More about Qatar

Qatar

With its expanding production of natural gas, Qatar is in the midst of an economic boom. This tiny country — only 11,347 sq km in total (or a little smaller than the state of Connecticut) — was the world's top liquefied natural gas exporter in 2007, and its per capita income has become one of the highest in the world.

This prosperity has seen Qatar investing in and developing its education and healthcare infrastructure. The Qatar Foundation's Education City, located in the capital city of Doha, is home to several branch campuses of American universities including Weill Cornell Medical School, Texas A&M, and Carnegie Mellon. Education City is also the home of the Sidra Medical and Research Center, a specialty facility devoted to the care of pediatric and high-risk obstetric patients, which opened in 2018. In 2006, the Hamad Medical Corporation established Hamad Medical City, also in Doha, which houses new specialty hospital facilities (totaling more than 1,000 beds), Ministry of Public Health offices, and staff housing and recreation.

Qatar is also investing in its reputation as a leading sports destination. In 2000, Doha was nominated to host the 15th Asian Games in 2006. In preparation for the Games, the Aspire Zone was created. The Aspire Zone is a world-class sports facility that houses the Aspire Sports Academy, the National Teams Super Club, the Hamad Aquatic Centre, and the opulent Khalifa International Stadium. While Qatar's bid for the 2016 Olympics was not successful, they did succeed in winning the bid to host to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Weather

In the summer the heat can be fierce, with temperatures reaching 45C (113F) or higher. Winter temperatures are much cooler, dropping as low as 7C (45F) at night.

See today's weather in Doha.

Time

Qatar is seven hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time, and eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Shopping

There is a plethora of shopping options in Doha, from traditional souks (markets) to modern air-conditioned malls.

Recreation & Entertainment

There is much to see and do in Qatar. Dune-bashing in the desert, attending the theatre, diving in and sailing on the Arabian Gulf, horse and camel riding, dancing at hotel discos, and playing on a professional standard golf course to name only a few.

Also see:

The Qatar Tourism Authority

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