Home Free Zone Qatar : A discovery land (1)
Qatar : A discovery land (1)
Over decades, Qatar is only a small land, covered with dry, gold desert and unfamiliar to the foreigners. But, since the “Black Gold” was discovered, most of powerful nations are interested in this country and try to learn more about it. Untitled Document

Over decades, Qatar is only a small land, covered with dry, gold desert and unfamiliar to the foreigners. But, since the "Black Gold" was discovered, most of powerful nations are interested in this country and try to learn more about it.

Qatar is a small peninsula extending into the Persian Gulf from the east side of the Arabian Peninsula. More than half of population are Muslim.

The reasons why people are once used to overlook the land are its distance and the former leader who adhered to old administration. However, when Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani become the chief, everything seems to be better little by little. Many new policies have been formulated continously. Various industries have been developed. But the first main point that makes Qatar become a new destination of all investors is the discovery of oil and natural gas.

Although these two natural resources can be used more than two hundreds years, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani is not at ease. He tries to find the other plans to get income into the country. One of those is to promote tourism industry. So, Qatar Tourism Authority was established. To know more , this is the short story of this "Black Gold Land"


Major cities in Qatar

Doha

Doha is the captital of Qatar situated on the Persian Gulf. The name means big tree in Arabic. Doha is a center of trade and culture. 83% of people live here.

Doha is also home of ancient forts, museums, schools and mosques. The seashore street lined with dark green palm trees, a relaxing sea breeze and lively markets make Doha become a pleasant town to spend time in.

Al Wakrah

For seafood lovers, Al Wakrah is a wonderful choice. It is halfway between Doha and Mesaieed. Al Wakrah is the center of a booming commercial fishing where there is an old fishing port which is still up-to-date. In addition, it is also famous as the great home of mosques, houses, and other ancient Islamic architectures which reflect on Islamic lifestyle.

Alkhor

Alkhor is a big city in the north of Qatar, 57 kilometres far from Doha and well-known as the "Pearl Pot". Al khor has been known as a port city and fishing center since 1940. Even if there are variety of business and some are changed, Al khor is still a good place for historic study because thre are full of historic sites such as mosques in Arabic style.

Mesaieed

Mesaieed is so-called as the major industrial city in Qatar. Its large seaport is the main terminal of exporting oil and other hydrocarbon products. Due to fine sand, Mesaieed is also promoted as an tourist attraction in Qatar.

Shahaniya

Camel is a symbol of desert. Here, in Shahaniya, tourists can enjoy with camel racing in a purpose-built stadium and see they roam around desert.


Tourist Attractions

The Palm Tree Island

If you want to escape from busy life, the Palm Tree Island is recommended, only 10 minute boat ride from Doha Corniche. All visitors will be full with fresh seafood, barbecue, snack and traditional drinks. There is a jetty for traditional Dhow boats close to Doha Sheraton Hotel on the Corniche waterfront. The Island is open daily from 09.00am to 09.30pm. Entrance fees are QR15 for adults and QR10 for children, including the ferry fare.

Entertainment City or the Kingdom of Aladdin

This amazing place can be found in the West Bay area. Here, tourists can enjoy with more than 18 plays suit to all ages. In addition, there are rest house, artificial lagoon, theater and cafeteria. The Entertainment City opens from 04.00pm to 11.00pm from Sunday to Friday. Mondays and Wednesdays are dedicated exclusively for ladies and children under 12. The usual entrance fee is QR10. Additional play tickets can be bought inside the Entertainment City.

The Zoo

Doha zoo is located on Salwa Road 20 kilometres from Doha. Here, you will be excited by seeing various collections of animal such as reptiles and birds. In addition, children will enjoy mini amusement park. The zoo open 6 days a week Monday – Saturday from 02.00pm to 07.00pm. About entrance fee, QR2 for children and QR5 for adults.

Haloul Island

Haloul is one of many charming place in Qatar. The seabed is decorated with coral reefs, large variety of magnificent and beautiful coral fish. It is the wonderful opportunitty for scuba divers to observe marine life here. Besides aquatic, in Haloul island, we can find various kinds of bird including falcon, flamingo, gull, ect., too.

In addition, there are many public parks for Qataris and visitors to relax and do activities with their family and friends. The following are the most favorite parks where Qataris always go.

Al- Rumaila Park

Situated on Doha Corniche, Al-Rumaila Park has never been abandoned. Various playthings and large green yard are the main attractions for children while famous restaurants around here are also the destination for someone who want to have a wonderful dinner.

Khor Al Udaid Beach

78 kilometres from Doha, Khor Al Udaid beach lies on the southeastern most part of the country. This beautiful beach is distinguished by its fine dunes that can be as high as 40 meters in some locations. Besides this, Khor Al Udaid also connect to other fine beaches including Fuwairit and Dukhan.

Al Jassasiya

This land is composed of number of rocky hills overlooking the northeastern coast of the country between the two villages of Huwailah and Fuwairit. Among the hills, there are numerous stone carvings and engravings which may date back to pre-historic times.

Almaha Sanctuary

Almaha is an important site and also distinguished symbol. Besides a sanctuary, this is a place established to protect the desert life such as oryx and desert deer.

Even the short story, it doesn't come to an end. Next time, we will still in Qatar to find many interesting historic place.

U & K

Sources :
www.miceonline.net
www.arab.net
www.qp.com.qa
Http://english.mofa.gov.qa
www.virtualtourist.com
sg.travel.yahoo.com