Qatar, a peninsular Arab country, is known for its modern architecture, luxury experiences, and rich cultural heritage.

Here’s an overview:

Area & Geography:

• Qatar is a peninsula spanning approximately 11,586 square kilometers.
• It’s located on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf, bordering Saudi Arabia to the south.
• The land is mostly flat and rocky, with sand dunes, and a continuous coastline of 563 km.
• The climate is a moderate desert climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.

Population:

• In 2025, Qatar’s population is recorded at approximately 3.12 million.
• The majority of the population is non-Qatari (2.76 million), while Qataris comprise about 0.36 million.
• The population is predominantly male (76.80%).

Language:

• Arabic is the official language of Qatar, specifically Gulf Arabic (Khaleeji).

Currency:

• The currency of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR).

Religion:

• Islam is the dominant religion. The majority of citizens are Sunni Muslims, with a smaller proportion of Shia Muslims.
• Other religions practiced include Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism, largely due to the diverse expatriate community.

Capital & Major Cities:

• The capital city is Doha, which is also the most populated city in Qatar.
• Other major cities include Al Rayyan, Lusail, Al Wakrah, Umm Salal Ali, and Al Khor.

Attractions & Wonders:

• Cultural & Architectural:
  • Museum of Islamic Art (MIA): Designed by I.M. Pei, it’s an iconic building on Doha’s waterfront, known for its stunning geometric structure.
  • National Museum of Qatar: Features unique architecture inspired by the desert rose.
  • Souq Waqif: A traditional market offering a glimpse into Qatari heritage, with shops, restaurants, and cultural performances.
  • Katara Cultural Village: A hub where tradition meets modernity, featuring traditional Qatari designs with Islamic domes and intricate mosaics.
  • The Pearl Island: A man-made island symbolizing luxury and modern living, with various architectural styles.
  • Lusail City: A futuristic city showcasing modern architectural marvels.
  • Msheireb Downtown Doha: A sustainable regeneration project blending traditional Qatari architecture with modern design.
• Natural Wonders:
  • Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea): A UNESCO World Heritage Site tentative list nominee, known for its serene beauty where undulating sand dunes meet an inlet from the Persian Gulf.
  • The Singing Dunes: Naturally occurring dunes that produce humming sounds.
  • Zekreet’s Mushroom Rocks: Unique rock formations in the desert.
  • Al Thakira Mangroves: A green oasis attracting various bird species, offering kayaking opportunities.
  • Dahl Al Misfir Cave: A natural cave system.
  • Fuwairit Beach: Known for its white sand, clean waters, and as a Hawksbill Sea Turtle hatchery.
  • Flamingos: Can be spotted in areas like the Al Khor Mangrove Reserve and Al Karaana Lagoon, especially during winter.

Architecture:

• Qatar’s architecture is a fusion of traditional Islamic designs and futuristic, modern structures.
• Notable examples include the Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, the Pearl Island (with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture), Katara Cultural Village, and the innovative designs of Lusail City and Msheireb Downtown Doha.

Roads & Infrastructure:

• Qatar boasts well-developed and generally good quality road and transport infrastructure.
• The road and highway network spans over 7,039 km.
• The country has launched ambitious multi-billion dollar infrastructure plans, focusing on integrated urban infrastructure, smart transport networks, and improved livability.

Hotels:

• Qatar offers a wide range of luxury and international hotel chains. Some highly-rated options include:
  • Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
  • Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha
  • Mondrian Doha
  • Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Doha
  • The St. Regis Doha
  • Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli

Restaurants & Cuisine:

• Qatari cuisine primarily features meat, fish, and rice, seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and saffron. Fresh local and imported ingredients are widely used.
• Doha has a vibrant dining scene with a variety of international and local restaurants. Some popular choices include:
  • Millie’s Lounge at The Ned Doha (Contemporary European)
  • KAI’s Songbird Restaurant (Modern Chinese)
  • Spuntino – Four Seasons The Pearl, Doha (Italian)
  • ALSUFRA – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha (Lebanese)

Annual Travel:

• Qatar’s visitor arrivals have shown significant growth, reaching 5,074,150 people in December 2024.
• The Travel & Tourism sector is set to contribute a record QAR 90.8 billion to Qatar’s economy in 2024 and is projected to support over 334,500 jobs. The government is actively working to boost tourism through collaboration and diverse experiences.