Doha - capital of Qatar

Qatar, pronounced KA-tar,  is a small Arab country, officially known as an emirate, ruled by the al-Thani family since the mid 1800s. Qatar is absolute monarchy, it has emirate-type government which is the legal system that combines Islamic and civil law codes mostly controlled by the current ruler, Amir.

It is located in the Middle East, on a limestone peninsular protruding north into the Persian Gulf, with sand dunes in the south and an otherwise flat desert throughout the rest of the country. It borders with Saudi Arabia to the south and the rest of the country is surrounded by the Persian Gulf. The capital of Qatar is Doha, which is also one of the biggest cities of the country. Qatar reinvented itself from a poor British territory dependant on a pearling industry to an independent state with substantial assets in natural gas and oil deposits. These assets not only enable Qatar to have the highest per capita incomes in the world, but attract businessmen who are entertained by luxurious and expensive attractions.

Recent discoveries date pre-historic Qatar to the 6^th century BC, most of the attractions are modern day monuments where billions of dollars are being invested in the tourism and sporting industries. One such monument is the Pearl-Qatar: a multi-billion dollar man-made island, aiming to be an exclusive home for international residents and a holiday destination with a lavish array of attractions within the Riviera Arabia, reminiscent of the glamour and style of the French Riviera . The other attraction is the Villaggio Mall, a spectacular shopping centre in Venetian style with a canal where you can ride in gondolas while taking a break from shopping. There is also to be built a new shopping centre dubbed to be the longest in the world. Nevertheless, Qatar is not only dominated by modern monuments but offers a number of water sports that can be enjoyed in the blue Arabian Sea, such as kite-surfing and jet skis, and of course one should not miss a safari tour in the desert.

What is vey interesting about Qatar is the fact that it is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world with lowest crime rate. What is more, if you visit Qatar, which is an Islamic country, you have to be aware of that there is strict policy toward alcoholic beverages. There is a liquor store in Doha but to purchase alcohol, you must have a special license which can only be obtained by having a written letter of permission from your employer. Alcoholic beverages where served in hotels are expensive, and while it is not forbidden you will find that your alcohol will be confiscated on your arrival at the airport with a receipt issued valid for two weeks where you can reclaim on departure. Qatar is a surprising oasis in the desert where you will find a country reinvented and catering to all Arabian fantasies.