Know more about Qatar: Some Interesting Facts
Qatar, a sovereign Arab state, is an amazing location in the Middle East. The country entices people to know more and more about it. Featured as one of the 20 peaceful countries in the world by the Global Peace Index 2013, the country focuses on the growth of its people.
If you are planning to live in Qatar and work one day, take out some time to know about this location. Here are some interesting things about Qatar:
• The World Bank has recognized Qatar as a high-income economy. Qatar is an emerging global destination for expatriates to live and work. The World Bank also recognizes the country as a high-income economy.
• In 1971, Qatar gained its independence from the UK and emerged as an independent sovereign state. It has an absolute monarchy and is ruled by the Al Thani family since 1825. The present (8th) Emir of the country is Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
• Qatar’s National Vision 2030 aims to provide a high standard of living to its people and ensure sustainable development.
• Qatar will host one of the mega events, FIFA World Cup in 2022. For this, 12 eco-friendly stadiums will be built to host over 80,000 people. This has presented Qatar as the first Arab country to host this event.
• Every year, Qatar hosts the MotoGP, the motorcycling Grand Prix of Doha. If you have a passion for bike racing, the country offers an excellent event to witness.
• If you are new to the place, there are several online resources such as Doha Tweetups, which can be a great source to know about the new events and activities.
• The national language is Arabic, but the large expatriate population in Qatar speaks other languages, including English, French, Tagalog, and Urdu.
• For movie buffs, the Doha Film Institute screens popular films on a regular basis. Several cinema theatres are available at different malls in Qatar. Music lovers can catch up classical music, live jazz or any other musical events every now and then around Qatar. One can enjoy open-air concerts on weekends at the Museum of Islamic Art Park.
• The country’s economic growth is mainly based on its Natural Gas & Petroleum industries, and is now the leading exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas. However, before oil discovery, its economy was exclusively based on pearl hunting and fishing.
• Income is tax-free in Qatar. The unemployment rate was 0.1% in June 2013. This makes the country one of the preferred destinations among expat job seekers.
• Qatar National Day is celebrated every year on December 18 to commemorate the nation’s independence from Britain. Primarily being an Islamic country, other occasions, such as Eid-Al-Adha and Eid-Al-Fitr are celebrated every year in a grand manner.
• The traditional camel race is something, which you cannot miss at any cost. It is held every winter in Al Shahaniya.
• Originally, Qatar is a desert, however, a wide range of fauna and flora also exist. One can experience the natural beauty on Purple Island, a fish-shaped island in the township of Al Khor.
• Winters in Qatar are much cooler, while the summers are usually harsh with temperature reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius.
So, come and discover the place!
