Welcome to Qatar e-Guide
Oryx International School
Content
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Welcome to Qatar Qatar at Glance Practical Information
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Flag & National Dress Cities & National Celebrations Month of Ramadan
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Qatar’s vision Education in Qatar Art & Culture
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Shopping Getting around Qatar Social etiquette in Qatar
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Alcohol consumption More tips Medical Good To Know
The afternoon camel parade on the Amiri Diwan lawns
Welcome to Qatar
Qatar brings together old world hospitality with cosmopolitan sophistication
Qatar has been an independent sovereign state since 1971. It is one of the six
members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the others being Saudi
Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
Qatar is a peninsular country whose terrain comprises of arid desert and a long
Arabian Gulf shoreline of beaches and dunes. Its capital, Doha is located on the
coast and is known for its futuristic skyscrapers and other ultramodern
architecture, which sits on the city’s corniche waterfront promenade.
Fairmont Doha - 5 stars luxury hotel
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Qatar at Glance
Arabic is the official language in Qatar, but due to a large expatriate
population, English is also widely spoken.
Official language
Islam is the official religion of the country, and Sharia Law (Islamic Law) is
a main source of its legislations.
Religion
Qatar has a moderate desert climate with long hot summers, short mild
winters and little rain. Summer in Doha is usually quite harsh with
temperatures rising up to 50’C. Winters are much cooler and the nights
Climate can get a little chilly.
The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which is divided into 100
dirhams. The exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of
USD 1 = QAR 3.64.
Currency
Al Bidda Park Doha
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Practical Information
220 - 240 Volts. Primarily British
3 hours + GMT BS-1363 and Indian-style sockets.
Local time Electrical
The country code for Qatar is +974. Telecom providers are Ooredoo, which
provides mobile, wireless, wireline, and content services and Vodafone,
which offers prepaid and post-paid mobile and internet services.
Communications
Government offices: 07:00 to 13:00
Private/retail establishments: 08:00 to 12:00, and 16:00 to 20:00.
Also increasingly 08:00 to 16:00 and 09:00 to 17:00.
Work hours
Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed, Ras Lafan.
Major towns
Al Mana Tower, Doha
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The Qatari flag & National Dress
Qatari national men wear a thobe, a long white shirt over loose trousers. They
also wear a loose headdress, called a ghutra, in white or red and white cloth,
held on with a black rope known as the agal.
Qatari national women cover their head with a black headdress called a shayla,
and their body with a long black dress called an abaya. Some women also cover
their face with a black niqab, leaving only their eyes uncovered.
The white colour reflects the internationally recognised symbol of peace.
The maroon colour symbolises the bloodshed during the several wars Qatar
has undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century.
The nine-point serrated line indicates that Qatar is the 9thmember of the
<reconciled Emirates= following the Qatari-British treaty in 1916.
National Flag
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Cities & National Celebrations
Major cities Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed, Ras
Lafan and others
Qatar National Day is celebrated on 18 December every year, in
commemoration of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad Bin Thani, the founder of
the State of Qatar.
National Day: 18 December
Eid Al-Fitr Holiday: Date changes every year
Eid Al-Adha Holiday: Date changes every year
Qatar National Sport Day: The second Tuesday of February
Fireworks night at The Torch Doha Hotel
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The Holy Month of Ramadan
Ramadan in Qatar is a unique time for both Muslims and non-Muslims, and you will
find that the usual patterns of work and leisure have completely changed. Your first
Ramadan in Qatar will be a time of excitement, no doubt, and as a new expat, you
will surely have a few practical questions on how to tackle the sudden change in
routine.
All the rules on culture and etiquette in Qatar should be even more carefully
observed during the Holy Month of Ramadan when Muslims around the world fast
from dawn until sunset for 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent moon is
sighted. It is a month of increased prayer, charity, reflection and renewal of
Fireworks night at The Torch Doha Hotel friendships for the Muslim community.
The timings for government departments that serve the
There will be lots of ways to enjoy your first Ramadan in Qatar. Most activities are family-friendly, 08:00 to 13:00
or public change for the entire month. Private sector
and special events are held for children. On the 14th night of Ramadan, Qatari children take part 09:00 to 14:00 employees usually work six hours per day, as per Qatar
in the tradition of Garangao by dressing up in traditional clothing and going out into the local
Working hours Labour Law.
neighbourhood to sing the Garangao song and collect sweets and nuts from neighbours.
As an expat, you are sure to be caught up in the spirit of Ramadan, but it is also a very solemn Shops, banks, and mall hours will change during Ramadan, so it9s
time and being culturally sensitive is important. Here are a few extra do9s and don9ts to advisable to check before heading out of the house. Generally, malls will
remember: remain open late at night.
Shopping hours
Greet Muslim colleagues and friends with 8Ramadan Kareem9
Eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public during the hours of fasting.
Everyone in Doha, including non-Muslims, observe a public fast.
Wear tight-fitting clothes or expose your legs and shoulders.
Be careful on the roads, as many people will be rushing to prayers or Iftar meals.
Play loud music in your car or at home, which is considered a sign of disrespect.
Do’s Be careful to dress more conservatively during Ramadan. Don’t
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Qatar’s vision
Qatar is focusing on the growth and development of its people, aiming for a
high standard of living through healthcare, education, and leadership in
sustainable areas. By 2030, development in both public and private sectors will
be guided by four key principles.
Human development:
The development and promotion of education are among the things that create
a sustainable and prosperous society.
Social development:
The development of a just and caring society is capable of playing a key role in
establishing global partnerships.
Economic development:
The development of a diversified economic base to secure and maintain a high
standard of living in the future.
EXPO 2023 Doha
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Education in Qatar
Oryx International School provides a nurturing, community-based environment
for the children of Qatar Airways and approved subsidiaries employees. Managed
by Orbital Education, the school offers the British Curriculum from Foundation
Stage 1 to Year 13 (aged 3 to 18). Our highly experienced team invest the time to
get to know each child as an individual, enabling them to grow and develop to
reach their potential.
The campus, located in Mesaimeer, provides state-of-the-art facilities for all
academic programmes, including Science, Technology, Mathematics, Sports, and
the Arts. For more details, please visit [Link] or contact our Oryx International School
admissions team at admissions@[Link] or call +974 4036 0085.
Other school in Qatar
There are also many privately managed independent nurseries, primary and high Qatar Foundation and Education City
schools, and universities in Qatar. Qatar Foundation brings world-class education, work experience and career opportunities to Qatar,
The links below will guide you to a comprehensive list of all schools for children of enabling people of all ages to contribute to the country’s future. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint
various nationalities that offer different international curriculums. They include: Nasser is the driving force behind the foundation and construction of Education City.
Located on the outskirts of Doha, the capital of Qatar, Education City covers 14 square kilometres
•[Link] and houses educational facilities from school age to research level and branch campuses of some
•[Link] of the world’s universities.
•[Link]
More information can be found at [Link]/education.
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Art & Culture
Qatar is a sports-loving nation. In addition to traditional sports such as
falconry, camel racing, horse racing, and traditional boat racing, which many
Qataris avidly pursue, modern sports such as football, tennis, basketball,
handball, volleyball, cricket, and swimming are also popular.
Annual sporting events held in Doha include: ATP Tennis Tournament, Qatar
Masters Golf Tournament, Moto GP Racing World Championships, Equestrian
Global Champions Tour and WTA Tour Tennis Championships.
The State of Qatar is fast becoming a cultural destination in its own right. It aims
to be known for world-class exhibitions and for its vibrant arts community. Doha
has a number of wonderful museums, which are sponsored by Qatar Museums,
where you will find an astonishing collection of European and regional art.
Qatar celebrates various communities by holding festivals and cultural events
throughout the year. The Katara cultural village is home to many music and
heritage events. Qatar Museums also holds an annual <Year of Culture,= whereby
a specific culture is celebrated throughout the year, marking the joint
connections between Qatar and countries such as Germany, China, Japan, the
United Kingdom, Turkey, and others.
For more information visit:
Qatar Museums at [Link].
Lusail International Circuit Doha
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Shopping
There are many shopping options from small supermarkets and hypermarkets
that are open all day and late at night for essentials to big air-conditioned malls,
which offer a range of luxury goods and products. Malls in Qatar are usually
open from 10:00 to 22:00, Saturday to Thursday. Most will be closed on Friday
mornings but will open later in the day.
The Landmark Mall
Al Shamal Road
Gharaffa, Doha, Qatar Tel: 4487 5222 [Link]
The Mall
D Ring Road, Shopping Complex
Doha, Qatar Tel: 4467 8888 [Link]
Hyatt Plaza
Al Waab street
Al Aziziyah, Doha, Qatar Tel: 4499 9666 [Link]
The Mall of Qatar
Al Rayyan
Doha, Qatar Tel: 4034 6000 [Link]
Villaggio
Al Waab Street Doha
Al Aziziyah, Doha, Qatar Tel: 4413 5222 [Link]
Villaggio mall Qatar City Centre Mall
Al Dafna, Doha, Qatar Tel: 4493 3355 [Link]
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Getting around Qatar
Getting a Qatari driving licence
If you are planning on driving in Qatar, you must first visit the Traffic
Department of the Ministry of Interior within 15 days of arrival to verify that your
internationally issued licence is valid.
You can then drive in Qatar on your home country's licence for one week, after
which you must apply for a temporary or Qatar driving licence. International
driver’s licences are valid for six months.
Qatar Dune Bashing If you hold a non-EU or non-UK driving license, you will need a Qatar Residence
Permit and must pass a driving test to obtain a Qatari driving license.
It is relatively easy to get around in Qatar. Mowasalat, the transport company in Qatar, offers a For holders of a UK or EU driving license, you can convert it to a Qatari driving
variety of land transport services and solutions in and around Qatar including airport taxi, license by presenting the following documents at the Madinat Khalifa Traffic
standard taxi, VIP limousines, standard limousines, public bus service and private hire bus and Department:
coach services. In addition, app-based taxi services such as Uber and others are also available.
Original driving license from your home country
Airport taxi Passport (original and copies)
This service offers station wagons that can seat up to six people. Airport taxis operate only to and Three passport photos
from Hamad International Airport and are based at the airport taxi stand. They are available Qatari ID Card
round the clock, every day, including public holidays.
Car rental
To hire a car, there are a number of car rental agencies operating in Qatar. You can choose from
global car rental brands such as Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty or go with local car rental agencies. If you
are in Qatar on a visit visa, you can rent a car in Qatar with the driving licence you currently hold
(regardless of the issuing country) for seven days.
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Social etiquette in Qatar
Qatar has made it a priority to protect and maintain its heritage and
culture. With its foundation as a Muslim country, local traditions and
practices still prevail and all residents are expected to be considerate
and respectful of the country’s culture and religious beliefs. The
following tips may be useful.
Dress code
While expats are not bound by the same dress code as nationals, they
should still be sensitive to Qatari ideas of decency.
Anti-smoking law
Women are expected to dress modestly to avoid offending the local
community. Skirts, dresses and loose-fitting pants should be knee-
length, and tops and shirts should cover the midriff and shoulder areas. Most public and closed places in Qatar have a no smoking law in force, so
care should be taken to observe your surroundings. Qatar Airways too is
Men need to keep their wardrobes tasteful. Shorts should be knee- committed to providing a smoke-free environment to its employees and
length, and cut-off t-shirts should be avoided. visitors and follows a non-smoking policy on all of its premises. Employees
Bathing suits and sportswear should only be worn in appropriate may not smoke while wearing their company ID or be identifiable as a QR
venues. Group Employee (in uniform for example).
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Alcohol consumption
The following laws apply to alcohol and its consumption:
It is illegal to import alcohol into the country. All luggage is scanned at the
Arrivals Hall of Hamad International Airport.
It is an offence to drink alcohol in unauthorised public places.
Those who are caught breaking this law can be deported, fined and even
receive prison sentences.
Alcohol should not be transported within the country.
For those who have a valid liquor permit, purchases should be taken directly
home from the warehouse on collection.
Buying and drinking alcohol It is an offence to offer alcohol to Muslims and minors.
For those who hold a valid liquor permit, it is illegal to donate or give away
Alcohol is available in licensed restaurants and hotels, which may sell alcohol to alcohol to others. It is only meant for personal consumption.
adult, non-Muslim customers in restricted areas.
Drinking and drugs:
Residents must show their Qatari ID card to be granted entry to a licensed venue.
Expatriates living in Qatar can buy alcohol and other products via a permit
Qatar has a zero-tolerance policy on driving under the influence of alcohol,
system. The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), a subsidiary of Qatar Airways
with penalties including imprisonment, fines, or deportation.
Group, is the only licensed retail distributor in Qatar and has a wide range of
Recreational drugs are illegal in the State of Qatar, and are against Qatar
beverages that can be purchased by qualifying private individuals.
Airways company policy, and should not be consumed by any employee at
any time.
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More tips
Always seek permission before taking photographs of people and be
cautious about taking photographs in public and government places.
Doha is a safe, family-friendly place to live, and single women do not need
to be concerned when moving around the city at night. However, common
sense should always apply.
Use of obscene language, insulting someone publicly, slander,
inappropriate hand gestures and public displays of affection are not
acceptable in Qatari culture.
Certain medications may be illegal in Qatar, so bring your prescription slip
and a note from your physician.
It is prohibited to bring in to Qatar indecent materials of all forms
(books/magazines/movies/hard drives or similar) as well as alcohol.
Katara Gardens
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Medical & emergency matters
No special vaccinations are required to enter Qatar. Medical care is of high
quality, with 24-hour emergency services, public and private clinics and hospitals,
and many well-stocked pharmacies in Doha.
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is Qatar's main healthcare provider and
offers world-class emergency services.
For emergencies, dial 999.
All residents must have a Qatar health card, either to supplement their private
insurance or to ensure medical care in the absence of private insurance. This
card allows access to medical care at a reduced cost in government clinics and
hospitals.
For more information visit:
[Link]
Organisation Telephone
Police, Civil Defence & Emergency 999
Water and Electricity Emergency 991
Hospital 4439 2111
Hamad Medical Corporations 4439 2222
Telephone Directory 180
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Good to know
Safety Tips
Heat Precautions: Exposure to extreme heat during the summer (May to early
October) may lead to sunburn or heat strokes due to dehydration. Use
sunscreen generously on all exposed skin and stay hydrated when outdoors.
Car Safety: Never leave pets or children inside cars during the day, even if
stepping out for just a few minutes, as temperatures inside the car can rise
rapidly and lead to suffocation.
Natural Attractions
Purple Island: Located 40 km from Doha in Al Khor, Purple Island is a
mangrove forest that features diverse flora and fauna, including fish, shellfish,
and birds such as pink flamingos.
The best beaches in Qatar: Fuwairit Beach, Dukhan Beach, Simaisma Beach
and Sealine Beach in Mesaieed
Traditional Activities
Camel Races: Every winter, traditional camel races are held in Al Shahaniya.
These are not to be missed.
Food & Drinks
Karak Tea: A popular beverage among both local and expatriate residents.
Recommended spots for Karak include "Tea Time" and "Chapati & Karak" (Katara
Cultural Village).
Beach St. Regis Doha
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