Information About Qatar

History of Qatar

Ruled by al-thani family since the mid 1800s, Qatar transformed from poor British protectorate to an independent State with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During late 1980s, the economy was crippled by siphoning off of Petroleum by the amir, who had ruled since 1972. His son, Hamad bin khalifa al-Thani, overthrew him in 1995.

Geography of Qatar

This country is a peninsula situated in the east of Arabia and touches the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia. Qatar covers an area of 11,437 sq km, on a peninsula that roughly stretches 160 km north into the Persian Gulf from Arabian Peninsula. The texture is flat and rocky. Some notable features are elevated limestone formation, coastal salt pans and huge sand dunes covering Khawral Udayd. The Halul island is the most important and lies to 90 km east of Doha. Qatar shares its border with United Arab Emirates. It also shares its border with Saudi Arabia.

Climate of Qatar

Qatar has high temperatures (touching 50 degree centigrade in July- August) coupled with a 90$ humidity. This restricts outdoor activities during summer. The best time to visit Qatar is between October and April, when temperature dips. The coolest months are December, January, February.

Natural Resources in Qatar

Qatar's natural resources are petroleum, natural gas, fish. Qatar has the highest oil and gas reserves in the world.

Tourist Attraction in Qatar

Major cities in Qatar are Doha (capital), Al Rayyan, Al Wakra, Umm Said, Khor Al Udaid, Al Khor, Ras Laffan industrial city, Mesaieed, Madinat Al-Shamal, Al Ruwais, Al Zubara, Dukhan etc.
Famous places to visit in Qatar are- Al-Jassasiya rock carvings, Museum of Islamic art, Zubara fort, Al-khoot fort, Barzan towers, Doha zoo, The Pearl, Al-Thagab fort, Fanar (Qatar Islamic cultural center), Qatar national museum.

Famous Hotels in Qatar

The famous hotels are-Grand Hyatt doha, Banana island resort, The Rilz Carlton sharq village and spa, The Torch doha, Four seasons hotel doha, Moevenpick tower doha, Ritz Carlton Doha, La Cigale Hotel.

Qatar Cuisine

Qatar is an exceptional place to illustrate all types of Gulf, Middle Eastern, Iranian and Turkish cuisine. Breakfast includes olive,cheese, yogurt and coffee. Lunch begins with appetizers, followed by fish or lamb stew, cooked vegetables, bread and fruit. Dinner is served late in the evening and is light.
Local plates are matchbous (spiced lamb with rice), Hareis(wheat, lamb, seafood, rice). Desserts include khabees (contains semolina, rosewater, cardommom, saffron, nuts, dates). There is Lugaymat (dumplings fried in deep oil and sweetened using honey or sugar syrup).There is also Arabian coffee.
Muslim Qatari never eats Pork. They eat halal meat (meat cut according to muslim traditions).

Qatar Culture

The culture of Qatar is strongly influenced by traditional Bedouin culture, with less acute influence deriving from India, East Africa and elsewhere in Persian Gulf. There are harsh climatic conditions and so the people turn to sea for sustenance. Literature and folklore is also more related to sea-based activities. In the past some tribes were nomadic, living in tents. Now most people have settled in cities and towns and do jobs. Families live in individual houses. Hospitality is an important feature. Male guests are received in majlis (reception area). Men and women rarely socialize together.
The main religion is islam hence Islamic festivals are celebrated with pomp and pride. There is Eid Al Fitr which is end of Ramadan, and Eid Al-Adha. This is a festival to celebrate brotherhood and unity. Ramadan is a month of fasting. Eid ul- Adha is a festival during which Prophet Ibrahim assented to sacrifice his son Ishmael for God. Other festivals are diwali, dusshera and Christmas which have came from settlement of Indians and Christians.

International Airports in Qatar

Major airports of Qatar are Al Khor airport, Doha international airport, Hamad international airport, al Udeid air base etc.