Everything you need to know about Qatar: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Qatar: Tiny Arab Emirate and Oil Rich Country
Qatar was ruled by Bahraini sheikhs till 1871 when they were overthrown by the Qatari people and later on the British installed the al-Thani family in charge of Qatar’s affairs who have continued to lord over Qatar till today. Qatar was previously an impoverished Arab state and a pearl fishing village but the discovery of large reserves of oil in the 1940’s changed its fortunes and today the country is one of the leading oil producers and has 15% of the global proved gas reserves. This oil wealth has bestowed a highly affluent lifestyle upon the Qatari people. Emir Hamid bin Khalifa also introduced certain liberal reforms like press freedom, voting rights for women and framing a new constitution in 2005 that ushered in democratic parliamentary government in Qatar. The country has a liberal press and the Al-Jazeera channel is one of the leading media houses in all of Arab world.
Qatar Facts and Figures
Qatari people have to experience a long and intensely hot summer that lasts from May to September with temperatures exceeding 55°C while winters are mild with temperatures touching 17°C. Water is scarce and rainfall is minimal although sudden cloud bursts may take place sometimes.
Qatar Culture and Tradition:
Qatari culture bears a close resemblance to other cultures in the region. Qatar’s governance is explicitly based on Sunni law with the majority of its population followers of Hanbali Madhhab, one of the four Sunni schools prevalent in Qatar. Shia’s comprise 10% of the population, but owing to large-scale immigration comprising of foreign professionals and labourers, foreigners have outnumbered the local Qatari population.
Qatari Economy:
Prior to the discovery of its vast oil reserves in the 1940’s Qatar was a largely agrarian country dependent on fishing and pearling. Today Qatari people enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes in the world fuelled by its vast energy resources. Nearly 85% of Qatar’s exports are oil based and the country has recently taken steps to widen its economic based and set up a Qatar Science and Technology Park and Qatar Financial Centre in Doha apart from other measures.
Qatar Tourist Attractions:
Like all Arab countries Qatar offers its own brand of fun that consists of sun and sand. You can go four wheeling i.e. drive on the golden sandy deserts or prefer camel rides in the majestic deserts. Local shops called ‘souks’ are a great place to shop till you drop. The Doha City Center Mall offers great shopping experience and is one of the biggest malls in the Middle East.
Other Qatari Places to See include:
New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) Finance Minister P. Chidambaram Wednesday left on a three-nation visit to UK, France and Qatar, in a bid to sell the India-growth story and woo overseas investors.
Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) India's only motorcycle Grand Prix team resumes battle in France this weekend with high hopes of more strong results after a top-10 start for the all-new Mahindra GP machine.
Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) India's only motorcycle Grand Prix team resumes battle in France this weekend with high hopes of strong results after a top-10 start for the all-new Mahindra Grand Prix machine.
New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): Finance Minister P. Chidambaram left today on a five-day three nation tour of UK, France and Qatar.
Dubai, May 13 (IANS) Nearly half of over $61 billion sent by expatriates in the Gulf countries in 2012 went to India, according to new data.
United Nations, May 13 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the release of four Filipino peacekeepers captured by Syrian rebels in the Golan Heights last week.
Dubai, May 11 (IANS) Malayalam super star Mohanlal was among the list of personalities from the Malayalam film industry to receive awards at the inaugural Indian Movie Awards in Qatar (IMAQ 2013) at a function in Qatar's capital, Doha
After 70,000 Syrians have paid with their lives in the foreign induced conflict in Syria, why has the American perspective changed? Even so, it was nice to see Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov embrace each other in Moscow. Kerry also met President Vladimir Putin who, in Kerry's presence, asked Lavrov to take over the task of navigating the Syrian crisis towards a peaceful resolution.
New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) Qatar's telecom network Ooredoo, formerly known as Qtel, has launched the first live IPX+ enabled network in the Middle East with Tata Communications to meet the growing demand for mobile data.
Doha, May 5 (ANI): An article in a Qatari magazine that the stoning of adulterous married husbands or wives was not supported by Islamic law is set to ignite a heated debate in the country.
Islamabad, May 4 (IANS) Afghan cueist Saleh Muhammad lifted his first amateur Asian trophy as he won the 29th Asian Snooker Championship in Pakistan's port city of Karachi.
New Delhi, May 3 (IANS) India's largest telecom operator Bharti Airtel Friday said it will sell five percent stake to Doha-based Qatar Foundation Endowment for $1.26 billion.
London, May 3 (ANI): The Taliban has been asked to issue a declaration distancing itself from al-Qaeda and committing itself to peace talks before it can open a political office in Qatar, diplomatic sources have said.
Geneva, May 3 (IANS/EFE) Commodities trading house Glencore and mining group Xstrata have completed their long-awaited merger, creating one of the most powerful companies in the raw materials sector.
London, May 3 (ANI): US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has said that the US is reconsidering its opposition to supplying weapons to rebel forces in the strife-torn Syria.
Dubai, May 2 (IANS) India topped the list of countries to which remittances have been sent by expatriate workers in Qatar in the period 2006-2012, according to a new report.
Kuala Lumpur, May 2 (IANS) Bahrain Football Association chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa Thursday achieved a convincing victory in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) presidential election, replacing its disgraced former boss Mohamed Bin Hammam.
Nairobi, April 30 (IANS) Olympics 800m champion David Rudisha and the World Indoor winner Pamela Jelimo have put their opponents on notice as they prepare to launch their season campaign here Friday.
Cape Town, April 30 (IANS) The South African Football Association (SAFA) has unveiled a development programme with the aim of reviving the country's national team.
Kuala Lumpur, April 30 (IANS) The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is this week set to elect its new chief who will have an uphill battle to refurbish the image and reputation of Asian football's governing body left tarnished by its disgraced former boss Mohamed Bin Hammam.
London, Apr. 30 (ANI): Syrian hackers are launching cyber attacks on a series western media in an apparent effort to cause disruption and spread support for President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Beijing, April 27 (IANS) China's Lu Huihui improved the Asian record for women's javelin by 0.51 metres Saturday at the national track and field Grand Prix in Zhaoqing, South China.
Moscow, April 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Viktor Minibaev and Artyom Chesakov took a 10-metre platform silver at the fourth stage of the Diving World Series here Friday.
Gaza, April 23 (IANS) Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh welcomed Tuesday Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's determination to visit the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip despite US pressure.
London, Apr 23 (ANI): According to international football governing body FIFA, the Twitter accounts of its head Sepp Blatter and the World Cup team have been hacked, with spoof messages posted claiming that Blatter was involved in corruption.
Doha, April 23 (IANS/AKI) A court in Qatar has sentenced an Asian Muslim migrant to 40 lashes for consuming alcohol.
Islamabad, Apr. 22 (ANI): Senior officials from Pakistan and the United States have held talks to break the apparent deadlock in efforts to reach out to the Afghan Taliban for a peaceful end to a decade-long war.
New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Air India's six grounded Boeing 787 Dreamliners may again take to the skies and operate to new destinations as early as May 15 after technical changes approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the plane's battery system are carried out, an official said.
Tehran, April 16 (IANS) Iran's national football team will face Oman in a friendly match May 22 in Muscat.
London, Apr. 16 (ANI): Britain and France are 'directly or indirectly' supporting al-Qaida in an escalating war against Syria, a senior minister in Damascus has said.
Tehran, April 14 (IANS) Fulham's Iranian midfielder Ashkan Dejagah will not be able to be part of the Iranian national football team at least for three months due to a injury.
London, Apr 13 (ANI): Premier League clubs bosses Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp had hit back at England manager Roy Hodgson over his 'desert rats' comment, saying that clubs will always come first over international call-ups.
New Delhi, April 10 (ANI): Events in Afghanistan had gathering momentum in March and quite apparently preparations for end 2014 were now looking serious and urgent.
Tehran, April 10 (IANS) Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia defeated Iran's Esteghlal 1-0 in Group D in the 2013 AFC Champions League.
Nairobi, April 10 (IANS) Kenya's David Rudisha, the Olympic and World 800m champion, will not be attempting to run under the 1:41-minute mark when he competes at the World Championships in Moscow in August.
Washington, Apr 10 (ANI): Libyan weapons are spreading at 'an alarming rate' to new territory in west Africa and the eastern Mediterranean including Syria and the Gaza Strip, a U.N. has panel said.
Dubai, Apr. 10 (ANI): Dubai-based Emirates in 2011-12 flew more international passengers in and out of India than Air India, recently released official data has revealed.
Washington, Apr. 4 (ANI): New YouTube video from the Syrian battlefield has shown rebels firing what appears to be the same high-powered sniper rifle that is used by U.S. Navy SEALs.
London, Apr. 3 (ANI): Afghanistan's 'worst nightmare' of Pakistan cutting back on support for peace talks with the Taliban ahead of the NATO troops pull out in 2014, has come true.
Rio de Janeiro, April 2 (IANS) Vasco da Gama coach Paulo Autuori has warned he will resign if the club fails to meet its commitment to pay wages on time.
Cairo, April 2 (IANS) Hamas' Shura council, the highest decision-making body of the Islamic Palestinian militant group, has decided in Cairo to grant a new term to its current leader Khaled Meshaal, official news agency MENA reported.
Every year, 2nd April is marked as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) after December 18, 2007, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, proposed by the State of Qatar, declaring April 2 to be celebrated as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) every year.
Gaza, March 30 (IANS) Hama's Gaza chief Ismail Haniyeh Saturday led a high-ranking delegation headed to Egypt in a surprise visit, reported Xinhua citing sources.
Johannesburg, Mar 29 (ANI): England fans have been reported to FIFA by anti-racism body FARE after they hurled sick taunts at Rio and Anton Ferdinand during last week's World Cup qualifier against San Marino.
Washington, Mar. 28 (ANI): Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has called on leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) to help stop the flow of money and weapons to rebels in the 2-year-old civil war.
Moscow, March 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The Arab League's decision to allow its members to supply Syrian opposition forces with weapons has broken international laws, the Russian foreign ministry has said.
Doha, March 27 (IANS) The Syrian embassy here was handed over to the Syrian opposition Wednesday, a day after Arab leaders granted the Damascus seat in the Arab League also to the opposition.
Abu Dhabi, March 27 (IANS/WAM) Engineering students in the UAE will build a fuel-efficient "made-in-the-UAE" car to compete at a challenge in Malaysia in July.
Islamabad, Mar. 26 (ANI): Pakistan has distanced itself from remarks reported in the media stating that Islamabad is finding it difficult to work with Afghan President Hamid Karzai due to mistrust and is reaching out to others to advance the peace process.
Islamabad, Mar. 26 (ANI): The Afghan Taliban has ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai during his upcoming visit to Qatar.
Washington, March 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The US has been assisting Turkey and Arab nations boost their arms deliveries to Syrian rebels in recent months as the armed opposition attempts to unseat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the New York Times reported.
Rio de Janeiro, March 25 (IANS) The 2014 World Cup in Brazil is set to provide a record $5 billion windfall for FIFA, according to audit and consultancy firm BDO.
Cairo, March 24 (IANS) Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi is scheduled to attend the Arab League Summit in Qatar and the BRICS Summit in South Africa March 26-27, reports Xinhua.
Ramallah, March 24 (IANS) US Secretary of State John Kerry has met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jordan, a media report said.
Rio de Janeiro, March 23 (IANS) Former Qatar manager Paulo Autuori has been appointed coach of Brazilian football club Vasco da Gama.
Jerez (Spain), March 22 (IANS) Mahindra Racing completed its programme of pre-season testing in glorious sunshine here Thursday with their riders, Portugal's Miguel Oliveira and Spaniard Efren Vazquez finishing sixth and 16th, respectively, on the time charts in the Moto3 class.
London, Mar 22 (ANI): England captain Steven Gerrard has vowed that he will never turn his back on his country like Rio Ferdinand, saying that he wants to lead his team to the World Cup in Brazil.
London, Mar 21 (ANI): FIFA president Sep Blatter has admitted Qatar could lose the right to stage the World Cup in 2022 as temperatures in the Arab country rise above 50 degrees in summer.
Manama, Mar 21 (ANI): Qatar-based TV network Al Jazeera has planned to broadcast in French and Turkish.
United Nations, March 19 (IANS) Jeffrey Feltman, the UN under-secretary-general for political affairs, has left for a week-long visit to South Asia, which includes stops in Nepal, India and Pakistan, an official said.
Rio de Janeiro, March 17 (IANS) Flamengo sacked coach Dorival Junior after the 50-year-old refused to accept a pay cut, the Brazilian football club has announced.
London, Mar. 17 (ANI): Marks and Spencer is set for an eight billion pounds takeover bid from Qatar.
Montevideo (Uruguay), March 15 (IANS) Uruguay's national football team coach Oscar Tabarez unveiled the squad of 26 players that will take part in qualification matches against Paraguay and Chile in the lead up to the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
Moscow, March 15 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia's foreign ministry has warned the Arab League that its recent decision to give Syria's seat to the opposition National Council would legalise arms supplies to terrorists.
Washington, Mar 11 (ANI): America has denied Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai's claims that the US and the Taliban are working together to spread fear among Afghans.
Islamabad, Mar. 9 (ANI): The current top Taliban peace negotiator might be replaced due to inexperience and will not be able to get the job done.
New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) Hitting out at the "western media war" against the Syrian regime, President Bashar Al-Assad's special envoy Friday urged India and the other BRICS nations to speak out more forcefully to put an end to the raging violence in her country and for a political dialogue to help the Syrian people decide their own future.
Dubai, March 7 (IANS/WAM) Women leaders, ministers, academics and entrepreneurs have gathered in Dubai for the 16th Global Women Leaders Conference (Woibex).
Islamabad, Mar. 6 (ANI): Pakistan Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani has said that the role of international forces' meddling in Afghanistan had led to terrorism in the country.
Abu Dhabi, March 6 (IANS/WAM) The Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013, showcasing the latest products and services in the aviation industry, has begun at the Al Bateen Executive Airport.
Manama, Mar 4 (ANI): FIFA has suggested for the first time that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be moved to winter if medical evidence showed that playing in the intense summer heat would be dangerous.
Aligarh, March 3 (IANS) Noted Malaysian magician Andrew Lee Sunday said India was like a second home for him because of the "love and affection" he has received from the people here.
Damascus, March 3 (Xinhua-ANI): Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has stressed that his departure will not stop the fighting in Syria, adding that it's "nonsense" to suggest that the conflict in the country is about the president and his future.
Tehran, Feb 28 (IANS) Sepahan of Iran defeated al-Nasr of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 3-0 at the AFC Champions League group stage.
Hong Kong, Feb 27 (IANS) Chinese tennis icon Li Na will miss next month's exhibition match in Hong Kong after her ankle injury failed to respond well enough to treatment, organisers announced here Wednesday.
New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS) A total of 52 Indians living outside the country were killed while another 50 committed suicide during 2012 in foreign lands, the Lok Sabha was informed Wednesday.
Tehran, Feb 27 (IANS) Tractor Sazi Tabriz of Iran defeated Al-Jazira of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 3-1 in Group A of Asian Champions League.
Nairobi, Feb 27 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has given a call for a collective regional action to address sand and dust storms.
New Delhi, Feb 25 (IANS) The Gujarat State Petroleum Corp (GSPC) wants to price the natural gas it will produce from the Krishna Godavari (KG) basin block at a rate indexed to the cost of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).
New Delhi, Feb 25 (IANS) The Moscow Kremlin Museum may exhibit jewellery from the priceless collection of Nizam of Hyderabad at an exhibition of Indian jewellery in the Russian capital.
Washington, Feb 25 (IANS) US Secretary of State John Kerry Sunday kicked off an 11-day voyage to nine countries in Europe and the Middle East, the State Department said.
Mumbai, Feb 20 (IANS) Mahindra Racing Wednesday announced the signing of 16-year-old Andrea Locatelli and 17-year-old Michael Rinaldi as the team's new riders for the 2013 season of the Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (CIV) scheduled to begin in Mugello April 6.
Washington, Feb 16 (ANI): American tennis sensation Serena Williams broke down into tears as she became the oldest woman to hold the number one world ranking, following her victory over Czech player Petra Kvitova in the Qatar Open quarterfinals in Doha.
Sydney, Feb 15 (ANI): Maria Sharapova sounded like the most prolific romantic of all the female tennis players by suggesting that she had many lovers on Valentine's Day.
Moscow, Feb 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem and opposition leader Al-Khatib will visit Moscow later this month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.
Islamabad, Feb. 13 (ANI): The Afghan Taliban has dismissed media reports stating that Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman had met Taliban negotiators in Qatar.
Doha, Feb 13 (IANS) Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova easily reached the third round of the Qatar Open, beating French qualifier Caroline Garcia 6-3, 6-2.
Rio de Janeiro, Feb 12 (IANS) Brazilian rivals Atletico Mineiro and Sao Paulo are expected to provide the highlight of the opening week of this year's Copa Libertadores group stage when they clash at Atletico's Estadio Independencia in Belo Horizonte Wednesday.
Islamabad, Feb 10 (IANS) Pakistani political leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has gone on a "private visit" to Qatar to hold talks with the Afghan Taliban, a media report said Sunday.
London, Feb. 10 (ANI): Former England footballer David Beckham still has not decided yet which charity will receive his tax-free salary after he signed with wealthy French club Paris Saint Germain.
Rio de Janeiro, Feb 10 (IANS) Uruguay striker Diego Forlan continued his impressive early season form with a goal each side of half time in Internacional's 3-0 victory over Pelotas in the Brazilian football league.
Doha, Feb 8 (IANS) Chinese women's tennis player Li Na will miss the Qatar Open next week due to the ankle injury she suffered in her Australia Open final where she lost to Victoria Azarenka.
Islamabad, Feb. 7 (ANI): The Afghan Taliban has dismissed the outcome of a conference in London between the leaders of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Britain which aimed to work towards a peace deal within six months.
Madrid, Feb 4 (IANS) FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has become the second player to withdraw from Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad for Wednesday's friendly against Uruguay.
Porto Alegre, Feb 4 (IANS) Striker Diego Forlan fine-tuned his preparation for Uruguay's friendly against Spain slated Wednesday by scoring in Internacional's 2-1 victory over Gremio in Brazil's Campeonato Gaucho.
Madrid, Feb 4 (IANS) Real Madrid soccer star Xabi Alonso pulled out of the Spanish team for the international friendly against Uruguay slated for Wednesday.
Rio de Janeiro, Feb 3 (IANS) Former PSV Eindhoven and Brazil international striker Diego Tardelli rejoined his former club Atletico Mineiro, the Brazilian Serie A outfit confirmed.
Islamabad, Feb. 1 (ANI): US Ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson, has said the United States is ready to open the door for talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, adding that the Afghan Taliban could be part of Afghanistan's future if they met conditions to ensure long-term peace and stability in the war-torn country.
Mumbai, Jan 31 (IANS) Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan Thursday said there are no "bad Muslims" in his movie "Vishwaroopam" but added there was no way he could portray terrorists as "white" characters.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has said that it is the fears of violent protest against the movie "Vishwaroopam" is the cause behind its ban in the state and she has ruled out any grudge against the actor Kamal Kassan. She has also announced that she would file criminal cases
