Greetings! We recently returned from a trip to Doha, Qatar (country #78). Below, you will find information and photos from our trip.
The Sheraton (in the background) was the first 5-star hotel in Qatar
Qatar (kuh-tahr) is home to 330,000 locals and 2.4 million expatriates (people who were born elsewhere and have moved to Qatar to live). In order to move to Qatar permanently, individuals need to have a sponsor. In order to be considered Qatari, the individual’s father must be Qatari. 100% of locals are Muslim, and the country is considered to be “liberal, friendly, and polite.”
There are 7 cities in Qatar, and people come from 30 minutes away to Doha to work. People come from South Asia (e.g., India, Bangladesh) to fish, though not in the summer, during which temperatures can get to over 40 degrees Celsius (104 F). It is sunny most of the time in Qatar, though can be hazy in winter (and can get to a low of 15C/59F), and it does not rain very much.
Amir (his photo is everywhere! This one was on an ATM) 
The dwelling place of the Amir’s second wife
Interesting Fact: The Saudi Arabia border is 45 minutes away from Doha.
While Qatar was a British colony until 1971, there has been a royal family since 1885, headed by an amir (king). The current Amir took the helm in 2013 at the age of 33, after his father (who had been in charge since 1995) stepped down due to illness. The current Amir (like half of the men in Qatar) has three wives, each with her own palace. He has 9 children.
Interesting Fact: In this region, the weekend is Friday and Saturday; Their National Day is November 18.
Oryx is the national animal of Qatar 
It is the symbol used as the symbol for
Qatar Airways
Interesting Fact: Qatari food is primarily Lebanese inspired
One of the 8 world class stadiums being built for the World Cup. The biggest one has the capacity for 90,000 people. 
Falcon statue at the airport
The World Cup in 2022 is November 18 to December 18. The Arab Cup in 2021/2022 is December 30 to January 18. While football is at the top of everyone’s mind because of these upcoming events, the national sport of Qatar is falconry, while the national team is represented in volleyball.
bubbling brook 
pipes feeding trees 
close up of “pipe”
Nothing is local to Qatar except for gas and oil (they are in the top 2 in the world for natural gas). Everything else is imported; As a result, water (all of which filtered) is more expensive than gas. The greenery is also transplanted, and is watered by underground pipes.
Interesting Fact: They planted a million new trees for the World Cup.
(Pays homage to the history of pearling, which was the primary industry before oil)
While we only spent one day in Doha, we learned a lot, and appreciated the culture (and the weather!). Until next time, take care and be well…