Qatar Info - South Africans in Qatar

Qatar Info

Emir of the State of Qatar:				His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani (since June 1995)

Capital:				Doha

Population:				1,951,591 (July 2012 est.)

Area:				11,586 sq. km

Timezone:				GMT +3 hours

Questions and Answers

Question: What are food prices like in Qatar?
Answer: Average, even a bit similar to South Africa, mostly cheaper actually. You also quickly get used to the different tastes and brands.

Question: How will I know what is happening in Qatar?
Answer: Keep an eye on the various activities (see the Social Events and Coffee Shoppe pages) on offer from time to time. Some local websites to check out for event news in Doha:
www.diningindoha.com
blog.marhaba.com.qa
www.qatarhappening.com
www.qatarsocial.com
www.timeoutdoha.com

Click here for more answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

				The State of Qatar
Flag:
Temperature/Climate:				In Qatar summer lasts from May to September, with temperatures of average 35°C, although it can get up to 50°C. (The 90% humidity adds to the discomfort). Winter months (December-February) are much milder with pleasant, cool evenings. Throughout the year, but especially in spring, Qatar is subject to sandstorms (the Shamal winds), and the rainstorms that hit the country in December and January can cause some of the roads to close. For up-to-date weather in Qatar - click here.

Currency:				The currency is the Qatari Rial and the international symbol is QAR. QAR1 = 100 dirhams. Qatari Rials is fixed to the US dollar at the rate of - 3.65 For current exchange rates - click here.

Languages:				Arabic is the official language in Qatar, and English is widely spoken (and the official business language in most institutions).

Religion:				Islam is the official religion of the country, and the Shariah (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation in the country.

National holidays:				National Day: 18 December (1878) - Anniversary of Al Thani family accession to the throne. Independence Day: 3 September (1971); Sports Day: 14 February (since 2012) Eid Al-Fitr: At the 1st of Shawwal for four days. Eid Al- Adha: starts at 9th of Zilhijjah for five days. On the 27^th of June 1995 His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed the rule of the State of Qatar supported by the ruling family and the Qatari people. The Heir Apparent is His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, fourth son of the emir (selected Heir Apparent by the emir on 5 August 2003).

Visas:				All visitors require a valid passport for entry into Qatar. Everyone except nationals of other Gulf States needs a visa to enter Qatar. Embassies and large hotels within the country can sponsor visas. Israeli passport holders are not allowed in Qatar. For more information on visas visit: www.moi.gov.qa (Ministry of Interior) or www.e.gov.qa

Hours for business:				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 weekend holidays.

Rules of the Road:				The basic rule of the road is: drive on the right-hand side of the road and give way to vehicles approaching from the left.

Main Cities:				Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed, Ras Lafan and others.

Administrative divisions:				10 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Sa'id, Umm Salal.

International Airports:				Doha

Ports and Harbors:				Doha, Halul Island, Umm Sa'id (Musay'id)

Electricity:				240 volts AC, 50Hz

Weights & measures:				Metric