The Peninsula of the State of Qatar
is situated halfway along the West coast of the Arabian Gulf covering an
area of 11,427 km2 and protruding about 160 km along its north-south axis
into the central zone of the Arabian Gulf. It measures about 80km at its
widest point from coast to coast.
The State of Qatar includes, in addition to mainland, several islands in
the coastal waters of the peninsula, the most notable of which are Halul—
the main oil storage and exporting centre, Sharauah, Al-Bashiriya, Al-Safiliya
and Al-Aliya islands.
2.
Topography
The surface of the peninsula is of low to moderate
relief except for some low lying calcareous and mesa-type elevations and
sand dunes rising up to 40m above sea level. The coastline of Qatar presents
an uneven outline with numerous inlets and coves. The most pronounced topographic
features are created by a large number of shallow depressions known as Riyadhs
(gardens) mainly found in the northern and central parts of the country.
Being among the richest soils in the country, these Riyadhs are ideal for
future agricultural development and expansion.
3.
Climate
Qatar has a moderate desert climate. Summer temperatures
are high on average ranging 25–46º Celsius per annum. Winter is mild and
relatively warm with low rainfall, below 75mm per annum on average. Humidity
remains high from July to September and occasionally during winter.
4.
Population
The population increased from 522 thousands (March
1997) to 744 thousands in 2004, the majority of whom live in Doha while
the rest live in other towns and villages.
5.
Major cities
Doha
Doha is the Capital City and the seat of government situated halfway down
the East Coast of the Qatar peninsula. The city is now witnessing rapid
development in the building and construction sector with new elegant buildings
that feature traditional Arab style alongside modern contemporary architecture.
The city is one of the most important cultural and economic regional and
international centres in the area.
Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC)
MIC where the country’s basic industry is situated is the first industrial
city in Qatar. It lies 45 km south of Doha. The city’s industrial area
houses world class chemical, petrochemical and metallurgical industries
in addition to well equipped and fully serviced industrial and commercial
seaports.
Known for its fine sand beaches and picturesque landscaping at the luxurious
Sealine beach resort, Mesaieed also emerges as one of the most sought
tourist attractions in Qatar.
Ras-Laffan Industrial City (RLC)
RLC is located 80 km north of Doha covering an overall surface area of
90sq. Km. The City is constructed primarily to service the North-Field
LNG plants and other hydrocarbon industries. With its ultra modern LNG
port besides the QatarGas and RasGas LNG plant facilities, Ras Laffan
is perhaps the world’s largest LNG exporting facility.
Al-Khor
Al-Khor is a coastal city situated 57 km north Doha with a port for small
vessels and fishing boats.
Al-Wakrah
Al-Wakrah is situated between Doha and Mesaieed 15 km to the south of
Doha. It has a port for small crafts and anchorage for fishing boats.
Dukhan
Dukhan is the on-shore oil production centre situated halfway along the
western coastline of the Qatar peninsula, 84 km from Doha. Dukhan gained
its importance after the discovery of oil in the surrounding fields. The
city’s fine beaches are ideal destination for visitors throughout the
year.
6.
Religions and Language
Islam is the official religion and the Sharia (Islamic
Law) is the principal source of legislation. Arabic is the official language
in the State and English is widely spoken and used in official and business
circles.
7.
History
Excavations indicate that settlements in the peninsula
date back to about 6000 BC. In the 7th century Qatar entered the realm of
Islamic civilization participating in all of its successive stages and eras.
The modern history of the State of Qatar starts with the reign of the Al
Thani family. The name of the family is derived from that of the family
ancestor Thani Bin Mohammed, father of Mohammed Bin Thani who was the first
Sheikh to rule over the Qatar peninsula in the middle of the 19th century.
During the 16th century Qatar aligned with the Turks to drive out the Portuguese
colonizers. Subsequently Qatar like the entire Arabian Gulf Region came
under the Turkish (Ottoman) rule for four successive centuries, but the
Ottoman sovereignty on the region was almost nominal.
After World War I the Turkish rule came to an end. Qatar then signed a protection
treaty with Britain in 1916. On the 3rd of September 1971 Qatar proclaimed
its independence. With the enactment of its Provisional Constitution in
1973 Qatar asserted its statehood as modern independent entity.
2. Social And Political Overview
1.
The Social Scenario
Changes in the social character of the Qatari society
are visible with the introduction of balanced education system spearheaded
by Qatar Foundation under the dynamic leadership of Her Highness Sheikha
Moza Bint Nasser Al Misnad, wife of H.H. the Emir. The Qatar Foundation’s
objective is the social uplift, especially of women and the underprivileged.
The Social Development Council and Family Development Centre operate under
the guidance of the Qatar Foundation aiming particularly at the socio-economic
development of women through employment and small industrial and trading
investments in Qatar.
The above are considered the beginning of more
far reaching changes in social scenarios of the State of Qatar while keeping
traditional, religious and philosophical background of the indigenous
people who have rich Arabic cultural background and centuries of glorious
history. No society can isolate itself from technology and information
age. However, it is only those societies who absorb the good aspects of
global changes, and at the same time maintain their social backgrounds
can emerge as balanced political and social reigns. Qatar will shortly
be one such country.
2.
The Political Scenario
Whereas the two elections for Municipal Council in
1999 and 2003 are considered as the seeds of democratic process sponsored
by H.H. The Emir, a more significant step was the drafting of a new constitution
to usher in democratic institutions of governance. The draft, which was
prepared by senior citizens, taking into consideration the political, social
and regional aspects of the State of Qatar was put to a referendum in May
2003 and was approved with thumping majority of voters.
The introduction of the constitutional provisions includes, among other
things, several aspects of the changing social scenario of the country.
Following the constitution, the nature of governance will usher in a strong
foundation for democratic process in Qatar during the next few years.
H.H. the Emir:
The Emir is the Head of State, and the rule is hereditary
among the Al-Thani family. The Emir holds both legislative and executive
powers with the assistance of the Council of Ministers and the Advisory
Council. In a pioneering move towards democracy, the Emir issued a decree
in the 20th of July 1998 that culminated in the free election of the first
Municipal Council in 1999 and sets as a precedent in the Gulf region. This
was followed by the second Municipal Council elections in 2003.
The Council of Ministers:
The Council of Ministers is the supreme executive
authority that directs, supervises, and coordinates the works of ministries
and state agencies.
The Advisory Council (Majlis Al Shura):
First formed in 1972 and comprises 35 members chosen
for their good judgment and competence to represent all sectors of the society
and all regions of the country. The Advisory Council debates political,
economic and administrative matters referred to them by the government and
advise on draft laws.
Foreign Policy:
Qatar follows a balanced policy in addressing issues
of Arab, Islamic and international concern. At the regional levels, Qatar
renders full support to the aims and aspirations of the Gulf Cooperation
Council for the Arab Gulf States (GCC) and coordinates with member states
in all political, economic, social and security spheres.
The state offers full support to Arab solidarity with the aim of strengthening
brotherly ties and mutual trust among Arab states and propagates the wisdom
of peaceful means in resolving all disputes among countries of the Islamic
World. Qatar approves of the United Nation’s efforts in the international
arena and maintains good relationship with all peace-loving peoples and
nations of the world.
