Qatar is a country buzzing with energy, rich in tradition and bursting with development. It is a country until recently unknown to many travellers. However, with the release of its national carrier, Qatar Airlines and the extreme growth, development and modernisation of its capital Doha, Qatar has become more than just a place of transit- it has turned itself into a modern state for its nationals, a thriving economy for the expatriates an exciting tourist destination and the home of the immensely successful Al Jazeera Satellite News Network.
Qatar is a country rich in history and heritage and was a former pearl fishing centre. Archaeological discoveries, inscriptions and artifacts prove that the land now known as Qatar was populated from around 4000 BC. During the pre-Islamic era, it was mostly dominated by foreign powers, such as the Persian dynasties, then during the Islamic era Qatar was one of the first areas to convert to Islam.
On 5th August 2003, HH the Emir announced the appointment of his son, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani as the Heir Apparent. The ruling Al Thani family was among a tribal group who settled for a long time at the Gibrin oasis in the southern Najd, before their arrival in Qatar during the early 18th century. The name Al Thani is derived from that of the family's ancestor Sheik Thani Bin Mohamed Bin Thani, who was the first Sheikh to rule over modern Qatar during the mid- 19th century. The family is a branch of the ancient Arab tribe, the Bani Tameem, whose descent, can be traced back to Mudar Bin Nizar.
Qatar is an independent, sovereign state, situated half way down the west coast of The Gulf, and occupies a small peninsula. Its only land border is with Saudi Arabia and the rest of its territory is surrounded by the Gulf. A strait of the Gulf separates Qatar from the nearby island state of Bahrain. Qatar has been ruled as an absolute monarchy by Al Thani family since the mid-19th century. The country is part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which also includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
The growth in population in Qatar has been phenomenal, in the 1960’s the population was 70,000, it is now currently estimated to be over 1,500,000. This number is predominantly made up of the expat community; of the 1,500,000 only around 350,000 are native Qataris. Approximately 50% of the population resides in Doha, which is the business and administrative capital of Qatar. There are other reasonably sized towns which include Masaieed and Al Wakra, in the south, Dukhan on the west coast, and Ras Laffan and the harbour town of Al Khor in the North of Qatar.
Arabic is the official and main language, but English is widely spoken in every part of the country. Despite the fact that most Qatari people speak fluently English, they feel honored to see their guests speaking a few words in Arabic:
| English | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Hello (welcome) | marhaba |
| Hello (peace be upon you) | assalamo alaykum |
| Goodbye | ma’salaama |
| How are you? | kaif halaak |
| Please | min fadlak |
| Thank you | shukran |
| Yes | na’am |
| No | la |
| Let’s go | yalla |
| No problem | mafi mushkila |
