ABOUT QATAR

Qatar, a small yet affluent country located on a peninsula in the Persian Gulf, shares its only land border with Saudi Arabia.

Renowned for its substantial oil and natural gas reserves, Qatar boasts one of the highest per capita incomes globally. The capital city, Doha, is famous for its futuristic skyscrapers and ultramodern architecture, which draws inspiration from ancient Islamic design. Formerly a British protectorate, Qatar gained independence in 1971 and has since evolved into a global hub for finance, education, and culture. It is also home to Al Jazeera Media Network, a highly influential Arabic news outlet.

Culturally, Qatar is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions but is rapidly modernising and diversifying its economy through significant investments in education, science, and technology. Doha's Education City hosts campuses of several international universities.

The nation has made substantial investments in hosting major international sporting events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as part of a broader strategy to enhance tourism and global engagement.

Entry into Qatar

When planning a trip to Qatar, it's important to be aware of the general entry requirements:

Visa Requirements
Citizens from over 100 countries can enter Qatar without a visa, allowing them to stay for periods ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on their nationality. For those who need a visa, Qatar provides a simple e-visa application process through its official portal.

You can check your entry requirements here.

Passport Validity
Your passport must have a validity of at least six months from your date of entry into Qatar.

Travel Advice & Safety

Qatari laws and customs differ significantly from those in Western countries such as Europe and the USA. Here are some important guidelines and advice for anyone visiting or living in Qatar:

Legal Assistance
If you are arrested or detained, immediately request that the police or prison officials notify your embassy in Doha for consular support.

Drug Regulations
The use or possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited, with severe penalties including long prison sentences. Additionally, carrying medications for HIV or hepatitis, or testing positive for these conditions, can lead to detention and possible deportation.

Marital Laws and Sexual Offences
Engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage is illegal. Victims of sexual assault could, paradoxically, find themselves facing charges of adultery. If you face such a situation, seek consular assistance and guidance on support services without delay.

LGBTQ+ Rights
Homosexual relations between men are strictly illegal and punishable by harsh penalties such as lashing, long-term imprisonment, or deportation. Relations between women are not explicitly illegal but are still heavily frowned upon due to conservative cultural norms.

Dress Code and Public Behavior
When in public, including at tourist sites, shopping malls, and government buildings, dress conservatively by covering your shoulders and knees. Always check and adhere to specific dress codes for each location, which may be posted on site or available online.

Communication Etiquette
Exercise caution when discussing Qatari culture, government policies, or commercial services online. Public criticism, including social media posts about personal experiences at hotels or restaurants, can be prosecuted under cybercrime laws.

Currency

Qatar's official currency is the Qatari Riyal, abbreviated as QAR. The Riyal is divided into 100 smaller units called dirhams. The exchange rate is pegged to the US dollar at a stable rate of approximately 3.64 QAR to 1 USD, a rate fixed since July 2001.

This stability aids Qatar's economic predictability and supports its global economic activities, particularly in the oil and gas sectors. The Qatari Riyal is available in various denominations, both in coins and banknotes, facilitating everyday financial transactions across the country.

Electricity

In Qatar, the electrical outlets use Type G plugs, the same as those used in the United Kingdom, featuring three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern. Key details of Qatar's electrical system include:

• Voltage: The standard voltage for electrical outlets is 240 volts.
• Frequency: The standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Travellers from countries with different plug types will need an adapter to use their devices in Qatar. Additionally, visitors from regions with standard voltages between 110 and 120 volts, such as the United States, might need a voltage converter for devices that are not dual-voltage. Ensuring compatibility with these electrical standards is crucial to avoid damage to electronic devices.

Mobile services

Qatar offers a robust and comprehensive mobile network, ensuring excellent connectivity for both residents and visitors. Here are the essentials regarding mobile services in Qatar:

Leading Operators
Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar are the primary mobile service providers, offering a wide range of services, including voice calls, SMS, and high-speed data plans.

Network Coverage
Qatar has exceptional mobile network coverage, with widespread availability of both 4G LTE and 5G networks, especially in urban areas like Doha. This reflects Qatar's goal of becoming a leading smart city.

SIM Card Acquisition
Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at various locations, including airports and shopping malls. Buying a SIM card requires identification, typically a passport, in accordance with local regulations.

Roaming Services
International roaming is available but can be expensive. It is often more economical for visitors to purchase a local SIM card to save on costs.

Variety of Data Plans
Both Ooredoo and Vodafone offer a range of data plans to suit different needs and preferences, including special packages for tourists that include local and international call minutes and data.

Customer Support
Comprehensive customer service for both Ooredoo and Vodafone is available in major shopping centres, offering multilingual support to cater to Qatar's diverse expatriate population.

However, if you're not local and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo (more details here).

Important telephone numbers

There are several important phone numbers in Qatar that residents and visitors should know for emergencies and basic services. Here are some of the most important ones:

Emergency services
Police, fire, and medical emergencies: 999
Worldwide Emergency (from mobile phones): 112
Traffic Patrol Police Department (Madinat Khalifa): 2344 4444
Circuit Medical Center: +974 44459555 or 999
Al Khor Hospital: 4474 5654

Interesting facts about Qatar

Leading in Wealth
Qatar frequently ranks as the world's wealthiest nation per capita, thanks to its abundant oil and natural gas reserves.

2022 FIFA World Cup Host
As the first Middle Eastern country to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Qatar made significant infrastructure improvements, including the construction of state-of-the-art stadiums.

Predominantly Expatriate Population
With expatriates making up about 88% of its total population, Qatar is one of the leading nations globally in terms of its expat-majority populace.

Cultural Epicentre
Doha, the capital, features striking modern architecture and cultural landmarks such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar, designed by renowned architects.

Pearl Trading History
Before the discovery of oil, Qatar's economy was driven by pearl diving and trade, making it a significant player in the global pearl market.

Educational Excellence
Education City in Qatar hosts branches of several prestigious universities, including Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, and Northwestern University.

Media Influence
Home to the influential Al Jazeera news network, Qatar has significantly impacted media in the Middle East.

Visionary Development
Through its National Vision 2030, Qatar aims to become a more advanced society, focusing on sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for all its residents.