Qatar is a small, oil-rich peninsula jutting into the Persian Gulf between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Most foreign maps of Arabia drawn before the 19th century did not show the Qatar peninsula, and most people in the West do not know where it is. Qatar gained its independence from Britain in 1971 and declined to become a part of the United Arab Emirates. A coup in 1995, in which Crown Prince Hamad bin Khaled deposed his father to become Amir, brought liberal reforms and increased women's rights.
This traditional emirate is usually a business destination, but tourist facilities are widely available. Qatar is not a prime destination for beaches or outdoor activities, but it boasts an array of cultural museums and the only amusement park in the Middle East with a roller coaster. The capital, Doha, is the only city with an airport and hotels. Most of the country consists of desert dunes and salt flats.
Only a few major airlines serve Qatar, offering flights to Europe, Asia, New York and elsewhere in the Gulf. Qatar does not have public transportation or a train system; taxis and rented cars are how most visitors get around; drive on the right. Most roads are in a good condition, but the drivers can be dangerous.
Spring and autumn in Qatar brings warm and pleasant weather. Summer (June to September) is very hot with little rainfall. Winter is cooler with occasional rain. The best time to visit is November or late February to early March. During these times temperatures are typically bearable, and the wind is minimal.
Qatari culture revolves almost entirely around Islamic ideals and beliefs, which provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Qatar is primarily a Bedouin culture, and the tribal ethos is still strong in contemporary society. As nomads, Bedouins had a culture traditionally emphasizing poetry and song rather than buildings or visual art. Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken occasionally. Alcohol is available, but only at bars and restaurants in larger hotels.
Qatar has an extensive modern phone system, and pay phones are widely available. Mobile phones are widely used and faxes are available in most hotels and business centers. There are Internet cafes in Doha, but not elsewhere in the country.
Travel to Qatar is not expensive, but the country is not a budget destination, either. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Qatar. Traveler's checks and foreign currency are easily exchanged at all banks, hotels and money changers.
Crime is not a serious concern for foreigners in Qatar. Nevertheless, take normal precautions like avoiding travel in deserted areas and not walking alone after dark. Also, take common sense security precautions to protect personal property from theft.
Intelligence Officers at iJET are currently monitoring local conditions in this country to provide a level of information that surpasses any available from other public sources, including the U.S. State Department. Free from political constraints or concerns, our data provides unfiltered information vital for every traveler.
Those considering travel or researching the country for business or school are strongly advised to purchase an Intelligence Brief for the most timely and concise information available on the country.
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