The State of Qatar is one of the most exciting countries in the Middle East, with a predominantly young population, an expanding economy, and a rapid pace of modernization.

A peninsula of some 5,000 square miles, Qatar has a landscape of sand dunes in the south and flat, rocky desert with scattered cultivation in the north. The climate is mild and pleasant in winter with occasional rainfall, while the summers are hot and frequently humid.

A member of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, Qatar has hosted meetings of the World Trade Organization and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. It is the home of the international news network Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel and Education City, one of the most ambitious and far-reaching centers for education and research in the Middle East.

In the twentieth century, the economy was transformed by the discovery of oil and, later on, vast reserves of natural gas off the northeast coast. Qatar has the world’s largest non-associated gas field, and is now a major exporter of liquefied natural gas and condensates. The country is forecast to have the highest per capita income in the world within the next few years.

With economic prosperity came the development of a modern infrastructure: transport and telecommunication links, schools, hospitals and public health clinics.

In 1995 the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani established Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned consort of the Emir, Qatar Foundation is the cornerstone of the country’s drive to become an advanced knowledge-based society. It has been instrumental in realizing her vision of establishing centers of excellence to enhance opportunities for the people of Qatar and to build the nation's resources in education, science, community development, health and other areas.

Useful Information

Time Zone Qatar time is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 7/8 hours ahead of New York EST/DST. There is no daylight savings time in Qatar.

Climate Qatar has a pleasant climate nine months of the year with hot summers and relatively warm winters. In the summer, the temperature ranges between 77-120 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity. The temperature is eased by air conditioning in the vast majority of homes and workplaces. During the summer, most people take holidays or spend more time indoors. Sports, entertainment and leisure facilities are available in a vast array of recreation areas including clubs and hotels.

Currency The Qatari Riyal (QR) is the currency of the country. The exchange rate is fixed at $1 U.S. equals 3.64 riyal. Most major establishments accept major credit cards; some will accept U.S. dollars.