Qatar is a fascinating country with many things to know about it! The IloveQatar.net (ILQ) team has listed some must-know facts about this beautiful country.
Country Facts
Facts about Qatar.Qatar is a peninsula! This Arab country has a land border with Saudi Arabia and is surrounded by the Arabian Gulf.H.H. The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is the current head of state and the Al Thani family has ruled the State of Qatar since 1825.40% of the entire country lives in Doha, as per the Statistic Authority (2020).The country is home to 100+ nationalities. More than 90 countries’ citizens can enter Qatar visa-free.Doha was ranked as the ‘second safest city’ in the world by Numbeo’s 2022 report.Qatar is the richest country in the world by GDP per capita.The week starts on a Sunday in Qatar. Fridays and Saturdays are considered weekends here.Qataris are considered a ‘minority’ in their own country and the total population of Qataris as of March 2022, is 2,826,286 (Planning and Statistics Authority).Qatar’s biggest exports are oil and natural gas, adding to over 97% of the country’s exports. Before the discovery of gas, Qatar’s economy greatly relied on trading, fishing and pearl diving.There is no income tax in Qatar for employees.The Pearl-Qatar, a real estate development in Qatar resembles a string of pearls. It is the first area in which foreigners are allowed to purchase a property.
The Olympic Cycling Track in Qatar holds the Guinness World Records title for the Longest Continuous Cycle Path with 33 km in length and seven meters in width.Qatar is home to the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster inside the theme park – Quest Doha.Msheireb Downtown is a sustainable city located in the heart of Doha. You can find many coffee shops and restaurants here.Khor Al Adaid in Qatar is one of three places in the world where the sea meets the sand dunes.Qatar sees one of the largest gatherings of whale sharks.The second-largest population of dugongs can be found in Qatar.During the winter season, hundreds of flamingos flock to Qatar on their migration from Europe and Siberia to Africa.There are no volcanos or mountains in Qatar.Qurain Abu al-Bawl, located in the south of Qatar is the country’s highest point at 103 metres.Hamad International Airport (HIA) was voted the Best Airport in the World in the 2021 Skytrax World Airport Awards; for the 6th year in a row.Qatar Airways has bagged multiple awards and it was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by Skytrax.Qatar Airways allows travellers to carry falcons in its Economy Class cabins!
National Symbols/Facts
National symbols of Qatar!Qatar’s flag consists of ‘Al Adam’ (maroon colour) with a broad white serrated band (nine white points or isosceles triangles) on the hoist side.Arabic is the national language of Qatar.Qatar’s National Anthem ‘As Salam al Amiri’ was adopted in December 1996. Islam is Qatar’s national religion, and Qataris are largely Sunni Muslims.Qatar’s National Day is celebrated on 18 December every year.Each Tuesday of the second week of February is celebrated as Qatar National Sport Day.In Qatar, the Thobe is the national attire for men whereas the Abaya is the national attire for women.Qatar’s national currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR).Qatar Airways is Qatar’s national airline.The Arabian Oryx is Qatar national animal.The Falcon is Qatar’s national bird.The Sidra Tree is Qatar’s national tree.Qataf is Qatar’s national flower.Machboos, a rice-based dish, is Qatar’s national dish.The Ardha (traditional sword dance) is Qatar’s national dance.
Tradition, Culture & Food Facts
Traditional Gahwa.Robots are used for camel racing in Qatar.Qatar’s traditional boats are called ‘dhows’. You can ride on one of them at the Doha Corniche.Karak, tea with sweetened condensed milk, is a popular drink in Qatar. Arabic coffee also called ‘Gahwa‘ is usually served to guests here.Spices, dates, bukhoor, Gahwa cup sets and desert rose crystals are some of the souvenirs you can take back from Qatar.Souq Waqif is a great place to experience the culture and traditions of Qatar, including traditional food.You can find camel meat being served at some of the restaurants in Qatar.You can also find a dedicated Falcon Hospital at Qatar’s Souq Waqif.
Qatar 2022 Facts
Image credit: Qatar AirwaysQatar is the first Middle Eastern country to be hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022(TM).Qatar is also the smallest country ever to be hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022(TM).The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022(TM) final will coincide with Qatar National Day on 18 December 2022.Stadium 974 (formally known as Ras Abu Aboud Stadium) in Qatar is the first demountable FIFA World Cup(TM) stadium.Qatar 2022 will be the first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup(TM) in the history of the event.
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