QATAR WILDLIFE GUIDE

Qatar, a small country located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, has a rich and fascinating history. Dating back thousands of years, Qatar was once a bustling trade hub, known for its pearl diving industry and strategic geographical location.

The history of Qatar is intertwined with the rise and fall of various civilizations, including the ancient Mesopotamians, the Persians, the Ottomans, and the British. From its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its emergence as a modern nation-state, Qatar’s journey is marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

The earliest known inhabitants of Qatar were the Dilmun civilization, who lived in the region from around 3000 to 1000 BC. The Dilmun civilization was a trading culture that flourished in the Persian Gulf region.

They traded goods with Mesopotamia, India, and the Indus Valley civilization. After the Dilmun civilization, Qatar was ruled by a number of different empires, including the Achaemenid Empire, the Seleucid Empire, and the Parthian Empire. In the 7th century AD, Qatar was conquered by the Arabs, who brought Islam to the region.

In the 18th century, Qatar was ruled by the Bani Tamim tribe, who established the House of Thani. The House of Thani ruled Qatar for over 200 years, and they were the first to establish a permanent capital in Doha.

In the 19th century, Qatar became a British protectorate. The British were interested in Qatar because of its strategic location in the Persian Gulf. They wanted to protect Qatar from the Ottoman Empire and other European powers.

Qatar gained its independence from Britain in 1971. The first emir of independent Qatar was Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani.

Since independence, Qatar has become a wealthy country, thanks to its oil and natural gas reserves. Qatar is now one of the richest countries in the world. It has invested its wealth in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Qatar is also a major player in the global economy. It is the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Here are some of the key events in Qatar’s history:

3000 BC: The Dilmun civilization settles in Qatar.

7th century AD: Qatar is conquered by the Arabs.

18th century: The House of Thani establishes the first permanent capital in Doha.

19th century: Qatar becomes a British protectorate.

1971: Qatar gains its independence from Britain.

2022: Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup.

Country Code: +974.

Crime: Crime in Qatar is very low compared to industrialized nations. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching does occur, but is extremely uncommon.

Although incidents of violence are generally considered to be rare, violence has occurred more frequently due to an increase in the population of Doha, the capital and largest city of Qatar, and economic pressures on expatriate workers during the last few years.

Here are some of the key facts about crime in Qatar:

The crime rate in Qatar is about 10 times lower than the global average.

The most common crimes in Qatar are petty theft, assault, and drug-related offenses.

The Qatari government takes a tough stance on crime, with the death penalty still in use for some crimes.

The government has also made efforts to reduce crime by investing in education, healthcare, and social programs.

Currency: Riyal.

Electricity: Type D (3-pin round, fat), Type G (3-pin rectangular, triangular pattern).

Language: Arabic.

Latitude and Longitude: 25.3548° N, 51.1839° E.

Population: 2.688 million (2021).

President: Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Umm Tais National Park

Umm Tais National Park is located in the southern part of Qatar. It is a desert park with a variety of sand dunes, gravel plains, and salt flats.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including gazelles, oryx, and sand foxes. Visitors to the park can go hiking, camping, and sandboarding.

Khor Al Adaid National Park

Khor Al Adaid National Park is located in the west of Qatar. It is a coastal park with a large lagoon and sand dunes.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, turtles, and dolphins. Visitors to the park can go hiking, kayaking, and dune bashing.

Al Thakira Nature Reserve

Al Thakira Nature Reserve is located in the north of Qatar. It is a coastal reserve with a mangrove forest and mudflats.

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, turtles, and dolphins. Visitors to the reserve can go birdwatching, kayaking, and fishing.

Ras Abrouq Nature Reserve

Ras Abrouq Nature Reserve is located in the north of Qatar. It is a desert reserve with a variety of sand dunes, gravel plains, and salt flats.

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including gazelles, oryx, and sand foxes.

Ras Ushairij Gazelle Conservation Park

Ras Ushairij Gazelle Conservation Park is located in the north of Qatar. It is a desert park with a large number of gazelles.

The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including oryx, sand foxes, and turtles. Visitors to the park can go hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Qatar, known for its ancient traditions, diverse landscapes, and ultramodern cities, offers numerous places for tourists to explore.

Museum of Islamic Art

This museum in Doha is considered one of the best museums in the region. Designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, it showcases Islamic art from three continents over the last 1,400 years.

The Pearl-Qatar

This artificial island spans nearly four square kilometers. It’s home to high-end residential, retail, and commercial developments, with luxurious accommodations, restaurants, and shopping areas.

Souq Waqif

A traditional marketplace in Doha where you can find garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It also has plenty of food options from traditional Qatari cuisine to international fare.

Katara Cultural Village

This is the focal point for arts and culture in Doha. It has an amphitheater, opera house, cinema, and numerous restaurants. Events and festivals are often held here.

Aspire Park

The biggest park in Doha, with a large lake and a perfect view of the Aspire Tower, also known as The Torch Doha. It’s a great place for families and outdoor activities.

Doha Corniche

A waterfront promenade stretching across the Persian Gulf. It offers stunning views of the skyline and the sea, especially at sunset.

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Zubarah is a ruined and ancient town that offers a glimpse into the region’s history.

The National Museum of Qatar

Designed by Jean Nouvel, this museum tells the story of Qatar and its people, presenting collections that span over a period of more than a thousand years.

Sealine Beach & Dunes (Khor Al Adaid)

Known as the ‘Inland Sea’, this is a natural reserve with its own ecosystem. It’s one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. Here, visitors can experience desert safari and dune bashing.

Barzan Towers

Located in Umm Salal Mohammed, these watchtowers were built during the late 19th century and offer a glimpse of Qatar’s architectural past.

Qatar has a desert climate with year-round sunshine, very little rainfall, and extremely high temperatures in the summer.

Summer (June to September)

Summers in Qatar are among the hottest on the planet. The average high temperatures range from 38 to 42 degrees Celsius (100-108 degrees Fahrenheit), but can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) during the hottest parts of the day in the peak of the summer. Nighttime lows generally don’t fall below 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). These months also experience high humidity, particularly in coastal areas.

Autumn (October and November)

Autumn is a transitional season in Qatar with temperatures gradually decreasing. In October, you can expect average highs of around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), falling to around 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) in November.

Winter (December to February)

Winters in Qatar are relatively mild. Daytime temperatures range between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit), while night temperatures can drop to around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) or even lower, especially in the desert areas. This is the most comfortable time of the year in Qatar.

Spring (March to May)

Like autumn, spring is a transitional season. The temperatures start to climb in preparation for the summer. Average highs range from 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) in March, to 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) by May.

Rain is infrequent in Qatar and falls mostly in the cooler months, from November to March. Even during this period, it’s not heavy – it’s more like a light drizzle that doesn’t last long.