Practical Information

One of the municipalities of Qatar, Doha has a lot to offer the traveler. A relatively modern town, Doha made its fortune first trading pearls with the Japanese, and then became one of the centers of Qatar's oil and natural gas wealth. The government is currently trying to steer the economy away from its dependence on oil and natural gas, leading to a large boom in the tourist trade and lots of new development.

Climate

Situated on the Arabian Peninsula, Doha has a very hot and arid climate. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees, and rain is an almost nonexistent occurrence. In the Winter months, temperatures are more moderate, getting into the 60's and 70's F during the day, and quite a bit colder at night. While you may find some relief in the ocean breezes coming off the Arabian Gulf, it is still advisable to plan your trip in accordance with your tolerance for heat.

Cleanliness

Doha is rare in that there are actually more expatriates living there than Qataris. There is not a whole lot of the original city left, but there are a lot of modern attractions and amenities. Hygiene standards in Doha are relatively high, so you don't have to be as cautious about the food and water.

Transportation

Driving in Doha can be very dangerous. Compared by the US Embassy in its 2007 Qatar Crime and Safety Report to an extreme sport, Doha drivers are a force to be reckoned with. If you do want to drive, foreign driver's licenses are valid in Doha for up to one week. Cars drive on the right side of the road (theoretically). Be aware that traffic laws in Doha can be very strict, even if you don't see them always being enforced.

Work

The traditional working week in Doha runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday (which is the holy day for Muslims) and usually Saturday off. You can find many western businesses in Doha, including a variety of fast food and Starbucks. While Qatar has relatively liberal laws for the region, you will still usually only find alcohol in higher-end foreign based hotels and clubs.

Little Necessities

Doha's dialing code is 974. The time zone is Central European GMT + 3. For your small appliance needs, the standard electricity is 240V, 50Hz, three pin flat plugs. As of October 2009, a Qatar Riyal equals about .27 US dollars and .18 Euros. You can easily check current exchange rates online before you travel.