ECONOMY
Second only to China, Qatar is one of the most visibly thriving economies in the world. Financial analysts have been predicting that by 2015 Qatar is likely to become the second biggest economy in the Gulf following Saudi Arabia, according to estimates from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Oil production accounts for more than 70 per cent of total government revenue.
Qatar has the highest per capita income in the world following Luxembourg and Norway. The IMF estimates that economic growth will average out at 12 per cent per year by 2012.
POPULATION
One of the strongest indications that the economy of a country is booming is the influx of companies and professionals, which has a direct effect on the increase in its population.
The latest figures released by the National Statistics Authority showed that Qatar’s population saw a growth of 18 per cent in the first half of 2008, putting the total number at 1.44 million, compared to 1.23 million in August of 2007.
POPULATION BREAKDOWN
The figures of new residents coming into the country are unavailable; however, it is important to note that 25 per cent of the total population in the country (Qataris and expatriates together) is of true Qatari origin.
A mix of ethnic groups is represented. Arabs (including Qataris) make up 40 per cent of the population. 18 per cent is Indian with a figure of over 410,000, 18 per cent Pakistani, 10 per cent Iranian, and the remaining 14 per cent includes other nationalities such as North American and European.
THE WORKFORCE
There is a high immigration of male workforce in Qatar. The Planning Council of Qatar estimates an increase of 5.6 per cent per year between the years of 2008 to 2010.
The percentage of the total workforce, which includes labour, senior and middle management, are not published.
MALE TO FEMALE RATIOS
For the above reason, between the months of January to June of 2008, the male population grew 19 per cent to 1.1 million, while the number of females grew by 15 per cent to 0.35 million. The male to female ratio is 3:1 according to the Statistics Authority, and this figure includes both Qatari and expatriates.
SCHOOL POPULATION
Out of about 73,000 students, in 2006–2007 the private schools’ student body accounted for 24 per cent of Qatari nationals and 76 per cent of expatriates (with 61 per cent of boys in the Qatari equation).
Government schools had about 50,000 students, of which just under half were girls.
The Independent Schools accounted for a total of about 29,000 students (Qataris and expats), and more than 75 per cent of the total number were Qatari children.
To have a full understanding of what the education system is based on and how it works in the State of Qatar, please refer to Previous post, Education.
TOURISTS
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the contribution of travel and tourism to the country’s GDP is expected to increase from 12.4 per cent in 2008 to 12.9 per cent by 2018.
SPOKEN LANGUAGE
The official language in Qatar is Arabic, although English is widely spoken and used throughout.
Official government-related documentation and work are conducted in Arabic.
All companies operate in both Arabic and English.
Forms to be filled by expats are generally in Arabic (your mandoub or public relations officer will help you).
Due to the high number of expatriates working in Qatar, you will find people speaking Indian, Pakistani, Iranian, Filipino, Nepali, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, and Afrikaans.
In addition to all the spoken languages, Arabic has many dialects, such as Lebanese, Iraqi, Palestinian, Egyptian, Syrian, and Gulf Arabic. All are commonly used in Qatar.
CULTURE
A civilization where culture, tradition and hospitality found their roots when tribes were ruling the area has been kept alive throughout the continued progress and development.
The culture and society of Qatar are a blend of traditional and modern elements. The religion of Islam and the heritage of a traditional, tribal society form the basis of a stable and essentially conservative social structure. There is, however, a tolerant atmosphere that gives non-Qatari residents opportunities to enjoy their own cultural and religious organizations.
THE FAMILY
One of the main distinctions of the culture in Qatar is the importance of having close-knit families. Educating the children and bringing them up based on maintaining traditions are key factors in this equation. The importance of the family is ingrained in the roots of the country and prevails through government initiatives and social programmes.
HOSPITALITY
The traditional commitment to hospitality when tribal people and Bedouins were the ones to welcome visitors has been passed on to the new generation. Hospitality has always been a strong feature of Qatar’s culture, although the latter has seen some changes over the years. This is well reflected in the establishment of well-known campuses and universities that welcome visitors from all over the world.
TRADITIONAL SPORTS
Traditional sports like camel racing, falconry, and traditional boat races, as well as the traditional sword dances performed by local men, are all still quite popular in Qatar. They in fact belong to the local heritage and are part of the desert tradition of living.
Refer to Chapter 15, Out and About, for information and dates of events related to the following traditional sports:
Camel racing takes place at Sheehaniya between May and September.
With the existence of some of the best Arabian horses and stud farms, numerous horse racing events take place between the months of October to May at the Al Rayyan Track. The country’s strong horse racing tradition is mirrored in the annual Qatar World Cup, one of the richest sport events in the world.
The origins of boat racing are derived from the traditional importance of boats in the life of Qataris, as sea activities provided the major source of income before the discovery of oil and gas.
Falconry (gans in Arabic) is a local pleasurable pastime. Its season starts at the beginning of the winter and ends at the beginning of the summer; fairs are held throughout, displaying the many falcon species.
The Ayyalah al-ardha, a traditional sword dance, is performed by local men on special occasions such as weddings and national and religious celebrations. The women’s equivalent, the hair dance called Rags Khaliji, is improvised on the spot. It consists of swinging the head following a distinctive rhythm.
The introduction of newer/modern sports has grown extremely popular as Qatar hosted the Asian Games in 2006. The establishment of Aspire, a fantastic modern sports training facility, is an indication of the importance given to sport in Qatar.
COFFEE SHOPS
Across the Middle East, men gather together in coffee shops to discuss the day’s past events, politics, and life in general while sipping tea or coffee, smoking shisha (water pipes, also known as hookah pipes or narghiles), and playing chess or backgammon. It is not unusual to see local women engaged in similar activities.
Arabic coffee is also referred to as Turkish coffee in Qatar, not to confuse it with the more traditional cardamom coffee of the region (Next post).