Joanna James
The Iconic architecture, spectacular skylines, and the finest culinary experience sum up the description of Qatar, an Arabian Peninsula that sits amidst the Persian Gulf with its terrain of parched desert and gulf seashore inclusive of its beaches and dunes. The coast is pretty much the capital, Doha, which is a world-class city.
Here are some interesting fun facts about Qatar that you might want to know!
As of early 2017, Qatar's total population was 2.6 million out of which 313,000 are Qataris and 2.3 million are expats. Percentages vice migrants comprise 86% of the population and 94% of the workforce, of which Qatar's economy is highly dependent on.
Thanks to the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves, Qatar transformed into one of the wealthiest countries in the world within a short span of time. The economic growth is purely dependent on its petroleum and natural gas exports. The country has one of the world's highest GDP standards. There is no income tax and unemployment stand at around 0.1%
In 2010, Qatar won the bid to host the FIFA world cup in 2022. It will be the first Middle Eastern country to host such an event. The constructions of 9 new stadiums are underway bringing in more migrant workers into the country. The world cup will be held in November and December, and Doha hotels are sure going to be packed in football fans around the world. If you're hoping to head that way maybe try Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara.
For many of us, petrol would cost a fortune. But in Qatar, it's a different story. Again, thanks to its natural reserves of oil, Petrol is extremely cheap. You only need about QR 50 to fill the tank of a standard car with premium petrol. Now that's a real deal, right?
The 'Pearl Qatar' is an artificial island. The Island is packed with many activities such as dining, socializing, shopping and enjoyment. The Island is shaped like a string of pearls and was built on top of a pearl diving site.
Qatar is known to be one of the biggest buyers of Art in the art market. The members of the ruling monarch, the 'Al Thani' family are collectors of Islamic and contemporary art and founded the 'Museum of Islamic Art' which is considered one of the best museums in the region. The country sponsors art exhibitions abroad as well.
The Aspire Academy Sports Dome spans 290,000 Square miles and contains a variety of facilities for different kinds of sport that can be hosted in climate-controlled arenas. It also has an indoor football pitch and 7 outdoor pitches.
From the locally held camel races to the yearly Moto Grand Prix, Qatar hosts several local and international sports events throughout the year. Football is extremely popular, but handball, volleyball, tennis, and cycling are some of the other sports events held regularly.
There is ample entertainment throughout the year. The Doha Film Institute screens popular movies and there are several open houses as well as open-air concerts.
Being an Islamic country, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
