Location: Middle East
Local Time: GMT+3
Capital City: Doha
Population: 1.69 million
Area: 11,437357,021 square km, 4,416 square miles.
Language(s): Arabic, English
Dialling Code: 974
Emergency: Police, Fire & Ambulance: 999
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the left. Temporary Driving Permit required issued at the Traffic & Licence Office on presentation of National licence or International Driving Permit. Applicants are required to pass an oral highway code test and should be accompanied by a person familiar with procedure
Electricity: 240V AC 50Hz
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR 1 = 100 Dirhams)
Notes: QAR: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500
Coins: Dirhams: 25, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0730-1330 Sun-Thur
Office: 0700-1400 Sun-Thur (Government Offices)
Shops: 0800-2200 Sat-Thur, 1600-2200 Fri
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon (Lunar calendar) and dates listed are approximate. These may start or end a day after the dates listed. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region. Some holidays may start at sunset the day before.
Business/Social Hints: Most business executives speak English. Business cards to have Arabic translation on reverse side. Muslim conventions apply. At meetings it is polite to drink coffee when offered. It is the convention to use the right and not the left hand when shaking hands and passing or receiving anything. Muslim prayers are held 5 times per day. Smoking is generally accepted. When sitting cross-legged on sofas or cushions, soles of the feet should be facing the floor and not shown. Alcohol is permited within hotel premises
Tipping: When there is no service charge, tips around 10% are appreciated. Tips are not customary for taxis
