About Qatar
The State of Qatar is one of the most exciting countries in the Middle East, with a predominantly young population, a growing economy, and a fast pace of modernization.
It is home to the Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel and Qatar Foundation's Education City — one of the most ambitious centers for education and research in the region. A peninsula of some 5,000 square miles, Qatar features southern sand dunes and a flat, rocky desert with cultivation in the north.
Read more about Qatar here.
Time Zone
GMT/UTC +3
Languages
Arabic is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
Telephone
The country code for Qatar is +974. City or area codes are not used.
Emergency
The emergency phone number is 999.
Currency
The national currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), fixed at $1 USD = QR 3.65. The QR is divided into 100 dirhams. Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Banknotes come in 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1 denominations. Currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, and exchange dealers.
Electricity
Voltage is 240V AC at 50Hz. British-style 3-pin plugs are standard. Some Indian/South African-style plugs may also work.
Climate
Qatar has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Winter nights may dip below 7°C. Coastal humidity is high in summer. Annual rainfall averages 70 mm, mostly from October to March.
Qatar Culture
While in Qatar, modest dress is expected. Women should cover arms and legs, and men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts. Qatar follows Islamic laws — drug offenses carry harsh penalties, and alcohol is only allowed in licensed venues. Public intoxication and intimacy are illegal.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited, even for non-Muslims. Some hotels cater to non-Muslims privately.
Read more about Qatar culture here.
Visa Information
The Ministry of Interior offers various visas on arrival at the airport. Check your visa eligibility here. More information is available here.
Qatar Airport
Hamad International Airport (HIA) is Doha’s international airport. Learn more here.
Gratuities
A 10% tip is customary, though some restaurants include a service charge. Tipping for services like bellmen, drivers, and guides is up to the individual.
Transportation Options
Local “Karwa” taxis are available, as well as ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem.
Learn more about Karwa here.
Hotels
Qatar offers a wide range of hotels. Online bookings are available on sites like Agoda and TripAdvisor.
Places to See
Qatar is known for its skyline, luxurious hotels, and world-class museums such as the Museum of Islamic Art.
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