The State of Qatar is a challenging and charming country for its residents – visitors and nationals alike – and the aura surrounding this part of the world is still a mystery to many.

Just a few years ago Qatar was relatively unknown, yet today it is a famous country of almost unimaginable economic growth rates.

Qatar is now “on the map” for quite a few reasons. To start with, thanks to its formula for economic success Qatar has become the foreign direct investment capital of the Middle East. The country boasts the world’s third largest reserves of oil and natural gas, and it has one of the highest per capita GDPs, not only among the GCC countries, but also in the world. Qatar’s capital and largest city, Doha, is a hub of educational excellence and the country’s economic centre. Moreover, Qatar excels in improving telecommunication services and is the birthplace of the controversial Aljazeera Satellite Channel. Finally, it still presents itself as a calm and serene environment, despite the expansion and the development of new projects.
 

Coming to Qatar

• In the last sixty years the Qataris have been propelled from pearl divers and Bedouins struggling to survive, to citizens of one of the richest nations on Earth.

• Find out how they managed to forge a cohesive nation, with a unique national spirit and identity, social customs and traditions, in chapters 1, History; and 2, Quick Facts.

• If you are looking for moving companies and other useful tips, check out chapter 3, Moving.

• Qatar is a fairly cheap country to live in (with the exception of rent). The government does not charge high fees for most utilities such as water, electricity and home phone lines. Read more in chapters 5, Housing; and 7, Utilities and Services.

• Shari’ah Law regulates the Islamic legal system. To know in advance all legal issues you may face (from visas to licenses) go to chapter 4, Legal Matters.

• Qatar has hardly any taxes. For money-related issues, go directly to chapter 9, Finances.

• Doha offers an excellent studying environment in its schools, colleges and institutions. The private schools are mostly designed in accordance with the French, UK and US systems, as chapter 11, Education, explains.

• Health care in Qatar is heavily subsidized. For details on health insurance, doctors, hospitals etc., refer to chapter 12, Health Care.

• There is no specific means of public transport in Doha, apart from the affordable taxi service (chapter 8, Transport). In fact, most residents of Qatar own private cars (chapter 7, Driving).

• You can explore the natural environment of Qatar by taking an exciting desert safari; relax at the many beaches and pools; or enjoy your favorite sport, be it bowling, golf or ice skating. Living in Qatar can be great fun, as the country also hosts a wide range of sporting events. There is something for everyone in chapters 13, Leisure and Sport; and 15, Out and About.