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The state of QATAR
General Information
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Qatar is member of the Arab Gulf Cooperation
Council, the Arab League and the United Nations. The official
language is Arabic, but English is widely used. The religion
is Islam; the society draws its traditions and values from
Arab and Muslim culture. The legal system is based on the
Sharia Law; crime rate is one of the lowest in the world.
The streets are safe and private property is seldom vandalized.
Qatar has a desert climate, characterized
by long hot summers and short winters with very little rain.
The land is generally flat with the exception of a few hills
in the North West. Vegetation is sparse, though some farms
have been established in the North.
Shopping in Qatar is very reasonable compared
to countries in the Gulf region. The cost of living, Basic
food and accommodations are relatively inexpensive and prices
are competitive.
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Traditional "souqs" or Arab markets offer a unique shopping
experience where bargaining is a common practice. Modern shopping
malls offer convenience and wide variety of imported consumer goods.
Thursdays and Fridays are official Holidays in Qatar. Shopping malls
are usually open everyday from 8:00am to 10:00pm. The Souqs are
open everyday from 8:00am to 12:00 noon and in the evening from
4:00pm to 9:00pm
The State of Qatar lies on the west coast of the Arabian Peninsula
and extends into the Arabian Gulf. There are 3 hospitals in Qatar:
Places of interest
- Qatar National Museum
- Corniche
- Doha Park
- Al Khor Tower
- Wakrah Museum
- Qatar Golf Club
- Umm Bab
- Ummsaieed
- Alaaddin Kingdom
- Koot Fortress
- Camel & Horse Racing Tracks
- The Zoo
- Al Zubarah Fortress
- Sealine Resort
- Khor Al Udeid
- Dukhan
- Palm Tree Island
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Immigration
All expatriates require valid resident permits to reside and work
in Qatar. Entry visit visa for immediate members of family may also
be obtained upon request. The Immigration Section at the Personnel
Department arranges entry visa applications, resident permits and
renewals and exit permits. .
Driving
The Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior requires all
drivers living in Qatar to hold either a permanent or temporary
licenses based on their residence status; as a Qatari license is
required to drive in the country. Driving on the road is on the
right-hand side Females over 18 years of age are allowed to drive
in Qatar. Driving application forms are available at the Department
of Public Relations.
Schools
There is Government, Private, Embassy and Company run schools;
some follow the American curriculum, some the British and others
like the Embassy schools follow their own country's curriculum.
Government schools are generally for Qatari nationals, although
they may accept other nationalities. Its curriculum is in Arabic.
All other schools impose a monthly or academic term fees. Average
fee per 3 month term could run up to QR2000.00 per child depending
on the school, the child's age and school class.
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