ABOUT QATAR

Qatar is a small but wealthy country located on a peninsula in the Persian Gulf, sharing its sole land border with Saudi Arabia. 

Known for its vast reserves of oil and natural gas, Qatar has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. The capital city, Doha, is renowned for its futuristic skyscrapers and ultramodern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design.

Qatar was a British protectorate until it gained independence in 1971. Since then, it has transformed into a global hub for finance, education, and culture. It's home to the Al Jazeera Media Network, one of the most influential Arabic news outlets.

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

The nation has heavily invested in hosting major international sporting events, evidenced by its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This move is part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and global engagement.

Entry into Qatar

When planning a trip to Qatar, here are the general entry requirements to be aware of:

Visa Requirements
Nationals from over 100 countries can enter Qatar visa-free. These visitors can stay for varying periods (30 to 90 days) depending on their nationality. For others, Qatar offers a straightforward e-visa process through its official portal.

You can check your entry requirements here.

Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the 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 shoulders and knees. Always check and adhere to specific dress codes for each location, which may be posted onsite 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, often denoted as QAR. Composed of 100 smaller units known as dirhams, the Riyal maintains a stable exchange rate of about 3.64 QAR to 1 USD, due to its peg to the US dollar. 

This fixed rate, established in July 2001, enhances Qatar’s economic predictability and supports its significant global economic engagements, especially in the oil and gas industries. Available in various denominations, both in coin and banknote forms, the Qatari Riyal facilitates daily financial transactions throughout the country.

Electricity

In Qatar, the electricity supply uses Type G plugs, identical to those found in the United Kingdom, characterised by three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern. Here are some specifics about Qatar's electrical setup:

Voltage
The common voltage for electrical outlets in Qatar is 240 volts.

Frequency
The standard frequency of the electrical current is 50 Hz.

Travellers from countries without Type G outlets will require an adapter to connect their devices in Qatar. Furthermore, visitors from areas where the usual voltage ranges from 110 to 120 volts, such as the United States, might need a voltage converter for devices that are not dual-voltage capable. It is crucial to ensure your electronic devices are compatible with these electrical standards to prevent any damage while using them in Qatar.

Mobile services

Qatar boasts a robust and comprehensive mobile network, ensuring seamless connectivity for both locals and visitors. Here are the essentials regarding the mobile services available in the nation:

Leading Operators
Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar dominate the mobile service landscape in Qatar. They provide a broad array of services, including voice calls, SMS, and high-speed data plans suitable for various user needs.

Network Coverage
Exceptional mobile network coverage extends across Qatar, with both 4G LTE and advancing 5G networks predominantly available in urban locales such as Doha. This advancement underscores Qatar's ambitions to evolve into a premier smart city.

SIM Card Acquisition
Prepaid SIM cards are readily available for purchase at various outlets, including airports and shopping malls. Acquiring a SIM card requires presenting a form of identification, usually a passport, in line with local regulations.

Roaming Services
While international roaming services are accessible, they can be quite costly. Visitors might find it more economical to opt for a local SIM card during their stay to reduce expenses.

Variety of Data Plans
Both Ooredoo and Vodafone offer diverse data plans designed to cater to different preferences and needs. These plans may include attractive packages for tourists, featuring both local and international call minutes and data.

Customer Support
Extensive customer service facilities for both Ooredoo and Vodafone are available in major shopping centres. These centres provide multilingual support, accommodating the diverse expatriate population in Qatar.

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
F1 Circuit Medical Center +974 30451571 or 999
Al Khor Hospital: 4474 5654

Interesting facts about Qatar

Qatar captivates with its deep cultural heritage fused with modern advancements. Here are some noteworthy details about this unique country:

Leading in Wealth
With abundant oil and natural gas reserves, Qatar frequently tops the list as the world's wealthiest nation per capita.

2022 FIFA World Cup Host
Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, becoming the first Middle Eastern country to host this event. The country underwent substantial infrastructure enhancements, including the creation of advanced stadiums.

Predominantly Expatriate Population
Expatriates constitute about 88% of Qatar’s total population, positioning it among the top nations globally for its expat-majority populace.

Cultural Epicentre
Doha, the capital, boasts remarkable modern architecture and cultural venues like the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar, both products of famed architects' visions.

Pearl Trading History
Prior to oil, Qatar's economy thrived on pearl diving and trade, establishing it as a major player in the global pearl market.

Educational Excellence
Education City in Qatar is an extensive area that accommodates branches of several world-class universities such as Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, and Northwestern University.

Media Influence
Qatar is home to Al Jazeera, the powerful news network that has profoundly influenced Middle Eastern media.

Visionary Development
Through its National Vision 2030, Qatar is on a path to transform into a more advanced society focused on sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all residents.