensure a safe but dramatic tour of the mysterious desert. As you travel over the sand dunes, you will get an unequalled view of the desert and, if you listen closely, you can hear the sands shift as you descend down the slopes.

A lunch and swim in the warm inland sea will nicely top off your adventure before you make the journey back to the city. Be sure to bring swimsuit, sunscreen, and don’t forget your camera.
For a desert safari, choose a reputable ground tour operator.

Excursions should be undertaken in an adequately-equipped 4 x 4 vehicle. Always travel in convoy with other cars, take a supply of water, a mobile telephone if you have one, and leave travel plans with friends and relatives.

Corniche:
A stroll along the Corniche is a must during your stay. This sevenkilometer stretch of coastline runs parallel to the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and is used by walkers and runners, as well as the more adventurous roller-bladders. It offers a relaxing environment for family picnics and a nearby park for children. Fully landscaped with ample parking, the Corniche is the ideal place to unwind.

Cinemas:
For those who wish to catch the latest film, there are several cinemas located in some of the large shopping centers, including The Landmark, The Mall and City Centre Doha.
Ice Skating/Bowling:
The City Centre Doha has an ice skating rink where you can rent skates by the hour. Qatar Bowling Centre offers ten-pin bowling in a 32-lane facility, and the City Centre Doha has two bowling alleys –one for ladies only.

Location:
Middle East, peninsula bordering the Arabian Gulf and
Saudi Arabia
Geographic coordinates:
25 30 N, 51 15 E
Map references:
Middle East
Area:
Total: 11,437 sq km
Land: 11,437 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
Slightly smaller than Connecticut
Land boundaries:
Total: 60 km
Border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km
Coastline:
563 km
Climate:
Arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Terrain:
Mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand
and gravel
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
Highest point: Qurayn Abu al Bawl 103 m
Natural resources:
Petroleum, natural gas, fish
Geography :
Strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major
petroleum deposits
Population:
885,359 (July 2006 est.)
Nationality:
Qatari(s)
Ethnic groups:
Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%
Religions:
Muslim 95%, other 5%
Languages:
Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
Country name:
Conventional long form: State of Qatar
Conventional short form: Qatar
Local long form: Dawlat Qatar
Local short form: Qatar
Government type:
Traditional emirate
Capital:
Doha
Administrative divisions:
10 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad
Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr,
Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash
Shamal, Umm Sa’id, Umm Salal
Independence:
3 September 1971 (from UK)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 3 September (1971)
Currency :
Qatari riyal (QAR)
Exchange rates:
Qatari riyals per US dollar - 3.64 (2006), 3.64 (2005),
3.64 (2004), 3.64 (2003), 3.64 (2002)

top