A Warm Welcome

The State of Qatar is quickly becoming one of the most economically and socially dynamic countries in the Middle East and the world. Qatar has been developing in recent years to enter the world-stage with major centers for education, sports, entertainment, energy and health. The capital city Doha offers the contrasts of traditional Arabian souqs (markets) to gleaming state-of-the-art, modern buildings. It also boasts some of the best shopping centers in the region, stocking the latest European fashions.

Travel Arrangements

The New York Office of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) will assist with your travel arrangements. You can contact Ms Houry Tcheroyan by e-mail or by phone +1 (646) 962-4950 between the hours of:

• Monday – Friday, 10:00am and 6:00pm

General office hours:

• Monday -Friday, 8:00am – 6:00pm
• Sunday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

Departures from New York are typically in the evening at 7:30pm on British Airways (BA), Business Class, from JFK Airport, Terminal 7. There is a special check-in counter for Business Class travelers and a Terraces Lounge that can be accessed after Security Check. The Lounge is above two sets of escalators after Security and a pre-boarding dinner is available in the restaurant at the rear of the Lounge. This service allows passengers to sleep upon take-off in seats that fully recline 180 degrees.

Upon arrival at London Heathrow Airport, there is a similar lounge for Business Class travelers near Gate 1 with a business center, refreshment service, showers and other amenities. Both arrival and departure are at Terminal 4 where the Lounge is also located. There is generally a three-hour layover in London. However, if there is a delay departing from New York - given the volume of traffic at Heathrow and the long distance to the gates - it is prudent to keep an eye fixed on the clock to make sure you make your connection.

There is a one-hour stop in Bahrain shortly before arrival in Doha and transit passengers are not permitted to disembark.

Occasionally, travelers may travel with airlines other than BA:

• Lufthansa, via Amsterdam, to Doha - flights depart from Terminal 1 at JFK, where a lounge is available in the Departure Area before the Security Check.
• Emirates, via Dubai, to Doha – flights depart from Terminal 4 at JFK, where a lounge is available close to the Departure Gate.

Arrival at Doha International Airport

WCMC-Q's visitors are usually met by the Al Maha hospitality service, either at the bottom of the steps from the aircraft, or as you enter the terminal. Your name should be displayed on a board held by an Al Maha service person who will guide you through the immigration and baggage collection process.

A visitor's visa is required for entry into the country. US citizens may obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport terminal and Al Maha staff will assist you in securing the visa, which they should purchase on your behalf, at WCMC-Q’s expense.

The Al Maha service person will continue to provide assistance through passport control and baggage claim. As you walk into the welcome lounge a representative of WCMC-Q will greet you and provide further assistance. You will then be transported to your hotel. On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a package from WCMC-Q containing a cell phone with international access and contact information for key individuals at WCMC-Q.

WCMC-Q provides you with a car and a driver during your entire stay. You will be provided with access to a fully equipped office at WCMC-Q and an identity card that will give you electronic access to the building after hours. Your office set-up will include a computer with internet access. Our building has wireless access and our ITS can help configure your laptop/powerbook, if you are also bringing your own. Please note that Qatar's electrical supply is 240 volts, and uses the British-style square 3 pin plugs, so be sure to bring an adapter for your computer.

Every effort will be made to make this trip a positive experience for you.

About the State of Qatar

Geographical Location

The State of Qatar is located halfway along the west coast of the Arabian (or Persian) Gulf in the Middle East; on a latitude similar to Miami. The only land bordering the country is Saudi Arabia and its land mass is slightly smaller than Connecticut.

Doha, the capital city, is halfway down the country's east coast on the Arabian Gulf. This bayside city - the cultural and commercial heart of Qatar – is home to 95% of the people living in the country. Doha's skyline is beginning to resemble Manhattan or Hong Kong though a vestige of ancient Arabic tradition remains.

The city exemplifies the fastest growing country in the most prosperous region in the world, offering first class hotels, expatriate clubs and extensive shopping malls.

Time Zone

Qatar time is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 7/8 hours ahead of New York EST/DST. There is no daylight savings time in Qatar.

Climate

Qatar has a pleasant climate nine months of the year with hot summers and relatively warm winters. In the summer, the temperature ranges between 77-120 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity. The temperature is eased by air conditioning in the vast majority of homes and workplaces. During the summer most people take holidays or spend more time indoors. Sports, entertainment and leisure facilities are available in a vast array of recreation areas including clubs and hotels.

Winter is dry and resembles early fall in North America. Temperatures range from 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit, with the cooler temperatures prevailing in the evenings. Rainfall is minimal, averaging three inches per year. Sand storms, haze and dust storms are common.

Government

Qatar gained independence from British rule on September 3, 1971. It is a traditional monarchy, currently ruled by the Emir, HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. There are no political parties and the Al-Thani family has ruled since independence. The country is now working towards an elected parliament and a new constitution has been ratified  http://english.mofa.gov.qa/details.cfm?id=80.

Economy

Qatar's economy grew faster in 2005 and 2006 than nearly any other country in the world. The country's GDP per capita is one of the highest in the world. At the end of 2006, the GDP was QR 192bn ($52.7bn).

Qatar's wealth is sourced from some of the world's largest hydrocarbon stocks with oil playing a central role along with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industries, the third-largest natural gas reserves in the world. It has permitted substantial foreign investment in the development of its gas fields during the last decade and is the world's top LNG exporter.

The country has also been developing policies which aid diversification with the manufacturing sector becoming the second most important contributor, followed by building and construction; real estate and business services; and finance and insurance. Establishment of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) in 2005 is encouraging growth in the financial services sector, bringing more services and skills.

Currency

The Qatari Riyal (QR) is the currency of the country and $1 U.S. purchases QR3.65 (fixed rate). ATMs are widely available with NYCE and CIRRUS cash access networks. Most major establishments accept major credit cards; some will accept US Dollars.

Population

The total number of people living in Qatar was expected to be 910,000 at the beginning of 2007, with most living in Doha. Other people live mainly in Al Rayaan, Al Wakra, Umm Slal, Mesaid, Al Khor and Al Shamal. The last formal census was in 2004.

About a quarter of the people are Qatari nationals; other ethnic groupings are Indian, Pakistani, Iranian, other Arabs, Asians and Western expatriates.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the State of Qatar and mosques are found in abundance. The Sharia (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation in the country. Islam is the official religion of the State of Qatar and mosques are found in abundance. The Sharia (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation in the country.

Protestant, Roman Catholic and some other smaller faith communities offer weekly services, in English and other languages, in rented spaces in Doha.

Language

The official language is Arabic, although English is increasingly becoming the chosen language particularly in business situations. Translators can be requested for business situations where English is not understood. Urdu, the language of Pakistan, is also spoken. The following chart offers a few words that may be helpful, and tapes or a simple Arabic language book can guide with pronunciation.

English	Arabic
Yes	Aiwa/Na'am
No	Lah
Please (to a man)	Min fadhlak
Please (to a woman)	Min fadlick
Thank you (to a man)	Shukran/Mashkur
Thank you (to a woman)	Mashkura
Welcome	Marhaba
Hello (literally,"peace bewith you)	Al-salaam alaykum
Hello (said in response)	Wa alaykum e-salaam
How are you? (to a man)	Kef halak?
How are you? (to a woman)	Kef halik?
I am well, thank you.	Al-humdulillah
Goodbye	Ma'al salaama

Daily Life in Qatar

Business and social etiquette Business

Qatar is a traditional country experiencing rapid social changes. It is important to Qatar to maintain its heritage and the modern appearance may mislead people into forgetting that it is still a traditional society with consequential social misunderstandings. While Qatari people have been more exposed to foreign ways in recent years, it is useful to apply the following tips in social and business situations:

• Foreign visitors are expected to dress in a style which is sensitive to the Islamic culture. Conservative clothing is recommended. Men generally wear long trousers and a shirt in public. Women’s attire in public – as opposed to hotels or private clubs - should cover the shoulders, upper arms and knees. Western bathing attire is permitted at hotel and club swimming pools and beaches. Topless sunbathing is strictly forbidden.
• Men may express a wish that a Qatari or Arab man’s family is well but should not inquire specifically about female relatives.
• Work colleagues should not remark on the appearance or clothing of an Arab woman colleague.
• Seek permission before taking photographs of people and be cautious about taking photographs in public. For security reasons Government buildings, military and some industrial sites, including some internal and external parts of the airport or shopping malls, should not be photographed.
• When Arab men meet, they usually shake hands. A man does not generally shake hands with a woman. Male business associates will shake the hand of a female business associate if she extends her hand first. Some Arab men and women will shake hands with a woman. If an Arab person pulls back their hand and holds it against the heart this is a sign of greeting in preference over hand-shaking.
• Close Arab friends of the same sex often touch faces on greeting, linking arms or holding hands, but such behavior can be misinterpreted by foreigners. Homosexuality is not tolerated under Islamic law. Public displays of affection between men and women are discouraged and may be a public offence.
• Avoid showing the soles of your feet to Qatari hosts, or sitting with your back to other guests – as this is traditionally regarded as insulting behavior.
• It is better to refrain from admiring Qatari host’s possessions, as Arab custom may oblige the host to offer the object as a gift.
• Hand over or accept items with your right hand. If you are eating with your fingers, only use your right hand, following Muslim convention (the left hand is reserved for cleaning the body).
• Working hours are shorter during the Muslim Holy Fasting Month of Ramadan, during which non-Muslims must show respect for the observance of the fast by refraining from eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours.
• Traditionally, when a Qatari business or family receives guests, strong black qahwa (similar to Turkish coffee) may be served, accompanied by fresh dates. However in many businesses and homes now, a guest may be offered a range of beverages.
• Bargaining with shopkeepers is common practice especially in the souq (market). Negotiations may include the buyer requesting the 'best best price'. Insisting on a discount beyond this best price might be deemed insulting.
• Qatar prohibits the brewing and trafficking of alcohol. Drunken behavior in public or driving under the influence of alcohol is an offence punishable by a period in prison, a fine or both and cancellation of the offender’s driving licence. It is also illegal to transport liquor in your vehicle except from the point of sale directly to your home.

Alcohol should only be consumed in the home or private residence or at authorized restaurants. Public displays of drunken behavior may lead to arrest. Alcohol must never be consumed in public places such as parks. Alcohol cannot be imported into the country, including purchases at duty free. If you wish to purchase alcohol in Qatar for consumption in your private residence, WCMC-Q will provide you with a letter which authorizes you to register with the UDC shop which is the only shop from which you are permitted to purchase alcohol. You will be required to pay a deposit of QR1000 to UDC and will then be given a monthly financial limit for your purchases. The UDC shop is closed during the holy month of Ramadan.

The country also applies a zero tolerance attitude to the use and possession of illegal drugs. The import of pork is prohibited.

National Dress

Qatari national men wear a thobe, a long white shirt over loose pants. They also wear a loose headdress, called a gutra, in white or red and white cloth, held on with a black rope known as the agal. Qatari national women cover their head with a black headdress called a shayla, their body with a long black dress called an abayha. Some women also cover their face with a black bourga; sometimes the eyes are left uncovered.

Foreign nationals should dress conservatively, as noted in the tips for living in Qatar. (It is unnecessary for Western women to cover their heads.) For business, jacket and tie are the most common dress for western men at work. Working foreign national women may wear similar clothes to those they would wear in their home country - bearing in mind that in formal situations skirt suits or dresses should cover the knees and sleeves should cover the elbows.

Shopping Malls and Supermarkets

The City Centre-Doha is one of the Gulf’s largest retail malls with four levels including a family entertainment centre, Winter Wonderland with an ice skating rink, a 10 pin bowling alley, water park and Cineplex with 14 screens. Royal Plaza is another up-market boutique mall with 105 outlets selling up-market fashion. Landmark, the Mall, the Al-Asmakh Mall, Lulu and Hyatt Plaza are some of the other malls in Doha.

One of the latest malls to open is Villagio with a design exterior reminiscent of an Italian hill town and an interior using street metaphor to connect shopping themes and entertainment.

Supermarkets such as Carrefour and Giant have large branches in malls and Megamart is another popular supermarket for shopping. There are other smaller food cooperatives and fish and vegetables markets where prices for bulk purchases can be negotiated. Some basic foods are subsidized by the Government.

Vegetable markets and fish stalls also offer food at reasonable prices and can be interesting places to visit.

The souq markets offer a more traditional shopping experience.

Dining Out Dining

There are a variety of restaurants in Qatar - from world-class hotels offering an array of international cuisine to juice stalls and small outlets selling traditional Arab takeaways from pita parcels to salads. There are Western-style cafes and fast food outlets and upmarket cafes. Please note, bringing alcohol into the country is strictly forbidden. Alcohol is served in hotel restaurants only.

Sports

Qatar is a major regional and international sports destination offering:

• Two grass golf courses, an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole executive course, available to both members and the general public;
• A number of soccer stadiums which hold international and local tournaments;
• Doha Rugby Football Club;
• Diving clubs for those wishing to explore the marine life in the Persian Gulf and other water sports including sailing, boating, jet-skiing and windsurfing;
• Tennis and squash at a sports complexes and clubs;
• Horse racing every Thursday at the Race & Equestrian Club in Al Rayyan during the season from October to May; and there are also camel races.

Media

Communications are increasing in Qatar with three main English-language daily newspapers:  The Gulf Times,  The Peninsula and the Qatar Tribune. The first two newspapers may be viewed on-line, the Qatar Tribune site is currently under construction. Several magazines are also produced in the country.

English television and US stations may be viewed on the cable TV network. Western programs, including movies, are subject to censorship. Al Jazeera's English Language station is based in Doha and transmits worldwide. There is one English-speaking radio station in Doha, QBS (97.5 FM), catering to a range of musical tastes. Other English speaking stations from the United Arab Emirates are also available.

A Virgin bookstore stocking a wide range of literature and tapes has recently opened at the Villagio Mall in Doha. The Jarir Bookstore on Salwa Road is another outlet selling newspapers, magazines, books and art supplies.

Additional information about Qatar may be obtained from the websites of The Qatar Tourism Authority  http://www.qatartourism.gov.qa, The Qatar Embassy to the US  http://www.qatarembassy.net, and the Qatar Mission to the UN  http://www.qatarmission.org.