Annual core sports in the State of Qatar 2012

Tennis
Championship Doha ExxonMobil Open ATP - Men
Sony Ericsson Championship International Series - Women

Championship Doha ExxonMobil Open ATP and Sony Ericsson Championship International Series stations patrols in the sessions of professional tennis for men and women.

Masters Tournament in golf sponsored by commercial banks
Since 1998 has become the Qatar Masters in Golf patrol station on the agenda of the European courses for professionals and has seen participation of a number of leading professional golfers in the world.

$ 40 billion value of real estate investments of Qatar

Imposed Qatar very rich herself star in the International Property Show "Mipim" in Cannes, France, especially thanks to its wings, huge compared to the Palais des Festivals in the Mediterranean city famous, in a time of increasing appetite of this country to invest in real estate across the world and on its territory as well.

The head of the company Lusail Real Estate Issa Mohammed Ali Galadari told AFP was "We are very ambitious because we want to diversify our investments thanks to the wealth generated by gas," according to Agence France-Presse.

Lucile is one of three national real estate companies participate in the exhibition alongside the "Qatari Diar" and "Musheireb real estate."

Qatar has launched no less than fifty real estate projects in about thirty countries with a total value of up to forty billion dollars, according to Galadari.

521 billion dollars of oil revenues in Arabian Gulf 2012

The value of stocks of oil and gas in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) $ 65 trillion according to current prices, representing about a third of the total value of global stocks of oil and gas, which is about 200 trillion dollars, while oil and gas revenues for the governments of the region during 2012 about 521 billion dollars according to a report issued "QNB Capital" today.

Equal to the value of stocks and 47 times the previous estimates of gross domestic product in the GCC countries during 2012, or it is equal to 93% of global GDP, and is equal to 125 times the value of oil and gas revenues for the governments of the region over the past year.

Although the extraction operations for decades, estimates of "QNB Capital" indicates that the current oil reserves in the region, and at current production levels, will continue for a period of 70 years, while gas reserves will last for 118 years. Thus, the optimal use of this stock will be the economic future of the GCC countries during the next century.

Understanding The Customs and Traditions Of Qatar 2012

Understanding The Customs and Traditions Of Qatar

The local customs and traditions of Qatar are similar to those of the six other states of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Religion has a considerable effect on these, considering Islam's predominance in this part of the world. But Qatar's society is not a closed one. In fact, Qatar has successfully mixed modernity with its traditions, and this has become evident with the heightened interest the international community is showing towards this Emirate.

In Qatar, courtesy is an important trait that should not be lacking in a host when dealing with his guests. He has to observe his manners and be polite when speaking. In general, homes in Qatar have two "majalis" (literally, a place of sitting). These majalis are rooms where the owner of the house receives guests. There is one majalis to receive male guests and another one for female guests.

The Ten Official Qatar Holidays 2012

The Ten Official Qatar Holidays

The beautiful city of Qatar in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially observes ten holidays every year. Of these ten official Qatar holidays, five are marked as important dates on the Islamic calendar. These are the Islamic New Year, Eid Milad an Nabi, Lailat al Miraj, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha.

The other three official Qatar holidays are exclusive to Qatar or the UAE (The Qatar Shopping Festival, His Highness Sheikh Zayed's Ascension Day, and the National Day), while the last two are observances adopted from Western tradition (New Year's Day and Christmas).



Let's understand the significance of each of these holidays:

The Animals On Show at The Qatar Zoo

The Animals On Show at The Qatar Zoo

Tourists in Qatar have many things to do and still a lot of places to see. The Qatar Zoo is one of these. This is especially true for those who have a particular interest in the many kinds, types or species of animals.

The Qatar Zoo is located opposite the Jumeirah Beach. It was built by a man named Otto Bulart in 1967. The zoo sits on a 5-acre land on the coastal residential area of Jumeirah. It marks the end or edge of the town, and for this Qatar Zoo is considered an important landmark of Qatar.

The Qatar Zoo is the oldest zoo in the entire Arabian Peninsula. In the early 1970s, the Municipality of Qatar took over the management and operation of the zoo. In the first two years of its operation, the zoo had very few animals on show. Included were the usual big cats (lions, pumas, tigers, and jaguars), several hoofed animals, and some monkeys. A few kinds of fish and some reptiles were likewise on show in an aquarium section.

The Qatar Mall: World's Largest Shopping and Recreation Complex

The Qatar Mall: World's Largest Shopping and Recreation Complex

The world's largest shopping mall opened its doors for business on November 4, 2008. The Qatar Mall, located at the heart of Qatar City and part of the Burj Qatar, has a total area of 1,124,000 sq. m. (12.1 million sq. ft.), surpassing the 890,000 sq. m. (9.58 million sq. ft.) area of the New South China Mall, which opened three years earlier in Dongguan, China.

To give you a better picture of how large the Qatar Mall is, its total area is comparable to the size of about fifty soccer fields. Its total internal floor area is 548,128 sq. m. (5.9 million sq. ft.), and its leasable space is equivalent to 350,244.5 sq. m. (3.77 million sq. ft.). Inside it are about 15 distinct malls.

The amount of materials used so far in the construction of Qatar Mall speaks of the massiveness of this shopping and recreation complex: more than 13,800 tons of structural steel; more than 179,303 sq. m. (1.93 million sq. ft.) of stone and tile works; and more than 2,600 pieces of external pre-cast completed.

Popular Qatar Foods To Enjoy 2012

Popular Qatar Foods To Enjoy

Tourists to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visiting Qatar for the first time will find many varieties of food in that beautiful emirate. Most of the popular Qatar foods you may have read or heard about are traditional Arabic foods that are also available in other places in the Middle East.

To enjoy as much of the different Qatar foods as you can, it is recommended that you observe the "mezze" when dining. Mezze is that type of dining popular in most cultures in the Middle East, in which the diner tries out several small amounts of different dishes during each course.

Some of the favorite Qatar foods include falafel, hommus, ghuzi, matchbous, the very popular shawarma, and, of course, the equally popular roti.



For those who have not tasted any of these yet, here's a brief description of each:

Falafel:

This is the Arabic version of French fry. It is prepared by mixing chickpeas and several different spices. It is then deep-fried and made into a cutlet. It is usually served as a side dish.

Hommus:

This is made from chickpeas, which are cooked, mashed, and then mixed with olive oil, tahini (paste made from sesame seeds), lemon juice, garlic, and salt. It is served as a spread or dip.

Ghuzi:

This dish is popularly served in many restaurants in Qatar. It is made of a whole roast lamb served on top of rice mixed with vegetables and nuts. Frequent visitors to Qatar say that a trip there wouldn't be complete without having tasted this delicious preparation.

Matchbous:

This is another very popular Qatar food. It is composed of spiced lamb, tomato stew, and rice. The dish is especially a favorite when served with loomi, a spice made from ripe limes boiled in salt water and dried.

Shawarma:

This is probably the most popular food in Qatar. It is made of either lamb or chicken, thoroughly cooked and mixed with fries, tomatoes, pickle, and garlic sauce. The mixed ingredients are then wrapped in a small roti (Arabic bread) and served. Preparation of shawarma may vary from one restaurant to another; hence, its taste too.

While you're at it, you may want to try any of the special fruit juices prepared in most shawarma stores. One of the favorites is the strawberry-banana blend.

Roti:

This is a special type of Arabic bread that is a part of most, if not all, of Qatar foods. Roti, which is much like a tortilla in appearance, is traditionally made with plain flour and baked in clay ovens. It usually goes well with matchbous or ghuzi, but is especially tasty with Indian curries.

Three other popular Qatar foods are wara enab (rice-filled vine leaves), tabbouleh (crushed wheat mixed with minced mint and parsley), and haries (lamb cooked very slowly and made tender, and served with wheat).

Of course, dining in Qatar, as in anywhere else, should conclude with a dessert. Some of the favorites are esh asaraya (cream-topped cheesecake), umm ali (bread pudding), and mehalabiya (a pudding sprinkled with bits of pistachios).

Least Known Qatar Heritage Sites

Least Known Qatar Heritage Sites

Qatar is one of the seven states (called emirates) that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE), although it is known to have existed about 150 years prior to the establishment of the UAE. One written account, in fact, gives the impression that Qatar already existed as early as 1095.

Heritage sites understandbly line this old emirate, with Al Fahid Fort being the most famous. The fort, which was built in 1787, houses the equally famous Qatar Museum. Next in the list of the well-known Qatar heritage sites is Sheikh Saeed's House, the official residence of the sovereign who ruled Qatar for 46 years beginning 1912, which was built in 1896.

The list of Qatar heritage sites is simply long and, because of this, some are not known to even those who frequent the rich state. Three of the least known heritage sites in Qatar, which nonetheless represent or carry some of the most important parts of Qatar's rich culture and tradition, are the Philately House, the House of the Camels, and the House of the Horses.



Philately House:

This heritage site was originally built in 1905 from the large leaves of the palm tree, and stayed that way for the next 25 years. In 1930, it was reconstructed to a two-story building and, much later, was renovated to its present-day museum structure.

The Philately House, as its name infers, is a gallery for the exhibition of the state's collections of historical stamps and postmarks. More importantly, the museum showcases the history of the post as well as the development of the postal services and activities, not only in Qatar but likewise in the entire UAE.

Travelers to Qatar can find the Philately House at the Al-Bastakiyah heritage area in the historic district of Bur Qatar.

House of the Camels:

Called "Beit Al-Rekkab" in Arabic, the House of the Camels is a relatively young edifice, having been built only in the 1940s. Nevertheless, it is considered a very important heritage site in the whole of the UAE in that it showcases the history of one of the Arab people's closely-guarded prides - the camel.

Visitors to the House of the Camels will gain valuable knowledge about these amazing desert mammals - their species and the names by which they're called in Arabic, their anatomy, and their special relationship with the Arab people.

The House of the Camels stands next to Sheikh Saeed's House in the Al-Shindagha neighborhood.

House of the Horses:

This heritage site actually was conceived based on the very same principle that guided Qatar in building the House of the Camels; only this time, the less enduring but more agile horses are the subjects or honorees.

The House of the Horses was also built in the 1940s, and was originally used as the residence of the late Sheikha Moza bint Saeed Al-Maktoum. The building was renovated into its current museum status, in which everything about horses - from their history, bloodlines and names to their importance to the Arab people - is exhibited.

The House of the Horses can found in the same Al-Shindagha neighborhood where the House of the Camels is located.

Other Qatar heritage sites worth visiting are The Bastakiya, Hatta Heirtage Village, Burj Nahar, Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, Bait Al Nakeel, Heritage and Diving Village, Al Ahmadiya School and Heritage House, and Neif Museum.

Low-Cost Qatar Accommodations

Low-Cost Qatar Accommodations

Tourists traveling in Qatar are kept busy by the many attractions the city offers. There are festivals to see, sporting events to watch, and malls to do endless shopping at.

A big part of a tourist's itinerary is ensuring his or her accommodation. Accommodation in Qatar is easily obtained with its many hotels - both luxury and cheap ones.

Some of the luxury hotels in Qatar include the Palm Tree Court and Spa, Regent Beach Resort, Oasis Beach Hotel, Sheraton Sumerian Beach Resort and Spa, Qatar Marine Beach Resort and Spa, Royal Ascot Hotel, Sea View Hotel, Carlton Tower Hotel, Coral Deira Hotel; the list is long.


But there also are low-cost Qatar accommodations, and a tourist can choose to stay in one of these without sacrificing the comfort and convenience that he or she deserves after a busy day. The Al Sham Hotel Qatar, Panorama Hotel Bur Qatar, Semiramis Hotel, San Marco Hotel, Queens Hotel, New Peninsula Hotel, and Eureka Hotel are just some of those included in the equally long list of low-cost Qatar accommodations.

The Al Sham Hotel Qatar:

This hotel, which is located in the Deira district, is ideal for those who prefer to stay in a central location. It is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the airport and is near the Gold Souk and some of the shopping malls in the city. Beach transfers may be arranged here.

The Panorama Hotel Bur Qatar:

This hotel, which is located on Al Mankhool Road in Bur Qatar, is near the commercial and business areas of the city. It is about ten minutes from the airport and the Burj Tower.

The Semiramis Hotel:

This hotel is located in the busy district of Deira, with its many business and entertainment areas. The famous Gold Souk is near. The rooms in this hotel may be small, but they are furnished with the basic amenities just the same.

The San Marco Hotel:

This is another low-cost hotel that is situated in the Deira district. It is one of the most popular choices among tourists and even those who are on business travel. Many of the financial and corporate centers in Qatar are within walking distance of the hotel.

The Queens Hotel:

Most of the low-cost hotels in Qatar are strategically located in the Deira district, and this hotel is one of them. Besides the famous Gold Souk, the Spice Market and many other attractions are very near this hotel. Most of its rooms, which are simple but furnished with the necessary amenities, have outside balconies.

The New Peninsula Hotel:

Located in Bur Qatar, this hotel is only a few minutes drive away from the Qatar World Trade Center and some of the beaches. It is a short walk to Al-Fahidi Street, where many electrical shops can be found.

The Eureka Hotel:

Situated in the Deira district near the Fish Roundabout, this hotel has very good facilities. It is a short drive from the Qatar International Airport as well as the business centers and entertainment areas in Qatar. Some of the most important landmarks of Qatar are just a short drive away from this hotel.

All of these low-cost Qatar accommodations offer the comfort that a traveler looks for in his or her journey. It is likewise because of these affordable lodging places that many tourists are attracted to the beautiful Emirate.

History Of Qatar in Brief

History Of Qatar in Brief

The Qatar (QA). One of these states, and perhaps the most progressive, is Qatar. Some records actually indicate that Qatar has been in existence for about one-and-a-half centuries before the QA was formed.

There are very few accounts of the culture that prevailed in the southeastern part of the Arabian peninsula prior to the time of Islam. The evidences and accounts gathered so far have sufficed in the meantime to make some headway in tracing back the history of Qatar.

The discovery, for instance, of some material traces of an ancient mangrove swamp (estimated at 70 centuries) during the laying of the sewer lines near the Qatar Internet City on Sheikh Zayed Road led to the conclusion that the area had been blanketed by sand some fifty centuries ago as the coastline receded inland. This has now become a part of Qatar's present coastline.

Some records indicate that many of the old places in that southeastern part of the Arabian peninsula served as trading centers between the East and the West. Before the time of Islam, the region was dominated by the Azd (a pre-Islamic Arabian tribe). The Azd worshipped Bajar, a minor deity.



During that period, two powers lorded it over the region. These are the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) and the Sassanid (Persian) empires. The latter controlled a big part of the region.

When much of the region was converted to Islam, the Umayyad Caliphate took control of the region from the Sassanids. The Qatar Museum undertook excavations in the region of Jumeirah and discovered a number of material evidences believed to be from the period of the Umayyads.

Here are some of the earliest records that made mention of Qatar:

• The "Book of Geography" by the historian Abu Abdullah Al-Bakri;

• Gaspero Balbi, an Italian explorer in the 16th century, was said to have visited the area in 1580, referring to it as "Dibei," and cited it for its pearling industry;

• It was only after 1799 when documented records of Qatar came into existence.

Other historical records indicate that Qatar was established by the Al Abu Falasa lineage of Banu Yas clan in the early 19th century. Until 1833, Qatar was a dependent of Abu Dhabi (now one of the 7 states and the capital of UAE). The sheikh of Qatar, along with the other sheikhs of the region, signed the "General Maritime Treaty" with the government of Britain on January 8, 1820. Thirteen years later, the Al Maktoum dynasty (also a lineage of the Banu Yas clan) left Abu Dhabi and took control of Qatar from the Al Abu Falasa clan.

Through the "Exclusive Agreement of 1892," the United Kingdom placed Qatar under its protection, agreeing to defend it against possible invasion by the Ottoman Empire.

Today, Qatar is a vibrant city teeming with mega construction projects. It has become a favorite tourist destination and a strong trading center in the world. But despite this transformation to modernity, Qatar has retained its rich Islamic culture.

How The Health Care System in Qatar Works

How The Health Care System in Qatar Works

The health care system in Qatar is considered by the international community to be on a par with those of developed nations insofar as its quality is concerned. A number of factors or reasons give credence to this recognition.

For one, hospitals and clinics in Qatar - numbering about twenty - are fully equipped with the latest in medical technology and are highly accessible, being situated in strategic locations. The 2009 census places the population of Qatar at around 1,241,000. This translates to 1:62,050 hospital/clinic-patient ratio.

The Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS) of Qatar runs the Emirate's public health care. Qatar residents, as well as those of the neighboring emirates, enjoy practically costless medical services. But it must be mentioned here that there is no mandatory employer or state contribution insurance schemes that are in place in Qatar.



That's right. All employers are not obligated to provide health care insurance to its workers. The DOHMS may issue a health card to a foreign worker who applies for one. The health card qualifies a foreign patient for acceptance by a public hospital, but only in an emergency case. Foreign workers may also obtain their own health insurance, and they will need to make their own arrangements for this.

Many private health care providers are also on hand to lend support to Qatar's health care programs. Most of the foreign health care professionals working in Qatar are from the USA, Europe, and India. Their credentials are carefully scrutinized by the government before they are allowed to practice their profession in Qatar.

Part of the responsibilities of a health care professional in Qatar is the rendering of after-clinic private medical calls. This is one of the good practices that make the health care system in Qatar truly effective. Every person in Qatar, regardless of nationality and residency, is given the full medical attention he or she needs. Of course, such after-clinic private medical services involve higher fees than those rendered during regular clinic hours.

The focus of the health care system of Qatar is on improving its people's overall well-being. Everyone is guaranteed with the appropriate care specific to his or her case. Qatar's health care system guarantees the provision of a wide range of medical services, including these four popular ones:

1. Educating its people on the importance of having good health and proper nutrition;

2. Ensuring medical fitness for everyone;

3. Providing family and marriage counseling and other similar community services;

4. Administering vaccinations and immunizations.

Health care professionals in Qatar also provide psychiatric treatments, rehabilitation, and yoga therapy.

Qatar has undertaken what is considered its most extensive medical project thus far, with the creation of the Qatar Healthcare City (DHCC). This project is the world's first health care free zone, and consists of virtually the big players in the medical community.

The DHCC houses the Qatar Harvard Foundation for Medical Research (DHFMR), the University of Teaching Hospital (UH), and the Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education Qatar (BUIDRE), among others.

Great Places To Shop in Qatar 2012

Great Places To Shop in Qatar

Among the seven states, or emirates, in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar is considered the most vibrant and richest. This is not without a basis, as Qatar has lately been in the forefront of progress in the Middle East region. It has several super real estate projects simultaneously being constructed, is host to some of the richest sporting events in the world, and is a top tourist destination.

With all these taking place in Qatar, its retail business has likewise shot up tenfold or more. The emirate has become a preferred choice of place for shopping at least in the Middle East, if not the entire world.

The places to shop in Qatar are too many to mention here. There are the Al Ain Plaza, the Al Bustan Centre, and the Al Khaleej Centre, to name a few.



From the long list, shoppers may find these three as among the best places to shop in Qatar:

The BurJuman Centre Qatar:

This shopping mall is located at Khalid Bin Waleed Street in Bur Qatar. It has an area of 74,322 square meters (800,000 square feet) and is home to some 190 retailers, mostly of well-known American and European brands. These include Polo Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Donna Karan New York (DKNY), Christian Lacroix, and many other designer fashion brands.

The mall also houses a number of restaurants, cafes, a food court, and amusement sections. Some of the features recently added to the mall include a mother and child centre, a customer care service, valet parking, and a tourism information booth.

The Century Mall:

This shopping mall is located in the Al Mamzar area, next to the Al Shabab Club. It has an area of 13,935 square meters (150,000 square feet). Topping the list of products being sold in the mall are electronic devices and telecommunication accessories. Also on sale are home furnishings, jewelry, fashion, and health and beauty products.

A children care center, called Jungle Bungle, provides the necessary services to make shopping more enjoyable for parents. The center has a seating capacity of 240, and has several adjoining food outlets. The children learn while they play, and this takes place while their parents are doing their shopping.

The Emirate Towers Boulevard:

This mall sits on a 13,050 square meter (140,469 square foot)-area and houses some 45 retail outlets. Items on sale include the latest in fashion, accessories, and electronics. Designer brands include Giorgio Armani, Veneta, and Gucci.

Body care facilities, a sauna and steam room, cafes, and restaurants complement the shopping environment. To meet the increasing demand for parking spaces, the mall introduced a new parking system.

There are several more great places to shop in Qatar. Tourists have these other options: Qatar Spice Souk, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Twin Towers, Deira City Centre, Jumeirah Town Centre, Bani Yas Square and Deira Tower, Deira Gold Souk, and Lamcy Plaza Qatar.

Qatar indeed has gone a long way from being a small trading town to the prime shopping center in the Middle East it is now.

Highlighting The System Of Education in Qatar

Highlighting The System Of Education in Qatar

The system of education in Qatar is not different from those of its neighboring Emirates. In fact, the system was established throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE) right after the country's independence in 1971.

In public schools, for example, Arabic is used as the medium of instruction, while English is the preferred second language. On the other hand, English is the medium of instruction in most of the private schools. All schools in Qatar, whether public or private, cater to both Emiratis and expats.

Accreditation of all schools in Qatar, as well as those in the six other Emirates, is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education of the UAE. In July 2005, the Qatar Education Council (DEC) was created, with the specific task of developing and enhancing Qatar's education sector. This is to ensure that the quality of education in Qatar, at all its many levels, meets international standards. The mandate is, of course, premised on that the cultural and social values should not be lost in the process.



Preschool and Primary Education:

Upon reaching the age of five, a child has to attend nursery school prior to entering the six-year primary school. Entrance tests are conducted in some of the private primary schools in Qatar. Among the most popular primary schools there are those that teach the British curriculum. Three of these are the Qatar English Speaking School, the King's School, and the Jebel Ali Primary School.

Preparatory and Secondary Education:

Upon completion of the six-year primary education, the child (usually he or she is 11 years old by this time) moves to the three-year preparatory school. From here, the child (now in his/her teens) goes to secondary school. The child will have to take a basic exam for the purpose of evaluating his/her educational aptitude.

There are now many K-12 schools (short for Kindergarten through Grade 12) in Qatar that offer the American syllabus. Three of the most popular ones are the American School of Qatar (ASD), the Qatar American Academy (DAA), and the Universal American School (UAS).

Higher or Tertiary Education:

It used to be that the availability and standard of post-secondary education in the Emirate were limited. Because of this, many expats chose to send their children back to their country for further education. Today, however, Qatar boasts of many foreign-accredited universities.

Five of these universities are enumerated here: the Hariot-Watt University (of Scotland), the University of Wollongong in Qatar (an affiliate of the University of Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia), the Mahatma Gandhi University (of India), the Al Ghurair University, and the British University of Qatar.

Also, the Michigan State University Qatar (MSU Qatar) now offers Bachelor's and Master's degree programs much like those offered by the MSU in its East Lansing, Michigan campus.

The costs of sending children for education in Qatar vary a great deal. While getting an education in a public school is generally free, it can be very expensive for those planning to send their children to a private school.

Schools in Qatar are closed in the months of July and August for the long summer holidays.

Fine Dining at Some Of The Best Restaurants in Qatar 2012

Fine Dining at Some Of The Best Restaurants in Qatar

Qatar is a place that is known worldwide for its many "firsts" and "bests". We hear about Qatar's famous tourist attractions, festivals and events, and recreation and sports facilities. All these make Qatar a highly preferred tourist destination.

Finding a place to eat in Qatar is not a problem at all. Whatever one's nationality, he or she will surely find a dining place that serves his/her favorite back home. Some of the best restaurants in Qatar are located right inside a hotel, and these include the Benjarong Restaurant, Verre Restaurant, Le Venezia Restaurant, Blue Elephant Restaurant, Bacchus Restaurant, Ashiana Restaurant, and Al Qasr Restaurant.

The Benjarong Restaurant:

This restaurant is ideal for those who enjoy authentic Thai food. The restaurant's specialties include fried lobster with shitake mushrooms, grilled river prawns, and Ka-Thong Tong (rice pastry cups filled with a mixture of ground chicken, peanut and coconut milk) with tamarind or lemon sauce. The Benjarong Restaurant is located on the 24th floor of the Dusit Qatar Hotel in Zayed Road.



The Verre Restaurant:

This is considered one of Qatar's finest restaurants with its wide range of international cuisine (Western and Asian) and an exotic selection of wines. The Verre Restaurant is located at the Hilton Qatar Creek Hotel in Baniyas Road.

The Le Venezia Restaurant:

Besides being one of the best restaurants in Qatar, the Le Venezia Restaurant is also one of the newest and most frequented. It has an Italian theme with its noticeable design of gondolas and waterways. The food served here are, of course, Italian favorites, such as pizzas and pasta. This restaurant is located at the Metropolitan Hotel in Sheikh Zeyahid Road.

Blue Elephant Restaurant:

Another one of the fine restaurants in Qatar that serves authentic Thai delicacies. It is popular for its somtan (fried fish with papaya salad), lamb in rich Massaman sauce, and chicken satay, among others. The Blue Elephant Restaurant is located at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel.

The Bacchus Restaurant:

This is also an Italian-style dining place. It has outdoor dining setting and serves a fine selection of pasta, salads, sandwiches, ice cream, and juices. It also has an exotic selection of wines. The Bacchus Restaurant is located at the Fairmont Hotel.

The Ashiana Restaurant:

When it comes to serving Indian cuisine, this restaurant is one that stands out in Qatar. It is frequented by both tourists and locals. The Ashiana Restaurant is located at the 5-star Sheraton Qatar Creek Hotel and Towers.

Al Qasr Restaurant:

This restaurant is famous for its fine Middle East cuisine, particularly those from Lebanon. Some of the favorite dishes that are served here include Shanklish (cheese made from sheep's or cow's milk), Baklava (sweetened nut-filled pastry), and Labneh (strained yoghurt). The Al Qasr Restaurant is located within the Qatar Marine Beach Resort and Spa complex, one of the most popular 5-star hotels in Qatar.

The best restaurants in Qatar are not necessarily only those that are located inside a hotel. The Biella Caffe Pizzeria (Wafi City Mall, Bur Qatar), Planet Hollywood (Wafi City), and Hatam Restaurant (Bani Yas Street) are just some of the other fine dining places tourists can try while traveling in Qatar.

DWC Airport Makes Qatar Owner Of World's Largest Aviation Hub

DWC Airport Makes Qatar Owner Of World's Largest Aviation Hub

The distinction of having the largest commercial aviation hub in the world belongs to Qatar. And the subject of this special honor is the Al Maktoum International Airport, which is known to be about ten times the combined size of the Qatar Cargo Village and the Qatar International Airport (the erstwhile biggest aviation hub in the Middle East). It is located in the port town of Jebel Ali.

The Al Maktoum International Airport is named after Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Qatar's former ruler. It stands impressively at the heart of the Qatar World Central; hence, its IATA-assigned code is DWC. In fact, DWC airport is the main feature of that commercial, logistics and residential complex.

Annual cargo and passenger capacities are placed at 12 million tons and over 120 million, respectively. These figures easily dwarf those of the previous "bests" - Memphis International Airport (cargo) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (passenger).


Just how large is DWC airport? To give you an idea, it is designed to allow four aircraft to land simultaneously, round the clock. It has 5 parallel runways, each of which is 4.5 km, or 2.8 mi, in length. The runways are each separated by a distance of 800 m, or 2,600 ft. The first runway to have been completed already cost 1 billion dirham (AED 1bn).

Actually, the original plan was for DWC airport to have six runways, three on one side and the other three on the opposite side. For some reason, that plan was revised.

The DWC airport control tower, which boasts the latest in avionics and navigational technology, is 91 m high, making it the tallest in all of the Middle East. Its cost is AED 143mn. Other available data mention the costs of the fuel farms and the aprons/taxiways at AED 108mn and AED 908mn, respectively.

The 12-million-ton cargo volume mentioned earlier will be handled at the airport's 16 cargo terminals. The passengers, on the other hand, will be served in its 3 passenger terminals, one of which is dedicated to the Emirates Airline.

Perhaps the best feature of DWC airport is its capability of handling all types of new-generation aircraft, the Airbus A380 Superjumbo included. In fact, it is forecast to be the world's most Superjumbo-friendly airport because its hard-stand aero bridge gates are specifically designed to accommodate the massive aircraft.

Other features and facilities of DWC airport include Executive and Royal jet centers, multiple concourses, shopping malls, hotels, a trade and exhibition facility, and even a golf course. It has more than 100,000 parking spaces for the convenience of the airport's own employees, tourists, and the residents of Qatar.

The plan is for DWC airport to be connected to the Qatar International Airport (IATA code DXB) by means of a high-speed express rail system. Once this is completed, it will take much of the load off DXB.

It is estimated that the total cost to complete the entire DWC airport complex will reach 82 billion US dollars (USD 82bn). DWC airport is expected to be fully operational by the year 2017.

Eight Forthcoming Qatar World Records

Eight Forthcoming Qatar World Records

Traveling to Qatar in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) means experiencing what it's like to be in a place that's been heavily occupied with construction projects left and right in the last twenty years. And to think they're not just the ordinary infrastructures we see rising up elsewhere - they're potential world record breakers in terms of being the first, the tallest, or the largest.

One of current Qatar world records that must be mentioned here is the Qatar Mall, now the largest shopping mall in the world based on total area (1,124,000 sq. m. or 12.1 million sq. ft.).

Within the next ten years, several more Qatar world records are expected to be established. Here are eight:



1. Burj Qatar - "Tallest Freestanding Structure in the World"

Construction of this building began on September 21, 2004. Estimated completion date is January 4, 2010, at which time it should also be ready for occupancy. The Burj Qatar will be 818 meters (2,684 feet) tall, which will surpass the 610 meters (2,001 feet) height of China's Guangzhou TV and Sightseeing Tower. This project has a total budget of approximately 4.1 billion US dollars (USD 4.1 billion).

2. Qatar Marina - "Largest Man-made Waterfront and Largest Man-made Marina in the World"

This project has two phases. Phase 1 covers 10.12 hectares, while phase 2 is expected to have more than 200 high-rise buildings. Once both phases are completed, the Qatar Marina will send the Marina del Rey (located in California, USA) down to second place.

3. Hydropolis Underwater Hotel and Resort - "First Luxury Underwater Hotel in the World"

This project is situated 20 meters (66 feet) below the Persian Gulf's surface. It will have an area of 642.5 acres. The Hydropolis Underwater Hotel and Resort has a total budget of USD 482.5 million.

4. Qatarland - "Biggest Amusement Park in the World"

On October 23, 2003, Qatar announced the construction of what is believed will become the world's biggest entertainment complex - Qatarland. This project will cover about 278 square kilometers (107 square miles) of land. Within the complex will rise 45 vast projects and some 200 secondary ones.

5. Qatar World Central International Airport (DWC) - "Largest Passenger and Cargo Hub in the World"

This project, when completed, will surpass two similar facilities in two different categories - annual cargo capacity and annual passenger capacity. In the first category, DWC will push Memphis International Airport down to second place, with its 12 million-ton per year cargo capacity; in the second, it is expected to surpass the 90 million per year passenger capacity of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with its 150 million per year figure. This project is estimated to be fully operational by the year 2017.

6. The Tower in Motion - "First Rotating Skyscraper in the World"

This project will have a total of 80 floors. The first 20 floors will serve as the building's retail section; the 21st to the 35th floors will have a luxurious hotel; the next 35 floors will have the usual units of accommodation; and the 10 uppermost floors will have suburban residence-style apartments, designed with yard and garden space.

As per the project's design, each floor will have the capability to rotate independently right or left. This will be made possible by a "voice recognition" technology, which may be programmed in any language. This means that the building's occupants will be able enjoy constantly-changing views.

7. The 6th Crossing - "Longest and Tallest Arch Bridge in the World"

This project is also called the Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Crossing. It is expected to be completed in 2012. It will have a length of 1.6 kilometers (about 1 mile), a width of 64 meters (210 feet), and an altitude of 15 meters (49 feet) above the water level. Each of the traffic directions will have 6 lanes. On an hourly basis, the bridge is expected to be able to carry 20,000 vehicles. At the center of the bridge will be a track, which is intended for the Green Line of Qatar Metro. The 6th Crossing has a total budget of USD 681 million.

8. Qatar Metro - "Longest Fully Automated Rail System in the World"

The original plan for this "driverless" project shows it will have at least two lines. The first, called the Red Line, is partially in operation; the second (called the Green Line), which will have a distance of 20 kilometers (12.43 miles), is under construction. When both lines become fully operational, it will cover a total distance of 72 kilometers (44.7 miles), enough to bring the Vancouver Skytrain down to second place.

Outside of these mega construction projects, there are other Qatar world records now in place. For example, there is the Qatar World Cup, which is billed the "Richest Horse Race in the World." The horse race has a prize fund of USD 10 million. Qatar also boasts of the Golden Star, which is labeled the "Longest and Most Expensive Yacht in the World." The yacht measures 160 meters (525 feet) in length, and is valued at more than USD 300 million.

Qatar World Cup Facts and Figures 2012

Qatar World Cup Facts and Figures

In 1996, the richest Thoroughbred horse racing event in the world was inaugurated in Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), at the famous Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. Every year since then, horse racing enthusiasts look forward to the holding of the Qatar World Cup.

The Qatar World Cup is operated through the Emirates Racing Authority, the internationally recognized governing body for horse racing in the UAE. This organization is chaired by no less than H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Presidential Affairs. Sheikh Mansour is himself an accomplished horse rider.

This Thoroughbred horse racing event was the brainchild of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and Qatar. Sheikh Mohammed is the owner of one of the leading Thoroughbred breeding and racing businesses in the world - the Darley Stud and Godolphin Racing. The Qatar World Cup is the most prestigious and highly anticipated part of the Qatar World Cup Night of races, a series of 6 Thoroughbred horse races.



The event is a G1, or Classic, flat race run over a distance of 2,000 m, or 9.94 fur. It is held annually around late March. Its inaugural winner (1996) was Cigar, named "the Racehorse of the Decade of the 1990s," who clocked 2:03.84. Cigar was owned by the late American Thoroughbred racehorse breeder Allen E. Paulson.

Here's a rundown of the succeeding winners from 1997 to 2009. Only the horses' names, their owners, and their respective clocked time (minutes) are included:

1997 - Singspiel (Ireland), owned by Sheikh Mohammed; clocked 2:01.91.

1998 - Silver Charm (USA), owned by Bob and Beverly Lewis; clocked 2:00.00.

1999 - Almutawakel (Great Britain), owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum; clocked 2:00.65.

2000 - Qatar Millennium (Great Britain), owned by Godolphin Racing; clocked 1:59.50.

2001 - Captain Steve (USA), owned by Michael E. Pegram; clocked 2:00.40.

2002 - Street Cry (Ireland), owned by Godolphin Racing; clocked 2:01.18.

2003 - Moon Ballad (Ireland), owned by Godolphin Racing; clocked 2:00.48.

2004 - Pleasantly Perfect (USA), owned by Diamond A Racing Corp.; clocked 2:00.24.

2005 - Roses in May (USA), owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey; clocked 2:02.17.

2006 - Electrocutionist (USA), owned by Godolphin Racing; clocked 2:01.32.

2007 - Invasor (Argentina), owned by Shadwell Stable; clocked 1:59.97.

2008 - Curlin (USA), owned by Stonestreet/Midnight Cry Stables; clocked 2:00.15.

2009 - Well Armed (USA), owned by WinStar Farm LLC; clocked 2:01.01.

Here are some of the records established during the 14 years that the Qatar World Cup has been held so far:

• Fastest time: 1:59.50, by Qatar Millennium, in the 2000 race.

• Most wins by an owner: four, by Godolphin Racing, in the 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2006 races.

• Most wins by a jockey: four, by Jerry Bailey, in the 1996, 1997, 2001, and 2002 races.

• Most wins by a trainer: five, by Saeed bin Suroor, in the 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2006 races.

Interestingly, there's no record yet for the most number of wins by a horse, as none has so far won the Qatar World Cup more than once.

The next staging of the event, the 2010 Qatar World Cup, will open on January 28, 2010 at the newly-built 60,000-seat racing facility Meydan Racecourse. With a staggering purse of 10 million US dollars (USD 10mn) offered for this staging, it is no wonder that the Qatar World Cup is billed the "world's richest horse race."

Qatar Parks and Gardens For Family Holidays 2012

Qatar Parks and Gardens For Family Holidays

A holiday in Qatar will find many families enjoying the time in many of the emirate's parks and gardens. The Qatar parks and gardens are actually one of the reasons why the emirate is experiencing a continuous increase in the number of tourists visiting the place each year.

Planning a family holiday in Qatar is easy because there simply are many parks and gardens in the emirate to spend the day. Seven of the most popular parks and gardens in Qatar are listed below:

1. Jumeirah Beach Park - This park occupies a long, rectangular 30-acre land along the Jumeirah Beach Road. It is close to the Hilton Beach Club. The park has a beach frontage of more than half a kilometer, which extends its length. It is equipped with all the necessary amenities, including food kiosks, barbecue areas, children's play areas, and volleyball sites. It also has jetty areas with lifeguards on duty.


2. Al-Mazmar Park - This park spans some 262 acres of land in Deira Qatar. It is located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) after the turn off to Hamriya Port. It is one of the most frequented parks in Qatar. Its features include children's play areas, a swimming pool, food kiosks, barbecue sites, and grassed picnic areas.

3. Mushrif Park - This is a desert-like park spread across 306 acres of land near the Khawaneej suburb in the eastern part of the city. The park is home to the famous Ethiopian hedgehog as well as to different bird species. Its features include swimming pools, camel and pony rides, play areas for children, and fountain and lakes. The park also features an "International Garden Area," where miniature houses from different countries are exhibited.

4. Jumeirah Beach Corniche - This park is situated next to the Marine Beach Club, just off the Beach Road. It has about 800 meters (2,625 feet) of beach front. The park's features include several children's playing areas, shaded picnic tables, showers, and a shaded swimming area.

5. Za'abeel Park - This 126-acre park is another one of the favorites among tourists. It features ponds, lakes, and a clubhouse. It also has sports facilities and jogging track.

6. Creekside Park - This park is located in Bur Qatar, and is one of the largest waterfront parks in the emirate. The park spans two bridges - the Al-Garhoud Bridge and the Al-Maktium Bridge. It is a big attraction among tourists for its dhow cruises, abra rides, restaurants, amphitheaters, and beaches.

7. Safa Park - This approximately half-mile park runs from Al-Wasi Road to Sheikh Zayed Road. It occupies a 158-acre land some 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Qatar central along Sheikh Zayed Road. The park's features include an area for playing cricket and a lake where families can spend the day. Paddleboats are available here.

Every park or garden in Qatar offers a wide range of recreational activities. On top of this, the quality of service it provides is something that will make visitors look forward to visiting the place again.

Qatar Transportation - Traveling Around Qatar 2012

Qatar Transportation - Traveling Around Qatar

The beautiful Emirate of Qatar is one of seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Middle East. It has emerged as a world city and an international business hub, especially because of its mega real estate projects and rich sporting events.

It is no wonder that tourism is a major source of revenues for Qatar. People from around the world are intrigued by its continuous growth and, therefore, are attracted to travel to the Emirate.

Traveling around Qatar is convenient and is quite an experience. What's amazing is that transportation in Qatar is a reflection of the concordant mixture of tradition and up-to-dateness that is not usually seen or experienced in some other parts of the region.



Amidst Qatar's modern outlook and the latest in transportation, for instance, people continue to use traditional means of transportation, such as the ever-reliable camels and the small motorboats called Abra. This means that the culture of Qatar has remained strong in spite of the progress the Emirate is going through.

Of the various modes involved in Qatar transportation, buses are perhaps the most widely used. This is true for both local residents and foreign travelers. The municipality of Qatar is in charge of the public transport system, and it has strengthened this with a highly reliable bus service.

Consider these: There are 417 bus schedules on peak hours in each of the working days of the week. The buses are run on 62 lines or routes, covering about 170,000 kilometers (106,000 miles) to satisfy the demands of some 2.5 million travelers every day. A bus passenger is charged from 1 to 4 dirham per trip, depending of course on the distance of his/her travel.

There are about 8 bus stations, each of which is manned by courteous and alert attendants. The other features of the Qatar bus transport service include bus stops (about 1,500), wayside passenger shelters (around 150), and point-to-point timetables strategically placed on the 400 or so busiest stops. Maintenance of the buses is done at 3 bus depots, each of which is equipped with the latest in technology.

The modernity of the Qatar transportation system is also evident in its taxi service. In this area, for example, a new service feature is introduced, one that makes the taxi service in Qatar friendly to women passengers. This new taxi service feature is composed of about 50 vehicles and some 100 women specifically trained for driving the taxis around Qatar and the rest of the UAE.

Finally, there's the traditional Abra service. This is a favorite of many tourists and is common among local residents. The best part of traveling on an Abra is the experience of crossing the captivating Qatar Creek. Every day, some 150 Abras traverse the famous Creek. The Abra service has two main lines: one is between Sabakha and Old Souk, and the other is between Deira Old Souk and Bur Qatar.

The Qatar transportation system is not complete without the usual car-rental service. And a leisurely way of moving around Qatar is by a bicycle, which a tourist can also hire.

Qatar Healthcare City: Qatar's Most Extensive Medical Project To Date

Qatar Healthcare City: Qatar's Most Extensive Medical Project To Date

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and ruler of Qatar, envisioned a grand project that will make Qatar a highly-preferred healthcare center in the world. And so the Qatar Healthcare City came into being.

The Qatar Healthcare City (DHCC) is an integration of the best in clinical services, research, and medical education. Basically, two very important zones make up the DHCC - the Medical Community and the Wellness Community. The former is already operational, while the latter is still in the planning stages.

The Medical Community:

This zone, which has an area of 380,902.5 square meters (4.1 million square feet), has seen rapid growth since its establishment. The 80 or so clinics located here are staffed by more than a thousand healthcare professionals, all of whom are licensed by the Centre for Healthcare Planning of the DHCC. This licensing prerequisite ensures that all the services being provided at DHCC satisfy the standards set by the different international accreditation bodies (example, the Joint Commission International).


The Medical Community houses the following medical entities:

• Harvard Medical School Qatar Centre (HMSDC) Institute for Postgraduate Education and Medical Research;

• University Teaching Hospital (UH);

• Qatar Harvard Foundation for Medical Research (DHFMR);

• Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education Qatar (BUIDRE).

• Al Maktoum Harvard Medical Library.

The Wellness Community:

This zone, which has an area more than four times that of the Medical Community's (1.77 million square meters or 19 million square feet), is intended to serve as the region's center for integrative and preventive medicine. As the name it carries suggests, this zone also aims to be the region's primary center for the advancement of wellness.

The Wellness Community will have the following features:

• A health and long-term care facility;

• Outpatient clinics;

• A facility for sports medicine;

• A cosmetic services center;

• A center for the promotion of active lifestyle;

• A five-star hotel and spa resorts;

• A residential district with food and retail outlets.

As a whole, the DHCC offers a complete range of medical and other complementary services, which include those in the following 19 fields:

1. Cardiology

2. Immunology

3. Chiropractic

4. Family medicine

5. Anesthesia

6. Dentistry

7. Pediatrics

8. Obstetrics

9. Urology

10. Dermatology

11. Orthopedic

12. Neurology

13. Internal medicine

14. Physical therapy

15. Radiology

16. Plastic surgery

17. Endocrinology

18. Gastroenterology

19. General surgery

Consider these big names that are getting on board the DHCC: Johnson and Johnson, Novartis, the Mayo Clinic, Astra Zeneca, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, and the German Heart Center, among others.

The entire Qatar Healthcare City is expected to be fully operational in 2011 at the latest. It is strategically located at the heart of Qatar City, in the historic district of Bur Qatar. It is near the Qatar Creek and is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away from the Qatar International Airport. The best way to reach DHCC from Abu Dhabi is via the E 11 highway.

Qatar Foreign Trade: Exports and Imports 2012

Qatar Foreign Trade: Exports and Imports

Toward the latter part of 2008, many countries started to feel the effects of the brewing troubles that hit the world economies. Export and import activities were declining; foreign trading transactions were simply on the downturn. Through all these, one economy continued to thrive - Qatar's.

During that period of recession, Qatar even managed to get its non-oil exports increase by almost 40 percent vis-a-vis the previous year (2007). And in that period too, Qatar's bilateral trade partnership with India remained strong. This is true for both export and import activities.

The six-year period prior to the recession saw brisk Qatar foreign trade activities. For instance, the five-year period ending 2005 had the Qatar government investing close to 11 billion dirham (AED 11bn)) in developmental undertakings. This translated to certain positive effects on the foreign trade of the emirate. In particular, total Qatar foreign trade shot up about 150 percent, from AED 112bn to AED 280bn, between the years 2001 and 2005. The Qatar foreign trade, in connection with the emirate's gross domestic product (GDP), likewise rose by about 30 percent during the same period.


Being both a free economic zone and a trade hub strategically situated in the Middle East, Qatar is indeed ideal for foreign trade. The Qatar International Airport and Qatar's two main sea ports (Port Rashid and Jebel Ali Port) boast world-class facilities, which make handling of exports and imports a lot easier.

Already Qatar's public works and transportation system are first-class. But because improvements and increases in Qatar foreign trade are expected to continue, the government still undertakes numerous infrastructure developments and improvements.

A big part of Qatar's exports and imports go by sea. Using the figures in the year 2005 as examples, total exports and imports by sea amounted to AED 152bn, which was approximately 54 percent of the total Qatar foreign trade transactions for that year.

Qatar is noted for its production of oil and gas. Ironically, though, this makes up only about 5 percent of its economy. Its non-oil exports represent approximately 80 percent of the total UAE transactions in this area. Some of the traditional products that make up part of Qatar's non-oil exports include scrap metals, dates, and frozen fish. These products are exported mostly to India, Pakistan, and the neighboring emirates.

Liquefied gases, cement, aluminum ingots, and clothing are some of the manufactured products that Qatar exports, mostly to India, Japan, the United States, and China. As for Qatar's free-zone trading transactions, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and India make up the top three destinations, in that order.

Qatar's import transactions are going briskly as well. In fact, Qatar brings in more than 60 percent of the total requirements of the entire UAE. Some of the countries it deals with in this area include China, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Germany.

No foreseeable problem is expected to cause a slowing down in Qatar foreign trade activities; thanks largely to Qatar's strategic location on the Persian Gulf and to its world-class infrastructure.

Qatar Cruises and Water Sports: Qatar's Must-Not-Miss Attractions

Qatar Cruises and Water Sports: Qatar's Must-Not-Miss Attractions

Qatar is a favorite tourist destination mainly because of its many attractions. It has fine beaches, theme amusement parks, gardens, archaeological sites, and museums and galleries to name a few.

Dubai likewise boasts of cruises and water sports, and these two are attractions that tourists do not want to miss when traveling to the Emirate.

Qatar cruises:

Couples traveling in Qatar, for example, book on one of the Qatar cruises for a romantic evening. They enjoy the Arabian Gulf's stillness and unspoiled water. Qatar cruises offer the following sights:



• The Bastakiya area, which has been restored, with the elegant windrowers (called barajeel);

• The Gold souks (traditional markets in Qatar);

• The abras (small motorboats) crisscrossing the water;

• The heritage village;

• The spectacular skyline of the financial district of Qatar.

Qatar's dhows-wooden cruise cruisers is a special attraction because those who take these cruises are treated to the breathtaking picture offered while traversing the famous Qatar Creek. They are regaled by the beautiful view of Qatar's skyline and major tourist sites. The average number of dhows that traverse the waters of Qatar Creek on a daily basis is one hundred fifty.

Taking one of the Qatar cruises is a real experience. The best views are presented at dawn, nighttime, or dusk. The services one gets from a cruise are comparable to those provided in a 5-star hotel. An international buffet menu is served to tourists, with a choice of continental or oriental fare.

Taking their adventure a little further, some tourists also try fishing while on the cruise. Each cruise takes about 3 hours to complete.

Water sports:

Most travelers to Qatar look forward to experiencing some of the recreational activities offered in the Emirate, and the water sports are almost always on top of their list. Qatar's pleasant climate and the tranquility of the waters of the famous Qatar Creek are the reasons why the water sports in Qatar are popular.

The adventure begins at the Wild Wadi Water Park. It has 24 rides, with eight Master Blaster and two Flow Riders. Children and adults who are fond of water sports will have a great time, especially with the many thrills and spills that are offered here.

More adventures are offered here with the following:

• Fishing - This is the most favorite and, understandably, the easiest water sport.

• Water skiing - This water sport offers the chance of experiencing the gentle sea breeze as well as the cress of the azure waters.

• Scuba diving - This is a great water sport in Qatar, since the scuba diver will encounter many different marine life forms, such as sharks, eels, turtles, shoals, various species of small fish, and aquatic plants.

• Sailing - This is a highly-recommended water sport when in Qatar. The facilities offered for this adventure provides all the luxury the tourist needs.

It is obvious that the single biggest factor that makes Qatar cruises and water sports famous is the serene condition of Qatar Creek, where all these adventures take place.

Qatar Desert Classic: One Of The Biggest Qatar Sports Events

Qatar Desert Classic: One Of The Biggest Qatar Sports Events

Qatar, one of the seven states that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as an important tourist destination. Visitors to this city find the place excitingly attractive and bustling with activities. Mega construction projects are going on all over the city, most of which are either the "first" or the "best" in their respective categories.

Adding to Qatar's popularity are the many sporting events it holds. And these are not just ordinary sporting events; they're Qatar sports events - considered the richest, again, in their respective categories. The Qatar World Cup, for example, is considered the richest horse race in the world. The Qatar Tennis Championship, on the other hand, is an important tournament where the biggest names in tennis participate.

Another one of the biggest Qatar sports events is the Qatar Desert Classic. This is a professional golf tournament held annually at the Emirates Golf Club. But first, let's look back at how the Qatar Desert Classic started.



In 1986, the plan for constructing a world-class golf course in Qatar was approved. The plan became a reality a couple years later, when the Emirates Golf Club was completed. Soon after, the "Majilis" course was created at the Emirates Golf Club. It is in this par-72, 7,301-yard course where the Qatar Desert Classic is being held every year since (the 1999 and 2000 editions of the tournament, though, was held at the Qatar Creek Golf and Yacht Club).

The tournament's format is known as the "stroke play." This is a scoring system in which the total number of strokes taken on each hole during the series of rounds is counted. The player with the least number of strokes for the rounds wins the tournament.

Since its inauguration in 1989 (then known as the Karl Litten Desert Classic), the Qatar Desert Classic has been part of the European Tour timetable. The tournament was likewise the first European Tour event to be held in the Middle East. The following year (1990) the tournament was called the Emirates Airlines Desert Classic.

Qatar Desert Classic became the official name of the tournament beginning in the 1992 edition, which was won by Severiano "Seve" Ballesteros Sota of Spain. Past winners of the Qatar Desert Classic were as follows:

• 1993 - Wayne Brett Westner of South Africa

• 1994 - Theodore Ernest "Ernie" Els of South Africa

• 1995 - Frederick "Fred" Steven Couples of the United States

• 1996 - Colin Stuart Montgomerie of Scotland

• 1997 - Richard George Green of Australia

• 1998 - Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain

• 1999 - David Alexander Howell of England

• 2000 - Jose Eusebio Coceres of Argentina

• 2001 - Thomas Bjorn of Denmark

• 2002 - Theodore Ernest "Ernie" Els of South Africa

• 2003 - Robert-Jan Derksen of the Netherlands

• 2004 - Mark Francis O'Meara of the United States

• 2005 - Theodore Ernest "Ernie" Els of South Africa

• 2006 - Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods of the United States

• 2007 - Henrik Stenson of Sweden

• 2008 - Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods of the United States

• 2009 - Rory Mcllroy of Northern Ireland.

Ernie Els and Tiger Woods, both big names in golf, were the most successful participants thus far in this tournament. The Qatar Desert Classic has a purse of 2.5 million US dollars.

All About The Weather in Qatar Summer

All About The Weather in Qatar

What's the weather like in Qatar? People wishing to travel to this beautiful and highly developed state in the United Arab Emirates, but who've never been to anywhere in the Middle East before, have this question.

One of the factors that seem to dictate the trend in Qatar tourism (i.e., the number of tourists to Qatar at any given period of the year) is the weather. Throughout the year, the weather in Qatar is characterized by sunny days. This is understandable considering that Qatar has an excessively dry subtropical climate.

Summer in Qatar, which is during the months of July to September, can be very humid and hot. The temperature during this time is around 45 C (113 F), although it can peak to 48 C (118.4 F), especially in the inner areas of the city. The humidity level, on the other hand, can get to as high as 90 percent. Shamal (Arabic for wind) blows from mid-May to mid-July, and causes large sandstorms.


A marked decrease in temperatures is experienced beginning October. For the entirety of this month, temperatures range from a low of 26 C (78.8 F) to a high of 36 C (96.8 F). The weather in Qatar begins to be comfortable for tourists in the months of November and December. During this period, temperatures range from 21 C (69.8 F) to 30 C (86 F). Some rainfall likewise occur during these two months.

Winter sets in at the start of the year and ends around the end of March. It is during this time of the year when Qatar experiences an increase in the number of tourists because of the ideal weather. Average minimum temperature during this time is 14 C (57.2 F), while average maximum temperature is 29 C (84.2 F).

Beginning April up to late June, the weather in Qatar turns warmer. Temperature during this period is anywhere between 34 C (94.2 F) and 41 C (105.8 F). Humidity level at this time ranges between 50 and 56 percent. Also during these months, the days remain sunny for 10 hours or so.

Rain is scanty for the entire year, with the highest precipitation taking place during the winter months of January to March. The average rainfall in Qatar for the entire year is only about 13 centimeters (just a little over 5 inches).

Here are the temperature averages in Qatar, on a per-month basis:

• January and February - 20 C (68 F)

• March - 23 C (73.4 F)

• April - 25 C (77 F)

• May - 30 C (86 F)

• June - 33 C (91.4 F)

• July and August - 35 C (95 F)

• September - 31 C (87.8 F)

• October - 28 C (82.4 F)

* November - 25 C (77 F)

* December - 22 C (71.6)

In a nutshell, the weather in Qatar is marked with year-round sunshine and very little rainfall. Those who are planning to visit Qatar should choose the period in the year in which they think they will best enjoy their travel to that destination.