Visiting+Qatar

=Visiting the State of Qatar= Participants of the 1st International Instructional Skills Workshop Conference may find this information interesting to gain an understanding of where Qatar is and what life is like here. Qatar is one of the safest places to visit in the Arabian Gulf area. It is also a fascinating walk into history and the 21st century, with the juxtaposition of old and new lifestyles. An interesting summary of practical information can be found on the [|Qatar Tourism website].

Arriving and VISA Information
The international airport in Qatar is in the city of Doha, which is where the conference is being held. Main airlines to consider: Qatar, Emirates, Etihad, British.

Qatar Visa and Entry Requirements please visit: [|http://portal.www.gov.qa] College of the North Atlantic-Qatar gets conference rates from the following hotels: - Millennium-Doha (central) [|http://millennium-doha.com] - Ramada Plaza (central) [|http://www.ramadaplazadoha.com] - Movenpick Hotel Doha (near waterfront) http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/pub/your_hotels/worldmap/doha/overview.cfm = =

Security
Qatar is a very safe place to visit in the Arabian Gulf. We understand that your embassy will provide travel information that asks you to be wary at all times. This is reasonable for any travel anywhere in the world these days. It is expected that all participants will observe normal standards of conduct and be polite and respectful in public places, as you would be visiting any foreign country.

Geography and History
Qatar is a peninsula bordering Saudi Arabia. To the east is United Arab Emirates, to the west is Bahrain. The ruling family is Al Thani. The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed power on 27th June 2005.
 * [[image:flatclassroomconference:Qatar_map.JPG caption="State of Qatar in the Middle East"]] ||
 * State of Qatar in the Middle East ||

Demography and Climate
The total population is about TBA million but only about TBA of these are citizens of Qatar. Most of the population resides in the city of Doha. The country has a moderate desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is scarce. In March (the time of the 1st International Instructional Skills Workshop Conference) temperatures will range from TBA Celsius.

Do's and Dont's
Use these tips to enjoy your stay in Qatar.

It is considered impolite to start any conversation or request without at lease saying "Good morning" or Good afternoon". || **Look or stare** at people closely no matter how fascinating their dress! ||
 * **Do** || **Please Don't** ||
 * **Use greetings and formalities** as they are particularly important when dealing with Arabs.
 * **Dress modestly** in Qatar, which is a Muslim country with conservative dress codes. Trousers are acceptable for women, but avoid shorts, strappy low-cut tops, see-through and transparent clothes. It is best for women to not have bare shoulders or stomachs. || **Ask an Arabic lady** for information or directions in a public place if you are a man. Arabic ladies will be more than willing to help other females. ||
 * **Bargain with shopkeepers** which is the norm here in the souqs. Always counter the original offer with a lower price than you expect to pay and work slowly upwards to what you want to spend. || **Be offended** if your handshake is refused by a Muslim. Handshakes are most often refused to members of the opposite sex. It is not meant personally, but simply a religious prohibition applicable to other Muslims and non-Muslims alike. ||
 * **Drink plenty of water** in addition to other beverages. || **Take a photograph without permission** of either people (including police or armed forces) or sensitive sites. Arabic women and many older people strongly object to being photographed. ||
 * **Remember the air-conditioning**, which can chill you to the bone at restaurants, cinemas and malls. Take along a light jacket or sweater as a precaution. || **Be annoyed if your guest/contact is late** - just remember time is more elastic in Qatar ||

Qatar Islamic Museum
This new Museum opened in December 2008.

media type="youtube" key="RmOOvtkiwHk" height="344" width="425" The largest collection of Islamic art in the world has gone on display in the Gulf state of Qatar. The country's new $300m Islamic art museum exhibits priceless artefacts covering over a thousand years of Islamic history. Al Jazeera's Nicole Johnston reports.

media type="youtube" key="8K92BFolFyk" height="344" width="425" The Museum of Islamic Art is the jewel in the crown of Qatars bid to become a cultural force in the region. Built on a man made island the Museum of Islamic Art is a place set apart for research, learning and creativity. Like much of Doha, the architecture is new and modern but also pays tribute to its Islamic heritage. But it is what is on the inside that has international art historians buzzing with excitement.

More information about the museum from [|Doha Visitor] and from the [|Islamic Museum] Official Website

More Information
Explore these online resources for more information about Qatar:
 * [|Qatar Happening]
 * Living in Qatar - [|Myths and Realities]
 * [|Qatar Tourism]
 * [|Qatar Visitor]
 * [|Education City] - PBS Video
 * [|Qatar on Wikipedia]