The State of Qatar
Emir of the State of Qatar:				His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani
Capital:				Doha
Population:				840,000
Area:				11,521 sq. km
Timezone:				GMT +3 hours
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 holiday:				Independence Day: 3 September (1971) Eid Al-Fitr: At the 1st of Shawwal for four days. Eid Al- Adha: starts at 9th of Zilhijjah for five days. On the 27th 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.
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

• Click here to view facts about South Africa.

	Back to TOP

•	Question: What is the dress code for both male and female?
	Answer: Men and women wear normal western clothes like back home. Women must just be careful and should preferably not wear clothes that are too revealing like mini skirts, shorts, strappy blouses etc. The general rule would be to cover your shoulders and knees in public. Traditional dress for Qatari nationals is shown on the right.
•	Click here for more answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
	Back to TOP