Qatar

A vivid combination of old and new, Qatar is a land of surprise and intrigue.

As your aircraft descends, you are welcomed by a spectacular view of the capital city, Doha. The completely landscaped, crescent-shaped Corniche, the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, and the sandy desert backdrop provide the first glimpse of what experiences await you. With lots on offer, from desert escapades and shopping extravaganzas, natural attractions and water sports, state-of-the-art sporting facilities and historical museums, all combined with fine dining and luxurious accommodations.

Understanding the Geography

Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is an emirate in the Middle East or Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the north-easterly coast of the larger Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south; otherwise the Persian Gulf surrounds the state.

Much of the country consists of a low, barren plain, covered with sand. To the southeast lies the spectacular Khor al Adaid or 'Inland Sea', an area of rolling sand dunes surrounding an inlet of the Gulf.

The highest point in Qatar occurs in the Jebel Dukhan to the west, a range of low limestone outcrops running north-south from Zikrit through Umm Bab to the southern border, and reaching about 295 feet (90 m) ASL. This area also contains Qatar's main onshore oil deposits, while the natural gas fields lie offshore, to the northwest of the peninsula.

Cities of Qutar

• Doha - capital
• Al-Khor - northern town with a population of some 36,000
• Rayyan - second largest city with a population of some 275,000

Climate Conditions

The country has a moderate desert climate with hot summers and mild winters Winter nights can be cool, but temperatures rarely drop below 7 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures and humidity rise in coastal cities and towns during summer. Rainfall is scarce (average 70mm per year), falling on isolated days mainly between October and March

Understanding the Culture

Qatar explicitly uses Wahhabi law as the basis of its government, and the vast majority of its citizens follow this specific Islamic doctrine.

Almost all Qatari women wear the black abaya, however, the government of Qatar does not universally impose the style on foreigners, or Qatari females. The abaya is mainly passed down from generation to generation and is still present because of the traditional values of the country.

Women shouldn't wear tube tops, hot pants, and the like unless they want to reinforce negative stereotypes they have about the west.

Men shouldn't wear the traditional clothing, thobes, unless it's for a special occasion, otherwise, it's plain weird.

If you're dining with a Qatari, don't expose the bottoms of your feet. Don't eat with your left hand either, since Islamic tradition considers it is used solely for bathroom functions. Similarly, don't attempt to shake hands or hand a package with your left hand.

If your Qatari friend insists on buying you something - a meal or a gift - let him! Qataris are extremely hospitable, and typically there are no strings attached.