What is Doha?

Doha is the capital of Qatar (pronounced CUT-TER), an Arab, progressive, hydrocarbon-rich country in the Middle East. Declared an independent state in 1971, Qatar is ruled by a constitutional monarchy. The Al-Thani family have been the acknowledged rulers since the start of World War I; the current Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah Al-Thani (Arabic: الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آلثاني), has been in power since 1995. During his reign, Qatar has become—per capita—the wealthiest country in the Middle East. In addition, Sheikh Hamad has given women the right to vote and abolished censorship. With the added creation of the editorially-independent, Arabic television network al-Jazeera—and its English counterpart al-Jazeera English—Qatar has established its reputation as a forward-thinking, non-partisan country with a global perspective.

While most Qataris are (Sunni-aligned) Muslims—including the royal family—the government is secular, though Muslim cultural mores are recognized. A progressive presence in the Arab world, Qatar enjoys diplomatic and trade relations with virtually every country in the world. Since 2003, the United States Central Command—one of the largest foreign US military bases—has been located in Qatar.

The Al-Thani family has made education a priority in Qatar, creating a system of private schools that teach critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on math and technology skills. The goal is to educate Qataris who are able to compete and excel in the global community. A product of the Qatar Foundation—headed by the Emir’s wife, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missned—Education City in Doha is host to a number of American university programs, including Weill Cornell Medical College, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and Northwestern University.

As an OPEC member, Qatar is second only to Saudi Arabia in oil and natural gas reserves, accounting for 14% of the world’s total proven gas reserves. By 2010, Qatar expects to account for one-third of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply.

Qatar has a population of around one million, with ¾ of that number being foreigners working locally. The US expatriate community in Qatar numbers just over 8,000.

Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken throughout Doha (home to over 80% of Qatar’s residents).

Qatar is a member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, otherwise known as the GCC (Gulf Corporation Council). Other GCC members include Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

 

Where is Doha?

Situated on a peninsula east of Saudi Arabia, Qatar is roughly the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.