QUINTESSENTIALLY QATAR

Qatar is a sovereign state occupying a tiny peninsula that extends to the Persian Gulf from the east side of the Arabian Peninsula.

Until the discovery of oil in 1939, Qatar was a small trading post where nomadic Bedouins fished and dived for pearls along the coast. Today it is one the wealthiest nations in the world.

Qatar has a progressive outlook and strong international ties across the world. Led by the current Emir, His Highness Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the ruling al-Thani family is an enterprising, forward-looking one.

BLEND OF OLD + NEW

The stunning urban landscape of  Doha can make one forget that the beginnings of Qatar dates back 6,000 years. Qatar always fascinates with its contrasts—an open, 21st century society that is rooted in culture and history. Soaring skyscrapers and beautiful mosques. Local souqs and  upscale malls. Falcons homing back to their masters. Jets that cut through the sky. Historic forts and futuristic hotels. Camel races and international sporting events.

KEY INDUSTRIES

Oil and gas production are the drivers of Qatar’s economy. Oil production capacity is nearly 800,000 barrels per day. Qatar is the largest global exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) producing some 38 million tonnes annually, Efforts to diversify the economy is high on the agenda. The result is a broad range of  growth industries including banking, telecommunications and IT, real estate, fertiliser production, aluminium smelting, construction, and tourism.

CULTURE

Qataris are passionately committed to upholding their heritage and cultural values while forging one of the most advanced societies in the world.

Its ancient history can be glimpsed in carefully preserved heritage sites including forts and prehistoric settlements where rare petroglyphs have been discovered.
But in the metamorphosing capital city of Doha itself,     the passion for capturing and reviving Qatar’s cultural heritage is felt everywhere—magnificent  museums housing priceless artefacts, restored Bedouin souqs, merchant houses, and royal residences, prestigious races and shows purely for Arabian horses, and traditional wooden dhows plying the bay