The Basics
Country: Qatar
Where is it?: Qatar is in the Middle East on a peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia.
What are the main entry points?: You can only fly into Doha to get to Bahrain. There is limited transportation between Saudi Arabia.
Currency used: Riyal
Country Code for Phones: 974
Religion: Muslim 95%
Population: 1.4 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Languages: Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
Travel Information
Major Cities: Doha
Attractions: Umm Salal Mohammed
Accommodation: None
Tourism Office locations and links: Qatar Tourism Authority P.O. Box 24624 Doha, Qatar; +974 441 1555 (tel); +974 437 2993 (fax)Email: info@qatartourism.com; Website: http://www.qatartourism.com/
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Al-Zubara
Health Issues: No vaccination required for travelers.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: November through February are the best times to visit Qatar.
Common Phrases: Yes: Away/Na’am, No: La, Thank You: Shukran, Hello: Ahlan, How are you: Izzayak? How much: Bi Kaam?, If God is willing, than it will happen: Inshaallah, Please: Min Fadilak, I don’t understand: Ana laa Afham
Specific Events/Holidays: Qatar is an Islamic country so holidays vary from year to year. The many events are Ramadan and Eid Al-Adha.
Getting Around: There are no buses in Qatar. You can either rent vehicles or use taxis.
Good to know: Qatar plans to construct an entertainment city soon.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Qatar is the Doha Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Qatar travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
