As-salamu alaykum! Welcome to the soaring skyline of the Gulf—Qatar, a dynamic peninsula nation jutting into the Persian Gulf. There are around 3 million people living here, and the capital is Doha, a city famous for its futuristic architecture, world-class museums, and the stunning Corniche waterfront. The official language is Arabic, but because of the large international population, English is the primary language used in business and daily life.
Qatar covers about 11,586 square kilometers (4,473 square miles). To imagine its size, the country is roughly the same size as the state of Connecticut in the U.S., or about the same size as the island of Jamaica. In European terms, it is approximately one-third the size of Belgium. It is a low-lying desert land, but its coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches and man-made islands.
The most popular sport is Football, especially after hosting the historic 2022 FIFA World Cup, though Falconry and Camel Racing remain deeply cherished traditional sports. Their national animal is the Arabian Oryx, a striking white antelope with long, straight horns that was successfully saved from the brink of extinction.
The flag consists of a white band on the hoist side separated from a maroon area by a nine-pointed serrated edge, where the white represents peace, the maroon symbolizes the blood shed during several wars, and the nine points signify Qatar as the ninth member of the “reconciled Emirates.”
The food is a rich blend of Levantine, North African, and Indian influences. You must try Machboos, a fragrant spiced rice dish with slow-cooked meat or seafood. Another favorite is Harees, a nutritious dish made of boiled or ground wheat mixed with meat. For a sweet treat, locals love Luqaimat, deep-fried dough balls dipped in honey or date syrup. You’ll often be welcomed with Arabic Coffee served from a traditional dallah pot.
Qatar is home to the Museum of Islamic Art, an architectural masterpiece designed by I.M. Pei that houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Islamic artifacts. The country features the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert dunes. You can visit Souq Waqif, a traditional market where you can buy everything from spices and textiles to falcons. For a glimpse of the future, explore The Pearl-Qatar, a massive man-made island featuring luxury Mediterranean-style yacht docks. Interestingly, Qatar is home to the global news network Al Jazeera and has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world!
From the traditional dhow boats in the harbor to the high-tech stadiums of Lusail, Qatar is a land where ancient Bedouin heritage meets 21st-century ambition. Shukran! That means “Thank you!”