Orientation

Handbook
 Table of contents

1. Discovering Qatar

• About Qatar
• Qatar’s vision
• The 2022 FIFA World Cup
• Sports
• Arts and culture

2. Living in Qatar

• Social etiquette in Qatar

• The Holy Month of Ramadan
• Education in Qatar
• Getting around Qatar
• Accomodation
• Housing
• Shopping
• Classifieds
• Good to know

3. Final note

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Discovering Qatar

Welcome to Qatar Airways | 3

About Qatar
Qatar brings together old world hospitality with Major towns
cosmopolitan sophistication. Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed,
Ras Lafan and others.
Qatar has been an independent sovereign state since 1971. It is
one of the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Currency
with the others being Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which is divided
Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. into 100 dirhams. The exchange parity has been set at the fixed
rate of USD 1 = QAR 3.64.
Qatar is a peninsular country whose terrain comprises of arid
desert and a long Arabian Gulf shoreline of beaches and dunes. Qatar National Day
Its capital, Doha is located on the coast and is known for its Qatar National Day is celebrated on 18 December every year, in
futuristic skyscrapers and other ultramodern architecture, which commemoration of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad Bin Thani,
sits on the city’s corniche waterfront promenade. the founder of the State of Qatar.

Official language Public holidays:

Arabic is the official language in Qatar, but due to a large • National Day: 18 December
expatriate population, English is also widely spoken. • Eid Al-Fitr Holiday: Date changes every year
• Eid Al-Adha Holiday: Date changes every year
Religion • Qatar National Sport Day: The second Tuesday of
Islam is the official religion of the country, and Sharia Law February
(Islamic Law) is a main source of its legislations.

Climate
Qatar has a moderate desert climate with long hot summers,
short mild winters and little rain. Summer in Doha is usually quite
harsh with temperatures rising up to 50’C. Winters are much
cooler and the nights can get a little chilly.

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The Qatari flag Electrical current
• The white colour reflects the internationally recognised symbol 220 - 240 Volts. Primarily British BS-1363 and Indian-style
of peace. sockets.
• The maroon colour symbolises the bloodshed during the
several wars Qatar has undergone, particularly in the second Telecommunications
half of the 19th century. The country code for Qatar is +974. Telecom providers are
• The nine-point serrated line indicates that Qatar is the 9th Ooredoo, which provides mobile, wireless, wireline, and content
member of the “reconciled Emirates” following the services and Vodafone, which offers prepaid and post-paid
Qatari-British treaty in 1916. mobile and internet services.

National dress Medical and emergency matters

Qatari national men wear a thobe, a long white shirt over loose There are no special inoculations required to enter Qatar.
trousers. They also wear a loose headdress, called a ghutra, in The quality of healthcare is generally very high with 24-hour
white or red and white cloth, held on with a black rope known emergency services, public and private health care clinics and
as the agal. Qatari national women cover their head with a black hospitals, and many well-stocked pharmacies, which are easily
headdress called a shayla, and their body with a long black dress available throughout Doha.
called an abaya. Some women also cover their face with a black
niqab, leaving only their eyes uncovered. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the main provider of
healthcare in Qatar and provides world-class Emergency Medical
Work hours Services (EMS). Dial 999 for any emergencies.
Government offices: 07:00 to 13:00
Private companies have varying work timings and are set as per All residents must have a Qatar health card, whether it is to
their business requirements. Private/retail establishments: 08:00 complement your private insurance or to ensure proper medical
to 12:00, and 16:00 to 20:00. Also increasingly 08:00 to 16:00 care in the absence of private insurance. Having a health card
and 09:00 to 17:00. ensures you get medical care for a lower price than usual at a
government clinic or hospital.
Friday and Saturday are weekend days, so timings for
private/retail establishments may vary as per their business For more information on health cards, visit
requirements. hamad.qa/EN/Patient-Information/How-To-Get-A-Health-
Card/Pages/default.aspx
Local time
3 hours + GMT

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Safety:
Although Qatar is continually ranked as one of the safest
countries in the world, it is important to take proper precautions
to ensure your safety and that of your property.

Dial 999 for emergency services.

Qatar is also strongly committed to continuous improvement in

road safety by addressing vehicle standards, reducing roadside
hazards, educating drivers, and effectively enforcing road laws to
provide a safe environment for all its citizens.

Some important telephone numbers for your reference are:

Police, Civil Defense and Emergency 999

Water and Electricity Emergency 991
Accidents and Emergency - Hamad Hospital 4439 2111
Hamad Medical Corporation 4439 2222
Telephone Directory 180

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Qatar’s vision The 2022 FIFA World Cup
The country is currently focusing its efforts on the growth and Qatar is hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial
development of its people. The rulers of Qatar envision a future international Men’s Football Championship contested by the
for their nation where every individual has a high standard of national teams of the member associations of FIFA.
living through healthcare, education and national leadership in
key areas, including sustainable living. This will be the first time the World Cup will be held in the
Middle East, in an Arab and Muslim country, and will
Hence, through the year 2030, development in both the public involve 32 national teams, including the host nation.
and private sectors will be based on the following four principles:
Qatar Airways will have a major role to play in the 2022 FIFA
Human development: World Cup, connecting more than 150 destinations to Doha.
The development and promotion of education among all to The World Cup is scheduled to be held in late November until
create a sustainable and prosperous society. mid-December 2022.

Social development: During those 28 days, the majority of Qatar Airways passengers
The development of a just and caring society, capable of playing will arrive in or depart from Doha. It will be an opportunity of a
a key role in establishing global partnerships. lifetime to show the world our traditional warm Arabian
hospitality.
Economic development:
The development of a diversified economic base to secure and
maintain a high standard of living in the future.

Environmental development:
To maintain a balance between economic and social
development and ways of protecting the environment.

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Sports Arts and culture
Qatar is a sports-loving nation. In addition to traditional sports The State of Qatar is fast becoming a cultural destination in its
such as falconry, camel racing, horse racing, and traditional boat own right. It aims to be known for world-class exhibitions and
racing, which are avidly pursued by many Qataris, modern sports for its vibrant arts community. Doha has a number of wonderful
such as football, tennis, basketball, handball, volleyball, cricket museums sponsored by Qatar Museums where you will find an
and swimming are also popular. astonishing collection of European and regional art.

Annual sporting events held in Doha include: ATP Tennis Qatar celebrates various communites by holding festivals and
Tournament, Qatar Masters Golf Tournament, Moto GP Racing cultural events throughout the year. The Katara cultural village is
World Championships, Equestrian Global Champions Tour and home to many music and heritage events. Qatar Museums also
WTA Tour Tennis Championships. holds an annual “Year of Culture” whereby a specific culture is
celebrated throughout the year, marking the joint connections
between Qatar and countries such as: Germany, China, Japan,
the United Kingdom, Turkey and others.

For more updated information, visit the Qatar Museums at

qm.org.qa.

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Living in Qatar

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Social etiquette in Qatar • It is an offence to offer alcohol to Muslims and minors.
• For those who hold a valid liquor permit, it is illegal to donate
or give away alcohol to others. It is only meant for personal
consumption.
Qatar has made it a priority to protect and maintain its heritage
and culture. With its foundation as a Muslim country, local
Buying and drinking alcohol
traditions and practices still prevail and all residents are
• Alcohol is available in licensed restaurants and hotels, which
expected to be considerate and respectful of the country’s culture
may sell alcohol to adult, non-Muslim customers in restricted
and religious beliefs. The following tips may be useful:
areas.
• Residents must show their Qatari ID card to be granted entry to
Dress code
a licensed venue.
While expats are not bound by the same dress code as Muslims,
• Expatriates living in Qatar can buy alcohol and other products
they should still be sensitive to Qatari ideas of decency.
via a permit system. The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), a
• Women are expected to dress modestly so as not to offend the
subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group, is the only licensed retail
local community. Skirts, dresses and loose fitting pants should
distributor in Qatar and has a wide range of beverages that can
be knee-length, and tops and shirts should cover the midriff and
be purchased by qualifying private individuals.
shoulder areas.
• Men need to keep their wardrobe tasteful. Shorts should be
Drinking and drugs:
knee-length and cut-off t-shirts should be avoided.
• Qatar has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to driving
• Bathing suits and sportswear should only be worn in
under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving offenders are
appropriate venues.
punished by custodial sentences that can range from one
month to three years, a fine, or both. Those caught driving
Alcohol consumption
under the influence of alcohol may also be deported.
The following laws apply to alcohol and its consumption:
• Recreational drugs are illegal in the State of Qatar and are
• It is illegal to import alcohol into the country. All luggage is
against Qatar Airways company policy and should not be
scanned at the Arrivals Hall of Hamad International Airport.
consumed by any employee at any time.
• It is an offence to drink alcohol in unauthorised public places.
• Qatar Airways Group adopts and exercises a zero-tolerance
• Those who are caught breaking this law can be deported, fined
policy for positive results of alcohol or drug testing of its
and even receive prison sentences.
employees on any of its premises.
• Alcohol should not be transported within the country. For
those who have a valid liquor permit, purchases should be
taken directly home from the warehouse on collection.

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 The Holy Month of Ramadan
Anti-smoking law Your first Ramadan
Most public and closed places in Qatar have a no smoking law in Ramadan in Qatar is a unique time for both Muslims and
force, so care should be taken to observe your surroundings. non-Muslims and you will find that the usual patterns of work
Qatar Airways too is committed to providing a smoke-free and leisure completely change. Your first Ramadan in Qatar will
environment to its employees and visitors and follows a be a time of excitement no doubt, and as a new expat you will
non-smoking policy on all of its premises. Employees may not surely have a few practical questions on how to tackle the sudden
smoke while wearing their company ID or be identifiable as a QR change in routine.
Group Employee (in uniform for example).
All the rules on culture and etiquette in Qatar should be even
More tips more carefully observed during the Holy Month of Ramadan
• Always seek permission before taking photographs of people when Muslims around the world fast from dawn until sunset for
and be cautious about taking photographs in public and 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent moon is sighted.
government places. It is a month of increased prayer, charity, reflection and renewal
• Doha is a safe, family-friendly place to live, and single women of friendships for the Muslim community.
do not need to be concerned when moving around the city at
night. However, common sense should always apply. Working hours
• Use of obscene language, insulting someone publicly, The timings for government departments that serve the public
slander, inappropriate hand gestures and public displays of change for the entire month. They run on a five-hour schedule
affection are not acceptable in Qatari culture. during Ramadan, from 08:00 to 13:00 or 09:00 to 14:00 with
• Certain medications may be illegal in Qatar, so bring your some departments re-opening at night. Private sector employees
prescription slip and a note from your physician. usually work six hours per day, as per Qatar Labour Law.
• It is prohibited to bring in to Qatar indecent materials of all
forms (books/magazines/movies/hard drives or Qatar Airways Group announces its Ramadan working hours to
similar) as well as alcohol and pork products. its employees, a few days before the onset of the Holy Month of
Ramadan.

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Here’s a brief guide on what to expect during the Holy Month As an expat you are sure to be caught up in the spirit of
of Ramadan: Ramadan, but it is also a very solemn time and being culturally
sensitive is important. Here are a few extra do’s and don’ts to
Shopping and business hours: remember:
Shops, banks and mall hours will change and it’s advisable to
check before heading out of the house during Ramadan. Do’s
Generally, malls will remain open late at night. • Greet Muslim colleagues and friends with ‘Ramadan Kareem’
(meaning a generous Ramadan) and ‘Eid Mubarak’ during the
Dining Eid celebrations.
Many restaurants remain closed until sunset, however a few may
offer a delivery service. It is best to check directly with individual • Everyone in Doha, including non-Muslims, observe a public
outlets. Also, hotel bars and pubs will be shut during Ramadan, fast. That means you may not consume food or drink in public,
as will Qatar’s alcohol outlet, Qatar Distribution Company. including in Qatar Airways’ offices. You may excuse yourself to
a private room or canteen to discretely consume food or water,
Breaking the fast is greatly significant for anyone fasting, and this but there should be no display of consumption in public out of
is done through a nightly Iftar. There are plenty of good dining respect for those who are fasting.
options around Doha, with many five-star hotels hosting
elaborate Iftar or Suhoor buffets in beautifully decorated • Be careful on the roads, especially around the time of sunset
Ramadan tents. and late evening as many people will be rushing to prayers or
Iftar meals.
Entertainment
There will be lots of other ways to enjoy your first Ramadan in • Be careful to dress more conservatively during Ramadan.
Qatar. Most activities are family-friendly and special events are
held for children. On the 14th night of Ramadan, Qatari Don’t
children take part in the tradition of Garangao by dressing up in • Eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public during the hours of
traditional clothing and going out into the local neighbourhood fasting.
to sing the Garangao song and collect sweets and nuts from • Wear tight-fitting clothes or expose your legs and shoulders.
neighbours. Locals and expats also enjoy watching a traditional • Play loud music in your car or at home as it is considered
cannon being fired outside the Mohammed Bin Abdul Wahab a sign of disrespect.
Mosque to mark the breaking of the fast each evening.

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Education in Qatar
Oryx International School Qatar Foundation and Education City
Oryx International School provides a nurturing communty-based Qatar Foundation brings world-class education, work experience
environment for the children of Qatar Airways employee’s. and career opportunities to Qatar, enabling people of all ages
Managed by Orbital Education, the school offers the English to contribute to the country’s future. Her Highness Sheikha
National Curriculum from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 11 (aged Moza bint Nasser is the driving force behind the foundation and
3 to 16). Our highly experienced team invest the time to get to construction of Education City.
know each child as individuals, enabling them to grow and
develop to reach their potential. Located on the outskirts of Doha, the capital of Qatar, Education
The campus, which is located in Mesaimeer, provides state-of- City covers 14 square kilometres and houses educational facilities
the-art facilities for all academic programmes including science, from school age to research level and branch campuses of some
technology, robotics and mathematics; as well as sport and the of the world’s universities.
arts. We provide a Scholarship Programme to students in Year
7 – 10 who do not receive the education allowance, to apply go More information can be found at qf.org.qa/education.
to www.oryxschool.qa
For more information please contact [email protected] Other schools in Qatar
or call 4036 0085. There are also many privately managed independent nursery,
www.oryxschool.qa primary and high schools, and universities in Qatar.

‫ﻣﺪرﺳﺔ اورﻳﻜﺲ اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻤﻴﺔ‬ The links below will guide you to a comprehensive list of all
schools for children of various nationalities that offer different
international curriculums. They include:

• nurseriesinqatar.qa
• edu.gov.qa/En/ServicesCenter/Pages/PrivateSchoolList
• edarabia.com/schools/qatar

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Getting around Qatar
It is relatively easy to get around in Qatar. Mowasalat, the Getting a Qatari driving licence
transport company in Qatar, offers a variety of land transport If you are planning on driving in Qatar, you must first visit the
services and solutions in and around Qatar including airport taxi, Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior (moi.gov.qa/site/
standard taxi, VIP limousines, standard limousines, public bus english/departments/TrafficPolice/index.html) within 15 days
service and private hire bus and coach services. In addition, of arrival, to verify that your internationally issued licence is valid.
app-based taxi services such as Uber and Careem are also You can then drive in Qatar on your home country licence for
available. one week, after which you must apply for a temporary licence or
a Qatar driving licence. International driver’s licences are valid for
Airport taxi six months.
This service offers station wagons that can seat up to six
people. Airport taxis operate only to and from Hamad To convert your current driving licence to a Qatar driver’s
International Airport and are based at the airport taxi stand. licence, you will need to hold a Qatar Residence Permit and take
They are available round the clock, every day, including public a driving test.
holidays.
To obtain a Qatari driving licence, the following documents must
Car rental be presented at the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department:
To hire a car, there are a number of car rental agencies • Original licence from home country
operating in Qatar. You can choose from global car rental brands • A letter of no objection/permission from your sponsor
such as Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty or you can go with local car rental • A copy of the trade licence of the sponsoring company
agencies. If you are in Qatar on a visit visa, you can rent a car in • A copy of sponsor ID
Qatar with the driving licence you currently hold • Passport (original and copies)
(regardless of the issuing country) for a maximum period of • Three passport photos
seven days. • Qatari ID Card

If you have an International Driving Permit, you can drive a rental The hukoomi.qa website provides comprehensive information on
car in Qatar for up to six months, or until your visa status is the application procedures for obtaining a driving licence.
changed from visitor to resident.

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Accommodation Housing
There are several lodging options available in Doha for all Real estate agents can usually help find the most suitable
budgets including well-known luxury hotels such as The Oryx accommodation and offer advice about the best locations. You
Rotana Doha, Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, can search on your own via the links below:
Doha Marriott Hotel and Movenpick Hotel Doha.
• qatarpropertyplanet.com
The links below will give you many more options: • propertyfinder.qa
• agoda.com • qatarliving.com.qa
• bookings.com
• hotels.com Qatar Airways Group provides housing or a housing allowance to
all of its employees depending on individual contracts. Refer to
The Oryx Rotana Doha is Qatar Airways’ preferred hotel partner your offer letter for details.
because it is centrally located close to Qatar Airways Towers
2 and 3 and is just 10 minutes away from the city centre,
Corniche and the West Bay business district areas.

Qatar Airways’ employees are given special discounts and offers

on food and stay at The Oryx throughout the year.

rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/qatar/doha/oryxrotana

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Shopping Classifieds
There are many shopping options from small supermarkets and You can buy and sell virtually anything on Qatar’s leading online
hypermarkets that are open all day and late at night for classifieds websites. Whether you’re looking for a reliable used
essentials to big air-conditioned malls, which offer a range of car, need to find an apartment or buy or sell some household
luxury goods and products. items, these sites are active and reliable online marketplaces for
the exchange of goods and services. Residents routinely use
Malls in Qatar are usually open from 10:00 to 22:00, Saturday to these sites to secure necessities at bargain rates.
Thursday. Most will be closed on Friday mornings but will open
later in the day.
Classifieds - All Auto Classifieds
The Landmark Mall The Mall of Qatar (Auto, electronics, clothing,
Al Shamal Road Al Rayyan furniture, etc.)
Gharaffa, Doha, Qatar Doha, Qatar
Tel: 4487 5222 Tel: 4034 6000 • qatarcl.com • Cars in Doha
landmarkdoha.com mallofqatar.com • qatarliving.com • Hatla2ee
• dubizzle.com • Yallamotor
• iloveqatar.net • carsemsar.com
The Mall Villaggio • justlanded.com • contactcars.com
D Ring Road, Shopping Complex Al Waab Street Doha • qatardunia.com
Doha, Qatar Al Aziziyah, Doha, Qatar • babqatar.net Informational
• bezaat.com • expatwoman.com
Tel: 4467 8888 Tel: 4413 5222
• qatarday.com
themalldoha.com villaggioqatar.com

Hyatt Plaza Doha City Centre

Al Waab street Al Dafna, Doha, Qatar
Al Aziziyah, Doha, Qatar Tel: 4493 3355
Tel: 4499 9666 citycentredoha.com
hyattplaza.com

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Good to know • Doha Bus, a hop-on,hop-off bus takes people sight-seeing
around some of the interesting tourist landmarks in

Qatar.

• Exposure to extreme heat during the summer (usually

• The Pearl Qatar is a luxury development built on an artificial
between June and early October) may lead to sunburn or heat
island shaped like a string of pearls. It was built on top of an
strokes due to dehydration. While outdoors, use sunscreen
old pearl diving site and is a great place for people to dine,
generously over all exposed areas of your skin and keep
socialise and shop for luxury apparel or products.
yourself hydrated.

• World-renowned architect I. M. Pei designed the Museum of

• Never leave pets or children inside cars during the day,
Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha, with its magnificent
even if you are stepping out for just a few minutes. The
geometric design, which is a blend of both Islamic and
temperatures inside the car can rise rapidly which may
modern architectural styles.
suffocate children or pets.

• Karak tea is one of the most popular beverages among local

• Qatar has a diverse range of flora and fauna. The Purple
and expatriate residents alike in Qatar. The best spots for
Island located 40km from Doha in Al Khor is a mangrove
Karak are Tea Time and Chapati & Karak (in Katara Cultural
forest that has a range of fish, shellfish as well as birds,
Village).
including pink flamingoes.

• Doha Film Institute screens a number of independent as well

• Every winter, traditional camel races are held in Al Shahaniya,
as popular films regularly. Jazz lovers can check out The Club
which are not to be missed.
St. Regis Doha or at Oryx Rotana’s Jazz Club. The Qatar
Philharmonic Orchestra performs regularly in Katara’s Opera
• Souq Waqif is one of Qatar’s most vibrant social hotspots. It
House as well as open-air concerts at the Museum of Islamic
is a traditional cultural bazaar, which houses a variety of shops
Art Park on select weekends.
and has a range of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.

• If you are new to Doha, finding an online community is the best

• Some of the best beaches include Fuwairit Beach, Dukhan
way to get involved in activities of interest to you. Apart from
Beach, Simaisma Beach and Sealine Beach in Mesaieed where
Facebook pages, other popular forums include Qatar Living,
camping and dune bashing is a popular sport. Dune buggies
I Love Qatar and Doha Tweetups.
are also available for rent there.

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Final note
References/Sources

Ministry of Education
sec.gov.qa

Ministry of Culture Arts & Heritage

moc.gov.qa

Ministry of Interior
moi.gov.qa

Kharaama ( Water & Electricity Department )

km.com.qa

Hukoomi
hukoomi.qa

Qatar Tourism Authority

visitqatar.qa

Others

• Qatar Living
• Marhaba Qatar
• Qatar Online Directory
• Hamad Medical Hospital
• Oreedoo Telecom
• Life in Qatar
• The Expat Woman

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