As the weather cools down and the days become shorter, you'll enjoy your time in Qatar even more as the variety of events held around town increase dramatically through the winter months – especially those held outdoors. If you are a sports buff, this is a great time to be in the country with a number of events coming up, like the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, Qatar ExxonMobil Open, Tours of Qatar for the cyclists, Qatar Total Open and the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar. Additionally, we have the big annual events that traditionally happen in the months of January to March to look forward to, such as the luxurious Doha Watches and Jewellery Exhibition, the QAFCO Flower and Vegetable Show, and the Qatar Motor Show, these always draw crowds and are great for the entire family.
Cover Image Courtesy of Firos Syed
With the advent of the all-new Doha Bus in 2013, exploring the city's hotspots has become much more convenient and informative. Do take a few minutes to read the feature in Discovering Qatar to learn how you can hop-on and hop-off one of these charming double decker buses that run through Doha's Corniche from end to end. In addition to a comprehensive list of events and things to do in the coming months, this issue gives you a round-up of what's been shaping the country through 2013; an idea of how Qatar has been using her massive resources overseas; a glimpse into the country's first UNESCO site; a journey through one of the most unique museums you will come across; and an insight into the origins of the magnificent Arabian horse. You will find all these stories in the Special Features section. To sign off, I wish you a pleasant winter season and we will see you again in the spring of 2014. We hope that all remains well with you until then!
Hilary Bainbridge Managing Editor
MARHABA PUBLICATIONS Marhaba Information Guide Marhaba Dining Guide Marhaba Shopping Guide Marhaba Pocket Map of Doha Marhaba Kaleidoscope Marhaba Calendars Qatar Image
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AVAILABLE AT • Abu Karbal Bookshop • Bakemart • Carrefour Hypermarket – Dar Al Salam, City Center-Doha, Lagoona, Landmark & Villaggio • Family Food Centre, Airport Road, Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St. & Al Rayyan Al Jadeed St • I Spy Bookstore, City Center-Doha • Jarir Bookstore, Salwa Rd and Al Rayyan Al Jadeed St. • JG Sandwich Cellar • La Mundi Bookshop, Radisson Blu • Lulu Hypermarket, D Ring Road and Al Gharrafa • Lulu Centre • Lulu Express • Mega Mart, The Centre, Mega Mart Xpress, Al Messila Petrol Station • Museum of Islamic Art • Naaz Stores • Qatar Distribution Centre • Virgin Megastore, Villaggio and Landmark • Woqod Petrol Stations
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In this issue... 11
22
Discovering Qatar Qatar at a Glance Events in Qatar Main Urban Centres Traveller Information Getting Around Qatar Arabic Phrases
13 21 32 45 53 59
Do’s and Don’ts 60 Qatar Online 62 Foreign Embassies in Qatar 64 Sightseeing 67 Leisure Activities 87 Day to Day Qatar 95 Living in Qatar 99
Qatar’s Cabinet of Ministers QAFCO Flower and Vegetable Show Doha Watches and Jewellery Exhibition Qatar Motor Show Hop‑On Hop‑Off With Doha Bus
18 22 24 26 85
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Maps Qatar Northeast Coast Al Khor West Bay Area Doha City Doha Central Area Al Wakra
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10 33 34 35 36–38 39 40
Mesaieed Southeast Coast Souq Waqif Area Education City Small Industries Zone Industrial Area
Hospitality, Hotels and Dining
© Gonz Ferolino Photography
Tourism in Qatar and Places to Stay What’s on at Hotels in Qatar The Great Outdoors A Festive Season Dining in Qatar Dining Guide Listings Hospitality Events and Who’s New?
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127 138 146 149 153 155 178
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Shopping Where to Shop Listings A Shopaholic’s Paradise Gifts They’ll love Shopping in Qatar Map of the Souq Area
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41 42 202 302 422 423
187 191 194 196 204
Special Features Celebrating Qatar The Arabian Legend A Collector’s Collection Local Music Artists Rise Our Very Own UNESCO Site Qatar Without Borders
208 213 216 219 221 224
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Sports
0 2 4 7 7 5 9
8 2 4 6 5
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8 3 6 9 1 4
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Education
Sports in Qatar Sports Calendar Qatar ExxonMobil Open Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Qatar Total Open Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar Tours of Qatar Sports Activities
Useful Numbers Education in Qatar Map of Education City Education Courses/Lectures Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses eLearning in Qatar
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387
335 337 350 352 355 358, 362
Banking and Commerce 369 375 378 384
Motoring Cars Tested This Issue 389 Main Car Showrooms/Motorcycle Dealers 390 Driving in Qatar 392 Useful Numbers 393 Motoring Essentials 394 Dealer Events 410 Main Service Centres 420 Map of Ind’l Area, Small Industries Zone 422
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Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals The Global Perspective Qatar’s Oil Industry Qatar’s Gas Industry Qatar’s Petrochemical Industry Synchronised Solutions Company Activities
429 431 433 435 438 441
Editorial Sarah Palmer Sarah Mascarenhas Terry Sutcliffe Gina Coleman Ola Diab
Retail Sales Sandra Alexander
Health and Beauty
Banking and Finance Commerce and Economy Investment and Trade Keeping You Safe in the Workplace
Managing Editor Hilary Bainbridge
Advertising Havovi Rabadi Ellan Thompson Lubuna Jeffin
259 265 267 305 310 312
Useful Numbers Healthcare in Qatar Health Insurance System Save a Life Health and Wellness Spas and Beauty Centres
367
231 233 240 241 242 243 244 246
Design and Artwork Dick Tamayo Mar Principe Arnel Ramos Dana Design Studio
Marhaba endeavours to quote accurate information and updates each of its sections every issue. However, the magazine accepts no liability in the case of unintentional errors.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without written permission of the publishers.
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Dana Public Relations PO Box 3797, Doha, Qatar Tel (+974) 4465 5533 4465 0083 Fax (+974) 4465 5588 General Information marhaba@qatar.net.qa Editorial editorial@marhaba.com.qa Retail Sales retailsales@marhaba-qatar.com
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Discovering Qatar Map of Qatar
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Qatar at a Glance • • • • •
Geography • History • Climate Language and Religion • The Ruling Family The Qatari Flag • Government • Economy International Relations Demography • Transport and Communications
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Events December – March
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Main Urban Centres
33 45
Doha City and other maps
48 50
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Leisure Activities
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Day to Day Qatar
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Living in Qatar
Traveller Information • Visas • Entry Visas • eCash Cards • Car Rental, Taxis and Limousines • Airlines • Travel Agencies
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Getting Around Qatar
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Arabic Phrases
60
Do’s and Don’ts
62 64
Qatar Online
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Sightseeing
• • • •
Karwa Taxi • Karwa Limousine • Karwa Bus Superhighways to Span the State Need Help With Those Names? Signs of Progress
Foreign Embassies
Things to see and do in Qatar, from Art and Photography to Organised Tours
• • • • • • • •
Government Online Useful Documents/Processing The Qatar Labour Law Register at Your Embassy Residence/Work Permits Renew a Residence Permit Exit Permits • Identity Cards Health Related Services
Housing
110
Utilities and Services
116
Pets
• Airport Arrivals/Departures • Airport Parking
Hamad International Airport
• Accidents and Medical Emergencies • Visas • Newspapers • Telephone • Public Wireless Internet • Television and Radio • Places of Worship
106
Doha International Airport
• Parking • Facilities • Facts • Shuttle Service
Clubs, societies and activities, from Arts and Crafts to Parks and Play Zones
• To Rent • Estate/Letting Agents • To Buy • Lawyers and Legal • Relocation Services/Removal Firms • Other Housing Considerations • • • • • •
Water and Electricity • Gas Telephone and Internet Postal Services and Mail Courier Services Birth, Marriage and Death Liquor Permit
• Pets • Exporting a Pet • Microchipping • Private Veterinary Clinics and Services
Features – 18, 22, 24, 26, 85 Qatar’s Cabinet of Ministers QAFCO Flower and Vegetable Show Doha Watches and Jewellery Exhibition Qatar Motor Show Hop‑On Hop‑Off With Doha Bus
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Discovering Qatar
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Al Zubarah Archeological Site Qatar’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site
Al Zubarah Archeological Site is one of the largest and best preserved examples of an 18th – 19th century traditional pearl fishing and merchant town in the Gulf. The historic coastal town is situated approximately 100 km northwest of Doha in the Madinat Al Shamal municipality. Founded in the mid‑18th century, the town developed into a centre of the pearling and international trade and rose to become the country’s largest and most important settlement. Abandoned by the mid‑20th century, Al Zubarah is now an archaeological site, which covers an area of 60 hectares with remains of houses, mosques, large fortified buildings and a market. AL ZUBARAH
For more information, visit Al Zubarah Archaeological Site’s website at alzubarah.qa, or Facebook page at facebook.com/AlZubarah
DOHA
Principal Sponsor
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Qatar at a Glance
www.new-methods.com
Geography • Qatar is a peninsula of 11,521 sq km located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf. • The territory encompasses several islands including Halul, Sheraouh, Al Beshairiya, Al Safliya (which is a marine protected area) and Al Aaliya.
Qatar at a Glance
• The coastline covers 563 km with shallow coastal waters in most areas and many coves and inlets. • The terrain is flat and rocky, covered with sand flats and sand dunes. There are some exceptional low-rising limestone outcrops in the north and northwest. • The country is centrally placed among the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which groups it with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.
History
• One of the world’s earliest maps, The Map of Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE, shows the word 'Catara' at the head of the bay.
• Qatar played an important role in the Islamic civilisation when its inhabitants participated in the formation and provision of the first naval fleet. • Archaeological discoveries, inscriptions and artefacts prove that Qatar was populated as early as 10,000 – 8,000 BCE. • In the middle of the 1st century CE, Pliny the Elder referred to the nomads of the area as the 'Catharrei' – an apparent reference to their constant search for water.
• During the 16th century, the Qataris aligned with the Turks to drive out the Portuguese. Subsequently, along with the entire Arabian Peninsula, they fell under the nominal rule of the Ottoman Empire for four successive centuries – with the real power and control remaining in the hands of the sheikhs and princes of local Arab tribes.
Climate
Language and Religion
• The country has a moderate desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Winter nights can be cool, but temperatures rarely drop below 7°C.
• The official language of the country is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood.
• Humidity levels can be extremely high on the coast during the summer months. • Rainfall is scarce (average 70 mm per year), falling on isolated days mainly between October and March.
• All official documents (such as visa and resident permit applications) must be completed in Arabic. • Islam is the official religion of the country, and Shari’a (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation.
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The Ruling Family • The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, assumed power on 25 June 2013.
Qatar at a Glance
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Emir of the State of Qatar
• The ruling Al Thani family was among a tribal group who had settled at the 'Gibrin' oasis in southern Najd, before their arrival in Qatar during the early 18th century. Initially, they settled in Zubara in northern Qatar, moving to Doha in the mid-19th century. The family is a branch of the ancient Arab tribe, the Bani Tameem, whose descent can be traced back to Mudar bin Nizar. • The name Al Thani is derived from that of the family’s ancestor Thani bin Mohamad bin Thani, who was the first sheikh to rule modern Qatar.
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Father Emir
The Qatari Flag
• The national flag is maroon with a broad vertical white stripe at the pole, the two colours being separated with a nine-point serrated line which indicates Qatar as the ninth member of the 'reconciled Emirates' of the Gulf, after the 1916 Qatar-British Treaty. His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani Prime Minister and Minister of Interior
• White signifies the internationally recognised symbol of peace. Maroon symbolises the blood shed during the several wars that Qatar has undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century.
Government • The Emir is the ruler of Qatar. Rule is hereditary, with power transferred from father to son. If no son is available, power is transferred to the person whom the Emir chooses within the Al Thani family. • The Emir is the head of the constitutional authorities, holding both legislative and executive powers. The Emir appoints the prime minister and ministers. • The Council of Ministers (Cabinet), the supreme executive authority in the country, assists in implementing the general policies of the State. • A 35-member Advisory Council debates economic, political and administrative matters referred to it by the Cabinet. • The constitutional development of Qatar has kept pace with the rapid development and economic growth of the country.
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• The first provisional constitution was issued in 1970, and amended in 1972 upon independence. In April 2003, an overwhelming 96.6% of Qatari voters said 'yes' to a draft permanent constitution which became effective on 8 June 2005, transforming Qatar into a democracy. • In 1999, free elections were held to form a 29-member Central Municipal Council (CMC) for the first time in Qatar’s history. Women were allowed to vote and run as candidates. CMC elections (held every four years) last took place on 10 May 2011. The constitution was amended in 2003 to allow for the direct election of 30 members of the Advisory Council. The first elections were scheduled for 2013, but were postponed when His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani abdicated in June 2013.
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Economy
its economy, and emphasis is being placed on private-sector industrial development, education, health, sport and tourism.
• Qatar, with proven gas reserves of over 900 trillion standard cubic feet in its North Field, and oil reserves of over 15.2 billion barrels, has one of the fastest growing economies and the highest per capita income in the world.
• Investment laws allow for up to 100% foreign investment in many sectors including agriculture, industry, leisure, tourism, health, education and the exploitation of natural resources, energy and mining – subject to dispensation from the Ministry of Business and Trade.
• In just decades, Qatar has developed into a major global supplier of energy and is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a world leader in gas-to-liquids (GTL) production.
• Together with Qatari partners, who hold a 51% interest, foreigners can invest in most other sectors subject to approval. See Banking and Commerce for more information.
Qatar at a Glance
• While developing its huge hydrocarbon reserves, Qatar has also diversified
International Relations
Qatar is a member of: • The United Nations (UN) and its subsidiary global organisations.
• Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strives to establish and develop close direct ties with all peace-loving countries and peoples of the world. It is keen to participate actively in efforts to deal with the concerns and challenges that the Gulf region encounters.
• The Asian Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council. • The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). • The Organisation of Arab Oil Exporting Countries (OAPEC).
• Qatar was actively involved in the discussions leading to the foundation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has hosted a number of their Supreme Council Summit Meetings.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. • The World Trade Organisation (WTO).
• Qatar maintains 83 embassies abroad, 7 consulates and 3 other representations. The Qatari capital Doha hosts 88 embassies, and in addition there are consulates and other representations in Qatar.
• The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). • The Arab League. • The UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
Demography
Transport and Communication
• Qatar's population as at 31 August 2013 was 1,864,817 according to figures released by the Qatar Statistics Authority. • 23.87% of the population is female. • 51% of the population resides in the city of Doha, which is the business and administrative capital. • Other population centres include Dukhan on the west coast, Mesaieed City and Al Wakra in the south, and Ras Laffan and Al Khor in the north. Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLC) is creating a population expansion in Al Khor and the adjoining areas. Projects are underway to provide new housing and amenities in the area.
• The country is served by Doha International Airport and Hamad International Airport, the latter should be in operation sometime next year (for more information on Airports see Smart Travel in this section).
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• Metered taxis and limousines are easy to find and there is a comprehensive public transport system. • Qatar has a modern road system linking it with other GCC countries. • An integrated rail and metro network is expected to be largely complete by 2022. • The telecommunications system is currently being upgraded to an entirely fibre-optic network. m
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• The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
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Qatar's Cabinet of Ministers Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani named a new Cabinet the day after becoming Emir of the State of Qatar in June 2013. Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari both retained their positions as Minister of Energy and Industry and Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage respectively. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani was unveiled as the new Prime Minister and Interior Minister, replacing the long‑serving Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani resigned as head of the Al Jazeera Media Network to take up the post of Minister of Economy and Trade.
Qatar's Cabinet of Ministers
Dr Hessa Al Jaber became Qatar’s third female minister, and previously headed state telecom and technology regulator ictQatar. She has been named one of the Arab world’s most powerful women. m
The full list of Qatar’s cabinet of ministers: • HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Interior Minister (right, top) • HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs • HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, Foreign Minister (right, centre) • HE Maj Gen Hamad bin Ali Al Attiyah, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and Cabinet member • HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning • HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry • HE Ali Sherif Al Emadi, Minister of Finance • HE Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage • HE Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani, Minister of Public Health • HE Dr Ghaith bin Mubarak Al Kuwari, Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs • HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali, Minister of Youth and Sports • HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Trade • HE Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi, Minister of Justice • HE Dr Issa Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, Minister of Administrative Development • HE Dr Hessa Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Communication and Information Technology (right, bottom) • HE Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem Al Nabit, Minister of Development Planning and Statistics • HE Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education • HE Abdullah Saleh Mubarak Al Khulaifi, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs • HE Ahmed Amer Mohamed Al Humaidi, Minister of Environment • HE Jassim Seif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport 18
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