Qatar is a Western Asian country. It occupies the small Qatar Peninsula on the Arabian Peninsula’s northeastern coast, sharing its only land boundary to the south with the Gulf Cooperation Council monarchy of Saudi Arabia, with the remainder of its territory covered by the Persian Gulf. Qatar is separated from Bahrain by the Gulf of Bahrain, a Persian Gulf inlet. Doha, the country’s capital, is home to more than 80% of the population.
Qatar became a key force in the Arab world in the twenty-first century as a result of its resource wealth, as well as its globally expanding media business, Al Jazeera Media Network, and its alleged financial assistance for many rebel groups during the Arab Spring.
Qatar, despite its small size, holds disproportionate global influence and is classified as a medium power. Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022, making it the first Muslim and Arab country to do so. Qatar will also host the Asian Games in 2030.
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Here are 15 facts you probably don’t know about Qatar:
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1. Qatar is one of the world’s safest countries.
One interesting fact about Qatar is that it was named the world’s safest country for the third time in 2020. Qatar was already awarded this honor in 2017 and again in 2019.
2. Qatar’s national dish is Machboos.
One of the most interesting facts about Qatar is that its national food is a delectable feast called Machboos. This meal is quite popular with both residents and visitors.
Machboos are served in several restaurants around the country. It would be a really sensible option to try it while you’re in Qatar. Rice, pork, onions, and tomatoes are blended with spices in this recipe, which will leave you wanting more.
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3. In Qatar, there are no forests.
This fascinating truth about Qatar shouldn’t surprise you in the least. Almost the whole country of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates is desert, with few trees and foliage. The majority of the trees and greenery are man-made.
Qatar is one of just four countries in the world that does not have any forests. They do have some greenery, but a forest is not something you’ll find in the country. However, there are still many beautiful sand vistas to be seen.
4. The Art Project In Hamad International Airport.
Qatar invests much in art projects, particularly around the airport. The 23-foot Lamp Bear by Swiss artist Urs Fischer, which cost roughly 6.8 million USD, is housed in the grand lobby of Hamad International Airport, demonstrating that art can be viewed and enjoyed outside of the limits of a gallery. It will be joined by a 32-foot tall wooden sculpture by American pop artist KAWS, titled ‘Small Lie.’
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The massive artwork is said to have cost $6.8 million and weighs nearly 20 tonnes. It is sure to capture your attention and has become a favorite tourist photo location.
5. Month of Ramadan is one of the best times to experience the culture.
During the month of Ramadan, a blank shot is fired at the Souq Waqif area to signal to patiently wait for families that their fast can be broken. This custom has been going on for a long time and is a sight to behold.
During Ramadan, moral police patrol malls, reminding women to cover their cleavage, shoulders, and knees. In the Middle East, Ramadan entails late-night shopping and sumptuous feasts at the homes of friends, relatives, and coworkers.
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6. It can be difficult to start a business in Qatar.
By law, an ex-pat or foreigner who wants to launch a business in Qatar must associate with a local Qatari investor. The foreign investor can hold up to 49 percent of the business, while the Qatari sponsor owns the remaining 51 percent. The most challenging part of the procedure is finding a sponsor, and learning the rules and corporate culture may be frustrating and time-consuming.
7. Healthcare provided by the government is affordable.
Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar’s government healthcare institution, provides heavily discounted healthcare to all citizens and visitors. It’s free for locals. Although private medical insurance is available, the majority of citizens prefer to use the government’s services. At the health center, there are no consultation fees.
8. Qatar is the world’s second flattest land country.
If you enjoy hiking, Qatar might not be the best place for you. It is the world’s second-flattest country, behind the Maldives. The highest point is around 338 feet above sea level, with an average elevation of 91.9 feet.
You won’t see any undulating hills or cliffs when you visit Qatar. Instead, you’ll have to rely on skyscrapers to give you a feeling of the city’s grandeur. However, the country is littered with flat plains, which are also breathtaking to behold.
9. The Arabian Oryx is the country’s national animal.
If you’ve ever seen the Qatar Airlines emblem or the mascot for the 2006 Asian Games, you’ll recognize the Arabian Oryx as the country’s national animal.
Various zoos and reserves saved this lovely animal from extinction in the 1970s. It’s an antelope with a tasseled tail and a long straight horn. Images of Qatar’s national animal can be found almost everywhere in the country.
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10. It has the world’s longest-drilled oil well.
The majority of UAE countries are thought to have oil wells, as it is how they make their money. Qatar is no exception, but an interesting fact about the country is that it possesses the world’s longest-drilled oil well.
11. There is no central core to the Doha Tower.
The Doha skyline is one of the nicest sights to see for tourists and locals alike. It has a commanding presence throughout the day and is illuminated and magnificent at night. The Doha Tower is one of the structures on West Bay.
The Doha Tower is a tower created by Jean Nouvel, a French architect. In 2012, it was declared the finest tall structure. The 46-story structure has various distinguishing features.
It is the first skyscraper in the world to use internal reinforced concrete diagrid columns and has no central core. The façade pays homage to Mashrabiya, an ancient Islamic design, and it’s a stunning structure to see.
12. They are obsessed with falcons.
The Qataris enjoy hunting falcons and keeping them as pets, which is one of the most interesting Qatar fun facts. The Falcon Souq is a dedicated market where people can buy not only falcons, but also hunting gear including hoods, leather gauntlets, and hunting bags.
Falconry is a popular activity in Qatar, and many Qataris participate in it in their leisure time. Visit the Falcon Souq while you’re in Qatar to get a sense of how seriously it’s taken here.
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13. Qatar has a lovely pearl string.
Prior to the discovery of Qatar’s natural gas and oil deposits, money was obtained from the sale of pearls. The country was known for good pearls that could be discovered here, and they made a living for a long period diving for pearls.
Qatar has built an artificial island on top of one of the most famous pearl diving places in the past to honor that aspect of its history. The Pearl is a group of islands that make up a magnificent destination to explore.
