10 surprising facts about Qatar

Qatar is a small Middle Eastern country with the world's most famous 5-star airline. The Gulf nation has consistently topped the list of the world's wealthiest countries for many years. Qatar's tourist city always attracts visitors with a blend of traditional Islamic culture and modern luxury.

10 surprising facts about Qatar

1. The wealthiest country in the world

According to a report by Business Insider in May 2017, Qatar remains the wealthiest country in the world with a per capita income of over 3 billion dong per year.

This Gulf nation has held onto the top spot for many years and shows no signs of relinquishing it to any other country.

2. Pronunciation of “Qatar”

Even in Arab countries, the pronunciation of “Qatar” varies widely and mostly differs from the English pronunciation. Ku-TER, Ka-TAR, KA-tar, KA-tr, or Catarrh are all acceptable.

According to Arabic, the pronunciation of the letter “a” is similar to that in the word “guitar,” but you can read it however you like.

There are many excellent shopping centers here, such as: Villaggio Mall, Doha Festival City, Super Regional Mall, Souq Waqif. Among them, the most attractive location is still Souq Waqif, a meticulously restored ancient Bedouin town and now one of the city's most important art venues, as well as a great shopping destination.

4. Doha – The Safest Tourist City in the World

The capital city of Doha is one of the safest tourist cities in the world. There are very few natural disasters here. The laws in Doha also prohibit the use of alcohol and stimulants.

At night, Doha city resembles a masterpiece of art with numerous impressive architectural structures, such as the Doha Sheraton Hotel. Enjoy the Sky View Bar at La Cigale Hotel.

5. Massive Immigration

Only 15% of the population are locals. Qatar has a population of about 1.9 million people. Among them, the majority are immigrants from South Asia and the Philippines, outnumbering the natives by 8:1. Every year, Qatar welcomes millions of tourists from around the world.

6. Year-round Cultural Festivals

Festivals in Doha happen all year round. From Doha Cultural Festival, Qatar's famous International Food Festival, annual outdoor food festivals to diving, kite, book, and film festivals.

Additionally, there are some seasonal festivals here, such as: spring festival at Souq Waqif, Eid festivals...

7. Majority Male Population

Qatar is a young nation with men outnumbering women. Only about 1.5% of the population is over 65 years old. The male-to-female ratio in Qatar is 1.99/1.

However, gender inequality still exists in this country. Female tourists visiting Qatar should note that they are not allowed to drive and cannot exercise in mixed-gender settings at certain locations in the capital city of Doha.

8. Supercars and Yachts Everywhere

When you travel to Qatar, you'll often see million-dollar Mercedes, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, etc., cruising the streets. Meanwhile, along the Doha Bay, there are thousands of yachts of all sizes, including luxurious yachts for you to admire.

9. The Largest Islamic Art Museum in the World

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar stands as the world's largest repository of Islamic art, showcasing a multitude of invaluable artifacts. Displaying 800 artworks and historical pieces from three continents, it illuminates the Islamic culture from the 7th to the 19th centuries.

10. Luxurious Hotels at Affordable Prices

Despite being one of the wealthiest nations globally, hotels in Qatar offer reasonably priced accommodations without compromising on luxury. Among the most renowned is Al Jasra Hotel on Al Jasra Street, boasting a charming Turkish-style spa and a delectable Moroccan restaurant. Al Najada Hotel, situated on Ali Bin Abdullah Street, is built around a secluded inner courtyard. Meanwhile, Al Mirqab Hotel, near the Gold Souq, features a rooftop swimming pool.

Source: Khương Nha/Zing news

***

Reference: Travel guide by Mytour