Qatar. The beauty of the Arabian world.
17:11 Qatar. The beauty of the Arabian world. | |
 The Greco-Roman trade between Europe and India was carried on via the Persian Gulf during 140 BC. Archaeological evidence found in Qatar suggests the Greek and Roman influences in the peninsula, particularly at Ras Abaruk, included stone structures, such as dwellings, cairns, hearths and low mounds containing large quantities of fish bones. Excavation of the dwelling revealed two chambers; linked by a cross-wall, with a third room open to the sea. Ras Abaruk was a temporary fishing station where periodic landing were made to dry fish during this period. In fact, pearls and dried fish were the major items for exportation from Qatar during the Greco-Roman period. Know about nowadays. Although Qatar had the legal status of a dependency, resentment festered against the Bahraini Al Khalifas along the eastern seaboard of the Qatari peninsula. In 1867, the Al Khalifas launched an effort to crush the Qatari rebels, sending a massive naval force to Al Wakrah. This resulted in the maritime Qatari–Bahraini War of 1867–1868, where Bahraini forces sacked and looted Doha and Al Wakrah. However, the Bahraini aggression was in violation of the 1820 Anglo-Bahraini Treaty. This attack, and the Qatari counterattack, prompted the British political agent, Colonel Lewis Pelly, to impose a settlement in 1868. His mission to Bahrain and Qatar and the peace treaty that resulted were milestones in Qatar's history because they implicitly recognized the distinctness of Qatar from Bahrain and explicitly acknowledged the position of Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani, an important representative of the peninsula's tribes. The diplomatic response of the British to this violation set into motion the political forces that would eventuate in the founding of the state of Qatar on 18 December 1878 (for this reason, the date of 18 December is celebrated each year as Qatar National Day). In addition to censuring Bahrain for its breach of agreement, the British Protectorate (per Colonel Lewis Pelly) asked to negotiate with a representative from Qatar. Who can travel to Qatar ? Qatar issues a visa on arrival at Doha's airport to passengers who are citizens of Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA and Vatican City. The price is QR 105, payment by credit card is accepted, and grants a 30 day stay. Citizens of GCC countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and United Arab Emirates do not need a visa to enter Qatar. For other nationalities, visa procedures can be complicated, as you will need a guarantor on the Qatari side, either a company or a government entity. Also Qatari embassies, unlike those of most other countries, are not entitled to issue visas, so someone in Qatar will have to file the application for you. 4/5-star hotels offer full visa service, for a price, if you book a room with them for the duration of your stay. Qatar Airways can arrange the hotel and visa for you, tel. +974 44496980. In this case, there also seems to also be a new regulation in place (2008) to either present a credit card or QAR 5000 at the point of entry - which should generally not be a problem, if you can afford the room. When booking with other hotels, you'll need a guarantor in Qatar. There are three different modes of public transportation that you can use in Qatar: buses, taxis and limousines, all of which are owned by Mowasalat (Karwa) apart from some limousine companies. The bus service began in October 2005. Ticket prices start from just Qr4.00. You can travel as far north as Al Shamal/Al Ruwais, as far west as Dukhan, and as far south as Mesaieed (Umm Said). You will require a Karwa Smart Card to journey on buses - paying on the bus with cash stopped in 2010. An alternative to taxis and buses would be to use a limousine service, which will send a car to your location (as will Karwa taxis if they are booked by telephone). Limousines are expensive, but they are the most comfortable form of transport. You can hire a car with local Car Rental companies. You will find plenty of car rental company in cities, airports or via your hotel. Walking and using bicycles is usually not a good idea in the hotter months of the year, as the heat can get very intense and tiring. The weather doesn’t change much in Qatar. Every day is sunny and hot and rain is a very rare occurrence, happening in the winter only (although the average annual precipitation is only three inches). Summers are exceptionally hot with temperatures rising to 40°C and above on a regular basis. During the winter, temperatures in the daytime are slightly cooler but drop considerably at night time. The best time to visit is from November to March, when temperatures are the most reasonable. You’ll find that the humidity, however, is very high along the coast during this period. From July through September it’s uncomfortably hot, even if the humidity is a bit lower. Also, from March until August, the country experiences a dust-laden wind, called the shamal. The national currency is the Qatari riyal (QAR). The riyal is pegged to the dollar at the rate of QR 3.65 to US $1. City Centre is currently the largest mall in Qatar and has many stores to choose from. Other malls include Landmark (has a Marks & Spencer store), Hyatt Plaza (becoming a lot better), The Mall (is OK), Royal Plaza and Villagio (owned by the same company that owns Landmark and is home to Virgin, The One and is ranked one of the best malls in the world by Forbes). All of these malls have a huge variety of stores. Blue Salon has huge sales twice a year where you can pick up Armani, Valentino and Cerutti suits for half price. There are many things to buy here but be wary of cheap pearls as they may not be real. There are many good tailors in Qatar and it is a good place to have clothes made to measure and copied. The souqs in the centre of Doha also have a lot to offer, although the goods are usually of cheaper quality than those of the malls. Prices are usually negotiable, so practice your bargaining skills. Souq Waqif (The Standing Souk) is the most interesting of the souqs; it was recently renovated to look as it did 50 or 60 years ago. You can buy anything from a turban (dishdasha/thobe, traditional dress for men) to a pot large enough to cook a baby camel in! It is being expanded to 10 times its current size due to popularity. 1. Ritz Carlton Doha An Exquisite Beachfront Resort Overlooking The Arabian Gulf And The City Skyline, the Ritz-Carlton Doha Offers A Premier Location In The Exclusive West Bay Lagoon District. Featuring One Of The Most Elegant and Complete health Spas In The Region, the Ritz-Carlton Doha Provides The Perfect Surroundings To Reflect On Important Business Matters Or To Sample Some Of The Finest Recreation In The World. Lowest price $185. 2. Four Seasons Doha Four Seasons offers supreme space and comfort in a resort-like waterfront setting, featuring an exclusive beach and 110-berth marina - and far-reaching views of the Arabian Gulf. An extensive spa and fitness centre, multi-level grotto pools, international dining and intuitive, personalised service create a leisure experience unmatched in Doha. Located in the middle of Doha Bay, this beautiful man-made island is covered with palm trees and pretty beaches. With ample facilities for water sports, children's play areas and restaurants, it is ideal for a family outing. It is reached by dhow (traditional boat), after a five-minute drive to the jetty. Lowest price $190.  3. Kempinski Residences and Suites - Doha Kempinski Residences & Suites is equipped with contemporary furnished suites. Each includes a spacious open-plan living with dining area and separate king-size bedrooms with uninterrupted views. Guests can enjoy fine foods and delicacies at the Gourmet House Restaurant of the hotel. The on-site Aroma Brasserie serves European-style pastries, while Pure offers healthy juices and smoothies. The property features 2 indoor swimming pools and sate of art Gym. Lowest price $200. 4. InterContinental Doha A grand landmark hotel, InterContinental Doha combines heritage and luxury with contemporary comfort. Located in the prestigious West Bay area, overlooking the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the hotel boasts the largest free-form swimming pool and longest private beach in the city. It is conveniently located within 10 minutes of the major central business district, the diplomatic area, the centre of the city and Doha Golf Club. Doha International Airport is only a 25 minute drive. It is ideally situated for both business and leisure travelers. This delightful hotel provides a warm Qatari welcome. Many of the spacious guest rooms enjoy outstanding sea views, and all offer broadband internet access. Club Rooms have access to a Club Lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks. The Business Centre is open 24 hours a day. The hotel is equipped to host business meetings social gatherings with 4 flexible function rooms and a grand ballroom that accommodates up to 700 guests. There are 6 restaurants and bars serving international cuisine alongside Italian, Middle Eastern, Tex-Mex and Seafood specialties. The outstanding recreational facilities include a 24 hour gym, tennis, squash, swimming pools and massage treatments. A Sailing Centre is available for boat hire. Lowest price $165. 5. The Torch - Doha At 300m high and with 360° panoramic views across the whole of Doha, THE TORCH is haven for the discerning traveller be they sports enthusiasts, business leaders or health and wellness seekers. With state-of-the-art sporting, leisure and spa facilities at its feet THE TORCH-Doha is fashioned to the finest international standards at the centre of the Aspire Zone - Doha's majestic sports city. The Aspire Zone is the triumphant symbol of Qatar's sporting heritage. Spread over a 250 hectare site, the city has been designed to attract local and international sport enthusiasts alike. Lowest price $150. Embodying the spirit of the 2006 Asian Games, THE TORCH-Doha is a beacon of luxury and wellbeing offering a unique 5-star experience. | |
| Tags: | |
