QATAR
GEOGRAPHY
Qatar is a peninsula in the east of Arabia, bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia, in a strategic location near major petroleum deposits. The country covers an area of approximately 11,437 square kilometers. Its flat and rocky land has elevated limestone formations along the west coast. Under the west coast lie the Dukhan oil field and massive sand dunes.
Qatar is a peninsula which projects north into the Persian / Arabian Gulf, with the United Arab Emirates lying to its south. The country consists of a number of islands in the coastal waters of the peninsula, out of which Halul, the storage and export terminal for the offshore oilfields, is the most important.
The national official language of Qatar is Arabic, though English is now extensively used for communication as well.
CAPITAL
Doha is the capital of the country and the major administrative, commercial, and population center, located on the central east coast of the country, on a harbor. More than a decade ago it was linked to the other major cities by many kilometers of paved roads. Doha's international airport has an approximately 4,500-meter main runway, capable of receiving all kinds of aircraft.
CLIMATE
The long summer (May through September) is characterized by intense heat and alternating dryness and humidity, with temperatures exceeding 55°C. Temperatures are moderate from November through May, although winter temperatures may fall to 17°C. The country receives negligible rainfall, which averages 100 millimeters per year during winters. However sometimes there are heavy storms that flood the small ravines and the usually dry Wadis. The peninsula is now and then is lashed by sudden, violent dust storms.
CURRENCY
The currency of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QR) which has full International Monetary Fund backing.
ECONOMY
Oil and gas account for more than 55% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have given Qatar a per capita GDP about 80% of that of the leading West European industrial countries. Proved oil reserves of 14.5 billion barrels should ensure continued output at current levels for 23 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas exceed 17.9 trillion cubic meters, more than 5% of the world total and third largest in the world. Due to high oil prices and increased natural gas exports, since the last decade, the country has consistently posted trade surpluses.
FAMILY HOLIDAY IN QATAR
From its modern capital city of Doha, along the beautiful beaches of the Arabian Gulf to the spectacular sand dunes of the inland sea, Qatar has plenty for visitors to enjoy.
Several of Doha’s seafront hotels have private beaches overlooking the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf. A perfect setting is provided by the calm seas for indulging in an afternoon sailing or water-skiing.
Alternatively, just kick off your sandals and take a gentle
Stroll along the beach before heading back for cocktails amidst the sumptuous surrounds of your luxury hotel.
On exploring Doha, one will see that the city has a pleasant blend of the traditional and modern. You can catch a glimpse of the expanding and rising skyline of Qatar while strolling on the seafront.
Down at the Old Souk be prepared to put your haggling skills to use and later, to experience the notorious magnificence of Arabian horses, head for the Equestrian Club. Palm Tree Island, the perfect fun place for a family day out, can be reached by a short boat ride of 10 minutes.
Forts and castles abound in Qatar and many out of these have been constructed between the 17th and 19th centuries. Out of these the most famous is located at Al Zubara.
Square in shape, this impressive fort has circular towers in three of its corners and in the fourth corner a rectangular tower. Owing to its thick high walls, it was used as a coast guard station by the military, until the mid-1980s. Qatar offers you a large doze of both culture and luxury and being a country that is not overcrowded by tourists, it is a perfect getaway for some peaceful family holiday.
THINGS TO DO IN QATAR
Jog along the magnificent crescent-mooned corniche to fully appreciate Doha's gleaming modern sky-scape and colorful beds of petunias; go early morning or at sunset to catch the cosmopolitan company of Doha's inhabitants.
The vendors in Souq Waqif will test your bartering skills; if bargaining is your strong point, you can find such goodies on sale- antique plates from China, prayer beads of amber, leather-tipped camel sticks and aromatic chests of cardamom from India.
At one of the many coffee shops around the souq, while sipping your mint tea, try a croak on a sheesha: the innocent-sounding flavors of apple, peach and strawberry may seem attractive but be pre-warned - these splendid water pipes have high tobacco content.
Sample the delicacies of the sea at one of Doha's many fish restaurants; after ginger squid on skewers, steaks of king fish, and white-flaked hamour wrapped in bananas leaves you'll never look at a tin of tuna again.
Paddle in the shallows, or lounge in a spa at one of Qatar's growing number of resorts; for those wanting a bit of history with their sun-downer, try the pyramid-shaped Sheraton, the Grande dame on Doha's skyline.
Cruise into the sunset on a dhow boat ride around Doha Bay; these beautiful hand-made vessels creek and groan with each gentle wave but, as the traditional Arab fishing vessel, they know all about braving high waters. At the Doha Golf Club, not only can you play a round or two but also be in the company of the game’s greats; the Qatar Masters in March is an important event on the international circuit.
Tackle a sand dune on sand-skis, a quad-bike or plain Shank's pony in the dunes south of Doha, near Mesaieed - or for those with more poetry in their souls, pick a quiet ridge for a picnic.
BUSINESS TRAVEL
Several of Doha's largest hotels provide facilities with extensive support services, including simultaneous translation systems and full audio-visual capability.
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around by Road
The road system is fair but the local driving is often fast and reckless. The traffic drives on the right in the country. It's advisable to stick to prior tracks instead of leaving the road to access the coast, as that can prove hazardous even in a 4-wheel drive.
Bus
The country has a new fleet of modern, air-conditioned buses now, which pass through and reach most of the main towns. Taxi
There are two kinds of taxis- the old orange and white cars or newer, slightly more expensive sea-blue taxis; you can take your pick. Both taxis are metered and can be hired on an hourly basis. However, it's better to negotiate the fee in advance. Within the capital city, Doha, taxis are the main source of public transport.Car hire
Cars are available for hire from local and international companies at the airport and hotels. According to rules- the minimum age for driving is 21 and wearing seat belts is a must.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
Qatar has some exceptionally fine places to stay in and around Doha - many with seafront locations. Most of the 5-star options look exquisite with their marble flooring, silken drapes and Persian carpets; the 'extreme art' of flower-arranging is a competition between these hotels. For the budget traveler, numerous smaller hotels are there too. Even though the budget hotels are low priced, they are clean, modern and centrally located near Souq Waqif.
Resorts
Numerous eye-catching resorts have mushroomed in the recent times, in the country. These resorts are located particularly around the West Bay lagoon and offer seaside family holidays (often as packages with selected airlines) and what is best is that they are within striking distance of the city. For the more adventurous, who are prepared to drive into the hinterland, bungalow or chalet-style rooms, present an ideal alternative to Doha's tower-block accommodation?
Camping/Cara-vanning
Overnight camping in the desert near Khor al-Adaid is organized by mostly all tour operators. Picture this- kebabs spitting over the fire, a star spangled night sky and the dulcet voice of your guide intoning Arabic poetry- this is undoubtedly the highlight of a trip to Qatar.
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