Background
Ruled
by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself
from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an
independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During
the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a
continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the amir who had
ruled the country since 1972. He was overthrown by his son, the current
Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001,
Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and
Saudi Arabia. Oil and natural gas revenues enable Qatar to have a per
capita income not far below the leading industrial countries of Western
Europe.
Oil accounts for
more than 30% of GDP, roughly 80% of export earnings, and 58% of
government revenues. Proved oil reserves of 3.7 billion barrels should
ensure continued output at current levels for 23 years. Oil has given
Qatar a per capita GDP comparable to that of the leading West European
industrial countries. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas exceed 7
trillion cubic meters, more than 5% of the world total, third largest
in the world. Production and export of natural gas are becoming
increasingly important. Long-term goals feature the development of
offshore natural gas reserves. In 2000, Qatar posted its highest ever
trade surplus of $7 billion, due mainly to high oil prices and
increased natural gas exports, and managed to maintain the surplus in
2001.
Holidays
Jan 21* - Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Feb 10* - Islamic New Year
Jun 27 - Accession of HH The Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani
Sep 3 - Independence Day
Nov 14-16* - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Ps:
Muslim festivals(*) are timed according to local sightings of various
phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations.
Phone Codes
Country Code: 974
Outgoing International Code: 0
There are no area codes
Resources
Market Research
CIA - The World Factbook - State of Qatar
This
website displays a wide range of detail information about Qatar by
introducing under the different fields as its geography,people,
government, economy, communications, transportation, military,
transnational issues.
About Qatar
There
is available to find out Qatar's general outlook on the issues of its
social and business profile, passport/visa, money, accommodation,
government, duty free, health...etc
Qatar Business Profile
It is available to find out the information about Qatar's business profile in details.
Selected Websites for Qatar
There is listed the websites related to the Qatar's business environment for the potential investors.
USA Commercial Section for Qatar
It
is the official website of USA Embassy in Doha, Qatar that provides
commercial services for U.S. Firms and commercial section services for
Qatari firms.
Trade Information
US - Qatar Business Council
US
Qatar Business Council is a private sector organization which provides
a forum for discussion of key economic, commercial and other issues of
interest to American companies doing or planning to do business in
Qatar.
Business Associations in Qatar
There is a list of Business Associations related to Qatar including their contact information.
Qatar Chamber of Commerce
The
Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry is not only to organise,
represent, protect and promote the commercial, industrial, and
agricultural interests of the country but also works for the
enhancement of economic and productive activities for the public good.
Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs
There
is available to reach a number of information about not only Qatar
foreign affairs but also its governmental structure, intensive
investments...etc. | 
