History of Qatar

Qatar has a rich and distinct culture that brings with it a priceless heritage of many centuries. The ethnic roots of Qatari people are as varied as the many tribes that inhabited Arabia in ancient times. By initiative from His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, a program is underway to promote awareness of Qatar's cultural heritage and stimulate new creative projects. Museums, libraries, magnificent collections of Arab writings, calligraphy and art will be available for research and public appreciation in order to implement the objectives. 

The creation of new institutions for the performing arts, and a revival of creative disciplines in education will make Qatar a dynamic focus for the arts in the region. Qatar’s culture is very much based on Islamic tradition. Islam is more than just a religion, it is a way of life that influences day to day living, from the clothes the Muslims wear to what they eat and drink. 

However, in contrast to this image, Qatar is a fairly tolerant and welcoming country, with few restrictions placed on foreigners living or visiting here. Women are able to drive and walk around unescorted, and alcohol is available in licensed hotels. Pork products are not available and not allowed in the country.

In Qatari tradition the group of related families form a clan that is a part of a larger tribe, and tribes are large extended families. Each tribe has distinct customs, speech and dress but with time it has converged into the modern society that we see today. Still the ties within tribes and families remain very strong, Qataris hold family values very dear to their hearts. In the past some of the tribes were nomadic and lived in the desert but today many have moved to the cities and hold good positions in the private and government sector. 

As a tradition, Qataris marry within the tribe and it is a matter of family and business. Earlier all marriages were arranged but now the trend has changed and young Qataris sometimes even seek marriage bureaus and online help to search for the right partner.

Girls were married very young in past years. Now emphasis is given on education and the statistics show that there are considerably more female than male students attending Universities. Qataris are known for their hospitality and warmth. Males receive their male guests at home in a majlis (reception area). 

Traditionally, according to the Bedouin custom, they were seated on the large cushions on the floor. Nowadays sofas and chairs have replaced it. Women have a separate area in the house to meet their friends. Qatari men and women rarely socialise together.

 With warm Arabian waters on its three sides, Qatar offers a varied choice in seafood; tuna, shrimps, lobsters, kingfish, and red snapper are all mouth watering. The meat dishes are based mainly on lamb; ouzi is a whole roasted lamb served on a bed of rice with pine-nuts and shawarma is grilled shavings of lamb or chicken wrapped with salad in a Arab pita bread, and macchbous is spiced lamb with rice. 

Milk from cows and goats is usually made into laban (yoghurt) or Labneh (cream cheese). Rice and cracked wheat, called burghul (bulgur), are used in many dishes.

Other common Arab specialties include hummous, tabbouleh, mahsi koussa, hareis, esh asaraya, Umm Ali and a pudding made with rosewater and pistachios, called mehalabiya.

Qataris being Muslims do not eat pork. They eat only halal meat specially prepared by the butcher according to Muslim laws.

Serving Arabic coffee to visitors is an age-old custom derived from Bedouin hospitality traditions and an important part of Qatari etiquette.

Another beverage, qahwa (sweet coffee), made from ground coffee infused with saffron, cardamom and sugar, is served on special occasions.

 The son of Sheikh Qassim, Sheikh Abdullah assumed leadership during the last years of his father's life. During his reign, the Turks left Qatar, a treaty of protection was signed with Britain, and oil was first discovered and exported. 

 The son of Sheikh Abdullah, Sheikh Hamad was designated Heir Apparent during his father's reign and often represented his father as ruler of Qatar. He died during his father's lifetime and, one year after his death, his father abdicated in favour of another son who ruled from 1949 to 1960. 

 Another son of Sheikh Abdullah, Sheikh Ali became Emir after the death of his father and brother, Sheikh Hamad. During his reign, oil production increased greatly and the country moved inexorably into the modern world. Sheikh Ali abdicated in 1960 and handed over to his son, Sheikh Ahmed. 

The son of Sheikh Ali, Sheikh Ahmed took over when his father abdicated in 1960. He ruled until 1972 when his cousin, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, assumed the Emir-ship with the full support of the ruling family and the people of Qatar

 The son of Sheikh Hamad (1940-1948) and the grandson of Sheikh Abdullah (1913-1949), Sheikh Khalifa became the first Qatari Minister of Education in 1957. In 1971 Sheikh Khalifa declared Qatar an independent state and on 22 February 1972, supported by the ruling family and the people, he became Emir of Qatar. It was during his reign that the modern state of Qatar took its place in the world. 

 The son of Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Hamad took power with the support and approval of the ruling family and the Qatari people in early 1995.

He is the fourth son of the previous Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Tamim has held a variety of government posts within Qatar and has been at the forefront of efforts to promote sports and healthy living within the country.

 Heavy baggage is subject to customs examinations. The process is generally easier if you can assure them that the contents are for personal use. Do not attempt to bring any pork products or alcohol. 

Both of such are sold by a designated supplier as mentioned above and require a valid license for any such purchase. 

 Average temperatures vary between 12 and 34 degrees (October – May) and between 38 and 42 degrees C in the summer months (June - September).  More details enclosed in the Weather Chart. 

‘Market place’.  There are several interesting souqs in Doha worth a visit.  The most traditional of all souqs is the Souq Waqif.  Souq Al Ahmad & Souq Al Jabor has outlets for perfumes, clothing, accessories, linen, electrical and household goods.  Souq Al Alsiery houses mostly textile stores.  The Gold Souq sell imported gold jewelleries. site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.

 The official language in Qatar is of course Arabic. It is used by locals and the relatively big Arab community residing here in Doha. The Arabic dialect used in Qatar is commonly dubbed as the “Khaleeji” accent in reference to the Gulf or Al Khaleej.

English is widely spoken in everyday life in Qatar and most road signs are written in both Arabic and English. English is also used in the work place especially in private companies, tourist areas, hotels and malls. Urdu and Hindi are also used languages in Qatar due to the huge community of Asian workers.

Riyal is the official currency and it comes in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 notes.  One (1) riyal contains 100 dirham and the coins come in 25 and 50 dirham denominations.  The currency is pegged to the US dollar at around QR3.65 to the dollar.  

There are no foreign exchange restrictions in place and there are a number of foreign exchange houses in Doha.  Rates for major currencies are printed daily in the English language newspapers

 To get connected to wide selection of English TV channels, check out the following websites for more information and to subscribe:

Qatar Cablevision operated by Qtel (www.qtel.com.qa)

Showtime Arabia (www.showtimearabia.com)

Orbit (www.orbit.net)

Mozaic through Qtel

There are currently four major shopping malls, anchored by well-known international stores.  The Landmark Mall, The Mall, Villagio Mall and the City Center Mall.  Another popular store is the Centre on Salwa Road near the Ramada Hotel.

There are a number of supermarkets that sell a wide range of asian and western products.  The Mega Mart was the original expat store, but there are also several outlets for the Food Centre while the Family Food Centre takes on the label of catering to more Asians, especially from the Philipines, India, Sri Lanka, etc.  Dasman and Lamcy’s are affiliated and sell both food and other household items.  In malls, you can find Q-Mart, Giant Stores and Carrefour. 

There are local cooperative stores that carry basic food items.  The supermarkets sell vegetables and fresh fish, but these can be found at considerably cheaper prices and more interesting surroundings at the Fish and Vegetable Market off of Salwa Road.

 Banks are normally open from 7:30 to 11:30 or 12:30 pm, depending on the day.  They are closed Fridays and Saturdays. There are bank branches inside malls and they open during mall timings and that includes weekends.  With this you are able to do your banking easily after office administration hours.

Opening a bank account requires copies of your passport and/or letter of introduction from your employer. For Resort salary account, a letter will be given by the employer with the resident bank, in this case Commercial Bank of Qatar and this letter should allow you to open an account with the bank with no deposit.

 Qatar is a Muslim country and as such you should respect the local customs by dressing conservatively whenever out in public. Skirts and shorts above the knee should be avoided, as should sleeveless tops that expose the shoulders or upper arms. Very tight or revealing clothing is a no no (for men and women).  On the whole, the national population always wear their traditional dress in public. 

For women, in public they wear abaya – a long, loose black robe that covers their normal clothes – plus a headscarf called the sheyla. The abaya is often of very sheer, flowing fabric and may be open at the front. Some women also wear a thin black veil hiding their face and/or gloves and the older women still wear leather mask, known as a burkha, which covers the nose, brow and cheekbones.

For men, this is the dishdash (or Khandura or thobe) – a white full length shirt dress, which is worn with a white or a red white checked, headdress called the gutra. The gutra is secured with a black cord (agal). Sheikhs and important businessmen may also wear a further robe with fine  mishlah, over their dishdash at important events.