Everything you need to know about Qatar: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Qatar: Tiny Arab Emirate and Oil Rich Country
Qatar was ruled by Bahraini sheikhs till 1871 when they were overthrown by the Qatari people and later on the British installed the al-Thani family in charge of Qatar’s affairs who have continued to lord over Qatar till today. Qatar was previously an impoverished Arab state and a pearl fishing village but the discovery of large reserves of oil in the 1940’s changed its fortunes and today the country is one of the leading oil producers and has 15% of the global proved gas reserves. This oil wealth has bestowed a highly affluent lifestyle upon the Qatari people. Emir Hamid bin Khalifa also introduced certain liberal reforms like press freedom, voting rights for women and framing a new constitution in 2005 that ushered in democratic parliamentary government in Qatar. The country has a liberal press and the Al-Jazeera channel is one of the leading media houses in all of Arab world.
Qatar Facts and Figures
Qatari people have to experience a long and intensely hot summer that lasts from May to September with temperatures exceeding 55°C while winters are mild with temperatures touching 17°C. Water is scarce and rainfall is minimal although sudden cloud bursts may take place sometimes.
Qatar Culture and Tradition:
Qatari culture bears a close resemblance to other cultures in the region. Qatar’s governance is explicitly based on Sunni law with the majority of its population followers of Hanbali Madhhab, one of the four Sunni schools prevalent in Qatar. Shia’s comprise 10% of the population, but owing to large-scale immigration comprising of foreign professionals and labourers, foreigners have outnumbered the local Qatari population.
Qatari Economy:
Prior to the discovery of its vast oil reserves in the 1940’s Qatar was a largely agrarian country dependent on fishing and pearling. Today Qatari people enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes in the world fuelled by its vast energy resources. Nearly 85% of Qatar’s exports are oil based and the country has recently taken steps to widen its economic based and set up a Qatar Science and Technology Park and Qatar Financial Centre in Doha apart from other measures.
Qatar Tourist Attractions:
Like all Arab countries Qatar offers its own brand of fun that consists of sun and sand. You can go four wheeling i.e. drive on the golden sandy deserts or prefer camel rides in the majestic deserts. Local shops called ‘souks’ are a great place to shop till you drop. The Doha City Center Mall offers great shopping experience and is one of the biggest malls in the Middle East.
Other Qatari Places to See include:
Colombo, May 2 (IANS) A Philippine national who had cocaine stashed in his stomach has been arrested, police said Wednesday.
Kochi, April 29 (IANS) En route to Cuban capital Havana to participate in a trade union congress, three Communist Party of India-Marxist leaders from Kerala were stopped at the Doha International Airport and 'forced' to fly back to Kochi citing lack of sufficient documents, one of them alleged Sunday.
Tehran, Apr 29 (Xinhua-ANI): Iran has found a new natural gas field in the country's southwestern province of Khuzestan which is estimated to contain reserves as much as the South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported on Sunday.
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Tehran, April 29 (IANS) Iran has discovered a major gas field, a media report said Sunday.
Wellington, Apr 29 (ANI): Invercargill mayor Tim Shadbolt smashed the record for the world's longest television interview on Sunday, that had to be cut off at the end.
Doha, Apr 28 (Xinhua-ANI): In an effort to support women's sports the first ever Qatar Women's Basketball League got off the ground in bid city Doha with 10 teams fighting for the chance to become national champions.
Islamabad, April 27 (IANS) Top Pakistani, Afghan and US officials Friday agreed to form a group at the UN to coordinate activities in New York and accelerate the process of reconciliation in war-torn Afghanistan.
Islamabad, Apr 25 (ANI): Top diplomats from Pakistan, Afghanistan and the U.S. will meet in Islamabad on April 27 to discuss "obstacles" to the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, announced Omar Daudzai, the country's ambassador in Pakistan.
Abu Dhabi, April 23 (IANS) Kerala-born M. A. Yusuffali is today dubbed as one of the most influential Indians in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
Doha, April 23 (IANS) India Monday urged Qatar to increase the supply of natural gas by 3 million tonnes to meet immediate requirements.
Damascus, April 22 (IANS) Amid mounting international pressure, Syria Sunday asserted that it will not allow itself to be invaded like Libya and rubbished the opposition as a rag-tag collection of Al Qeada elements and rank criminals who are supported by the West in league with some powerful Arab nations.
Jakarta, April 20 (IANS) An Indonesia football coach has been banned for four games and fined by FIFA for accusing match officials of taking bribes during a 10-0 loss to Bahrain in World Cup qualifying.
Damascus, Apr 20 (ANI): With the UN warnings that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is not honouring terms of a ceasefire, Western leaders have threatened international intervention, including setting up "humanitarian corridors" across Syria.
Paris, April 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) France has no intention to supply arms to the Syrian opposition and is ready to discuss the UN and Arab League's peace plan, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has said.
Jakarta, April 19 (Xinhua-ANI): An Indonesia soccer coach has been banned for four games and fined by FIFA for accusing match officials of taking bribes during a 10-0 loss to Bahrain in World Cup qualifying, a media reported here.
Baghdad, Apr 15(ANI): Professional Footballers Association chief executive Brendan Schwab has said Iraq should remain a no-go zone for international soccer matches because of security concerns.
Doha, Apr 13 (ANI): French free-climber Alain Robert, who is better known as "Spiderman", set a new Guinness World Record by climbing the 300 metre high Aspire Tower in the fastest time, unassisted.
New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) With growing demands for oil and gas and uncertainty looming over supplies from sanctions-hit Iran, India has sought to deepen energy ties with Qatar. The main focus of Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani's three-day visit to New Delhi early this week was deepening cooperation in the energy sector.
Kochi, April 13 (IANS) Dulquar Salman's debut film 'Second Show' did reasonable business at the box office, but it hasn't stopped filmmakers to offer films to the youngster. The young actor, who is Malayalam superstar Mammootty's son, is happy with his profession and the way his acting career is shaping up.
New Delhi, Apr 10 (ANI): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has said that the bilateral economic ties between India and Qatar were below par and needed to be strengthened.
India and Qatar signed up many important agreements in various areas including an overarching pact on cooperation in oil and gas exploration.
New Delhi, Apr 9 (ANI): India and Qatar on Monday signed agreements in the field of energy, culture, education, finance and legal to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations.
New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) India and energy-rich Qatar, home to half a million Indians, Monday sealed six agreements in diverse areas, including an overarching pact on cooperation in oil and gas exploration.
New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) The business chambers of India and Qatar Monday signed a pact to set up a joint business council that will promote two-way trade and investment.
New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) India and energy-rich Qatar, home to half a million Indians, Monday signed six agreements in diverse areas, including a pact on cooperation in oil and gas exploration.
New Delhi, Apr 9 (ANI): A ceremonial reception was accorded to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here this morning.
Damascus, Mar 31 (ANI): Syrian activists are losing hope about being able to oust President Bashar al-Assad as his government continues to ignore international calls for a ceasefire, and carries on with its bloody crackdown of pro-democracy protestors.
New Delhi/Doha, April 7 (IANS) The Indian diaspora in Qatar, constituting nearly one-third of the Gulf country's population, has called for better protection of their interests, especially of low paid workers, as Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani begins his official visit to India from Sunday.
New Delhi/Doha, April 7 (IANS) The Indian diaspora in Qatar, constituting nearly one-third of the Gulf country's population, has called for better protection of their interests, especially of low paid workers, as Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani begins his official visit to India from Sunday.
Dubai, Apr 6(ANI): Afghanistan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rasool has said his country won't be used as a launch pad for conducting US drones attacks on Pakistan after NATO combat forces withdraw at the end of 2014.
Dubai, Apr 6(ANI): Afghanistan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rasool has said his country won't be used as a launch pad for conducting US drones attacks on Pakistan after NATO combat forces at the end of 2014.
Tehran, April 5 (IANS) Iran's national football team will play a friendly match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in preparation for the final stage of Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup to be held in Brazil.
New Delhi, Apr 4 (ANI): Qatar Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will pay a state visit to India from April 8 to 10 at the invitation of President Pratibha Devisingh Patil.
New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) India will seek to scale up its imports of oil and gas from Qatar when Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani holds talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday. New Delhi is also expected to seek an update on reports of the Taliban planning to open an office in Doha.
New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) India is keen to increase gas and crude oil imports from Qatar and the two countries are hopeful of soon working out the prices of the new supplies, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister S. Jaipal Reddy said Monday.
Islamabad, Apr 2(ANI): The Taliban and the US have reportedly agreed to swap prisoners, sources have said, adding that a formal announcement of an agreement is not possible at the moment.
Damascus, Apr 2 (ANI): British Foreign Secretary William Hague has warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to honour the new peace plan or else other countries would arm the rebel movement.
Moscow, April 1 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The US was ready to release five Taliban leaders from the detention centre at Guantanamo Bay under certain conditions, an Afghan official has said.
Ramallah, March 25 (IANS) The Palestinian leadership is looking forward to gain declarations of full Arab political and financial support for their cause in the Arab League annual summit due to be held in Baghdad March 29, a senior Palestinian official said Sunday.
Islamabad, Mar 24 (ANI): Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States are set to revive trilateral talks after a nearly seven-month deadlock, Afghan diplomats and foreign ministry officials have said.
Islamabad, Mar 16(ANI): Experts are not surprised by Taliban's decision to pull out of talks with the United States as a part of the Qatar initiative.
London, Mar.16 (ANI): UK Premier League chief Sir Dave Richards has apologised for claiming that FIFA and UEFA had "stolen" football from England.
Washington, Mar 16 (ANI): The United States has said that it remains committed to Afghan reconciliation, despite Taliban's announcement of suspending talks with America.
Islamabad, Mar 16(ANI): Experts are not surprised by Taliban's decision to pull out of talks with the United States as a part of the Qatar initiative.
London, Mar.16 (ANI): UK Premier League chief Sir Dave Richards has apologised for claiming that FIFA and UEFA had "stolen" football from England.
Washington, Mar 16 (ANI): The United States has said that it remains committed to Afghan reconciliation, despite Taliban's announcement of suspending talks with America.
London, Mar 15(ANI): England Premier League Chairman Sir Dave Richards has asked the Islamic state of Qatar to relax its alcohol laws for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, or risk facing a boycott from thirsty fans.
Damascus, Mar 15 (ANI): Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's wife Asma spent tens of thousands of pounds on lavish accessories as her husband's regime continued its crackdown on hundreds of pro-democracy protestors, a trove of e-mails received and sent by him and his wife have revealed.
London, Mar 15(ANI): Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards had an awkward moment when he fell into a fountain pool of a hotel in Doha after he accused the Federation International of Football Association (FIFA) of stealing the football from England.
London, Mar 15(ANI): England Premier League Chairman Sir Dave Richards has asked the Islamic state of Qatar to relax its alcohol laws for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, or risk facing a boycott from thirsty fans.
Damascus, Mar 15 (ANI): Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's wife Asma spent tens of thousands of pounds on lavish accessories as her husband's regime continued its crackdown on hundreds of pro-democracy protestors, a trove of e-mails received and sent by him and his wife have revealed.
London, Mar 15(ANI): Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards had an awkward moment when he fell into a fountain pool of a hotel in Doha after he accused the Federation International of Football Association (FIFA) of stealing the football from England.
Islamabad, Mar 14 (ANI): The Pakistan Taliban are re-grouping in Peshawar and tribal areas to counter the impact of the security forces' crackdown on them, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said.
Islamabad, Mar 14 (ANI): The Pakistan Taliban are re-grouping in Peshawar and tribal areas to counter the impact of the security forces' crackdown on them, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said.
Kabul, Mar 11(ANI): Five senior Taliban operatives detained at the Guantanamo Bay have agreed to be moved to custody in Qatar as part of a peace plan, the Afghan government officials has said.
Kabul, Mar 11(ANI): Five senior Taliban operatives detained at the Guantanamo Bay have agreed to be moved to custody in Qatar as part of a peace plan, the Afghan government officials has said.
Damascus, Feb 28 (ANI): The death toll in Syria's 11-month uprising has passed the 8,000 mark as the President Bashar al-Assad-led regime widens its artillery offensive against opposition groups, despite claiming to have secured overwhelming support through a nationwide referendum to change the country's constitution.
Karachi, Feb 23(ANI): The Afghan Taliban has rejected reports of it having talks with the Kandahar Peace Council in Pakistan.
Karachi, Feb 23(ANI): The Afghan Taliban has rejected reports of it having talks with the Kandahar Peace Council in Pakistan.
Islamabad, Feb 22 (ANI): Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has said her country will not support a US-driven initiative to start Afghan peace talks in Qatar unless it gets full backing from Kabul.
Islamabad, Feb 22 (ANI): Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has said her country will not support a US-driven initiative to start Afghan peace talks in Qatar unless it gets full backing from Kabul.
New Delhi, Feb.20 (ANI): Although U.S.-Pakistan relations have been going southwards since the Abbotabad raid in May last year, something unusual is happening these days. Unlike the past, when the U.S. would succumb to Pakistani blackmail rather hastily, the US not only seems unfazed by Pakistani antics but has become aggressive in dealing with Islamabad.
Islamabad, Feb 19 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has asked the US not to negotiate with the Taliban on their behalf.
Islamabad, Feb 19 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has asked the US not to negotiate with the Taliban on their behalf.
Kabul, Feb.16 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said that he will seek Islamabad's help in the Taliban-related peace outreach at a summit in Qatar on Thursday.
Melbourne, Feb 14 (ANI): Rory McIlroy flew down to Doha after his Dubai Desert Classic tournament to be with girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki at the Qatar open.
London, Feb 12(ANI): Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is being pursued by several cash-rich clubs as his deal with Chelsea expires at the end of this season.
Damascus, Feb. 13 (ANI): Syria has expelled the ambassadors of Libya and Tunisia and given them 72- hour deadline to leave the country.
London, Feb 12(ANI): Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is being pursued by several cash-rich clubs as his deal with Chelsea expires at the end of this season.
Damascus, Feb. 13 (ANI): Syria has expelled the ambassadors of Libya and Tunisia and given them 72- hour deadline to leave the country.
Damascus, Feb 5 (ANI): Syrian authorities have reportedly released the alleged terrorist mastermind behind the July 7 London bombings, that killed 52 people and injured over 700 in 2005.
Kabul, Feb 8(ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has repeatedly tried to thwart the most focused U.S. effort to begin peace talks with the Taliban, observers have said.
Melbourne, Feb.7 (ANI): The decision to strip Alberto Contador of his Tour de France title and ban him for two years for doping is another blow to the sport, cycling greats Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain have said.
Melbourne, Feb.7 (ANI): The decision to strip Alberto Contador of his Tour de France title and ban him for two years for doping is another blow to the sport, cycling greats Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain have said.
Islamabad, Feb 5 (ANI): The Afghan Taliban has denied that the group' leader Mullah Omar wrote any letter to US President Barack Obama, indicating an interest to initiate peace talks.
Islamabad, Feb 5 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will travel to Qatar on Monday for talks on the Taliban's plans to set up a representative office in the Gulf state, Pakistani officials have said. aliban leaders had said last month the insurgent movement plans to set up an office in Qatar, a U.S. ally, as part of a fragile peace process.
Islamabad, Feb 5 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will travel to Qatar on Monday for talks on the Taliban's plans to set up a representative office in the Gulf state, Pakistani officials have said. aliban leaders had said last month the insurgent movement plans to set up an office in Qatar, a U.S. ally, as part of a fragile peace process.
Islamabad, Feb 5 (ANI): The Afghan Taliban has denied that the group' leader Mullah Omar wrote any letter to US President Barack Obama, indicating an interest to initiate peace talks.
Islamabad, Feb 4 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will explain his country's stance on the issue of peace talks with the Afghan Taliban during hid visit to Qatar next week to meet the Gulf state's leaders, a government spokesman has said.
London, Feb 4 (ANI): One of Cezanne's best-loved paintings has been sold for 160 million pounds, which is the highest price ever paid for a work of art.
Washington, Feb 4 (ANI): Mullah Omar, the reclusive leader of the Taliban, has reportedly sent US President Barack Obama a letter, indicating an interest to initiate peace talks.
Washington, Feb 4 (ANI): Mullah Omar, the reclusive leader of the Taliban, has reportedly sent US President Barack Obama a letter, indicating an interest to initiate peace talks.
Islamabad, Feb 4 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will explain his country's stance on the issue of peace talks with the Afghan Taliban during hid visit to Qatar next week to meet the Gulf state's leaders, a government spokesman has said.
London, Feb 4 (ANI): One of Cezanne's best-loved paintings has been sold for 160 million pounds, which is the highest price ever paid for a work of art.
Washington, Feb 4 (ANI): Mullah Omar, the reclusive leader of the Taliban, has reportedly sent US President Barack Obama a letter, indicating an interest to initiate peace talks.
Kabul, Feb 2 (ANI): The Taliban has rejected reports of holding talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai's government in Saudi Arabia.
Kabul, Feb 2 (ANI): The Taliban has rejected reports of holding talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai's government in Saudi Arabia.
Kabul, Jan.31 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said that he will personally attend a meeting with Taliban figures in Saudi Arabia, working around Western efforts to coordinate the peace process.
Kabul, Jan.31 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said that he will personally attend a meeting with Taliban figures in Saudi Arabia, working around Western efforts to coordinate the peace process.
Islamabad, Jan 30 (ANI): The US' move to initiate talks with the Afghan Taliban in Qatar last September reportedly created a feeling of 'betrayal' in Pakistan and Afghanistan, bringing both countries closer once again on the issue.
Kabul, Jan 30 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has planned to meet with the Taliban in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to restart peace talks.
Islamabad, Jan 30 (ANI): The US' move to initiate talks with the Afghan Taliban in Qatar last September reportedly created a feeling of 'betrayal' in Pakistan and Afghanistan, bringing both countries closer once again on the issue.
Kabul, Jan 30 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has planned to meet with the Taliban in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to restart peace talks.
Kabul, Jan 29 (ANI): Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar will visit Kabul on Wednesday for peace talks on the Taliban insurgency, Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Janan Mosazai has said.
Kabul, Jan 29(ANI): The Taliban has tried to project itself as a more moderate force as it has vowed to forge peaceful ties with neighbouring countries and respect human rights in its recent public statements ahead of the Afghan peace talks, a report has said.
Kabul, Jan 29(ANI): The Taliban has tried to project itself as a more moderate force as it has vowed to forge peaceful ties with neighbouring countries and respect human rights in its recent public statements ahead of the Afghan peace talks, a report has said.
Kabul, Jan 29 (ANI): Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar will visit Kabul on Wednesday for peace talks on the Taliban insurgency, Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Janan Mosazai has said.
Washington, Jan 28 (ANI): The United States has said it is not sidelining Pakistan from peace talks with the Taliban, insisting that the South Asian country has an important role to play in the Afghan reconciliation process.
Washington, Jan 28 (ANI): The United States has said it is not sidelining Pakistan from peace talks with the Taliban, insisting that the South Asian country has an important role to play in the Afghan reconciliation process.
