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Working in Qatar Qatar is often
mispronounced because too much emphasis goes to the "tar" syllable. The
correct way is "'kä-t&r." The “&” is like the "a" or "u" in "abut." The
emphasis is slightly toward the first syllable. The closest approximation
of the native pronunciation falls between cutter and gutter, but not like
guitar Capital: Doha
Government Type:
traditional monarchy Qatar: An Overview Small in size (one
third of the size of Belgium), Qatar is enormous in value. It has achieved
within decades what other countries take centuries to accomplish. Its
citizens embrace the future with unswerving optimism and enviable
potential. Hospitable, generous and kind, Qatari's 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 living are high as the
infrastructure continues to develop rapidly. Now more than ever, Qatar is
ripe for discovery by tourists from all over the world. Geography Location: Middle
East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia Area:
Total: 11,437 sq km Climate: arid; mild,
pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers Size: 11,437 square
kilometers.
Topography: Mostly low-lying, barren
terrain. People Population:
863,051 (July 2005
est.) Nationality:
noun: Qatari(s)
adjective: Qatari Religion: Muslim 95% Ethnic Groups: Arab
40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14% Language: Arabic
(official), English commonly used as a second language Only about 30% of
the residents of Qatar are actually citizens of Qatar. The population
includes large communities of Indians, Pakistanis and Iranians, and
smaller communities of Filipinos, Bangladeshis, Sudanese, Afghans, Sri
Lankans and Britons. Economy Qatar's economy is
very strong, due to its abundance of oil and natural gas reserves. This
means that there is significant ongoing investment being made into the
local infrastructure to support high standards of living and the
successful development of tourism. GDP: purchasing power
parity - $19.49 billion (2004 est.) Qatar in the
Future Qatar's hosting of
the Asian games in 2006 has brought along with it various infrastructural
obligations. Qatar has already started work on the construction of an
estimated $700 million 'Asian Games Village'. It is also hoping to have a
new International Airport ready in time for the Asian Games. Qatar
continues to be the choice venue for conducting various international
seminars and conferences. Qatar's long-term
vision has also led it to invest heavily in education, through the
development of an 'education city'. The facility will have amongst others,
professional higher educational Going to Qatar Visas If you want to
stay in Qatar on a residence visa you must have a health examination,
which includes HIV and tuberculosis tests and an X-ray. Foreign nationals
sponsored by a company need an exit permit in order to leave the country. Tourist Visa.
Applications for tourist visas are submitted to the Immigration Department
(Airport Visas Section) by one of the registered hotels. Visas are usually
given within 24 hours and are valid for 14 days. They can be extended for
another 14 days. Business Visa. A
company or a recognized establishment submit an application to the
Immigration Department (Airport Visa Section). Visas are usually given
within 24 hours and are valid for 14 days. They may be extended for
another 3 months. GCC Residents Visa.
GCC residents are granted a visa at the Airport. The visa is valid for 14
days and may be extended for another 14 days. Having a valid residence
visa in any GCC country is a precondition. Visa for the
Companions of GCC Nationals This visa is granted at any entry point. Work Visit Visa. The
Ministry of Interior issues approval. The sponsor handles fees and
collection of visa. Family visit Visa.
The Ministry of Interior issues approval. The sponsor handles fees and
collection of visa. Multiple-entry
Business Visa. The Ministry of Interior issues approval. The sponsor
handles fees and collection of visa, usually given within 24 hours. Working Visa. This is
valid for one year and more. The Ministry of Interior issues approval. The
sponsor handles fees and collection of visa, usually given within 24
hours. Work Permit. Once
the employer has had the employment contract approved by the Department of
Immigration in Qatar, the foreign national can begin the process of
obtaining a work permit. This must be done in Qatar, either by the
expatriate employee or by his or her local employer. Regardless of the
circumstances, the following documents must be submitted by the applicant Residence Visas Residence Work Visa.
The Ministry of Interior issues approval. The sponsor submits the
application, handles fees and collection of visa, usually given within 24
hours. Residence Visa (for
families). The Ministry of Interior issues approval. The sponsor handles
fees and collection of visa. Living Conditions Transport People in Qatar generally use private transport. Visitors can use taxis. They are cheap, available any time, anywhere and are easy to spot with their orange and white colours. Basic Education Qatar follows a policy of compulsory education until the end of the elementary stage and free education to all citizens. Basic education consists of the following stages, Elementary Stage: Six years Preparatory Stage: Three years Secondary Stage: Three years Traffic Safety and Road Conditions Safety of public
transportation: Good
Telephones Telephone Codes. When
dialling Qatar from another country, use the country code [974]. There are
no additional city or area codes. Men For office and work site attire during the summer, men normally wear lightweight washable trousers and short sleeved, open necked shirts. For those with jobs connected to public relations, long sleeved shirts and ties are preferred. Jackets or suits are worn for formal visits to Government offices and at formal social occasions. During the winter, warmer trousers, sweaters and jackets are needed. Windbreakers are useful for staff working in certain outdoor locations. Women The winter in Qatar resembles autumn in Europe, and on occasion the temperature can be fairly low with strong winds. Therefore, it is necessary to have a wardrobe which can also cope with the colder weather although such items as a heavy winter coat are not required. For ordinary day-to-day use, most women wear sweaters and winter skirts, trousers or woolen dresses. Stockings and tights are available in most shopping centers. There are many occasions when one can wear formal evening dresses, especially at social gatherings. It is possible to buy smart clothes for these special occasions from the many boutiques and shopping centers in Doha.
Local Cuisine Television There are two main television channels in Qatar. The "Qatar Satellite Station" is an Arabic-language channel that broadcasts a number of programmes including local and international news. "Second Channel" is an English-language station, providing shows for the large English-speaking contingent in Qatar. Useful Phrases and Expressions in Arabic Yes: Na'am Na'am: Laa Hello: Ahalan Goodbye: Ma'a ElSalama I do not understand: Ana laa Afham Do you speak English?: Hal Tatakalm Alingli'zia Post office: Markaz Barid Police station: Kissam Shorta Hospital: Mostashifa Pharmacy, Chemist: Sidali'ia Sources:
www.qatarrec.com
/Qatar/CountryCommercial/1998/BusinessTravel.html
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