Qatar Country

Introduction
A secret newly revealed to the outside world. It only began issuing tourist visas in 1989, but after a slow start Qatar has begun to reap the benefits of its new openness. Visitors are welcomed to a land of glitzy new hotels, towering sand dunes, ancient rock carvings and distinctive architecture.

Destination Facts
Capital: Doha
Emir: Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani
Prime Minister: Hamad ibn Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani
Government: traditional monarchy
Time zone: GMT +3
Area: 11400
Population: 800000
Languages: Arabic
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QR)
Country Dialing Code: 974

Getting There
Because the heat is so fierce in the summer and sandstorms are so common in spring and winter, the best time to visit is November or late February to early March. During these times the weather is much milder, with pleasant, even chilly evenings and the odd rainy day. For the sports-minded, key international fixtures will make a trip to Qatar worth the effort whatever season, and, in Doha at least, there are plenty of air-conditioned facilities to make even the worst summer tolerable. It's also worth remembering that summer brings to the desert its own consolations, like mirages and halos of heat above the sand.

Getting there and away
One of four part-owners of Gulf Air (along with Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman), Qatar also has its own national carrier, Qatar Airways. If you fly either of these airlines you can get to Doha from anywhere in the Gulf, most of Asia, as well as from New York, Europe and a number of cities in India and Pakistan. There are also occasional flights from Bangkok, Cairo, Melbourne and Nairobi. The added competition has not made a dent in the high cost of airfares; flights between Qatar and New York are particularly expensive. There's no departure tax from Doha. Qatar has no bus or taxi service to neighbouring Saudi Arabia, but you can cross over the border in your own car if you have a valid visa.

Getting around
Qatar's small, serviceable airport is in the south-eastern section of Doha. Qatar does not have a bus or service-taxi system, so regular taxis and rented cars are your only options for getting to and from the airport and around the country. You can rent a car on most foreign licences; driving can be a little hairy, but you should be able to get a decent car in Doha or at the airport for around 30.00 a day.

Visa:
Everyone except nationals of other Gulf States needs a visa to enter Qatar. Visas are obtainable at the airport for many nationalities for 50.00. Embassies and large hotels within the country can sponsor visas. Israeli passport holders are not allowed in Qatar.

Weather
For half the year, the climate across the plains of Qatar is pretty unforgiving. During summer (May to September), temperatures generally average 35 ° C (95 ° F), but it's not uncommon for the mercury to rise to 50 ° C (122 ° F). The 90% humidity that comes with this time of year sags over the peninsular like a bad hangover and frequent sandstorms are an added irritation. During winter months (December-February) there's the odd shower but the days are mild and pleasant and evenings are cool. Throughout the year, but especially in spring, Qatar is subject to sandstorms; rainstorms can also hit the country in December and January, causing road closures.