ESSENTIAL INFO

ALCOHOL

Qatar has a relatively liberal attitude to the consumption of alcohol by non-Muslim and liquor is available in many hotels. However it is strictly forbidden to bring alcohol into the country, including duty free. During the holy month of Ramadan alcohol is strictly not served.

BANKING       

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) are readily accessible throughout Doha.
Banking hours are generally 7.30am -1pm, Sunday to Thursday with some branches open in the afternoons

BUSINESS HOURS

The working week in Qatar runs from Sunday to Thursday with Friday (the holy day for Muslims) and Saturday being days off.

CLIMATE

The climate is typical of hot and arid desert lands, very pleasant in November – March, slightly warmer April-June and September-October and extremely hot in July - August. Rain rarely falls in Qatar.

COMMUNICATION

The country code for Qatar is +974. Local telephone calls are free. The majority of hotels offer wireless or broadband connectivity, various cafes and parks around Qatar offer free wireless .

COMMON COURTESIES

Women are highly regarded in business at all levels. Western men and women may freely wear western style clothing. However, it is advisable that clothing for both men and women covers the knees and sleeveless tops showing the shoulders and upper arms as well as tight or revealing clothing should be avoided.  It is requested that permission is sought before photographing any Qatari. Arab women are very modest, so it is recommended that men approach another male for directions or advice.

CURRENCY

The Qatar Riyal (QAR) is permanently pegged to the US dollar at US$1.00 to QAR3.64.

DINING

International and local cuisine are available in many restaurants and hotels. Fresh seafood from the Arabian Gulf is in abundant supply.

LANGUAGE   

The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood.

MEDIA

Qatar-based satellite television channel Al Jazeera offers up-to-the-minute news from around the world while five daily newspapers provide both news and entertainment in Arabic and English.

RELIGION

Islam. Other religions are Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism. The Ramadan period takes place each year for 30 days. In 2009 it will be in August, in 2010 it will be in July.

SAFETY

The Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks Qatar as one of the safest places in the world. Strolling the Corniche or walking around the city centre, walking to and from hotels is very safe.

SMOKING

Qatar has tobacco-control laws banning smoking in public places including restaurants, shopping centres and sports venues.

TIME

GMT + 3 hours

TIPPPING

Tips are not expected but always appreciated. A service charge may be added to the bill, otherwise a tip of 10% is appropriate.

VISAS

Except for GCC nationals, all visitors require a visa. Anyone intending to stay in the country for more than four weeks needs to apply for a visa through a Qatari mission overseas. However, nationals of 33 countries can receive a 14-day visa on arrival.