Despite the fact that the small peninsula did not reveal its secrets to travelers until the beginning of the last century, today tours to Qatar attract tourists from all over the world. The leading tour operator in Qatar will offer you unforgettable individual tours from Moscow and other regions of Russia to a country that combines a high level of service with the unsolved mysteries of civilization.
Holidays in Qatar are so diverse that even experienced tourists are delighted with visiting this country! Al Khor City with the unique Al Sultan Hotel, the historical heritage of the country of Al Zubar and Al Yassasiya, the urbanized Al Wakra with a modern and highly developed infrastructure (hotel complexes, shopping centers, restaurants with local and European cuisine), as well as unforgettable experiences from real camel races in the desert! This is only a small fraction of the impressions of Qatar, peacefully located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf.
Timezone:1 hour
Currency: Qatari rial. 1 USD = 3.66 rials
Language: Arabic, English, Urdu
Qatar is an absolute monarchy. The head of state is Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
The main official holidays in Qatar are:
– National Sports Day. Second Tuesday of February
– Eid al-Adha. The first day after the end of the holy month of Ramadan
is Eid al-Adha. About nine and a half weeks after Eid al-Fitr
is the National Day of Qatar. December 18
The pearl of the Persian Gulf – this definition was given to the small state of Qatar, as it represents the broadest opportunities to meet the needs of all categories of tourists.
Qatar is one of those countries that are difficult to immediately find on the world map. Surprisingly, until the beginning of the 20th century, most European travelers did not even suspect the existence of this tiny peninsula.
Qatar was proclaimed an independent state in 1971. The country is a member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf (GCC).
The capital of the state is the city of Doha.
The population of the country is 2.69 million people.
Geography
Qatar is located on a peninsula with an area of 11,500 sq. km. It is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf and has a continuous coastline with a length of 563 km. The population of the country is 2.6 million people. The capital is Doha.
Timezone. Local time – SMT / UTC + 3 hours. Daylight Saving Time does not apply.
Climate. According to bridgat, Qatar has a desert climate with hot summers, mild winters and 365 days of sunshine a year. The average monthly temperature is 17°C in January and 36°C in July. In summer, daytime temperatures can reach over 40°C. Precipitation is rare, mostly in the form of intermittent rain in winter. The best time to visit Qatar is September-January and March-May. Beautiful hotels and sandy beaches await you. On many beaches, the pools are interconnected, equipped with water slides. The Arabian Gulf is considered to be an excellent place for diving. One of the most popular attractions offered to tourists in Qatar is a safari, after which tourists will have a barbecue on the shores of the Arabian Gulf under the canopy of a picturesque tent.
Work time. The working week runs from Sunday to Thursday. Most establishments are closed on Fridays (the holy day for Muslims) and Saturdays. As a rule, the following mode of operation is set (may differ):
- public institutions: 07:00-14:00
- banks: 07:30-13:00
- private companies: 07:30-18:00
- shops: 10:00-22:00 (Monday to Thursday); 13:30-22:00
Currency. The monetary unit of Qatar is the rial (abbreviated as OR or RAR). The official exchange rate is pegged to the US dollar at a ratio of 1 US dollar = 3.64 Qatari rials. There is no currency control. ATMs are located throughout and most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards.
Customs requirements
- Tobacco: 400 cigarettes.
- Personal effects and gifts not exceeding QAR 3,000.
- The import of alcohol is not permitted.
Religion. Qatar is an Islamic state where other religions are respected. The dates of Islamic holidays and festivals depend on the lunar calendar and move forward by about eleven days each year. During the holy month of Ramadan, residents and visitors of the country who profess Islam refuse to eat, drink drinks and smoke in public places during the daytime.
Dress code. Qatar does not have a strict dress code for both men and women. It is recommended that you respect the local culture and choose appropriate attire when visiting public places, and leave beachwear for the hotel pool.
Female guests of the country. Women traveling in Qatar, either in groups or alone, do not face any special restrictions regarding dress code or behavior during the day. Women play a full role in the life of the country, and foreign tourists can be sure that they will receive a warm welcome.
Tips. Many restaurants include a service charge on the bill, but a 10% tip is common practice. It would be appropriate to leave
thanks to porters and doormen at the hotel in the amount of 10-20 rials (2-3 US dollars) and about 80 rials per day for the services of a guide and driver.
Alcohol. Alcohol is sold in the restaurants and bars of the hotels.
Language. The official language is Arabic. English is widely spoken. In the hospitality industry, other languages are also spoken.
Important phone numbers
- Ambulance: 999
- Help Desk: 180
- Hamad International Airport: +974 4010 6666
- Qatar Tourist Information Center: +974 4406 9921
Country code: +974. Providers Ooges1oo and \/oc!alone offer mobile communication services with prepaid and postpaid systems. Wireless Internet is available in hotels and public places throughout the country.
Electricity: 220/240 V AC, current, 50 Hz. Three-phase square socket, 13 A (as in the UK).
Medical questions. No special vaccinations are required to visit the country, and there are no significant health risks. The quality of medical care provided is at a good level. There are many pharmacies, including 24-hour pharmacies, with a wide range of medicines.
Qatar today is a dynamically developing resort that is becoming increasingly popular. Russian tourists are treated with great friendliness. The country is absolutely safe, late in the evening you can safely walk the streets here.
Attractions
Doha (or Ad-Doura) is the capital of Qatar, is also the largest business and commercial city in the country and contains an international airport and port. The first emir Al-Thani founded the capital in Doha in the middle of the 19th century, taking advantage of the city’s advantageous geographical position in the bay. The National Museum of Qatar occupies a building that was previously the palace of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed, who ruled the country from 1913 to 1951. The main exposition of the museum is a two-level aquarium: the upper floor is filled with representatives of the local underwater fish fauna, the lower floor represents the entire underwater world of the bay. Sea turtles are the highlight of the aquarium’s exposition; there are practically none left in the Persian Gulf itself.
Waterfront Corniche. Indulge in the pleasure of strolling through this green oasis in the heart of the city and taking in the breathtaking views.
Museum of Islamic Art. An outstanding collection of Islamic art and artifacts from around the world spanning 14 centuries.
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Contemporary Art. Doha’s largest public space hosting exhibitions of emerging as well as award-winning contemporary artists from Qatar and beyond.
The former fire station is a residence for artists. The multifunctional community center is a great example of how Qatar supports and encourages emerging artists.
Souq Waqif Market. The best place to experience the traditional street life, plunge into the world of trade and admire the local architecture, with bustling streets, numerous shops and cafes.
Cultural Center Katara. Ideal conditions for a relaxing cultural holiday, entertainment and family outings: grandiose theater and stage venues, a public beach with a selection of water sports, as well as many cafes and restaurants.
Island “Pearl of Qatar”. A stylish complex with elegant port embankments, restaurants, cafes and the best international brand boutiques.
Fort Al-Zubara. Restored 18th century fortress and archaeological site on the ruins of a well-preserved fortified city. The complex, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, “is an outstanding example of a traditional trading coastal city that traded pearls in the Persian Gulf region.”
Khor al-Adaid. The unique “inland sea” is an amazing creation of nature: the waters of the Persian Gulf in the midst of towering sand dunes.
Museums of the Msheireb Center. Four historic buildings in the old center of Doha, which contain the rich cultural heritage of Qatar. Here the past meets the future.
