Geographical position and climate of Qatar
Qatar is a small Arab country that extends into the Persian Gulf from the eastern Arabian Peninsula. Its coordinates are approximately 25.3548° N latitude and 51.1839° E longitude. Being situated in the Middle East, Qatar has a desert climate with long, very hot summers and short, mild winters. The country experiences its highest temperatures between June and September, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Humidity levels along the coastal areas can be particularly high during summer, making it feel even hotter.
Winters, on the other hand, are quite pleasant, with cooler temperatures averaging around 17°C (63°F) to 21°C (70°F). Rainfall in Qatar is scarce, occurring mainly in the cooler months from December to February. Due to its geographical position, Qatar does not experience extreme variations in seasonal daylight hours like countries further from the equator do.
Brief history of Qatar
The history of Qatar is marked by its strategic location and valuable resources, which have shaped its development and significance in the region. Human habitation of Qatar dates back to 50,000 years ago, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries. In ancient times, it was known for pearl fishing and sea trade.
In the early Islamic period, Qatar became a significant port of commerce and played a role in the spread of Islam. The region was at various times under the control of different empires, including the Abbasids, Umayyads, and later the Ottomans.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw the rise of the Al Khalifa and Al Thani families, with the latter eventually emerging as the ruling family of Qatar. The discovery of oil in the 20th century transformed Qatar from a small pearling and fishing community into an economically significant country.
Qatar gained independence from British protection on September 3, 1971. Since then, it has rapidly developed its infrastructure and economy, leveraging its vast reserves of oil and natural gas to become one of the wealthiest nations per capita in the world.
In recent decades, Qatar has focused on diversifying its economy and increasing its regional and global influence through investment, diplomacy, and hosting major international events, such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of Qatar, and the majority of Qataris are Sunni Muslims. The country is governed by a legal system that incorporates both secular civil law and Sharia law, with Islam deeply influencing its culture, laws, and customs. There is also a minority of Shia Muslims in Qatar. While other religions are practiced within the country, the government regulates the practice of non-Islamic faiths, and proselytizing on behalf of non-Islamic religions is prohibited. However, the Qatari constitution does provide for freedom of association, public assembly, and worship, within certain constraints. Non-Muslim expatriates are allowed to worship privately and there are designated places for them to gather and practice their religions.
Language
The official language of Qatar is Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic is used in formal contexts, such as in education, media, and legal documents, while the local Qatari dialect is spoken in everyday conversation. Due to its diverse expatriate population, English is also widely spoken and understood, serving as a common lingua franca in business and commerce. Additionally, various other languages are spoken among the expatriate communities, including Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Tagalog, and others.
Places to visit in Qatar
Before you visit Qatar
Travel to Qatar
There are several ways to get to Qatar, primarily by air and road:
- By Air: The most common way to enter Qatar is by flying into Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha, the country’s main international airport. It is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East. It serves as a major hub for international flights, connecting Qatar with cities across the globe.
- By Road: For those already in the Gulf region, it is possible to drive to Qatar. The country shares its southern border with Saudi Arabia, so travelers can enter via the Salwa border crossing.
- By Sea: Although less common for international travelers, Qatar has seaports that receive commercial and private vessels. The Doha Port is being developed mainly for cruise ships and cargo services.
For international tourists and business travelers, flying remains the most practical and time-efficient mode of transportation to Qatar.
Visas for Qatar
Qatar offers various types of visas for visitors, depending on the purpose and duration of their stay. Here are some common visa categories:
- Tourist Visa: This is issued to travelers who wish to visit Qatar for tourism. Many nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, while others may need to apply in advance through Qatari embassies or online via the Qatar e-Visa platform.
- Business Visa: For business-related visits, individuals can apply for a business visa, which may require an invitation from a company based in Qatar.
- Family Visit Visa: Those visiting family members residing in Qatar can apply for this type of visa, which usually requires documentation proving the family relationship.
- Work Visa: Expatriates planning to work in Qatar must have a job offer from a Qatari employer who will sponsor their work visa and residency permit.
- GCC Resident Visit Visa: Residents of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can apply for this visa if they meet certain eligibility criteria.
- Transit Visa: Qatar also offers free transit visas for passengers with layovers between 5 and 96 hours, allowing them to explore the country during their stopover.
It’s important to note that visa requirements and policies can change. Travelers should always check the latest information from official sources or the Qatar Ministry of Interior website before planning their trip.
Best time to visit Qatar
The best time to visit Qatar is during the cooler months, from November to early April. During this period, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from around 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country’s attractions.
From December to February, the temperatures are at their coolest, and there is a slight chance of rain, which can be refreshing in the desert climate. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
Visiting outside of these months means experiencing the intense heat of the Qatari summer, where temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), limiting outdoor activities and sightseeing primarily to the early morning or evening hours.
Important Information
Capital – Doha
Territory – 11,581 km2
Currency – Qatari riyal (QAR)
Time Zone – UTC+3 (AST)
Population – 2,795,484
Demonym – Qatari