Qatar II: Desert scapes of the future

Aired June 2006

Situated halfway up the western shore of the Arabian Gulf, Qatar is almost completely surrounded by the sea. It borders Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the south and Bahrain in the Northwest.

Much of Qatar’s history pivots on its relationship with the sea and desert. Tribes that settled on the coastal areas regarded the sea as the source of life. While the Bedouins that traveled the desert plains reared camels and sheep in the great carpets of desert sand.

The nation claimed its independence from the British on September 3rd, 1971. In the same year it joined the Arab league and the United Nations. The move towards a modern society was officially under way.

The present population is estimated at 863,000 inhabitants, most of whom reside in Doha, the capital city, which is the country’s commercial and cultural centre. Doha is built around a beautiful bay, along which runs a 4 mile long corniche, lined with lush gardens and green parks. Today, Doha's cosmopolitan spirit strikes a perfect balance with its rich cultural and religious heritage. The Emir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani is the Head of the State. Rule in Qatar is hereditary. The Emir’s son, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani is the Heir Apparent and the Emir’s brother, H.H. Sheikh Abdulla Bin Khalifa Al Thani is the Prime Minister.

With booming business, a profitable economy, and a population enjoying a generous disposable income a certain lifestyle has arisen to accompany Qatar’s cosmopolitan flair.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Qatar's economy is very strong, largely due to its abundance of oil and natural gas reserves. Consequently, significant investment is being made on an ongoing basis into the local infrastructure to support high standards of living and the successful development of tourism.
The strategic vision for the development of the tourism sector is to increase its current 2% contribution to Qatar’s Gross Domestic Product. The foundation of this will be extensive infrastructure developments. The “Pearl of the Gulf” project is worth 5 billion us dollars. The man-made island has already been under construction for over a year. Qatar already hosts a number of major annual sporting events in its world class facilities.
It is now on the brink of being the honorable host of the 2006 Asian Games. In preparation for the opening of the games in December, all existing sporting facilities are being redeveloped and upgraded. More over, a number of new world class venues is being finished.
This work is being carried out under the patronage of the Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee as well as the Qatar National Olympic Committee. The construction of a world-class, comprehensive infrastructure network to accommodate the stream of visitors has become one of the government’s main priorities. In addition to redefining the world of sport, Qatar is also looking to redefine the world of technology.
In recent years, with the rapid increase in population and demand, Qatar has seen an urgent need for expansion in the country’s water and electricity generation capacity. In May 2000, the Qatari government took a major step towards privatization of its power sector. Assets formerly owned by the Ministry were transferred to the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation. In 2001, a further Emiri Decree allowed the establishment of new private generation companies, opening the sector to international joint ventures.

EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Formal education in the State of Qatar started in 1952. Since then, commitment to the development of the educational curriculum has prompted the emergence of a comprehensive educational policy, based on adherence to the heritage and the MODERATE CHARACTER of the Islamic nation.
Under the guidance of the Supreme Education Council, the government of Qatar has released an initiative to develop general education in the State of Qatar under the slogan: Education for A New Era. This is aimed at provide the best education for all Qataris, in order to prepare them to meet the needs of the economic and social development that is currently characterizing the nation. To compliment the academic curriculum, Qatari schools also put a heavy emphasis on extracurricular activities.
Furthermore, the health sector has come a long way to expanding the coverage of health services all over the country, and providing the most advanced medical equipment and qualified workforce. Health services in Qatar are discharged through a compact link chain from primary to intensive care and from health centers to major hospitals.Established in 1982, Hamad Medical Corporation is one of the region's most distinguished specialized medical establishments. It breeds the future generation of human resource for the medical industry in Qatar, preparing them for various technical specialties including x-ray, respiratory system, computer and medical engineering. With private hospitals playing an important role, the private health sector in Qatar has developed considerably. Two new health centers are due to be opened for the first time in the Doha central market and al-Kara’ Ana areas. But perhaps the biggest plans are reserved for the 2006 Asian Games Athlete village, which will be converted into a medical centre after the Games.
In the coming years, this and many other new structures will be introduced to a nation at the cutting edge of the health care industry.

TOURISM

Qatar is situated in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, which not only describes its geographical location but also the importance given to the country’s Arabian culture, heritage and warm hospitality. Qatar has targeted itself as one of the world's leading sports destinations and continues to expand existing infrastructure and build new facilities to accommodate this growing market niche. With the hosting of the 15th Asian Olympic Games in Qatar in December 2006, the Qatar National Olympic Committee is preparing to showcase the nation to the world.

The surface of Qatar is characterized by a number of geographical features, which are distinctive to the west coast of the Arabian Gulf. Sand dunes can reach an altitude of 131 feet above sea level and as you travel over them you will get an unequalled view of the desert. To do this, you will of course need a reliable 4 by 4 vehicle, which can safely help you experience the exhilaration of hearing the sands shift as you descend down the slopes.

Surrounded by the Arabian Gulf on three sides of the peninsula, Qatar offers plenty of opportunities for water sports and cruising. Two artificial reefs have been built for scuba-diving and create a welcoming environment for marine life.

A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow in Doha Bay provides a stunning view of Doha at night, while a true fishing enthusiast could not ask for a better location. From the large shopping complexes to the tiny stalls of the souqs, eager shoppers will find everything they need and more. On the opposite side of the Corniche, there is the largest shopping complex in the Middle East: the City Centre Doha, offering world-famous brands, as well as many exciting family facilities.

Qatar already hosts a number of world-class hotel brands, which provide safe and comfortable restaurant and spa facilities for the whole family.

The likes of the Ritz Carlton Intercontinental and Ramada are already well-established in Doha, as the city eagerly awaits the expansion of its hotel industry with the arrival of another 8 brands by the end of 2006.

Hospitable, generous and kind, Qataris make visitors to their country feel very welcome. Qatar is an ideal family location and a very safe place to visit, live and work. Standards of lifestyle are high, as the infrastructure continues to develop rapidly. Now more than ever, Qatar is ripe for discovery by visitors from all over the world.