Qatar - Wikitravel. Qatar. NOTE: As of June 1. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, the Maldives and Comoros) have placed a diplomatic embargo between them and Qatar, while 7 countries (Jordan, Djibouti, Chad, Gabon, Niger, Eritrea and Senegal) have downgraded their realtionships with the country. In spite of that, Qatar still remains a reachable destination (only by air though) and this event shoudn't play a significant role in your choice to visit the country, but it is recommended that you stay updated. Proved oil reserves of 1. Economy. Oil has given Qatar a per capita GDP comparable to that of the leading West European industrial countries. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas exceed 7 trillion cubic metres, more than 5% of the world total, third largest in the world. Production and export of natural gas are becoming increasingly important. Long- term goals feature the development of offshore natural gas reserves. In 2. 00. 0, Qatar posted its highest ever trade surplus of $US7 billion, due mainly to high oil prices and increased natural gas exports, and managed to maintain the surplus in 2. There are a variety of tourism companies that will give you a guided tour of the region, often complete with a traditional Arab meal and campfire. Additionally, holders of a valid visa issued by Oman who are nationals of countries eligible for visa on arrival do not require a visa. Unlike most countries, there is no dedicated counter for this, and no forms to fill out - you just go directly to the immigration, and pay for the visa there (only credit card and Qatari Rial are accepted). The price is QR 1. Feb 2. 01. 7, and you'll get a single entry visa, valid for a 3. Also Qatari embassies, unlike those of most other countries, are not entitled to issue visas, so someone in Qatar will have to file the application for you. Qatar Airways can arrange the hotel and visa for you, tel. When booking with other hotels, you'll need a guarantor in Qatar. Unmarried women under the age of 3. Local carrier Qatar Airways is building a growing worldwide network with flights from there. Stay updated. Night travel by car is not recommended. If you are traveling during the day, watch out for speeding cars and trucks. Wear your seat belt and try not to speed over 5. Stay updated. However, customs can take up to 4 hours especially at night and you will not be treated nearly as well as if you fly into Doha. The cheapest airline is SAUDIA and costs c. SR1. 10. 0- 1. 60. Bus (SAPTCO) Costs SR. Trip. Ticket prices start from just Qr.
You can travel as far north as Al Shamal/Al Ruwais, as far west as Dukhan, and as far south as Mesaieed (Umm Said). You will require a Karwa Smart Card to journey on buses - paying on the bus with cash stopped in 2. Limousines are expensive, but they are the most comfortable form of transport. This smart- phone based taxi service seems to work well: they arrive at your location typically within 1. You receive a photo of the driver with his name and telephone number, which is a good security feature. You will find plenty of car rental company in cities, airports or via your hotel. Therefore it is often difficult to find a place, and people navigate by using landmarks, such as 'opposite City Center mall' or 'by Sports roundabout'. It gives the feeling of being in a large village! Google maps is quite useful, although it needs more updating, and street view is not available in Qatar (as of August 2. The Ministry of Municipality & Urban Planning has been installing street number plates since 2. There is also a website called Qatar Geoportal, which is accurate but much slower than Google maps. ![]() As Qatar was a British protectorate, English is the most common second language, and most locals would be able to speak basic English. Has many good restaurants, especially at night time. Also sells many national products - bargaining is recommended. The Pearl Qatar: a man- made island connected to Doha by a bridge. You can find a big variety of restaurants and shops, mainly in the high range. Villagio Mall: a spectacular Venetian style shopping mall with a canal and gondolas as well. A huge variety of shops from casual to luxury. Real jobs from real companies. Updated daily. Only verified, open positions at top companies. GotoGulf.com is a Job site offering candidates from across the Globe an opportunity to work and build Career in the Gulf Countries - Dubai, Abu dhabi, Sharjah, UAE. Jobs: one search. Indeed.com job search. Find millions of jobs from thousands of job boards, newspapers, classifieds and company websites on indeed.com. ![]() Mathaf: The arab museum of modern art Katara: Cultural village which is home to many international and Arab restaurants, a beautiful beach, and holds many cultural events. Definitely a place to see. Banana Island Resort Doha: an exclusive island retreat, with over- water villas, suites, restaurants, 8. It is 2. 0 minutes by ferry from Doha. Reservations required. It has a welcoming, luxury island feel to the place. It is usually fairly quiet and aimed at local tourists (hence no alcohol served). Aqua park Aquatic Funfair. The national currency is the Qatari riyal (QAR). The riyal is pegged to the dollar at the rate of QR 3. US $1. Other malls include Landmark (has a Marks & Spencer store), Hyatt Plaza (becoming a lot better), The Mall (is OK), Royal Plaza and Villagio (owned by the same company that owns Landmark and is home to Virgin, The One and is ranked one of the best malls in the world by Forbes). All of these malls have a huge variety of stores. There are many things to buy here but be wary of cheap pearls as they may not be real. There are many good tailors in Qatar and it is a good place to have clothes made to measure and copied. Prices are usually negotiable, so practice your bargaining skills. Souq Waqif (The Standing Souk) is the most interesting of the souqs; it was recently renovated to look as it did 5. You can buy anything from a turban (dishdasha/thobe, traditional dress for men) to a pot large enough to cook a baby camel in! It is being expanded to 1. Kite- surfing is increasingly popular for the westerners while the locals prefer driving jet- skis at high speed next to the beaches. Safari tours to the desert with dune- bashing in Landcruisers are popular. Visit the collection of widely scattered malls around Doha and enjoy yourself. Authentic and delicious Indian and Pakistani food is found throughout the city, ranging from family- oriented places to very basic eateries catering to the Indian and Pakistani workers. You may attract some curious stares in the worker eateries, but the management will almost always be extremely welcoming, and the food is very inexpensive. It can be purchased on the cheap from a take- out (many of which look quite unimpressive, but serve awesome food) or from a fancier place, like the wonderful Layali (near Chili's in the 'Cholesterol Corner' area) that serves gourmet Lebanese food and has hookahs with flavored tobacco. Be advised that many of the restaurants in the Souqs (as well as the shops) shut down during the afternoon hours. Muslims are allowed to buy alcoholic beverages, but in general, not to consume it. To purchase things there, you must have a license that can only be obtained by having a written letter of permission from your employer. You can only get a license when you have obtained your residency permit and you will need to get a letter from your employer confirming your salary in addition to paying a deposit for QR1. The selection is good and is like any alcohol selection of a large supermarket in the West. Prices are reasonable although not cheap. Alcoholic beverages are available in the restaurants and bars of the major hotels, although they are pricey. As far as non- alcoholic drinks go, be sure to hit some of the Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants and juice stalls. They whip some tasty and exotic fruit juice combinations that really hit the spot. They will issue a receipt valid for 2 weeks to reclaim the alcohol on exit from the country. The only hostel! It is the home to Qatar Academy, the Learning Centre, the Academic Bridge Program (similar to a college prep school), as well as branch campuses of Texas A& M University (Engineering) . The location of so many academics and students is very appealing for research focused organisations. The University of Calgary (Nursing) is also in Qatar. Qatar offers numerous curricula to follow including American, English, French and Spanish. It's offers co- educational places for children from pre school, primary, secondary and sixth form. The website has all of the latest exam results and extra curricular activities the school offers. Please email enquiries@dohacollege. The Indian ambassador noted nearly 2. Punishments include fines and up to 5 years in prison. Homosexuality is largely frowned upon across the country. Stay healthy. Take proper precautions for the sun, including clothing that covers your skin and use of sunscreen. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may develop slowly or suddenly, and include: cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat; heavy sweating; faintness; dizziness; fatigue; weak, rapid pulse; low blood pressure upon standing; muscle cramps; and headache. Someone with heat exhaustion should be moved into an air conditioned or cool, shaded area and drink cold drinks to recover. Unless treated promptly, heat exhaustion can leak to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. If someone with heat exhaustion does not improve or shows drowsiness or confusion, an ambulance should be called immediately. Doctors typically adminster intravenous fluids and electrolytes to quickly rehydrate patients. Technically there is no strict rule and women are free to dress as they feel, but be prepared for some hostility especially from locals as it is frowned upon. In general the covering up of the shoulders, thighs and abdomen is appropriate for both genders - tank tops, spaghetti straps, or excessively small shorts are likely to garner unwanted attention. It is absolutely acceptable for any nationality to wear the traditional Qatari clothes, the thobe. Don't eat with your left hand either, since the left hand is seen as the 'dirty hand'. Similarly, don't attempt to shake hands or hand a package with your left hand. Qataris are extremely hospitable, and typically there are no strings attached.
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