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This new oil-age helped to transform Qatar's economy from its reliance on traditional marine oriented activities such as pearling and fishing, together with some small scale farming into a modern and much more diversified industrial economy. The flow of oil revenues created a more affluent society and one in which rapid increases in living standards, education and health care services was possible. Along with this came a significant population increase, from an estimated 30,000 in the 1950's to, according to recent census figures, more than half a million people today.
Throughout this period of rapid growth, which commenced in the late 1950s, Qatar has made great strides towards establishing its modern status and independent character. The country's impressive modernisation programme is continuing under its present leader, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who has expressed a special interest in consolidating the valuable steps that have already been taken within the framework of its Arab and Islamic identity. Plans are now in place to build a modern, strong and promising state which can continue to play a worthwhile role, regionally, within the Arab world as a whole, and within the global environment.
Government
The provisional modified
constitution stipulates that Qatar is an independent and sovereign Arab
country. Islam is the official religion and the main source of
legislation, and the system is democratic. Arabic is the official language
and its people are Arabs.
In accordance which its legal constitution,
the state supervises and guides the national economy for the welfare of
the country and its people. Private property, capital and labour are the
main pillars of the country's social structure organised by law. The state
guarantees free economic activity provided that it does not conflict with
public interest.
The state also guarantees freedom of residence, a free
press and respect for personal property. Qatari citizens are assured equal
rights and obligations and its responsibility of the state to provide
public jobs.
These and other rights are defined within the country's
constitution which stipulates the following administrative structure for
the government.
The Emir is the Head of State. The system of government
is hereditary within the Al Thani Family. Article 17 of the provisional
modified constitution stipulates the the Emir shall issue laws according
to the proposal of the cabinet and after consultation with the Shura
Council (Advisory Council).
The Cabinet, comprising a Council of
Ministers, is the highest executive body, and is presided over by HH the
Prime Minister.
The Ministers are, at present, thirteen in number, with
responsibilities divided as follows:
- Ministry of Defence.
-
Ministry of Interior.
- Ministry of Finance, Economy and Trade.
-
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Ministry of Civil Service and Housing
Affairs.
- Ministry of Communications and Transport.
- Ministry of
Electricity and Water.
- Ministry of Energy and Industry.
- Ministry
of Municipality and Agricultural Affairs.
- Ministry of Education and
Higher Education.
- Ministry of Public Health.
- Ministry of
Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
- Ministry of Justice.
The Advisory
Council, the first democratic government institution established since
independence in 1972, has proved to be successful and is considered to be
suitable to the country's political and social circumstances. It has
received strong support from HH The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
who holds regular consultations with the Advisory Council and takes into
considerations its recommendations on different issues. In addition the
cabinet ministers attend Advisory Council sessions and committees,
providing an opportunity for constructive exchange of views and for the
ministers to respond to queries raised by council members.
The Country
Qatar generally consists of
low-lying naturally arid land with exception of some scattered limestone
outcrops at the Dukhan area which is 40 metes above sea level at the
western side of the country, the rocky area around Fuwairat in the north,
and some dramatic sand-dunes in the south where the towering hills of sand
rise almost abruptly from the desert plain.
The coastline is heavily
indented in places, creating a series of bays, beaches and natural
harbours or khors. Where the water-table come close to the surface,
seasonal pools from and a more fertile belt exists towards the north and
within the centre of the country, permitting both natural vegetation and
agricultural development. The latter industry, aided by modern technology
and significant investment, has made considerable strides in recent years
helping to achieve the country's goal of self-sufficiency in food
production.
History
Artefacts discovered by Danish,
British and French archaeological teams in 1965, 1973 and 1976
consecutively, revealed that Qatar has been inhabited by Man since the
fourth millennium BC. Excavations have also shown that the Ubaid culture
in Mesopotamia extended to the Qatar peninsula. During the fifth century
BC., the Greek historian Herodotus wrote that the Kena'an tribes, who were
well known for their navigational skills and marine trading activities,
were the first inhabitants of Qatar. The Greek geographer Ptolemy, in his
map of the Arab World, records the name of Qatara, which is believed to
have referred to the famous Qatari town of Al Zubarah, which was one of
the most important commercial sea ports in the area.
In the seventh
century AD Qatar embraced Islam during the era of its king Al Munthir bin
Sawi Al Tameemi. Historical Islamic texts describe the Qatari people's
navigational skills, and their participation in the preparation of the
first Islamic navy for Jihad under the leadership of Abu Ala'a Al
Hadhrami. Meanwhile, Arab historians and travellers also admired the
Qatari poet and knight' Qatari ibn al Fuja'h' for his bravery and
steadfastness.
The Arab geographer Yaqoot Al Hamawi, in his book Muja'm
al Buldan, praised the high status acquired by Qatar in its early
manufacture of textiles as well as for its flint arrow-head industry which
is called al Rimah al Khatiyah.
During the Abbasid era, in the
fourteenth century AD, Qatar experienced a period of economic growth as a
result of increased demand for pearls from the Khalifate in Baghdad.
Evidence of this period may be found at the Murwab Fort, on the western
coast of the country, which reflects the Abbasid style of
architecture.
An alliance with the Turks, undertaken in the sixteenth
century in order to expel Portugueuse from the region, resulted in Qatar
coming under Ottoman influence for more than 400 years, albeit that actual
authority was vested in local Arab tribal sheikhs. Following the outbreak
of World War I, Qatar signed a protection treaty with Britain in 1916, but
the British influence was influenced to some administrative
matters.
The Al Thani royal family, who belong to the Tameem tribe from
Modhar bin Nizar, and hail from a tribal gathering at Jabrin Oasis south
of Najd, moved to Qatar in the early eighteenth century. The family
derived its name from its mentor Thani bin Mohammed, father of Mohammed
bin Thani, who was the first Sheikh to practice real authority in the
Qatar peninsula. HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani became the Emir of
Qatar on 27 June, 1995.
HH Sheikh Hamad is a strong supporter of the
GCC and has stated that: "We have always been keen to strengthen our
affiliation to the GCC, and adoption of its noble objectives. We have also
worked with our brothers the leaders of the member states to boost its
march and activate joint action within its framework.
Out of our Gulf
motivated affiliation, we endeavour to support the security and stability
of our Gulf region, as Gulf security has become one of the main concerns
of its peoples."
Heritage and Culture
Culture and the arts have
received strong support in Qatar with the result that the country has an
active and vibrant artistic community. Support for this field has been
coordinated by the Department of Culture and Arts, which was established
in 1977, and which supports preservation and expression of Qatar's
heritage through collection of works, together with a full programme of
classification, study and analysis. The Department provides financial and
moral support to the Qatari folklore troupe, as well as documentation,
preservation and revival of handicrafts at the ancient Al Kut Fort. It
also sponsors intellectual works, the arts, theatrical and fine arts
movements.
In the early 1980's the theatrical movement witnessed new
developments culminating in the establishment of Qatar National Theatre in
1982, which accommodates 550 seats and is equipped with state-of-the-art
equipment.
As part of Qatar's focus on preservation of its traditional,
historic and ancient heritage and encouragement of its cultural
attributes, the Ruler's old fort residence in the heart of Doha, the
country's capital city, was converted into the headquarters for Qatar
National Museum, and is now under direction of the Department of Museums
and Antiquities which supervises all Qatar's museums and archaeological
digs.
Qatar's cultural movement remains active, both at home and overseas, through a programme of exhibitions, performances, lectures and readings. Qatari Cultural Weeks, which have been organised in several Arab and foreign countries, provide a valuable focus and celebration of these efforts. Finally, cultural centres in associated with youth movements, also organise a range of cultural and artisitc activities.
Sites of Archaeological and Historical Interest
Qatar National
Museum
Established in 1912, and first inhabited by Sheikh bin
Abdullah bin Jasim Al Thani, the ruler's residence was renovated and
turned into a national museum in 1975.
Al Kut Fort
Established
in 1880, Al Kut Fort was renovated in 1978 and became a handicraft
exhibition centre.
Folklore Museum
Being
the only model of its kind in Doha, and established in 1935, the Folklore
Museum is housed in a traditional building with a wind-tower (Badjeir)
open from all sides. It was renovated in 1982.
Al Jussasiyah
A series
of low rocky outcrops, overlooking the north-eastern coast, which bear
hundreds of scattered engravings, some of which are thought to date back
to prehistory times.
Murawab Fort
Qatar's
oldest fort, ddates back to the Abbasid era in the third century AH and
consists of a fort built on the remains of a even older one that had been
destroyed by fire.
Al Zubarah
Fort
Established by local builders during the era of Sheikh
Abdullah bin Jasim Al Thani the, well preserved for its characterised by
its high thick walls and decorated tower.
Rukayat Fort
Dating
back to the late 1800s, it is considered as a model of military
architecture in the Gulf.
Al Ghuwair Fort
A
rectangular building, dating back to the early 1900s and characterised by
its thick clay and stone walls.
Borj Bazann Tower
Built
in late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this is a unique example
of a surveillance towers in the region. It is characterised by its height,
large size and decorated edges.
Al Wajbah
Fort
Approximately 19 kms west of Doha, the oldest extant tower in
Qatar, dating back to the nineteenth century, is the Al Wajbah fort. It
was here that a famous battle took place in which Qatari people, led by
the then ruler, Sheikh Qasim bin Mohammed Al Thani, defeated the Ottoman
force in 1893.
House of Sheikh Mohammed bin
Qasim
Situated at Umm Salal Mohammed, approximately 18 kms north of
Doha, this is a fortified residence with two towers, serving both civil
and defensive purposes, and containing a number of interesting
architectural and decorative features.
Environment and Wildlife
The desert environment of the
Qatari peninsula varies from low plains in most parts of the country to
sand dunes in the south-eastern parts, with isolated sabkha, occasional
pools, and well established trees such as sidr (Ziziphus nummularia), harm
(Zygophyllum qatarense) and samr (Acacia tortilis) in the north.
Its
strategic location in the Gulf region, on the course of many north-south
and east-west migrating birds, has made the Qatari Peninsula of particular
interest to ornithologists and a focal point for a wide range of resident
and visiting birdlife. Most of the recorded migrating species stopover in
Qatar during their spring and autumn passages from Europe and Asia to
Africa and Southern Arabia. The most famous Qatari bird is the houbara
bustard, while Socotra cormorants breed on coastal islands and a wide
variety of coastal birds may be seen throughout the year, including
povers, herons, terns and gulls. Inland, larks are a feature of the local
birdlife with hoopoe lark, crested lark and black-crowned finch lark all
present. In autumn the list swells to include swallows, swifts, martins,
warblers, shrikes, flycatchers, wheatears, wagtails and a number of
falcons including kestrel and harriers.
The Ministry of Municipality
and Agricultural Affairs is paying special attention to preservation of
endangered indigenous and migrating birds. A number of natural reserves
has been established such as al-Wadhaihi in al-Shahaniyah, the gazelle
reserve in Ras Ashairij and the ibex reserve on Halool island.
Qatari
are known for breeding camels, particularly in the southern area around
al-Kar'anah, al-A'reek and al-Qaseerah, Arab thoroughbred camel races are
held annually in Qatar.
Coastal marine resources include important
sea-grass beds, vital as shrimp, pearloyster and fish nurseries as well as
providing feeding grounds for endangered dugong and turtles.
Economic Development
The economic policy of Qatar is
based on diversification of national income resources through expansion of
industrial and agricultural production, in combination with development of
human resources. It also aims to provide a larger role to the private
sector. A key objective is to achieve a surplus in the balance of payments
through increasing exports and tightening budgetary control through
implementation of essential reforms in financial policy.
To this end,
several joint stock companies have been established such as the Qatar
Manufacturing Company with a capital of QR 400 million and the Qatari
Water and Electricity Company at QR 1 billion. Incentives have also been
offered to the private sector in order to encourage investment in
industrial projects. Several laws have been passed in connection with this
programme, including Law 25 of 1990 which deals with organisation of
foreign capital investment in economic activity, and Law 11 of 1992
regarding income tax.
So far as the hydrocarbon industries are
concerned, Qatar has been able to maintain its oil production capacity,
and oil production and exports have continued at levels which meet the
country's financial requirements and development needs.
On a worldwide
basis Qatar now ranks as the third largest holder of natural gas reserves
with estimates of more than 500 trillion cubic feet, and proven reserves
of 350 trillion cubic feet. The first phase of development of al-Shamal
gas field was opened in 1991 with a production capacity of 6 million
tonnes of liquified gas per year. The Ras Laffan liquefied gas per year.
The Ras Laffan liquified gas project, established in 1993, aims to produce
10 million tonnes of liquefied gas from Al Shamal gas field.
Qatar has
also paid special attention to development of the industrial sector and
supported it through investment in manufacturing and quarrying industries.
Several incentives were offered to the private sector to encourage
investment in industry. A number of industries were established depending
on local raw materials such as petrochemicals, chemical fertilisers, gas
liquefaction, oil refining, cement, steel and iron.
The private sector
has also established several factories for manufacture of foodstuffs,
textiles, garments, leather, wood, furniture, paper, chemicals, rubber,
plastic, aluminum, machines and equipment.
Particular attention is also
paid to agricultural projects which aim at securing self sufficiency. The
Qatar government has provided strong support to farmers and has encouraged
local capital investment in this sector. The number of registered farms
has recently risen to 1131, with 891 active farms, while the overall
agricultural area has reached 285,018 donum. Significant agricultural
developments include the Mushabiyah Date Palm Project, the Qatari Arab
Company for Vegetable Production, the Qatari Arab Company for Poultry
Production and the diary and sheep project in Abu Samrah area.
Qatar
has modern well-equipped communication and telecommunications networks,
connecting it with the world through three earth-stations. Water and
electricity are provided free to all citizens and the Qatar government
remains committed to providing its citizens with a wide range of services
and amenities.
Social Development
Education is free in Qatar at all
stages, and students in government schools are provided with free books
and transportation, as well as financial incentives.
The standard of
living in Qatar is considered one of the best worldwide, thanks to the
comprehensive social care programme established two decades ago. Medical
care and medicines are available for both citizens and residents, and
hospitals and medical centres are equipped with the latest technological
devices.
Qatari women participate actively in several social service
fields and have played an important role in women's social and charity
activities. They have also penetrated all fields of work.
Leisure time
facilities are also provided for, including many local attractions such as
the zoo, Doha Corniche, al-Wakra and al-Khor parks as well as the 'Alladin
King' Fun City. Some might prefer to stroll along the Fourairt, Dukhan and
Khor al-A'deed beaches, as well as Sileen resort and al-Nakheel island
facilities.
The General Authority of Youth and Sports supervises 13
sport associations and 14 clubs, of which nine are sport clubs, together
with the Youth Centres Society.
Qatar at a Glance
Location: The main land-mass of Qatar lies on a peninsula of low-lying land that protrudes from the mainland of eastern Arabia, into the mid-western waters of the Arabian Gulf. It has a number of associated reefs and islands.
Area: 11,437 square kilometers
Climate: Desert temperature climate, characterised by long, hot summers and short winters with low rainfall.
Population: 600,000 people
Independence: 3 September, 1971
Accession Day: 27 June
Religion: Islam
Language: Arabic
Capital: Doha
Important towns: Misaiaeed (the primary industrial city in Qatar), Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Al Zubarah and Ras Laffan.
Time: 3 hours ahead of GMT.
Currency: Qatari Riyal (US$ 1 = 3.65 QR).
Banks: 14 banks of which 6 are national.