Qatar is a country rich in culture and history, and will host the 2022 World Cup. With this, the country has prepared itself to receive tourists from all over the world. Qatar has a lot to offer visitors, from beautiful natural landscapes to historical monuments, and has a rich culture and many interesting facts about its territory and population.
Contrary to what some people think, the country has of more than just impressive dunes in its deserts. In this article, we list the best options of what to do during a visit to this nation and some general curiosities about the nation that is the center of attention during the end of 2022.
Qatar: country of the 2022 World Cup
Qatar was chosen to host the 2022 World Cup in 2010, and in 2014, work began to be able to welcome thousands of fans from participating nations. The biggest world football championship takes place between November 20th and December 18th, 2022, and has large and luxurious structures, which made this cup the most expensive in history.
Curiosities about Qatar
Check out the list below with great interesting facts about Qatar separated by us:
1. Tourism
The city of Doha, the heart of Qatari tourism, received its name because it means “roundness”, precisely because the bays around the city's coastline are rounded, it is a perfect place for different types of tourism: from visits to relaxing beaches, such as Banana Island and The Pearl, to spectacular museums and safaris through the desert dunes, which can be done by camel or buggy.
Considered the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, one of the capital Doha's greatest assets is the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), which preserves Arab tradition and culture in a symmetrical structure rich in details. The museum is located on the Corniche, a 7 km long seafront promenade where Doha's main tourist attractions are located, such as the Qatar National Museum and Souq Waqif, Doha's most popular market. Also worth mentioning are the boat trips around Doha Bay, perfect for enjoying the view of the city.
Among Qatar's other famous cities are Al Rayyan – known for its natural and historical monuments -, Al Zubarah, recognized as a UN World Heritage Site for Education, Science and Culture in 2013, as well as being noted for its pearl trade, along with Al Khor – and Khawr Al Udayd – one of the few places in the world where the sea invades the desert -.
2. Qatar Economy
The country is considered one of the richest in the world, and in 2017, it was the nation that recorded the highest GDP per capita on the planet, with US$ 124 thousand. Currently, Qatar is in eighth place in the world ranking in relation to GDP per capita, recording US$ 68,581.04, all with one of the lowest tax burdens in the world.
The most important pillar of the emirate's economy (one that is governed by an emir) is oil exploration, but other sources of income for the country are the trade in pearls, gold and diamonds, favored by the large circulation in the ports of the country, in addition to being one of the largest exporters of natural gas in the world.
3. Infrastructure
Qatar has one of the highest per capita investments in infrastructure in the world. Since 2000, the country has invested around US$140 billion in infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, ports and airports. The country has one of the largest airports in the world: Hamad International Airport, in Doha, has six runways and can handle 60 million passengers per year. It is also home to Qatar Airways, one of the world's leading airlines.
Rail transport is also being developed in Qatar with the construction of the Doha Metro and the Qatar Railways Company (QRC). Doha Metro has 100 km of tracks and 150 stations. The QRC will manage rail services in the country, including connections with the rest of Saudi Arabia through the North-South Railway (NST).
Regarding highways, Qatar has a total of 12,000 km of paved roads. The country's main highways connect Doha to Saudi Arabia (via the North-South Highway), Bahrain (via the King Fahd Bridge) and the United Arab Emirates (via the Abu Dhabi Bridge).
4. Religion and language
The predominant religion in Qatar is Islam, as is the case in most of the Middle East. However, because it is a country made up of many immigrants, it has other religions, such as Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. The country's official language is Arabic, although it is very common to hear citizens communicating in English on the nation's streets.
5. Qatari Culture
As previously mentioned, a large part of the Qatari population is made up of immigrants, and this is directly reflected in the nation's culture, which is a mix of Arab and Western influences.
An interesting fact about the country that generated repercussions during the World Cup is that the consumption of alcohol in public places is not allowed, as it is a practice prohibited by Islam, which, as we have seen, is the predominant religion in the country. Qatar. Alcohol is only released in specific places, such as bars and hotels, although the price of the product is still high.
The cuisine of the Arab country, valued by its inhabitants, is rich in a mixture of spices, with cardamom and saffron being present in several dishes. In Qatar, which is known for its hospitality, one way to welcome tourists is by offering sweets and Arabic coffee.
Conclusion
As you may have seen, Qatar is a country full of curiosities. Now that you know a little more about the host country of the 2022 World Cup, how about exploring even more? Pá Virada is the ideal website for you. Here you will find articles on the topics that interest you most. Take the opportunity to stay informed!
Would you like to know more about Qatar's preparations to host the World Cup? Access this link and enjoy!
