Geography Qatar is a peninsula some 11,437 square kilometers in size, located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf Demography The total population is presently in the region of 600,000 and has been increasing at a rate of 9% annually in recent years Caner population centers include Dukhan on me west coast, Mesaieed and Al Wakra in the south, and Ras Laffan and Al Khor in the dh The development of the Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) is creating an expansion of population in the northern part of the country, particularly in Al Khor and areas adjoining Ras Laffan 2 Climate The country has a moderate desert climate with hot summers and mild winters Winter nights can be cool, but temperatures rarely drop below 7 degrees Celsius Temperatures and humidity rise in coastal cities and towns during summer Rainfall is scarce (average 70mm per year), falling on isolated days mainly between October and March History Archeological discoveries, inscriptions and artifacts prove that the land of Qatar was populated as early as 4000 BC In the 5th century BC, the Greek historian, Herodotus, referred to the original seafaring inhabitants of Qatar Qatar played an important role in the Islamic civilization when its inhabitants participated in the formation and provision of the first naval fleet, which was assembled to transport the army during the Islamic conquests More The Qatari Flag The national flag is maroon with a broad vertical white stripe at the pole, the two colors being separated with a nine-point serrated line The white color signifies the internationally recognized symbol of peace The maroon color symbolizes the blood shed during the several wars Qatar has undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century Government The Emir is the Ruler of the State. Rule in Qatar is hereditary within the family of Al Thani, whereby power is transferred from father to son. In case no son is available power is transferred to the person whom the Emir chooses within the family of Al Thani His Highness the Emir is the head of the constitutional authorities, holding both legislative and executive powers. The Emir appoints the prime minister and ministers More International Relations Qatar, with proven gas reserves of over 900 trillion standard cubic feet in its huge North Field, and oil reserves of over 4.4 billion barrels, has one of the fastest growing economies and highest per capita incomes in the world In just decades, it has developed as a major global supplier of energy and is set to become the largest exporter of LNG in the world and a world leader in gas-to-liquids (GTL) production More Member of *The United Nations (UN) Petroleum *The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) *The Organization of the Arab Exporting Countries (OAPEC) *The Arab League More Languages and Religion The official language of the country is Arabic. but English is widely spoken and understood All official documents (such as visa and residents permit applications) must be completed in Arabic Language & Religion Islam is the official religion of the try, and Shari’s (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation Transport & Communication The country is well served by Doha International Airport, which is located close to the centre of the city Metered taxis and limousines are easy to find. There is a limited public transport system which operates between neighboring towns Car hire companies are located at the airport and at all major hotels More

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Welcome To Qatar... The territory of the State comprises a number of islands including Halul, Sheraouh Beshairiya, Al Safliya and Al Aaliyahttp The coastline covers more than 700km with shallow coastal waters in most areas The terrain is flat and rocky, covered with sand flats and dunes. There are some exceptional low-rising limestone outcrops in the north and northwest of the country The surface of Qatar is characterized by a variety of geographical phenomena and there are many coves and inlets scattered along the coastline The country is centrally placed among the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which groups it with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman Activities in Qatar... There are a lots of activates take placed in Qatar in different issues , i.e. sports , shopping , song festivals , shows , & conferences. An Island in the Sun ... There was a time when Palm Tree Island was just a barren sand bar in the middle of Doha Bay. Now, individuals and families are attracted year round by its lush vegetation, landscaped gardens, sandy beaches, restaurants and amusements. What’s more, it has become a popular venue for formal and informal corporate gatherings ‘Al Nakhil’ Island is just a five-minute dhow trip from the jetty near the Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort on the Corniche, making ‘getting there’ part of the fun. The Island is administered by Qatar National Hotels Company (QNHC) and often hosts special celebratory events on occasions like Eid. But during the rest of the year, it provides an ideal ‘away from it all’ setting where children can roam freely without the danger of being run over by cars.Despite its ‘Robinson Cruso’ feeling the island is so close to the city that just to go for a couple of hours is worthwhile – you spend all your time thee, rather than getting there! Those with more free time may choose to make a full-day excursion out of the trip. For many families here in Qatar experiencing the benefits of the new two-day weekend, the bonus of added leisure time is balanced by the question of where to take the kids so that they don’t get bored. Where Palm Tree Island triumphs is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on a day out [The QR 15 adult, QR10 child ticket pays for the return dhow trip and entry to the island; once you’re there, it’s up to you whether or not you buy ticket for the amusement rides, games or water activities – you can wander the gardens and use the beach or splashpool without any additional charge]. And for those families without their own transport or mothers who don’t drive, it just means a walk or taxi drive to the Corniche and the opportunity to get right out of town The island’s beach has changing rooms and shaded cabanas; the sandy shallows are suitable for young children under supervision yet the deeper water further out appeals to enthusiastic swimmers. The splash pool enables parents to closely supervise youngsters in the water without the necessity of taking them onto the beach. Some water sports equipment is available for hire on the island. Always popular amongst the younger ones are the ride-on amusements and the bumper boats on the island’s small pond.Palm Tree Island has both a restaurant and cafeteria, providing everything from a snack to a barbecue or gourmet meal. A traditional Arabic shisha nestles on the water’s edge, making a popular meeting place. The restaurant offers the choice of dining inside – or out on the terrace. At night time, the view across the bay is spectacular. Whilst individuals and their families are always welcomed on Palm Tree island, it also regularly hosts corporate dinners, annual family days for large companies and smaller corporate, club or group gatherings. Certainly the island makes a pleasing alternative venue to the traditional hotels or clubhouses and the menus are according to client requirements – picnic, barbecue or silver service. Family events may be better suited to casual picnics on the grass – where people can eat when they become hungry; buffets – indoors or out – give a wide choice of dishes but still permit people to serve themselves, as do the barbecues, whilst more formal gatherings can also be catered to. Musems and clubs... The capital of Qatar, Doha is situated halfway down the east coast of the peninsula. It is an important cultural and commercial centre and enjoys excellent communications with the outside world through its modern seaport, airport and telephone links. Asian games Sept 2004... After swapping comments in the newspapers, 2004's two dominant steeplechasers, Kenya's Ezekiel Kemboi and Qatari Saif Saaeed Shaheen (formerly Kenyan Stephen Cherono) finally settled things on the track this month. Shaheen, who switched his nationality to late to be eligible to compete in the Olympic Games, was not in Athens. That race was won by Kemboi, with fellow Kenyans Brimin Kipruto and Paul Kipsiele Koech taking silver and bronze. Musa Obaid Amer (the former Kenyan Moses Kipchirchir) finished fourth in Athens, while Khamis Abdullah Saifeldin, the a former Sudanese running for Qatar finished 12th and last. The buying and selling of Kenyan athletes has angered the Kenyan athletics establishment. In early September, Kemboi vowed to get the steeplechase World Record back from Shaheen. In Brussels, this month, Shaheen responded by lowering the steeplechase world record to 7:53.63. A week later in Monaco, Shaheen attempting another record, ran 7:56.94, besting Kemboi by 50 meters. After the race, Shaheen uttered the astonishing claim that his objective in the Monaco race was to run 7:45 so he could be certain that his record would not be menaced. Shaheen may show up in Algiers to run for Qatar in the Arab Games, with the rivalry with his former Kenyan compatriots to continue, next season. Nations without female ... Nations without female participants in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games September, 5, 2004 According to the International Olympic Committee, nine of the 202 participating NOCs did not send a female participant to the games. The list for 2004 includes; British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Liechtenstein, Netherlands Antilles, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. The number of NOCs without female athletes has fallen from 35 in Barcelona, to 26 in Atlanta, 9 in Sydney and 9 in Athens. Baseball ... to Asian Games ... May 27, 2004 Doha 2006 Asian Games organizers are "working hard to add baseball and softball" to the 2006 games, according to Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani, the director general of the organizing committee. Strong lobbying from Japan and games sponsors in Japan, have convinced organizers to try and include baseball and softball in the games. The organizing committee will take the proposal before the Olympic Council of Asia on July 1. Doha organizers would also like to add canoe/kayak events, rowing and bodybuilding, for a total of 38 sports. If approved this would be a record number of sports for the games. Baseball has been a part of the last four Asian Games, in Beijing in 1990, Hiroshima in 1994, Bangkok in 1998 and Busan in 2002. South Korea has won the last two gold medal games. Al Qahtani was quoted in Malaysia's Star newspaper saying, “Actually, we don't have a field. We don't have a stadium. But now we have allocated the land sufficient for baseball.” Al Qahtani was still certain that there would be a good chance that Baseball and softball would be added to the games. Triathlon and chess have already been added as new sports for the 2006 games, with chess a very popular game in Qatar. World Tennis... to Asian Games06... March 5, 2004 Doha is hosting the World Table Tennis Team Championships and delegations from other Asian nations are watching closely, considering the event as one of the first indicators of how the 2006 Asian Games will be organized. International Table Tennis Federation President Adam Sharara has complimented the organization saying the event has been "very successful, transport and accommodation are working well, and the conditions of play are excellent." Tournament director Abdulla Al Mulla said that basic infrastructure, and lack of hotel space are some of the problems that Doha will need to overcome before 2006. News reports cited the Qatar Tennis Open, being held at the same time, as one reason for poor attendance at the table tennis venue, forgetting that at the Asian Games there will be far more events to compete with for spectators. The reports also mentioned that the Qatar International Exhibition Centre could be upgraded in its general organization, presentation and safety. Asian Games organizers are taking the information an putting plans into place to make the necessary changes for the 2006 games. Cities... Doha is a mixture of old anf new, traditional and modern. Strolling on the sea-front Corniche, you will be struck by the expanding and rising urban skyline, while dhows line the quay on the other side. Palm Tree Island beckons from the centre of the bay. Sports Medicine-Drugs and Crime... United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime