QATAR

The state of Qatar is an Arab Emirate in the Middle East on the Persian Gulf. It is a peninsula bordering Saudi Arabia and is located east of Bahrain. The capital Doha is in every way, so also economically and touristic, one of the most thriving city’s in the region. Only since 1989, tourist visas are issued to this small, hot oil state. The heat in the summer is almost impossible to cure. During summer and winter there are many sand storms.

Climate/ Working climate:
The climate of Qatar is characterized by extraordinary  hot and dry summers with and high humidity (about 85%). The months November until January are significantly milder, with minimal chance of rain. In the hottest months (July until September) it is possible that temperature rises until 45°C. Between December and March the average temperature varies between 10-20 °C August is the driest month of the year. In December, however, is most precipitation. The average annual rainfall is 39 mm.

If you work in Qatar, respect for an adjustment to the Muslim culture is a natural requirement. However, international trade is very important in Qatar and generally  much is accepted of the western inhabitants. Thus, those working for an international company to choose whether they wish to take part in the weekend running from Thursday noon until Saturday evening in connection with the holy gebedsdag Friday. They can just continue working while all other activities stop to pray. It should be borne in mind that there are different cultures living side by side and function next to each other. A phone call during the prayer of a Muslim, for example, will never be answered.

Facts and Figures:
Capital: Doha
Area: 11,400 km², 0,3 x the Netherlands
Inhabitants: 900,000
Time zone: GMT/UTC +3
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QR)
Languages: Arabic (official), English (other), Urdu (other)

Links:
www.qatar-info.com