A desert emirate that leapt from pearl diving to world-class art museums, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and a skyline that changes each decade — the most concentrated wealth in the world.
- Capital
- Doha
- Population
- 3,173,024
- Area
- 11,437 km²
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currency
- Qatari Rial (QAR)
- GDP
- $222,776M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
Annual visitors
582,000 (2020)
Safety
Very low (0.07/100k)
Big Mac
$4.67
Avg temp
28.0°C
Religion
Islam
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999
Travel guide
Qatar (Arabic: قطر; pronounced kut-ar or cutter) is a rich Arab state occupying a small peninsula extending into the Persian Gulf to the north of Saudi Arabia. Many come to the Middle East seeking the mystic, traditional life of the Bedouins, wandering the desert with their life's belongings on a camel's back. Although tradition is still an important part of the Qatari ethos, the country has well and truly moved into the twenty-first century with the piercing glass skyscrapers of Doha, a booming trade sector and a new-found place in international diplomacy. Qatar offers a unique blend of cultural authenticity and modern luxury, making it a major tourism hub in the region.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Qatar
Best time to visit
November–March is the perfect season with temperatures of 18–28°C. April and October are shoulder months. May–September is very hot (40–45°C) and humid. The Qatar National Day on December 18 is spectacular.
Visa
Citizens of 80+ countries including US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia receive a visa on arrival or are visa-exempt for 30–180 days. Qatar has one of the most liberal entry policies in the Gulf.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (1)
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