General Information about the State of Qatar

Location:

The State of Qatar is located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf to the east of the Arabian Peninsula. It is located between 24° 27’ and 26° 10’ north ­latitudes and 50° 45’ and 51° 40’ east longitudes. It is a peninsula extending into the north in waters of the Gulf covering an area of 11,521 square kilometers.

Topographic Relief:

The land of the peninsula of Qatar consists of a flat and rocky terrain with some low-rising limestone outcrops in Dukhan area in the west, which is 40m above sea level. It is characterized by a variety of geographical phenomena including many coves, inlets, depressions and surface rainwater-draining basins, which are found mainly in the north and central part of the peninsula. These areas have the most fertile soil and are rich in vegetation.

Climate:

Qatar has a desert climate with hot summer, with annual average temperatures between 25- 40°C in the summer. It has a mild winter with little rain; its annual rain-fall average is estimated at 75.2 mm.

Population:

The inhabitants of Qatar originated from the old Arabian Tribes who migrated from remote areas at different times starting from the seventeenth century to the beginning of the nineteenth century. The population of Qatar amount to 800,000 inhabitants with a possible annual increase of 3.5%. Around 83% of inhabitants reside in Doha and its main suburb Al-Rayyan. Most of Qatar’s inhabitants are expatriates.

Religion and Language:

Islam is the official religion of the country and Arabic is the official language in Qatar. English is also widely spoken.

National Anthem:

The National Anthem of the State of Qatar reads as follows:

Swearing by Allah Who raised the sky

Swearing by Allah Who spread the light

Qatar will always be free

Sublimed by the souls of the sincere

Proceed you on the manners of the ascendants

And advance on Prophets’ guidance

The Anthem starts by an oath: In the name of Allah, Who elevated the sky and spread the light, Qatar shall always remain free, honorable and dignified with its glories hovering high by the spirit of the sincere and faithful.

The first part of the Anthem urges the citizens of Qatar to remain committed to tread the path of their forefathers, who were honorable, respectable, knowledgeable and religious, and to follow the guidance of the Prophets and their preaching about righteousness, good and beauty. In the hearts of Qatari people, Qatar is a story of nobility and glory that no one can deny or belittle.

      Swearing by Allah Who raised the sky

Qatar is in my heart

Qatar is an epic of glory and dignity

Qatar is the land of the early men

Who protect us at time of distress

Doves they can be at times of peace

Warriors they are at times of sacrifice

In the second and last part, the Anthem affirms that the Qatari men of today are defenders of its land and dignity; they are descendents of the ancestors who defended it in the past and registered glorious annals of history in words that shine.

The Anthem closes by reaffirming that Qatar will remain free, dignified, glorious and noble.

Qatar National Flag:

The national  flag is maroon color with a broad vertical white stripe at the pole, the two colors being separated with a nine-point serrated line.

 

Al-Thani Family:

The name of Al-Thani is derived from that of the family’s ancestor Thani Bin Mohamed, who assumed the power in the Qatar peninsula. The Al-Thani are a branch of the Arab tribe Tamim, whose linage dates back to Mudar Bin Nizar.

The Al-Thani arrived in Qatar in the early years of the 18th century and initially settled in Ushaiqr Town .Then, they settled around the Jibrin oasis in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. After that, they departed to Al-Ruwais and finally to Al-Zubara. In the mid-19th century, however, under the leadership of Mohamed bin Thani, they moved to the present-day Doha. The rule of the State of Qatar is hereditary in the family of Al-Thani.

Rulers of Al-Thani:

•    Sheikh Mohamed Bin Thani                               (1850 - 1878)

•    Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohamed Al-Thani            (1878 - 1913)

•    Sheikh Abdulla Bin Jassim Al-Thani               (1913 - 1949)

•    Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdulla Al-Thani                (1940 - 1948)

•    Sheikh Abdulla Bin Jassim Al-Thani               (1948 - 1949)

•    Sheikh Ali  Bin Abdulla Al-Thani                     (1949 - 1960)

•    Sheikh Ahmad Bin Ali bin Abdulla Al-Thani  (1960 - 1972)

•    Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al-Thani                (1972 - 1995)

•    Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani                (1995 - to date)

On 27/6/1995, H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani acceded to power with the support and approval of the ruling family and the noble Qatari people.

Major Towns

Doha

Doha is the capital of Qatar. It is situated halfway down the east coast of the Qatari peninsula. It has a big commercial seaport and an international airport that links it with the world. Almost fifty per cent of Qatar population resides in Doha. It is an important cultural and commercial centre .It enjoys excellent parks, luxurious hotels and big trade complexes, along with the most prominent civilizational milestones.

Mesaieed

Mesaieed is the first industrial city in Qatar. It came into existence by discovering the oil in the country. It is situated south of Doha, on the east coast of the country. It has a commercial port and an oil-exporting port. There are refineries in Umm Said as well as other industrial establishments producing steel, natural gas liquid, fertilizers, and petrochemicals. Mesaieed also has fine sand beaches with dunes, which makes it one of the most attractive tourist areas in the State of Qatar.

Ras Laffan

Ras Laffan is the second industrial city in the country. It is located 85kms north east of Doha, covering 40 square kilometers. It has been in recent times deemed as one of the biggest industrial cities in the world. It has the biggest seaport for gas exportation in the Arabian Gulf, along with natural gas liquefaction plants.

Al-Khor

Al-Khor town is situated about 57 km north of Doha. Al-Khor has a harbor filled with small ships and fishing boats. It is famous for its excellent beaches, archaeological towers, along with a regional museum which includes Al-Khor’s possessions of ancient and historic relics.

Al-Wakra

It is situated halfway between Doha and Mesaieed, about 15 km from Doha. It is a prosperous town with a seaport for fishing. Al-Wakra includes a number of archaeological places such as traditional houses which represent the old architecture and Mosques, along with a regional museum for relics and the natural history of the area.

Dukhan

Dukhan is situated on the west coast of the State of Qatar. It became very important since oil was discovered in the surrounding areas. It is distinguished by fine beaches that attract visitors and locals. It is about 84 km from Doha.

Madinat Al-Shamal

This town is located on the coast of the northern tip of the Qatari peninsula. It has been built to be an administrative centre for a number of coastal villages. It is about 107 km north of Doha.

Al-Zubara

Al-Zubara is the most important archeological site in Qatar. It is situated about 105 km north of Doha. It is famous for its old fort.

Al-Shihaniya

The town of Al-Shihaniya is situated just 60 km west of Doha .It is a famous town for camel racing where a special track was set up for this purpose.

Qatar in History

Ancient Times

Archeological excavations, inscriptions, flint spearheads and groups of pottery which were discovered by archaeological expeditions from Denmark (1965), Britain (1973) and France (1976) indicate that human habitation in the Qatari peninsula is traced back to 4000BC. since there is a clear sign of the presence of civilized settlements.

Around 200 archeological sites of the prehistoric period were discovered during the eight years of the work of the Danish expedition in Qatar between 1965 and 1975.

Several sites of different periods in the Stone Age were discovered to the east of Umm Baab. Other sites were also found in the southernmost border of Qatar near Sudanthil. An important site for the manufacture of flinty instruments, which could be traced back to the Mesolithic Middle Stone Age, was discovered as well at Umm Taqah to the south west of Dukhan. Several new more sites were discovered to the south east of Umm Sa’id. The archeological excavations demonstrated that the ‘Ubaidy civilization, which flourished in southern Iraq and the northern region of the Arabian Gulf, had also reached the Qatari peninsula.

In the 5th century B.C., the Greek historian Herodotus mentioned that the Canaanite Tribes, a people known for their trade and navigation skills, were the first people to live in Qatar. Furthermore, Ptolemy, the Greek geographer, made a reference to “the name of Qatar” in his map the so-called the Arab countries as believed, to point out to the Qatari town of Al-Zubarah, which was one of the most important commercial ports in the Gulf region at that time.

Qatar in the Islamic History

In the middle of the 7th century A.D., the lands of Qatar and the surrounding areas were under the rule of Al-Manazirah Arabs. Their king, Al-Munzir Ibn Sawi Al-Tamimi, embraced Islam. Thus, Qatar has joined the procession of the Islamic civilization in all its successive stages and eras.

The presence of Qatar in the Arabic and Islamic literature was very prominent, since poets expressed their admiration of Qatar, its highbred camels, and woven cloth and garments to the extent that, according to some sources, Allah’s Messenger Mohamed (Blessings and peace be upon him) wore the Qatari dress, and ‘Aisha (the Mother of the Faithful- may Allah be pleased with her) wore a shield made of Qatari textile. It was also reported that ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab(may Allah be pleased with him) had a Qatari wrapper.      

Furthermore, it is reported in the Arab Islamic History that the Qatari people were very proficient in navigation skills, so they took part in the preparation of the first navy which was assembled to transport the Islamic army for jihad under the leadership of Abu Al-Alaa Al-Hadrami.

The Arab historians and travelers honored the fame and outstanding bravery of the Qatari poet and horseman: Qatari Ibn Al-Fujaah. In his book Mu’jam Al-Buldan’, Yaqut Al-Hamawi, a well known Arabian geographer, mentioned Qatar for its fine striped woven cloaks, known at that time as Qatari cloaks, and stated the Qataris’ remarkable skill in the manufacture and fine finishing of spears, which were known as Al-Khattiyah spears.

Under the Abbaside State during the 8th century A.H. (14th century A.D.), Qatar witnessed a great economic boom, which enabled it to financially support the Caliphate Centre in Baghdad. The evidence of such support can be gleaned from the inscriptions of Merweb fort, situated on the western coast of the Qatari peninsula, since this fort carries the distinguishing features of the Abbaside architectural style.

During the 10th century A.H. (16th century A.D.), the Qataris allied the Turks to drive out the Portuguese; consequently, Qatar, like all Arab countries in 1871, came under the Turkish rule for four successive centuries. Ottoman sovereignty, however, was only nominal since the real authority was in the hands of the Sheikhs and princes of local Arab tribes.

In 1893, the Turkish attacked the headquarters of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohamed, but he defeated them in Al-Wajbah Battle. Subsequently, they retreated to Doha fort. 

Qatar in the 2o^th Century

Qatar continued to maintain its ties with the State of the Islamic Caliphate during the early years of the 20^th century and recognized its nominal sovereignty even though the Ottoman influence in the Gulf region and the Arabian Peninsula was on the wane. In those circumstances, Qatar did not commit itself to any protection pact other than the 1868 treaty, which Sheikh Mohamed Ibn Thani had signed with Britain.

On the other hand, Britain was able to conclude an agreement with Qatar in 1916, which was finally approved on 23-03- 1918 after Sheikh ‘Abdulla Ibn Jassim had signed the original and the translated versions.

Thus, Britain moved to the de fact presence stage in Qatar after the approval of the amended pact in 1935, since the amended version secured the cancellation of the “frozen articles” in the old treaty concerning the British political representation in Qatar, provided the establishment of an office for postal and telegraphic services and the establishment of airports and other facilities, notwithstanding that no British political representative had come to Doha before 1949.

Oil drilling operations took around 14 years (1935 - 1949), and though oil started to flow from Dukhan field at the end of 1939, operations stopped for 4 years (1942-1946) because of the Second World War and its repercussions. In 1949, oil started to flow in commercial amounts. So, in December of the same year, the first ship left the shores of Qatar bearing a consignment of Qatari crude oil to world markets.

Before Oil exploration operations and exporting it in commercial amounts, a 10-year- period of hardship, which was marked by food shortage, sharp increase in the price of commodities and sharp fall in revenues from pearling industry, hit the country between 1939 and 1949 in the aftermath of the Second World War.

Although Qatar did not yet obtain its independence, it spared no effort since the 1960s to engage in some international activities by joining some technical UN organizations such as the UNESCO and the WHO. It also shared in the conferences of Oil Producing Countries and the 14th session of the Arab Countries League’s cultural committee, which was held in Cairo on the 21st of January 1961.

After Britain had decided to completely withdraw from the region in 1968, a decree-law No (11) of 1969 was issued to establish a department for foreign affairs, which then became the nucleus of the present Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Democratic Process in the State of Qatar

Foundations of building democracy came into existence thanks to H.H. the Emir’s wise policy, which is based on popular participation as a single means in order to achieve a comprehensive development. It aims at building up the state of the constitution, law and institutions, securing rights of all citizens, males and females, and aims at equality in front of the law -in rights and duties- so as to enable them to build the homeland.

The first outcome of the democratic process in Qatar was: the start of the election of “Qatar Chamber  of Commerce and Industry “2006, where a business woman became a member of the Board of Directors of the chamber for the first time.

Then, the election of “The Central Municipal Council” in 1999 came in agreement with H.H. the Amir’s assurance on securing the freedom of speech and the citizens’ participation in the management of their affairs. Thus, he precisely stated in the 26^th session of “The Advisory Council” held on 30-11-1997:

‘The path to the future needs our own vision as a community in order to: (1) chart its aims, (2) designate its steps, and (3) to agree on its principles; just as the spirit of teamwork requires, in such a manner that each and every person plays the role required. In order to accomplish such a task, we are to broaden the scope of popular participation in relation to decision-making and putting it into force. Thus, elections of the Central Municipal Council and granting women the right of membership and voting were two great steps in strengthening the role of popular participation in practicing both of the executive and legislative actions.’

On the 8^th of June 2004, H.H. Sheikh Hamad Ibn Khalifa Al-Thani issued the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, which was previously approved by 96% of the Qatari people. This constitution clearly states :(1) the comprehensive concept of justice, (2) the equality in rights and duties, and (3) the principle of separation of the three authorities ,i.e. legislative, judicial and executive authorities, taking into consideration the supreme interests of the state.

The Preamble of this Constitution states:

‘We - Hamad Ibn Khalifa Al-Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, have decreeded the following:

‘In realization of our aims to perfect the foundations of the democratic rule in our well-beloved homeland through the approval of a permanent constitution for Qatar, which will establish the principal foundations of society, represent the popular participation in decision-making and secure the rights and freedoms of citizens, and recognize our Arab and Islamic belongingness which we are proud of, and have been acquainted with the outcomes of the Referendum on the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar on 9th April 2003 and the approval by the landslide majority of citizens of this Constitution…’

The legislative authority is honored with serious attention in the Constitution, since there will be prospective Advisory Council Elections via direct voting and all legally qualified citizens’ participation in: nomination and voting, for males and females.

Democracy is a style of rule; consequently, it should reflect social development level of the society. According to this objective sense of democracy, the peculiarities of the society are to be honored and developed in a balanced gradual manner. This, in turn, does not mean to refuse visions of the friendly countries concerning democracy and reform, since we respect and carefully study the others’ opinions in order to adopt what is in the interest of our country.

At the same time, we do invite others to adopt democracy as a system of international relations just as we do that on the interior level of the society. Such system should be based on the provisions of the international law, mutual respect and equality between states and peoples in order to achieve the central objectives of the international community: peace, security and stability.

By the way, Qatar hosted a number of conferences, meetings and symposia that were focused on topics such as: civilizations dialogue, religions dialogue, human rights, culture and democracies, and free trade. The last conference was: the Sixth Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade 2006.

In the same vein, The General Assembly of the U.N. graciously received Qatar’s proposal to hold the Sixth International Conference on New or Restored Democracies in Doha between 29 Oct. and 1 Nov. 2006, since the IUP constitutes a principal element in this conference, along with hosting many activities in the economic, cultural, health and sports fields.

National Occasions

National Independence

Qatar became an independent State on the 3rd of September 1971.

27 June 1995

His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the rule of the State of Qatar in 1995.

Health Services

The country is covered with an umbrella of free health care for all citizens, whereas expatriates pay a nominal cost. 

The structural body of health services setup offers integral and comprehensive services that include preventive care, treatment, rehabilitation and general administration, and this is from primary health care to general hospitals.

Hamad Medical Corporation

This corporation comprises four hospitals that are characterized by a high level of specialization. These hospitals are: Hamad General Hospital, Women’s Hospital, Al-Rumailah General Hospital and Hospital of Psychiatric Diseases, along with 21 centers for primary health care in different zones of the country.

There are around 23 private health complexes and 171 private clinics in Qatar that offer different medical services, along with two private specialized hospitals.

Work Hours

Government offices: 7 am to 2 pm.
Private establishments: 8 am to 12 noon, and 4 pm to 8 pm.
Friday and Saturday are the official weekend holidays.
Public Holidays

Independence Day: 3rd September.
‘Eid Al-Fitr: at the 1st of Shawwal for four days.
‘Eid al- Adha: starts at the 9th of Zul-Hijjah for five days.

Local Time
3 hours + Greenwich Mean Time in winter.
+2 hours in summer .

Electric Current
240 Volts + 6% with frequency 50 hertz.

Points of Entry to Qatar

Land:  Through the main border point with K.S.A. at Abu Samra.

Air:   Via Doha International Airport, Doha City.

Sea:  Through the ports of Doha and Umm Sa’id. Customs are to be charged for some goods by “Customs Section” at the points of entry.

Currency
The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which is divided into 100 dirhams. It issued by Qatar Central Bank.

Denominations of QR include: one riyal, 5 riyals, 10 riyals, 100 riyals, 50 riyals and 500 riyals. There are coins of 50 dirhams and 25 dirhams.

The Exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of US $ = 3.65 QR’s.

There are no restrictions on money transfer or exchange in Qatar, whether in banks or exchange centers. However, one is required to produce his/her ID Card in case of transferring an amount that exceeds US$ 3000.

Post Services

The Complex of Central Post, situated in the Western Gulf in Doha, offers all modern postal services. It has several branches in different zones of Doha.

Postage rates for local and international normal letters are as follows:

- Inside Qatar:                                QR 00.50

- GCC countries:                            QR 00.75

- Arab countries:                           QR 01.00

- Europe:                                         QR 02.00

- USA, Australia and East Asia: QR 02.00

* There will be additional charges for registered letters.

Entry Regulations to Qatar

All entrants to Qatar must be in possession of a valid visa. The Organizing Committee of the Sixth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies  -6 shall make the entry visas available via Qatari Embassies, E-government site:http://www.E-Gov.qa, Qatar Airways or upon arrival at Doha Airport. Thus, the participating delegations are kindly requested to fill in the attached forms and to enclose passport photograph of the participants.

As for visa on arrival at Doha Airport, this applies only for the following countries:

Britain, France, Germany, USA, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, The Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and  Hong Kong.

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