Qatar: A Story of the Middle East

Qatar has been known to have an interesting collection of history as well as territorial conflicts with other provinces that make its culture as well as its people rich in glory and pride. Before the province was settled in the "18^th century by Nomadic tribes from neighboring villages, the country itself was owned by Bahrain," (Infoplease) located west of the state. In response to this disapproval, its people revolted resulting in countless casualties from both sides. Finding a resolution to the civil unrest, Britain along with the Qatari leading families dissolves Bahrain's hold on the country, leaving Qatar to pay tribute.

However, this financial exchange for protection ended once the Ottomans took over in 1872. Yet, prior to the First World War, Britain returned establishing the state of Qatar's first ruler of Qatar origin, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani, who agreed to allow "British protection in exchange for their political compliance, this pact continued for 55 years" (Jones, 1716). Though the resources within the country were limited, everything changed once oil was discovered in Dukhan in 1940. However, "the exportation and trade for this asset was delayed by the Second World War up till 1949" (Jones, 1716). Throughout the years of their famous finding of the renewable resource, Qatar entered a time of prosperity with enhanced immigration, social reformations, and history being recorded, the state soon came into agreement with forming an Arab Union with Britain once the treaty for the Gulf's sheikh kingdoms ended (Infoplease). However, the union failed, and so "Qatar declared its independence from the United Kingdom during the year 1971 on September the 3^rd (Jones, 1716)."Yet, Qatar's true freedom didn't stop there, for in the winter of 1972, the cousin of Khalifa bin Hamad, Ahmad was dethroned by nonviolent means thanks to "Khalifa and his admission, social and political change arose through the usage of oil revenues within the state (Jones, 1716)".But later in the month of June 27th 1995, the same act was performed by the Deputy Amir, Hamad bin Khalifa against his father, Khalifa. Now in reconciliation, the Amir works to promote democracy and free elections for the city and more openness towards the media and government officials (Infoplease).

Besides its history which has great phrases of influence from Europe to Asia, Qatar's terrains, and likewise its features offer a wide range of valuables and captivating appearance which appeal to many travelers. Located within the Northeastern part of the Middle East, 25 to 30 degrees North, and 51 to15 East (Hammond Comparative Inc, 68), on top of Saudi-Arabia, which has flat lands and desert like grounds similar to its fellow neighboring native lands lies "Dawlat Qatar," or as many call it, "The State of Qatar"(CIA) Since its "southern regions contain sand dunes and other hazards like dust storms(Jones, 1716), many northerners prefer the "upper side of the country where vegetation(Safra and Aguilar, 833)", and domestication can be found(Jones, 1716). Though it's "small in size and peninsula like shape lacks an enduring supply of water by lakes and rivers causing a drought and its people to have to resort to salt water as a source towards dehydrating themselves, the land is decorated by its coral reefs, thin oceanic bodies, salt deposits known as sabkas, and small islands" (Jones, 1716) where "it rains up to 3 inches of water yearly" (Safra and Aguilar, 833). "With the Halul Island serving as its natural resource base and experimental place for solving the water shortage problem" (Qatar Petroleum) due to the hot summers of "Midday July and August" (Safra and Aguilar, 833), The People of Qatar wait for the winter season in November through May (Middleeasthub) with its pleasant cool temperature in order for the warm and mild temperature to lower. (Safra and Aguilar, 833). Besides its climate and environmental issues and landscapes, its territorial resources not only include oil, but also "petroleum, liquefied natural gas, fish, and pearls" that bestow upon "it the ranking of being second in highest income and gross-production compared to Liechtenstein"(CIA) and allowing for its land to be used scarcely and effectively for its people and their needs.

Aside from its history which helps to examine its culture, and its geography that provides many new comers a portrait and representation of the land and its physical features, its economic standards as well as statistics will leave you in awe. Qatar has been ranked as the "second state in highest income and gross-production in oil and natural gas, with oil being export at 1.043 barrels, and natural gas at 56.78 , cubic units compared to Liechtenstein, the first ever largest resource growing supplier and profiteer worldwide"(CIA). Qatar's GDP percentages are rising and still going up. With industries such as Petroleum, Fish, Pearling, Steel, Camel breeding and Banking at its peak (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 833), the nation still works to enhance the levels of greenery and other services as well as its growth rate and natural gas and other companies located on Halul Island, Ras Laffan, Umm Said, and Doha by the upcoming year through their business program, "Qatarization", where multiple legislative and investment corporations help to move their official up a level towards authoritative power (Infoplease). Also, as the income increases and the resources are used to promote trade with other foreign nations, the employment rate as well as the labor force begins to rise as well. Besides the basic products of Qatar, its commerce involves the distribution and "making of vegetables, melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, fruits and forest trees, fertilizer, cement"(Jones, 1716) and likewise partake in "meats like beef, poultry and dairy items like cheese, yogurts, seafood, and milk from cows and goats, lamb and mutton, a famous cuisine"(Maps of World). Through the farms are overseen by Pakistan jurisdiction, and worked by the Baluchi, its Ministry of Cultivation and Farming offers free items such as pesticide for annoying bugs, wind breaker trees to ease the winds currents on growing crops, and seeds for gardening fields of green (The World and its People, 1716). On top of their worldwide economic position, in honor of the Sheikh of 1972, Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar joined "the IMF (International Monetary Fund) that helped a hundred and eighty-six countries in sponsoring and supporting global financial sustainability, cooperation, that'll inturn develop and improve job employment, economic goals and issues, and universal trade" (World and its People, p.1716). While their wide ranges of goods are numerous by 13.4%, their other productions and trading partners are becoming big as well. For instance, "electricity is formed through the usage of natural gas pipes" (Jones, 1716) and is currently "produced at the kilowatts of 15.11 billion an hour, while it's consumed at 2.38 kilo-watts an hour" (CIA World Factbook). Whilst their partners in exportations incorporate Southern and Eastern Asian provinces while for importations the U.S., Saudi-Arabia, Turkey, and other European nations are added in. Also, with the industries expansion towards supply and demand, consumerism, and trade, "the labor force comprising of more than a thousand million men, majority being foreigner, can relax as their numbered by the millions causes unemployment to lower its statistics to 0.4% a year" (CIA World Factbook). As for the technology, its telephone systems are mixed as mobile to landlines, their radio and TV station embrace an AM and FM headquarters. Their airports number from one to five, with Qatar Airways, and Doha International Airport as being the largest and greatest airway service providers in the world, as for helicopters, there's only one port located within Qatar (CIA).

With their economy, history, and geography ranked as some of the greatest parts inside the nation's qualities of wonder and magnificence, its people as well as their customary practices as you will find out will entice your thirst for venture and fun even more. Traditionally blessed with the heritage of Persian lineage, the people of Qatar (Qataris) follow within the Bedouin customs (The World and Its People, 1716). As its population reaches past the number of over eight-hundred thousand, "its foreigner make up 52% of its whole populace" (Infoplease) with "a fourth of them originating from the United States, Britain, African, and other nationalities" (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 833). "As Doha holds the largest sum of the population, Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah both contain a proportional amount of its people, with Al Rayyan being the second, and Al Wakrah as the third (Maps of World).

Although their religion calls for the surrender to Allah in Islam that started in the 7^th century (Visual Geography) and becoming a Sunni Muslim who are of the "Wahhabi sect"(Jones, 1716) "whose efforts involve promoting and influencing the Islamic belief towards other Muslims where there's no idol worship, little works to convert another, and God is kept in prayer" (Rickross), "their schedules for praying are printed and a third dialect is spoken"(Jones,1716), the people gladly allow one to attend Bible Study and other spiritual and inspirational events as long as there's no converting (Maps of World & Rick Ross). Besides the religious beliefs and customs, "religious tolerance is visible with Hinduism and Christianity"(Maps of Worlds) as being the two out of other religions being practiced inside its boundaries and amongst "its peoples along with the holiday celebration of Christmas" (Maps of World). Along with their religion and their tolerance towards religion, the people of Qatar involve other significant parts into their lifestyle. For instance, they speak English as well as the primary language of Arabic, live in urban areas (Maps of World), vouch for free education allowing for "the University to be established in 1973," (Safra and Aguilar, p.834) and "the government and private institutions to give out primary and secondary learning" (Safra and Aguilar, p.834) to both men and women. Also, they offer public funded schooling till the children reach the elementary level, and they likewise have been known to "live past eighty years of age, and can read and write very well" (CIA). Another intriguing thing about these people of the Middle East is that day-lights savings is inexistent (Greenwichmeantime) and their women, though they cover their heads by law, it's rumored that this is because they are displaying a feminine side. Yet, thanks to the wife of Khalifa, Sheikha Mouza, the women of this country have been able enjoy the rights of voting, driving, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Along with her husband, she fights against the issues pertaining to women working and those disabled through conference holdings, and also by having care and supporting events and faculty alongside them (Maps of World).

The Music, dancing, and writing style of Qataris is similar to that of its people, Bedouin based, yet the dance as well as its instruments are vital to its theme. The players use various forms of tools to tune the melody. For example, percussionists use an Aras, which is a large drum played with cymbals, and tambourines to assist the dancers, while the Arab flute and other stringed instruments called ouds are played and are among the other groups of musical tools used to show Qatari tradition. Khaliji is the most commonly played music of all and in order to get a taste of the art and sounds of it, one can visit the Qatari Gulf Folklore Center in hopes of studying it (Maps of World). Also during Fridays, tourists are welcome to cultural centers to watch these marvelous movements come to life, and at the same come to special occasions such as festivals, and holidays where folk style dancers and singers come to perform (Middleeasthub). In their spare time, the people of Qatar participate in a large set of activities that are gratified by its people and foreigners. For instance, though Christmas isn't celebrated in the Middle East as many portray, its inhabitants encourage many tourists to celebrate the blessed holiday, and like the visitors and other ethnic groups, they too decorate their houses and places of publicity. Additionally, Qataris celebrate the month of Ramadan, a month of fasting from sun rise to sun set during the month of October, Eid, one of the biggest festivals in where the whole city and towns are lighten-up by pretty colors, music, and powerboat races are held during the month of November, these festivities help to incorporate an important part of their heritage (Maps of World). The people also visit Oryx Farm, which regularly breeds thousands of Qatar's most wondrous fauna of all and other equestrian homes holding horse races mainly in Al Rayyan, the second most populated city. Aside from its music and international and local holidays, the Art of Qatar likewise reflects that cultural aspect and influence of the Bedouins, the nomadic group of their Middle-Eastern ancestry. Similar to other countries before and like it, art auctions are held involving the multiple artworks of print, ceramics, sculpting, sewing and lacing, and symbolic art like calligraphy, drawing, watercolor to oil canvases, and regular to digital photography. Like the various art styles, its crafts are made by hand or smelted as decorative ornaments like jewelry, one famous type being Al Mirtaesha, s torso length golden necklace reaching down to only the waist or hips. But, the most marvelous of all these creations is that done by embroidery, decoration by means of needle and thread. Certain weavers use golden thread for women's clothing to suit a special occasion. Two other great craftworks fabricated by weaving are the Sadew, sewn together fabrics like sheets, carpets, and saddlebags, and Al-safaf, the collaboration of canes for baskets (Middleeasthub).

In addition to the Qatari's arts, music, and celebrations, their restaurants offer a large variety of cuisines both worldwide and countrywide. The most famous of all these is the Lamb and Mutton served with your choice of cow or goat's milk created from yogurt. During the day, breakfast is small and is comprised of olives, and dairy products like yogurt and cheese. While at the same time, lunch is large and begins with an appetizer than some stew made of white meat like fish or lamb, salad and vegetables. And last but not least, dinner which is just a simple snack. The Qataris are also proud to dine on their seafood groups and cook recipes from tabbouleh and hummus, parsley cut-up placed upon sesame seeds and chick peas as well as halal, purified Muslim cooked meat. Although, food is available everywhere, Qatar holds the drinking policy to the night events bars and clubs. The three to five-hotels of Qatar gladly present the same delicacies same as the restaurants and many more, but with a more outside theme for cooking, Egyptian foul and Levantine taamiyeh being the best of all these outing foods(Maps of World: Qatar Food).

On top of the Food, Culture, and Music, sports are considered a major activity for all ages. Involving the games played in ancient times and modern day, the most played being football, golf, tennis, and cricket, "falconry, parasailing, under-water diving, jet-skiing, kayaking, aquatic and aerial surfing, fishing, and Qatar is seen as a fun thrill ride for all to see. Yet, even though all these hobbies have their own excitement and people's appeal, only one sporting event stands above all, the Asian Games of the East and West, where athletes from all over the world come to compete for the championship, and also where one can see the Game's mascot, Orry as well as the huge cup which both can be found in the capital of Doha (Visual Geography).

Besides the animal breedings and competitions like horse and oryx racing, speed boating, bowling, and golfing, its citizens partake in the thrill of cruises around the Doha Bay, Safari sightseeing, ice-skating, clubing, going to coffeehouses and pubs together with swimming, tennis, squash, and Shopping at the Souqs ( marketplaces) on the weekdays, Thursday and Friday; the Waqiff, its oldest market in Qatar; and The City Centre, the most famous consumer shopping center. The Qataris likewise enjoy exercising along the shores of Corniche Bay, watching movies at their landmark theatres, Gulf Cinema located on the road of C-Ring (Experience Qatar). Amidst of all these attractions, there's also The Al Bida Park, where one can see the Doha sea and relax, The Ethnographic Museum, that was built in 1935 and shows the lifestyle of Qatar, The Forts of Qatar, which have a rectangular base and four circular corner towers, there's the National Museum, located in Doha and east of Corniche that's famous for its Islamic building structure, and being the largest structural design which holds ancient Arabic artifacts and relics of history and society, its foreign rulers' medals and a Bedouin tribal gallery for their lifestyles and Qatar's history, the Doha Zoo, and Carrefour Mall(Middleeasthub).

Along with its culture, its government and militant power has played a key role in only its defenses but also its foreign business and partnership. Following the coup d'état set by Khalifa, the advisory council that aids its leader, the Amir, in law-making and policies, now holds electoral democratic elections that'll represent the common people's voices. Of those types, the largest comprising of farmers, businessmen, and real-estate and housing holders. As for the other cases involving crime, family matters, and other big issues, the Islamic as well as civil and secular courts are put together for this very reason (The World and its People, 1716).Similar to the Advisory council and Islamic court system, city councils were formulated by an equal voting system linking both men and women, with the first women being in office during the year, 2003 (Infoplease). Its defensive position, has contributed to its creation of the GCC, which is a collaborated organization of the states which make up the Gulf, U.S. sponsor towards Freedom in Iraq and other Middle-eastern countries, and the usage of a Navy, Air force, and Army. Besides the Government and military, it leader also has his own form of history and value. Having been hereditarily rulers for over a hundred years, The Al-Thani family's official ranking as sovereign has been characterized by conferences, legislation, the choosing of certain ministers of diverse sectors of its country, and his people's obedience. However, like the President under the separation of power by the checks and balances, the Amir cannot go against Shari'a (Islamic law) and has to consider the ideas and requests of his fellow family members and other business associates like the U.S, U.K, Bahrain, and Saudi-Arabia, all of which have resolved their diplomatic problems and territorial disputes. For Saudi- Arabia, it's the calm separation of their borders; and for Bahrain, the distributing of Hawar Islands, the mainland to Bahrain and the resources and oceanic areas. Among its values consisting of its history, activities, and cultural influences like religion, and attractions, its government had come to highly regard the Security, international relations with other nations, and most significant of all, abroad education, where many returning Qataris have come back from the U.S. and worked to build a more degree-endowment and allowance towards the fields of Medicine, Banking, Business, Designing, and Foreign Customer Service highly displayed by their airports and nationwide and global commercial medias like TV, Newspapers, Radios, and Cellular services (Infoplease). Alongside the Government policies of democracy and educational benefits, foreign trade and peace, the health system as well as architecture, and numerous art styles make its people happy to live and be apart of its nation an all its lively aspects in its way of life . Modernly and customarily blended through time and diversities in historical background, majority of the buildings have been located within the city of Doha (Visual Geography). As for its health care, once upon a time its medicines included herbs and circumcision, now with its state of the art technology and advances in pharmacies and medication, state, urban, and rural hospitals that number one per city and town, like Rumailah, and corporations like the Ministries and Hamad can work to save the lives of those diagnosed with diseases and treat those with mental and physical disabilities like tumors, HIV/AIDs, which is not seen at all in Qatar, and those with little to no money(Maps of World). And also because of the issue over money lacking to pay for health care and its system, Qatar Doctors, influences the idea of free to funding treatments by state but only when a health card is needed at all times (Maps of Worlds). The Administration of Doctorate licenses is given to the Health Ministry, while if one is of military relations it's handed to the graduate by the Interior sector of the government (Maps of the World). Thanks to the constitution of 1970, democracy can be exalted, yet what one may not know is that its Prime Minister members of Bani Tamim are descendent of the sharif tribe, a royal family by the name of Shammar and the Al Rashid, the sharifs fought for equality in education, and the attendance for Friday mosque service, and also in the movement for the Al Sa'ud's expanded ruling and now are intermarried into their family (Encyclopedia: Tribes an Tribalism: Shammar). Though the people enjoy a life of luxury, its public transportation services number to the lesser, but its buses are in the hundreds, yet its death rate is mainly cause by traffic accidents. With this tragedy in mind, its officials plan to create cycling roads for those peacefully riding along the countryside (Visual Geography).

Additionally, alongside the sightseeing and activities, it is recommended that tourists from all over the world should follow certain rules and registrations and use specific transportation when entering Qatar, these methods of safety fall into the hands of the Bureau of Consular's Affairs and its website. Although the currency rate of a US dollar in Qatar equals but 3.64, many travelers and Qatar residents seeking safe transport, advise riding or calling a Saudi- Arabia bus, taxi, route, or hired car, or Qatar Airways, one of the five-starred of six airlines of Skytrax, and who work to create an eco-friendly environment by using alternative fuel, reducing climate change and nearby inner-city interruptions through lower sound, enhancing air and non-renewable supplies, and plummet intoxicating waste, and bring happiness and equality to those in the Eastern provinces hurt by disease, disorder, or economic, ecological, and social difficulties (Qatar Airways). Started by the famous CEO, Akbar Al Baker, who graduated with a business and trade degree, this once small aerial port controlled and flew only four aircrafts throughout the countryside. Now, an international carrier of 72 planes, mostly Airbuses A330s, 40s, 50s, and 80s "super sized", and 777 and 787 Boeings airplanes that fly to 84 other locations globally, Qatar Airways hopes to develop an international airport in Doha by the year of 2011(Qatar Airways).

As for those wanting to see the sights of this nation of geographical features and historical culture, it's important for the newcomer to "make a reservation if business or staying is the visitor's main priority", also "a fourteen day visa card, which can be renewed or extended at anytime is needed" and "will cost a total of twenty-eight dollars in case of traveling out of the country" (Travel. State). The best times to go see this luscious and beautiful state of Arabic culture and history would be during the months of November, February, and March, but likewise to go into a mosque it's good to wear long sleeves and pants and remove shoes before entering further on in the holy places' interior. And as for moderate weather, dress comfortable. Yet for those with allergies, it's a good idea not to go, or if one insists on going... bring allergic prescriptions. "And for the those using a different airport other than Qatar Airways or holding a canceled card but have lived in the country before, a business or tourist visa is suggested to be issued by an embassy or an internet resource(Travel. State)." Islamic law prohibits the act of homosexuality, profanity, illegal drug possession and usage, heavy intoxication, and molestation against young ones, any of these will cause an arrest, jail time, fine, deportation, or whippings. Yet, with the enforcement of law being done, the trafficking of Asians from the southern parts is becoming troublesome. "Due to the lack of protecting the victims and creating a severe punishment, the country can only resort to giving these poor people a deportation" (Travel. State). Although the Civil Department issues harsh treatments towards its criminals and is unable to distribute to its victims a suitable method of security and safety, the police as well as other state officials and offices are doing their best to help both its citizens and those who wish to have a fun and wonderful time in Qatar. "With the rate of crime still remaining low, incidents of theft should be reported to the authorities" (Travel. State). "What's more, police recommend important items like wallets, jewels, and electronics be secured and not be left without any cautions or watchful eyes" (Travel. State). Aside from that, the law enforcers and likewise the other protectors of the city such as firefighters, the military, and hospitalists wish all to live freely and be safe whilst traveling and staying.

Citation

Leon E. Panetta: CIA- The World Factbook Qatar- https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/qa.html

Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways- http://www.qatarairways.com/us/en/ceo-message.html, http://www.qatarairways.com/us/en/our-fleet.html

Pearson Education: Infoplease Qatar History- http://www.infoplease.com/country/profiles/qatar.html#history