Qatar Officially known as The State of Qatar, an Arab emirate in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the larger Arabian Peninsula. Qatar borders with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The capital is Doha. The economy of Qatar is dominated by oil and natural gas, which accounts for 70% of export income. Oil and gas revenues have been used to diversify the economy, including the development of chemicals, steel, cement, and fertilizer industries and banking. Arabic is the official language, but English is also widely spoken. The country is a monarchy.

 

Climate: The climate is characterized by a mild winter and a hot summer. Rainfall in the winter is slight. Temperatures in summer can be extreme. The weather is generally pleasant during the period from October until April.

 

Doha is the capital city and seat of Government. It includes the country's main sea port and international airport. It has an advanced road system linking it with the international road network and it is Qatar's cultural, commercial and financial centre.

Al Rayyan is located 10 kilometers north of Doha. It is the largest residential area outside of Doha.

 

Al Khor is a coastal city 57 kilometers north of Doha with a port for Municipality that includes the emergent industrial City of Ras Laffan.

Ras Laffan Industrial City is strategically located on the north shore of the Qatari Peninsula and at the centre of the Arabian Gulf, and because of its proximity to the North Field (the largest natural gas field in the world), Ras Laffan Industrial City is the host of many hydrocarbon based industries including Qatar gas and Rasgas.

Mesaieed is the major industrial city in Qatar. It has a large seaport as well as the principal terminal for the export of oil and other hydrocarbon products. The beaches at Mesaieed with their fine sand are considered to be among the most important tourist areas in Qatar.

Al Wakra is situated between Doha and Mesaieed, 15 kilometers from Doha, and has a small harbor for fishing boats.

 
Dukhan is the onshore oil production centre and is situated halfway along the western coastline of the Qatari Peninsula. It has developed since the exploitation of the country's oil reserves commenced in 1949.

 

 

Qatar is a country where it visitors will be able to find clothing from Paris, shoes from Italy, antique daggers from Oman, teak furniture from India, desert truffles from Qatar and dates from Saudi Arabia.

It is also a place where you can choose between traditional and modern shopping. You can head out to the wholesale markets, browse through the Souqs that huddle close together in the centre of Doha, or enjoy the luxury of Doha's first class air-conditioned malls.

 

 

 

 

This old Souq has been completely rebuilt – and with style and it has a huge range of products to buy.

 

For a more Arabian experience, do your shopping in a more traditional style at Doha’s whole-sale markets. In addition to buying meat and fish, you can get plants for your garden, traditional goods at the Omani market or even buy a camel at the live animal market.

This is Doha's newest and best shopping mall in town, which offers its visitors a bit more than any other mall in the city.
 

Gold from the Gulf has a purity that other nations lust after. Shoppers may be attracted by the care and attention put into jewelry hand-crafted in small workshops above the shops.

 

Time Zone
Qatar local time is GMT + 3 hours.

Restaurants In Qatar

Most of the fashionable and luxurious restaurants are located inside the hotels and clubs. A large number of good restaurants that suit every taste and budget are also available either on Al Sadd road or on Al Mirghab road, parallel to Al Sadd road. They include Arabian and Asian fast food and take away restaurants and cafes,

 

Al Batross
Serves Lebanese and Western cuisine and known for its superior style.
Tel. 4328888

Layali
Situated in Salwa Road. Offers Lebanese food.
Tel. 4310005

Al Khaima
Situated in Al Sadd Street. Offers Arabian food in a cozy family atmosphere.
Tel. 4446962

Venice
Situated in Al Sadd Street. Offers Lebanese and Western food.
Tel. 4441750

Alsaha Restaurant
Situated in Grand Hamad Street. Serves Lebanese dishes.
Tel. 4355353

Pirates Cove
An ideal place to enjoy a meal by the sea when the weather is good. It is located inside the perimeters of Doha Sheraton Hotel and Resort and it offers seafood, grills and some Thai dishes.
Tel. 4854444

Balhambar
Situated on Doha corniche overlooking a panoramic view of the Arabian gulf where sea waters surround it from three sides, this restaurant offers complete privacy and a unique experience with the Qatari heritage, culture and traditions. The restaurant is open for customers from 11:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
Tel. 4834423

 

 

 

Shebestan
A fashionable Iranian restaurant with a distinguished interior decor. Situated in Al Sadd Street.
Tel. 4321555

Chingari
Top class restaurant specializing in Indian food. Located at the ground floor of Ramada Hotel.
Tel. 4417417

Moon Palace
High quality restaurant specializing in Japanese and Korean food. Offers a special Asian atmosphere. Situated in Al Mirghab Street.
Tel. 4329700

Al Shatir Abbas
Offers Iranian cuisine. Situated in Al Sadd Street.
Tel. 4425377

Bukhara
Offers Indian food. Located Next to the Tennis and Squash Complex
Tel. 4833345