Marhaba information guide issue 67

Hello from Marhaba! As we move past the scorching summer

months, things are starting to get livelier around town. Looking for something to do? Have a look at our events calendars both in the book as well as online at marhaba.qa. The latter is updated daily so visit regularly to find new and interesting events. Do sign up for our weekly newsletter, for interesting features on all things Qatar as well as our hugely popular weekend guide that brings the top events right to your inbox!

The Marhaba Information Guide offers you comprehensive information running the gamut from Oil and Gas to Leisure Activities – and in this issue we have a new section that focuses on The Pearl-Qatar. For Emergency Contact Numbers see our dedicated page towards the beginning of the book. As always, our Special Features section provides insights into the different aspects of Qatar – from culture to the new sponsership law. For a copy of the guide on the go, buy the online version at marhaba.qa/eguides

Here's wishing you an exciting National Day, and a wonderful winter. Season’s Greetings for the holidays! We will see you again in the spring.

Follow

online

marhaba.qa

Hilary Bainbridge Managing Editor

MARHABA PUBLICATIONS Marhaba Information Guide Marhaba Dining Guide Marhaba Shopping Guide Marhaba Pocket Map of Doha Marhaba Kaleidoscope Marhaba Calendars Qatar Image eBooks

WELCOME MESSAGE M67.indd 1

AVAILABLE AT • • • • • • • • •

Abu Karbal Bookshop • Bakemart Carrefour (Dar Al Salam, City Center-Doha, Lagoona, Landmark, Villaggio, Ezdan Mall) Family Food Centre (Airport Street) Jarir Bookstore (Airport Street, Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street, Salwa Road) JG Sandwich Cellar • Lulu Hypermarket (Al Gharrafa, Al Khor, D Ring Road) Lulu Barwa City • Lulu Centre • Lulu Express • Mega Mart (The Centre) Mega Mart Xpress (Al Messila Petrol Station) • Naaz Stores Spinney's (The Mall, The Pearl-Qatar) • Virgin Megastore (Landmark, Villaggio) WH Smith (Hyatt Plaza, Nuaija, Ezdan Mall) • WOQOD Petrol Stations

11/3/16 5:58 PM

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

2

M67 WINTER 2016/17 ©

MARHABA

©

MARHABA

M67 WINTER 2016/17

3

In this issue…

Managing Editor Hilary Bainbridge

11

Editorial Sarah Palmer Sarah Mascarenhas Terry Sutcliffe Gina Coleman Lindsey McCowan Online Content Lubuna Jeffin Digital Media Andrea Buenafe Ayen Molina Advertising Havovi Rabadi Howard Bainbridge Retail Sales Sandra Alexander Design and Artwork Dick Tamayo Mar Principe Arnel Ramos Dana Design Studio

Marhaba endeavours to quote accurate information and updates each of its sections every issue. However, the magazine accepts no liability in the case of unintentional errors.

Discovering Qatar Emergency Numbers Qatar at a Glance Events in Qatar Do’s and Don’ts Arabic Phrases Qatar Online Foreign Embassies in Qatar Main Urban Centres Getting Around Qatar Traveller Information Hamad International Airport Sightseeing Leisure Activities Day to Day Qatar Living in Qatar

107

The Pearl-Qatar

127

Infrastructure

9 13 19 26 27 28 30 32 43 49 51 57 81 88 90

New Section!

The Pearl-Qatar Overview 24 Hours at The Pearl-Qatar Dining Listings Where to Shop

Infrastructure in Qatar Take a Quantum Leap

109 116 118 122

129 136

© 2016 Marhaba Information Guide All Rights Reserved.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without written permission of the publishers.

Follow

online

139

Hospitality, Hotels and Dining

195

Shopping

Tourism in Qatar Places to Stay What’s On at Hotels It’s Time to Celebrate Dining in Qatar Dining Guide Listings

marhaba.qa

Dana Public Relations PO Box 3797, Doha, Qatar Tel (+974) 4465 5533 4465 0083 Fax (+974) 4465 5588 General Information marhaba@qatar.net.qa Retail Sales retailsales@marhaba-qatar.com

Where to Shop Shopping in Qatar Eat the World

197 203 213

141 142 151 165 169 171

241

Sports

Special Features Sports in Qatar Sports Events Calendar Angry Dragons Sports Activities

257

Education Useful Numbers Education in Qatar Education Courses/Lectures Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses Specific Learning Difficulties

327

217 A Look Back at 2016 Connecting the World to Doha The Wood of the Gods Kafala Changes Take the Bus Qatari Women Then and Now The Lap of Luxury

218 224 226 230 232 235 239

259 265 318 320 322

Health and Beauty Useful Numbers Healthcare in Qatar Fighting Diabetes Health and Wellness Spas and Beauty Centres

357

242 244 247 248

330 333 346 349 352

Maps

Banking and Commerce Banking and Finance 359 Economy 364 Commerce 365 A New Financial City 366 Investment and Trade 368

375

Motoring

405

Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals

Qatar Motor Show 2017 Main Car Showrooms Useful Numbers Motoring Essentials Cars Tested This Issue Traffic Violations – Points System In the News

The Global Perspective Qatar’s Oil Industry Qatar’s Gas Industry Qatar’s Petrochemical Industry Al Reem Biosphere Reserve Company Activities

See our additional Features throughout the sections

406 408 409 410 412 414

374 378 379 380 384 399 400

Qatar 6 Northeast Coast 33 Al Khor 34 Al Dafna/West Bay Area 35 Doha City 36–38 Doha Central Area 39 Al Wakra 40 Mesaieed 41 Southeast Coast 42 The Pearl‑Qatar 114 Infrastructure Projects 128 Souq Area 210 Education City 314 Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City 332 Small Industries Zone/Ind’l Area 402

Next issue

April 2017 Printed in Qatar by Doha Modern Printing Press

State of

Map prepared by Al Ruwais Madinat Al Shamal

Qatar

Al Mafjar

in cooperation with

CGIS

Khidaj Fort

Al Ghariya

Al Jemail Fort

QATAR

Al Rekayat Fort

Fuwairit

Al Thaghab Fort Ras Eshairiq

Al Zubara Fort Al Zubara Umrair Fort

Jabal Al Jassasiya

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ras Girtas

Lehwaila RL Support Services Area

Lisha

Ain Al Numan

Madinat Al Kaaban Leghwairiya

Ras Laffan Industrial City

77

Rawdat Al Faras

Simsima Umm Birka

141

1

Al Suwaihliya

Al Thakhira

amal

Al Sh

Al Qaaiya New Orbital Highway

Lijmailiya

Ras Abrouq

Road

Berak Al Soudan

Umm Qarn

Al Daayen Municipality

Al Nafayid

Simaisma

Umm Al Amad Al Dosari Game Reserve

Bir Zekreet

Dukhan

Umm Slal Mohammed 1 New Barzan Orbital Tower Highway

Dukhan R oad

3

1A IKEA

Relie

Al Nasraniya

f Roa

Al Sabbana Dukhan

Losail Circuit

Umm Slal Ali

Al Otouriya

Al Shaihaniya

Education City

Sheikh Faisal Farm & Museum

Ain Al Zaghain

Lusail City The Pearl Qatar

Umm Bab

Doha

Al Wajba

33

Al Ruwaidat

Banana Island

Al Rayyan

Hamad International Airport

Al Sailiya Rawdat Rashed

Al Shabhana

Barwa Barwa Industrial City Village Area

5

Qeezan Al Kharaej

Baidaa Al Qaa

Qawz Al Kharaej

Al

Taas Al Darb

arr Kh

Al Kharrara

55

Naqa Abu Birka

Dohat Salwa

dR

Hamad Port

Mesaieed

ar

Shalla Naqa Abu Dulou Naqa Felaiha

Riyad Al Marrkh

7

Naqa Al Minshatah

Umm Hawta Hajar Al Eraiq

Al Wakra

aiee

Earth Satellite 'Singing Sand Dunes’ Station

Al Karaana

Taas Al Karaana

Al Wukair

Mes

a lw Sa

39

Aqua Park

ad Ro

oad

56

a Roa d

Qaryat Al Muhanna

Sealine Beach Resort

Naqa Umm Salama

Zubarat Al Masszhabiya Bu Samra

Naqa Tuwair Al Hameer Zubarat Al Eraiq

Naqa Zuwayyid

Qeezan Al Eraiq

SAUDI ARABIA

6

Golf Club

d

Al Salamiya

Al Khor

Al Khor Airfield

14

M67 WINTER 2016/17 ©

Sawda Natheel

MARHABA

Sand Dunes

Khor Al Adaid 5 Non-stop Superhighway 39 Upgraded Highway 7 Dual Carriageway Highway Single Carriageway Highway Qatar Heritage Site Population Centre Vegetation

©

MARHABA

M67 WINTER 2016/17

7

8

M67 WINTER 2016/17 ©

MARHABA

Emergency and Important Numbers

Police, Fire and Ambulance Worldwide emergency Emergency Services for the Deaf Traffic Patrol Police Department Pediatric Emergency Centres Airport (Matar Qadeem) Al Daayen (Al Khor Road) Al Rayyan (Al Fourousiya Street) Al Sadd (C Ring Road) Al Shamal (Al Ruwais)

999 112 992 3080 5060 4465 4423 4480 4439 4473

2832 3811 0812 6059 0116

Important Numbers General Information Qatar Meteorology Department Local Time

4455 7077 140

Airport Hamad International Airport Airport Security Airport Fire and Medical Emergency

4010 6666 4010 9555 4010 9222

For more on travel and airport information see Traveller Information and Hamad International Airport in this section.

Animals In the event of a pet emergency,

in this section.

Health Enquiries Nesma'ak (Hamad General Hospital) Hayyak (Primary Health Care Corporation)

Government Ministries iParks 4406 9955 Baladiya 4434 7777 Ministry of Development, Labor and Social Affairs 4028 8888 Ministry of Foreign Affairs 4011 1111 Ministry Of Interior 4433 0000 Hukoomi 109 Post Office 104 Qatar National Human Rights Committee 6662 6663 Telecom and Communications Directory Assistance 180 International Calls Inquiry 150 Ooredoo 111 Vodafone 800 7110 Traffic and Minor Accidents General Directorate of Traffic Madina Khalifa Traffic & Investigation Utilities Kahramaa

234 4444 234 4499 4484 5555

Taxi and Limousines See Getting Around Qatar in this section. Š

EMERGENCY NUMBERS M67.indd 1

16060 107

Checked & Updated October 2016

Roadside and Break Down Assistance Qatar Assist 5545 5252

see Pets in this section.

Emergency and Important Numbers

Foreign Embassies See Foreign Embassies

Emergency Services

MARHABA

M67 WINTER 2016/17

9

11/3/16 10:20 AM

10

M67 WINTER 2016/17 ©

MARHABA

Discovering Qatar Map of Qatar

81

Leisure Activities

88

Day to Day Qatar

90

Living in Qatar

96

Housing

97

Utilities and Services

Emergency Numbers

13

Qatar at a Glance

19 26 27 28

Events December 2016 – March 2017

30 32 35 43

Foreign Embassies

• • • • •

Geography • History • Climate Language and Religion • The Ruling Family The Qatari Flag • Government • Economy International Relations • Demography Transport and Communications

Do’s and Don’ts Arabic Phrases Qatar Online

Main Urban Centres Doha City and other maps Getting Around Qatar • Lusail City Taking Shape • Major Road Developments • Karwa Taxis • Karwa Limousines

49

Traveller Information

51

Hamad International Airport

57

Sightseeing

• Visas • eCash Cards • Entry Visas • eGate Cards • Car Rental, Taxis and Limousines • Airlines • Travel Agencies

• • • • • •

Parking • Arrivals/Departures Lounges • Connectivity Medical Emergencies Travelling with Animals • Duty Free Food and Beverage • The Airport Hotel Medical Emergencies

102

Clubs, Societies and Activities, from Arts and Crafts to Parks and Play Zones

• Common Courtesies • Accidents and Medical Emergencies • Newspapers • Telephone • Public Wireless Internet • Television and Radio • Places of Worship

• • • • • • • •

Government Online Useful Documents/Processing The Qatar Labour Law Register at Your Embassy Residence/Work Permits Renew a Residence Permit Exit Permits • Identity Cards Health Related Services

• To Rent • Estate/Letting Agents • To Buy • Lawyers and Legal • Relocation Services/Removal Firms • Other Housing Considerations

• • • • • • •

Water and Electricity Gas Telephone and Internet Postal Services and Mail Courier Services Birth, Marriage and Death Liquor Permit

Discovering Qatar

6 9

Pets • Pets • Exporting a Pet • Microchipping • Private Veterinary Clinics and Services

Things to see and do in Qatar, from Art and Photography to Organised Tours

©

MARHABA

M67 WINTER 2016/17

11

12

M67 WINTER 2016/17 ©

MARHABA

Qatar at a Glance Geography • Qatar is a peninsula of 11,521 sq km located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf.

• The territory encompasses several islands including Halul, Sheraouh, Al Beshairiya, Al Safliya (which is a marine protected area) and Al Aaliya.

• The coastline covers 563 km with shallow coastal waters in most areas and many coves and inlets.

Qatar at a Glance

• The terrain is flat and rocky, covered with sand flats and sand dunes. There are some exceptional low-rising limestone outcrops in the north and the west.

• The country is centrally placed among the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which groups it with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.

History

• One of the world’s earliest maps, The Map of Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE, shows the word 'Catara' at the head of the bay.

• Qatar played an important role in the Islamic civilisation when its inhabitants participated in the formation and provision of the first naval fleet.

• In the middle of the 1st century CE, Pliny the Elder referred to the nomads of the area as the 'Catharrei' – an apparent reference to their constant search for water.

• During the 16th century, the Qataris aligned with the Turks to drive out the Portuguese.

Subsequently, along with the entire Arabian Peninsula, they fell under the nominal rule of the Ottoman Empire for four successive centuries – with the real power and control remaining in the hands of the sheikhs and princes of local Arab tribes.

Climate

Language and Religion

• The country has a moderate desert climate with mild winters and hot summers. Winter nights can be cool, but temperatures rarely drop below 7°C.

• The official language of the country is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood.

• Archaeological discoveries, inscriptions and artefacts prove that Qatar was populated as early as 10,000 – 8,000 BCE.

• Humidity levels can be very high on the coast during the summer months.

• Rainfall is scarce (average 70 mm per year), falling on isolated days mainly between October and March.

• All official documents (such as visa and resident permit applications) must be completed in Arabic.

• Islam is the official religion of the country, and Shari’a (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation.

©

QATAR AT A GLANCE M67.indd 1

MARHABA

M67 WINTER 2016/17

13

11/3/16 10:27 AM

The Ruling Family

Qatar at a Glance

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Emir of the State of Qatar

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Father Emir

• The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, assumed power on 25 June 2013.

• The ruling Al Thani family was among a tribal group who had settled at the 'Gibrin' oasis in southern Najd, before their arrival in Qatar during the early 18th century. Initially, they settled in Zubara in northern Qatar, moving to Doha in the mid-19th century. The family is a branch of the ancient Arab tribe, the Bani Tameem, whose descent can be traced back to Mudar bin Nizar.

• The name Al Thani is derived from that of the family’s ancestor Thani bin Mohamad bin Thani, who was the first sheikh to rule modern Qatar.

The Qatari Flag • The national flag is maroon with a broad vertical white stripe at the pole, the two colours being separated with a nine-point serrated line which indicates Qatar as the ninth member of the 'reconciled Emirates' of the Gulf, after the 1916 Qatar-British Treaty.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani Prime Minister and Minister of Interior

• White signifies the internationally recognised symbol of peace. Maroon symbolises the blood shed during the several wars that Qatar has undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century.

Government • The Emir is the ruler of Qatar. Rule is hereditary, with power transferred from father to son. If no son is available, power is transferred to the person whom the Emir chooses within the Al Thani family.

• The Emir is the head of the constitutional authorities, holding both legislative and executive powers. The Emir appoints the prime minister and ministers.

• The Council of Ministers (Cabinet), the supreme executive authority in the country, assists in implementing the general policies of the State.

• A 35-member Advisory Council debates economic, political and administrative matters referred to it by the Cabinet.

• The constitutional development of Qatar has kept pace with the rapid development and economic growth of the country.

14

M67 WINTER 2016/17 ©

QATAR AT A GLANCE M67.indd 2

• The first provisional constitution was issued in 1970, and amended in 1972 upon independence.

In April 2003, an overwhelming 96.6% of Qatari voters said 'yes' to a draft permanent constitution which became effective on 8 June 2005, transforming Qatar into a democracy.

• In 1999, free elections were held to form a 29-member Central Municipal Council (CMC) for the first time in Qatar’s history. Women were allowed to vote and run as candidates.

The constitution was amended in 2003 to allow for the direct election of 30 members of the Advisory Council. Held every four years, the Fifth Central Municipal Council Election was held in May 2015. The number of listed voters reached 21,735. Voting was conducted in 26 constituencies after three candidates won by acclamation. Voter turnout in constituencies was 69.8%.

MARHABA

11/3/16 10:27 AM

THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN QATAR Embrace Doha offers a diverse range of workshops, tours, and events aimed at enriching the cultural experiences of expats and visitors.

We assist companies, ministries, educational entities and the public as a whole in developing the cultural know-how and sensitivities of their valued employees as well as providing entertainment and excursions for their guests.

Our team of Qataris and locals have in-depth knowledge of the Arabian Gulf region in general, and Qatar in particular.

They will walk your employees and guests through the region’s unique lifestyle with the ability to communicate in multiple languages, including English, French, and Arabic.

©

Please do not hesitate to contact us at the following: www.embracedoha.com contact@embracedoha.com +97477771636

MARHABA

@embracedoha

M67 WINTER 2016/17

15

Economy • Qatar, with proved gas reserves of nearly 900 trillion standard cubic feet in its North Field, and oil reserves of over 25.2 billion barrels, has one of the fastest growing economies and the highest per capita income in the world.

placed on private-sector industrial development, education, health, sport and tourism.

• In just decades, Qatar has developed into a major global supplier of energy and is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a world leader in gas-to-liquids (GTL) production.

Qatar at a Glance

• While developing its huge hydrocarbon reserves, Qatar has also diversified its economy, and emphasis is being

International Relations • Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strives to establish and develop close direct ties with all peace-loving countries and peoples of the world. It is keen to participate actively in efforts to deal with the concerns and challenges that the Gulf region encounters.

• Together with Qatari partners, who hold a 51% interest, foreigners can invest in most other sectors subject to approval. See the Banking and Commerce section for more information.

Qatar is a member of: • The United Nations (UN) and its subsidiary global organisations.

• The Asian Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

• The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

• Qatar was actively involved in the discussions leading to the foundation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has hosted a number of their Supreme Council Summit Meetings.

• The Organisation of Arab Oil Exporting Countries (OAPEC).

• As at 5 September 2016, Qatar maintains 99 embassies abroad as well as 9 consulates and 2 other representations. The Qatari capital Doha hosts 99 embassies, and in addition there is 1 consulate and other representations in Qatar.

• The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

Demography • Qatar's population as at 31 August 2016 was 2,401,598 according to figures released by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics.

• Over 60% of the population resides in the city of Doha, which is the business and administrative capital.

• Other population centres include Dukhan on the west coast, Mesaieed City and Al Wakra in the south, and Ras Laffan and Al Khor in the north.

Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLC) is creating a population expansion in Al Khor and the adjoining areas.

Projects are underway to provide new housing and amenities in the area.

16

• Investment laws allow for up to 100% foreign investment in many sectors including agriculture, industry, leisure, tourism, health, education and the exploitation of natural resources, energy and mining – subject to dispensation from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

M67 WINTER 2016/17 ©

QATAR AT A GLANCE M67.indd 3

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

• The World Trade Organisation (WTO).

• The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC).

• The Arab League.

• The UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Transport and Communication • The country is served by Hamad International Airport (for more information on Airports see Traveller Information and Hamad International Airport in this section).

• Metered taxis and limousines are easy to find and there is a comprehensive public transport system.

• Qatar has a modern road system linking it with other GCC countries.

• An integrated rail and metro network is expected to be largely complete by 2022. See more in the Infrastructure section.

• The telecommunications system is currently being upgraded to an entirely fibre-optic network. m

MARHABA

11/3/16 10:27 AM

©

MARHABA

M67 WINTER 2016/17

17

18

M67 WINTER 2016/17 ©

MARHABA