Migrant workers in Qatar go without pay - 10 Apr 09

Filipino migrants' jobs in jeopardy - 13 Dec 2008

Souq Waqif (Old Souq), Doha, Qatar

Qatar Financial Center

Qatar Financial Centre commercial 2009-2011

TVC of Qatar- Tourism Promotion Video

DOHA, QATAR-Top 10 Vacation Destinations for 2011

Each year, Frommer's editors, authors, and experts from around the world sit down to talk about the best cities, islands, beaches, and other vacation destinations for the coming year. We aim for a list that steers clear of too-hot spots or places that are so under the radar you'll find yourself lost.

To tell you about our choices, we turned to our experts in the field: authors and editors who live in the destinations or who travel there on the regular. We think the best people to share about a city or a region are those who can't stay away from them for too long.

Doha, Qatar

Doha doesn't attract the hoards of beer-swilling British tourists or the sheer number of hotels that the U.A.E.'s Dubai does, but its beaches are more beautiful and its gourmet restaurants are less crowded. The Al Jazeera news network is what put Doha on the map a decade ago, although a different sort of camera -- the movie kind -- is what's drawing tourists for the Doha-Tribeca Film Festival. Next year marks its third installment. Doha is concentrating on beefing up its presence on the international stage by following up its world-class, I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art with a bid for the Olympics in 2016 and the Fifa World Cup in 2022. Plus, the city is hosting professional soccer's Asian Cup in January.

QATAR-www.explore-qatar.com part 01

QATAR-www.explore-qatar.com part 02

The Pearl, Qatar

Qatar-Local Customs & Culture

In general, the Qatari Inhabitants are of Arabic origin and the culture is very much based on Islamic tradition. Islam is the dominant influence on day-to-day life. This rich cultural tradition is present in what they wear, eat and drink. Qataris are known for their generosity and friendliness, thus making Qatar a very welcoming country.
Traditional dress is evident throughout Qatar with the men wearing a long flowing white garment called the dishdha or thobe with a headdress called the gutra. Women in public where the black Abaya, a long loose black robe which covers the clothes worn underneath. Some women wear a thin black veil over the face, while some a burka, which sometimes can cover the cheek, bones and leave only the eyes open.
Pork is outlawed in Qatar and cannot be found anywhere- it is also illegal to bring it into the country. Muslims are forbidden to eat any meat that is not slaughtered in accordance to the Islamic code; this is referred to as halaal. Consumption of alcohol is frowned upon by Qataris.

(reference: www.qatarliving.com)

Spotlight on Doha

Ettiquettes to follow in doing business with the Arabs-Middle Eastern

Etiquettes mean socially correct behavior, manners and politeness. Etiquette is other aspect of decorum. Etiquette governs the expectations of social behavior according to the norms within a society, social class, or group. Etiquette fundamentally prescribes and restricts the ways in which people interact with each other, and show their respect for other people by conforming to the norms of society.

Etiquette depends on culture what is excellent etiquette in one society may shock in another. Etiquette evolves within culture.

Etiquette requires every where. Etiquette would not seem to play an important part in business, and yet no man can ever tell when its knowledge may be of advantage, or its lack may turn the scale against him.

Some useful facts about Arabia

• In Arabia, most people are Muslims. Muslims is also spelt as Moslem. Their religion, Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad between 610 and 632 A.D.
• The holy book of Muslims is called the Quran. Quran is the foundation and primary source of doctrine in Islam. Fundamental to the believer is the fact that the Quran is the infallible word of God. It contains among other things a comprehensive code of conduct transforming human experience and knowledge into an order reflecting all aspects of life.
• The public place of worship is the Mosque which is attended mainly by men. Women either pray at home or use the special place allotted in most large Mosques. The call to prayer is chanted by the Muezzin from the Minaret.
• On entering the Mosque and before praying the Muslim removes his shoes and washes his hands, face and feet. Prayer is led by the Imam.
• Friday is the holy day of week, although a Muslim must pray five times every day at : Dawn, Noon, Afternoon, Sunset and Evening .  Daily prayers do not have to be said in a Mosque. Muslims may pray wherever they happen to be at the time of prayer. This may be in an office or beside a road; don't be surprised, therefore, when you first see it. Arabia it is a common everyday sight.

• A Muslim always faces in the direction of the holy city of Makkah, when he prays.
• Arabic is the language of the Holy Quran. The script, written from right to left, has an alphabet of consonants. It is by no means easy to learn although the rudiments of the spoken language can be quickly mastered if you get down to it.
• The pleasantries are included in subsequent chapters and if the foreigner takes the trouble to learn them he can be sure of an enthusiastic reception. In the author's experience, one is always given greater credit than is justified by one's efforts.
• Women in many Arab countries wear a black cloak and may also be veiled ( in purdah ). In other Arab countries however, women dress in the European fashion. In any case, women are viewed in a special way in Arabia. One might for example, enquire after the health of the family of an Arab but not specifically of his wife.
• The thing most likely to impress you about the Arab is his hospitality but his whole way of life, stemming as it does from his ancient heritage as well as from his environment may well catch your imagination.

A Muslim is someone who has accepted Islam and lives his whole life according to the teachings of Islam. A true Muslim is one who is loving and caring, promotes peace, and is fully obedient and submissive to the will of God.

Islam demands from its believers that they establish peace in the world, promote love and make such examples of themselves that others, knowing that they are Muslims, feel at peace and harmony in that knowledge. This is the true Islam and what it means to be a Muslim.

(Reference: Dubai City online)