Qatar is a country of vision. A vision of an inclusive, modern society, supported by the best contemporary infrastructure and learning, developed to exacting standards of excellence. Qatar is a peninsula situated in the Arabian Gulf, the heart of Arabia. Surrounded by sea on three sides, it looks out towards the world; yet at its back remains the historic influence of the desert landscape. Its territory comprises a number of islands including Halul, Sheraouh, Al Ashat and others. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its territory surrounded by the Persian Gulf. A strait in the Persian Gulf separates Qatar from the nearby island country of Bahrain, as well as sharing maritime borders with the United Arab Emirates and Iran.
The Qatari nation has a deep sense of purpose and sense of self, which enables its people to embrace great change while retaining their traditional values of integrity and determination, instilled with a shared vision of progress, development and community that is quickly driving the country to new heights.
Qatar initially was a pearl-trading community, a commercial hub within Arabia. Those commercial skills now have a new direction and energy. With the discovery of hydrocarbons, Qatar is taking its place in the wider global community. Today, desert forts and traditional fishing villages exist side by side with prestigious state-of-the-art office towers, advanced high-tech oil and gas refineries and the powerhouse atmosphere of international commerce.
The beauty of Qatar’s coastline is now being appreciated by a whole new generation who come to enjoy its glittering resorts or to make their homes in vibrant communities. Local, regional and international investors are realizing the potential of Qatar’s beautiful coastline as a tourist destination. The government’s development plan, outlined in its Qatar National Vision 2030, ensures that the country’s growth is sustainable and sympathetic to the environment and local culture.
Throughout Qatar you will find abundant ground-breaking architectural designs completed or underway. Hamad International Airport, Education City, the Museum of Islamic Arts, Qatar Science and Technology Park, Energy City are a few testimonials to the development.
Qatar has also emerged as a growing Sporting, MICE and cultural destination. For the Doha Asian Games 2006 alone, Qatar constructed over 40 hotels, 180 office and residential towers, and four world-class museums. The legacy of the Asian Games was a new benchmark in Qatar’s rich history of hosting international sporting events, and has helped Doha to become the destination of choice for such high-profile events as the planned FIFA World Cup in 2022.