Moving to Qatar: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

2,444,174

Population Growth Rate

4.19%

Urban Population

98.800000

Population in Major Urban Areas

DOHA (capital) 567,000

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Age Structure

12.570000

Median Age

32.400000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

10

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

1.54

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.92

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.020000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

33.31

Ethnic Groups

Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Nationality Noun

Qatari(s)

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Literacy - total population

89%

Literacy - male

89.1%

Literacy - female

88.6%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

2.5%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

14.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

78.240000

Infant Mortality Rate

6.600000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

6.600000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

7

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

2.76

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.2

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

1.9%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

33.2%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

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Economic Overview

• Gas: Qatar possesses the world's third-largest proven natural gas reserves and is a significant liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter. The oil and gas sector contributes significantly to the country's GDP, government revenues, and exports. Diversification
• Efforts: While oil and gas remain the backbone of the economy, Qatar has been actively pursuing economic diversification strategies to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues. Key sectors targeted for diversification include finance, real estate, tourism, healthcare, education, and logistics. Infrastructure
• Development: Qatar has invested heavily in infrastructure projects, particularly preparing to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. These projects include the construction of stadiums, transportation networks, hotels, and other facilities. Infrastructure investments contribute to economic growth and job creation. Financial
• Services: Doha, the capital city, is a regional financial hub, home to various international banks, financial institutions, and investment firms. Qatar has developed a robust financial services sector, offering banking, insurance, asset management, and Islamic finance services. Trade and
• Investment: Qatar has actively pursued trade and investment partnerships with countries worldwide. The country's strategic location in the Middle East and its stable political environment and investment-friendly policies have attracted foreign investors and multinational corporations. Government
• Initiatives: The Qatari government significantly drives economic development through its Vision 2030 strategic plan. The vision outlines goals for economic diversification, human development, environmental sustainability, and social progress. Initiatives such as Qatar National Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy aim to create a knowledge-based economy and improve citizens' overall quality of life.
• Challenges: Despite its economic strengths, Qatar faces challenges such as dependence on hydrocarbon revenues, regional geopolitical tensions, and balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic posed temporary challenges to various sectors, including tourism and hospitality.

Industries

crude oil production and refining, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$145,000.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.7%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$245,660,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$145,000.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.7%

GDP - official exchange rate

$192,100,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 18.8% government
• consumption: 17.8% investment in fixed
• capital: 44.6% investment in
• inventories: -1.3% exports of goods and
• services: 49.9% imports of goods and
• services: -29.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

0.1%

GDP by Sector- Industry

58.8%

GDP by Sector- services

41.1%

Industrial Growth Rate

27.1%

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Inflation Rate

1.1%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Qatari rial (QAR)

Currency Name and Code

Qatari Rial (QAR)

Fiscal Year

1 April - 31 March

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

5.3%

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Labor Force

1,254,000

Unemployment Rate

0.5%

Major Industries

crude oil production and refining, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement

Agriculture Products

• fruits, vegetables
• poultry, dairy products, beef
• fish

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Annual Budget

$44,620,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

36.7%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

9.1%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

38.8%

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Full Country Name

State of Qatar

Country Name

Qatar note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation is gat-tar or cot-tar

Local - Long

Dawlat Qatar

Local - Short

Qatar

Etymology- history of name

the origin of the name is uncertain, but it dates back at least 2,000 years since a term "Catharrei" was used to describe the inhabitants of the peninsula by Pliny the Elder (1st century A.D.), and a "Catara" peninsula is depicted on a map by Ptolemy (2nd century A.D.)

Independence

3 September 1971 (from the UK)

National Holiday

National Day, 18 December (1878), anniversary of Al Thani family accession to the throne; Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

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Government Type

absolute monarchy

Constitution

• history: previous 1972 (provisional); latest drafted 2 July 2002, approved by referendum 29 April 2003, endorsed 8 June 2004, effective 9 June 2005
• amendments: proposed by the Amir or by one third of Advisory Council members; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Advisory Council members and approval and promulgation by the emir; articles pertaining to the rule of state and its inheritance, functions of the emir, and citizen rights and liberties cannot be amended

Legal System:

mixed legal system of civil law and Islamic (sharia) law (in family and personal matters)

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: Amir TAMIM bin Hamad Al Thani (since 25 June 2013)
• head of government: Prime Minister and Foreign Minister MUHAMMAD bin Abd al-Rahman Al Thani (since 7 March 2023); Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs KHALID bin Muhammad al-Attiyah (since 14 November 2017)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the amir
• elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the amir

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (45 seats; 30 members directly elected by popular vote for 4-year re-electable terms; 15 members appointed by the monarch to serve until resignation or until relieved;
• Note: legislative drafting authority rests with the Council of Ministers and is reviewed by the Advisory Council
• Elections: last held for 30 elected members on 2 October 2021 (next to be held in 2025); last members appointed - 14 October 2021 (next appointments - NA)
• Election Results: 30 nonpartisan members elected;
• Composition: men 30, women 0, percentage women 0% 15 appointed members; composition men 13, women 2, percentage women 13.3%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 9-member independent body consisting of judiciary heads appointed by the Amir; judges appointed for 3-year renewable terms; Supreme Constitutional Court members nominated by the Supreme Judiciary Council and appointed by the monarch; term of appointment NA
• subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Administrative Court; Courts of First Instance; sharia courts; Courts of Justice; Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Center, established in 2009, provides dispute resolution services for institutions and bodies in Qatar, as well as internationally

Regions or States:

8 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Khawr wa adh Dhakhirah, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Ash Shamal, Ash Shihaniyah, Az Za'ayin, Umm Salal

Political Parties and Leaders:

• political parties are banned

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: the father must be a citizen of Qatar dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 20 years; 15 years if an Arab national Suffrage:

Capital Name

Doha

Capital - geographic coordinate

25 17 N, 51 32 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ABEDA
• AFESD
• AMF
• CAEU
• CD
• CICA (observer)
• EITI (implementing country)
• FAO
• G-77
• GCC
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM (observer)
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• LAS
• MIGA
• NAM
• OAPEC
• OAS (observer)
• OIC
• OIF
• OPCW
• OPEC
• PCA
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHRC
• UNIDO
• UNIFIL
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Timmy DAVIS (since 5 September 2022)
• Embassy: 22 February Street, Al Luqta District, P.O. Box 2399, Doha
• Mailing Address: 6130 Doha Place, Washington DC 20521-6130
• Telephone: [974] 4496-6000
• FAX: [974] 4488-4298
• Email: PasDoha@state.gov
• Website: https://qa.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador MISHAL bin Hamad bin Muhammad Al Thani (since 24 April 2017)
• Chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
• Telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600
• FAX: [1] (202) 237-0682
• Email: info.dc@mofa.gov.qa
• Website: https://washington.embassy.qa/en
• Consulate(s) General: Houston, Los Angeles

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Geographic Location

Middle East

Geographic Coordinates

25 30 N, 51 15 E

Total Area

4,473 Square Miles 11,586 Square Kilometers

Land Area

4,473 Square Miles 11,586 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

37 Miles 60 Kilometers

Border Countries

Saudi Arabia 60 km

Coastline

350 Miles 563 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Highest Point

103 Meters

Highest Point Location

Qurayn Abu al Bawl 103 m

Lowest Point Location

Persian Gulf 0 m

Natural Resources

petroleum, natural gas, fish

Irrigated Land

50 Square Miles 129 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Qatar lies outside the area of the annual monsoons.

Its seasons are similar to those of the Temperate Zone, although usually much hotter.

The winter months from December through February are cool.

Intense heat persists at least from May through September.

March, April, October, and November normally provide the most agreeable climatic conditions.

Average humidity ranges from 32% during the cooler months to highs of 96% and 100% during late summer and early fall.

Rainfall is usually very light and averages less than 3 inches per year, mostly in the winter months.

Almost no rain falls from May through October.

Frequent high winds, especially from March through August, can fill the air with fine dust and create a brownish haze on the horizon.

The prevailing desert wind, known as shemal, comes from the north during the spring and summer months.

In late summer, when the shemal dies, the humidity rises.

The long summer (June through September) is characterized by intense heat and alternating dryness and humidity, with temperatures exceeding 55° C.

Temperatures are moderate from November through May, although winter temperatures may fall to 17° C, which is relatively cool for the latitude.

Rainfall is negligible, averaging 100 millimeters per year, confined to the winter months, and falling in brief, sometimes heavy storms that often flood the small ravines and the usually dry wadis.

Sudden, violent dust storms occasionally descend on the peninsula, blotting out the sun, causing wind damage, and momentarily disrupting transport and other services.

The scarcity of rainfall and the limited underground water, most of which has such a high mineral content that it is unsuitable for drinking or irrigation, restricted the population and the extent of agricultural and industrial development the country could support until desalination projects began.

Although water continues to be provided from underground sources, most is obtained by desalination of seawater.

Terrain

mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Location

Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia

Total Area

4,473 Square Miles 11,586 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Saudi Arabia 60 km

Environment - Current Issues

limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$57,820,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$23,380,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

petroleum products, fertilizers, steel

Major Imports

machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals

Top Export Partners

Japan 41.2%, South Korea 17.1%, Singapore 8.4%, US 4.2%

Top Import Partners

France 17.8%, Japan 10.1%, US 8.5%, UK 8.3%, Germany 8.2%, Italy 6.7%, UAE 5.1%, Saudi Arabia 4.2%, South Korea 4%

Export Partners

Japan 41.2%, South Korea 17.1%, Singapore 8.4%, US 4.2%

Import Partners

France 17.8%, Japan 10.1%, US 8.5%, UK 8.3%, Germany 8.2%, Italy 6.7%, UAE 5.1%, Saudi Arabia 4.2%, South Korea 4%

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Country Description

Qatar is an hereditary constitutional monarchy governed by the ruling Al Thani family in consultation with a council of ministers, an appointed advisory council,and an elected municipal council.

Qatar’s first written constitution was adopted in 2005.

Islamic beliefs and tribal traditions provide an important foundation of the country’s customs, laws and practices.

Located on the Persian Gulf, Qatar is a dynamic, rapidly developing country that is among the wealthiest in the world by per capita income.

Tourist facilities are available.

Safety & Security

Incidents of violence are rare in Qatar, although attacks against Western targets have occurred.

To provide for public security, a large police presence is deployed throughout the country.

U.S. citizens in Qatar should maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security at all times.

U.S. citizens should also avoid visiting labor or work camps, where unrest can occur because of local working conditions or labor grievances.

The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. interests worldwide, including the Middle East.

Both historical and recurring information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan strikes against Western targets and these attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassination, kidnapping, hijacking, and bombing.

Increased security at official facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer, less fortified targets.

Other locations of potential concern include any venue where U.S. citizens and other foreigners are known to congregate in large numbers, such as public assemblies, sporting events, restaurants, residential areas, clubs, places of worship, schools, hotels, etc.

The Government of Qatar occasionally provides security for such locations and events, but to varying degrees.

In most instances, the Embassy cannot gauge the appropriateness of security for a given event before it starts.

The Embassy strongly encourages U.S. citizens to avoid large crowds and demonstrations whenever possible.

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Crime

The crime rate in Qatar is generally low.

A large police presence is apparent to travelers throughout the country.

Incidents of violence are rare but have occurred more frequently in recent years as Doha’s population and economic pressures on expatriate workers have increased.

Local and third-country-national young men have occasionally verbally and physically harassed unaccompanied expatriate women.

Reports of petty theft are infrequent but have been growing, including ATM and credit card theft, purse snatching, and pickpocketing.

Travelers should not leave valuables such as cash, jewelry, and electronic items unsecured in hotel rooms or unattended in public places.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Qatar, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings; well-marked signs will usually inform you.

Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

There are also some things that might be legal in Qatar, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Qatar, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It is very important to know what is legal and what is not wherever you go.

Criminal offenses are punished according to Qatari laws, which in some cases are based on Islamic law and sometimes more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.

Persons violating Qatari laws, even unknowingly, may be arrested, imprisoned, deported, or subject to a ban from departing Qatar.

Travel bans are not lifted until both parties resolve a dispute and the case is abandoned or, if not, until the matter is resolved by a court, which may require months to process the case.

Qatari law enforcement authorities have detained potential witnesses or relatives without charges or access to legal counsel during the investigation of a crime.

The U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Good modern medical care and medicines are available in Qatar.

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars.

Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Traffic Safety

While in Qatar, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Qatar is provided for general reference only and is subject to change at any time.

Current traffic regulations may be obtained through the Ministry of Interior’s Traffic Police.

Short-term visitors should obtain a valid International Driving Permit prior to arrival and should not drive in Qatar on a U.S. driver’s license.

New and prospective residents should obtain a permanent Qatari Driving License immediately after arrival.

To obtain a Qatari driver’s license, U.S. citizens need to pass a driving exam, including a road test.

Short-term visitors and business travelers can also obtain a Temporary Qatari Driving License by presenting their U.S. driver’s license at any branch of Qatar’s Traffic Police.

Traffic accidents are among Qatar’s leading causes of death.

Safety regulations in Qatar are improving, thanks to a more stringent traffic law adopted in October 2007 and a country-wide traffic safety campaign.

However, informal rules of the road and the combination of local and third-country-national driving customs often prove frustrating for first-time drivers in Qatar.

The combination of Qatar’s extensive use of roundabouts, many road construction projects and the high speeds at which drivers may travel can prove challenging.

The rate of automobile accidents due to driver error and excessive speed is declining but remains higher than in the United States.

In rural areas, poor lighting, wandering camels and un-shouldered roads present other hazards.

Despite the aggressive driving on Qatar’s roads, drivers should avoid altercations or arguments over traffic incidents, particularly with Qatari citizens who, if insulted, have filed complaints with local police that resulted in the arrest and overnight detention of U.S. citizens.

Drivers can be held liable for injuries to other persons involved in a vehicular accident, and local police have detained U.S. citizens overnight until the extent of the person’s injuries were known.

Due to its conservative Islamic norms, Qatar maintains a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving.

Qatar’s Traffic Police have arrested U.S. citizens for driving after consuming amounts of alcohol at lower levels than legally allowed in the United States.

Any motor vehicle over five years old cannot be imported into the country.

For specific information concerning Qatari driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact either the

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Airports - total

6

Airports with Paved Runways

4

Heliports

1

Roadways- total

6,108 Miles 9,830 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Doha, Halul Island, Umm Sa'id (Musay'id)

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Pipelines: Condensate

179 Miles 288 Kilometers

Pipelines: Gas

1,481 Miles 2,383 Kilometers

Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

56 Miles 90 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

463 Miles 745 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

64 Miles 103 Kilometers

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Telephones

285,300

Cell Phones

1,264,000

Internet Users

351,000

Internet Country Code

.qa

Internet Hosts

822

Broadcast Media

• TV and radio broadcast licensing and access to local media markets are state controlled
• home of the satellite TV channel Al-Jazeera, which was originally owned and financed by the Qatari government, but has evolved to independent corporate status
• Al-Jazeera claims editorial independence in broadcasting
• local radio transmissions include state, private, and international broadcasters on FM frequencies in Doha

Telephone System

• assessment: modern system centered in Doha
• domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 130 telephones per 100 persons
• international: country code - 974; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the US; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and the UAE; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

13,730,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

15,110,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

19,530,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

113,700,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

133,200,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

252,000,000,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

189,700

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,389,000

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

790,500

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

25,380,000,000

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Anthem History

The National Anthem of the State of Qatar was adopted with the dawn of a new era when H.H. the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani assumed power.

It was performed for the first time on Saturday, 7th, 1996, during the reception of GCC leaders on the occasion of the 17th GCC summit in Doha.

The Anthem starts with an oath: In the name of Allah, who elevated the sky and spread the light, Qatar shall always remain free, honorable, and dignified, with its glories hovering high by the spirit of the sincere and faithful.

The first part of the Anthem urges citizens of Qatar to remain committed to tread the path of their forefathers, who were honorable, respectable, knowledgeable, religious, empowered by wisdom and vision, and to follow the guidance of the prophets and their preaching about righteousness, good deads and beauty.

In the hearts of Qataris, Qatar is a story of nobility and glory that no one can deny and deface.

In the second and last part, the Anthem affirms that the Qatari men of today are defenders of its land and dignity, descendants of the ancestors who defended it in the past and registered glorious annals of history in words that shine.

Like their forefathers, they are pioneers in all fields, doves in peace times, and hawks of the day of combat.

The Anthem closes by reaffirming that Qatar will remain free, dignified, glorious, and noble, hovering high by the souls of the faithful and sincere.

Anthem Lyrics English

Swearing by God who erected the sky Swearing by God who spread the light Qatar will always be free Sublimed by the souls of the sinceres Procede thou on the manners of the ascendants And advance on Prophet's guidance In my heart, Qatar is an epic of glory and dignity Qatar is land of the early men Who protect us at time of distress, Doves they can be at times of peace, Warriors they are at times of sacrifice