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QATAR
Compiled from the November 2005 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes. Official Name: PROFILEGeographyArea: 11,437 sq. km. (4,427 sq. mi.); about the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. Cities: Capital—Doha 370,000 (2002). Other cities—Umm Said, Al-Khor, Dukhan, Ruwais. Terrain: Mostly desert, flat, barren. Climate: Hot and dry, some humidity in summer. PeopleNationality: Noun and adjective—Qatari(s). Population: 744,000 (2004). Population growth rate: (2003 est) 2.87%. Ethnic groups: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%. Religions: Islam (state religion, claimed by virtually all of the indigenous population). Languages: Arabic (official); English (widely spoken). Education: Compulsory—ages 6-16. Attendance—98%. Literacy—79.4% total population, 79.2% male, 79.9% female. Health: (2002 est.) Infant mortality rate—20.03 deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy at birth—74.9 years. Work force: (1997) 280,122. Industry, services, and commerce—70%; government—20%; agriculture—10%. GovernmentType: Constitutional Emirate. Independence: September 3, 1971. Constitution: 1970 Basic Law, revised 1972. Branches: Executive—Council of Ministers. Legislative—Advisory Council (appointed; has assumed only limited responsibility to date). Judicial—independent. Administrative subdivisions: Fully centralized government; nine municipalities. Political parties: None. Suffrage: Universal over age 18, since 1999. EconomyGDP: (2002 est.) $17.5 billion. Real growth rate: (2002 est.) 4.6%. Per capita income: (2000 est.) $20,300. Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, fish. Agriculture: Accounts for less than 2% of GDP. Products—fruits and vegetables (most food is imported). Industry: Types—oil production and refining (31% of GDP), natural gas development, mining, manufacturing, construction, and power. Trade: (2002 est.) Exports—$11 billion, principally oil (75%-80%). Partners (2002)—Japan 40%, South Korea 17%, U.A.E. 4%, Singapore 8%, U.S. 4%. Imports—$3.7 billion, principally consumer goods, machinery, food. Partners (2002)—Germany 7%, Japan 10%, U.K. 8%, U.S. 8%, France 18%. PEOPLENatives of the Arabian Peninsula, most Qataris are descended from a number of migratory tribes that came to Qatar in the 18th century to escape the harsh conditions of the neighboring areas of Nejd and Al-Hasa. Some are descended from Omani tribes. Qatar has 744,000 people, the majority of whom live in Doha, the capital. Foreign workers with temporary residence status make up about four-fifths of the population. Most of them are South Asians, Egyptians, Palestinians, Jordanians, and Iranians. About 6,000 U.S. citizens resided there as of 2001. For centuries, the main sources of wealth were pearling, fishing, and trade. At one time, Qataris owned nearly one-third of the Persian Gulf fishing fleet. With the Great Depression and the introduction of Japan's cultured-pearl industry, pearling in Qatar declined drastically. The Qataris are mainly Sunni "Wahhabi" Muslims. Islam is the official religion, and Islamic jurisprudence is the basis of Qatar's legal system. Arabic is the official language, and English is the lingua franca. Education is compulsory and free for all Arab residents 6-16 years old. Qatar has an increasingly high literacy rate. HISTORYQatar has been inhabited for millennia. In the 19th century, the Bahraini Al Khalifa family dominated until 1868 when, at the request of Qatari nobles, the British negotiated the termination of the Bahraini claim, except for the payment of tribute. The tribute ended with the occupation of Qatar by the Ottoman Turks in 1872. When the Turks left, at the beginning of World War I, the British recognized Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani as Ruler. The Al Thani family had lived in Qatar for 200 years. The 1916 treaty between the United Kingdom and Sheikh Abdullah was similar to those entered into by the British with other Gulf principalities. Under it, the Ruler agreed not to dispose of any of his territory except to the U.K. and not to enter into relationships with any other foreign government without British consent. In return, the British promised to protect Qatar from all aggression by sea and to lend their good offices in case of a land attack. A 1934 treaty granted more extensive British protection. In 1935, a 75-year oil concession was granted to Qatar Petroleum Company, a subsidiary of the Iraq Petroleum Company, which was owned by Anglo-Dutch, French, and U.S. interests. High-quality oil was discovered in 1940 at Dukhan, on the western side of the Qatari Peninsula. Exploitation was delayed by World War II, and oil exports did not begin until 1949. During the 1950s and 1960s gradually increasing oil reserves brought prosperity, rapid immigration, substantial social progress, and the beginnings of Qatar's modern history. When the U.K. announced a policy in 1968 (reaffirmed in March 1971) of ending the treaty relationships with the Gulf sheikdoms, Qatar joined the other eight states then under British protection (the seven trucial sheik-doms—the present United Arab Emirates—and Bahrain) in a plan to form a union of Arab emirates. By mid-1971, however, the nine still had not agreed on terms of union, and the termination date (end of 1971) of the British treaty relationship was approaching. Accordingly, Qatar sought independence as a separate entity and became the fully independent State of Qatar on September 3, 1971. In February 1972, the Deputy Ruler and Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, deposed his cousin, Emir Ahmad, and assumed power. This move was supported by the key members of Al Thani and took place without violence or signs of political unrest. On June 27, 1995, the Deputy Ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, deposed his father Emir Khalifa in a bloodless coup. Emir Hamad and his father reconciled in 1996. Since then, the Emir has announced his intention for Qatar to move toward democracy and has permitted a free and open press and municipal elections as a precursor to parliamentary elections expected to occur in 2005. Qatari citizens approved a new constitution via public referendum in April 2003, which was promulgated in June 2004. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONSThe ruling Al Thani family continued to hold power following the declaration of independence in 1971. The head of state is the Emir, and the right to rule Qatar is passed on within the Al Thani family. Politically, Qatar is evolving from a traditional society and government departments have been established to meet the requirements of social and economic progress. The Basic Law of 1970 institutionalized local customs rooted in Qatar's conservative Wahhabi heritage, granting the Emir preeminent power. The Emir's role is influenced by continuing traditions of consultation, rule by consensus, and the citizen's right to appeal personally to the Emir. The Emir, while directly accountable to no one, cannot violate the Shari'ah (Islamic law) and, in practice, must consider the opinions of leading notables and the religious establishment. Their position is institutionalized in the Advisory Council, an appointed body that assists the Emir in formulating policy. Elections in 1999 in which men and women participated resulted in the formation of a municipal council. One woman candidate was elected to the municipal council in 2003. The influx of expatriate Arabs has introduced ideas that call into question the tenets of Qatar's traditional society, but there has been no serious challenge to Al Thani rule. As the most visible sign of the move toward openness, the Al Jazeera satellite television station based in Qatar is considered the most free and unfettered broadcast source in the Arab world. In practice, however, Al Jazeera rarely criticizes the ruling Al Thani family. Principal Government OfficialsLast Updated: 7/1/04 Amir: Thani, HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Qatar maintains an embassy in the United States at 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20016 (tel. 202-274-1600) and a consulate in Houston at 4265 San Felipe Street, Suite 1100, Houston, Texas 77207 (tel. 713-968-9840). Qatar's Permanent Mission to the United Nations is at 747 Third Ave., 22nd floor, New York, NY 10017 (tel. 212-486-9335). DEFENSEQatar's defense expenditures ($723 million) accounted for approximately
10% of GNP in 2001. Qatar maintains a modest military force of about 6,797 men, including an army, navy, air force, and public security. Qatar also has signed defense pacts with the U.S., U.K., and France. Qatar plays an active role in the collective defense efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (the regional organization of the Arab states in the Gulf; the other five members are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the U.A.E., and Oman). Qatari forces played an important role in the first Gulf War, and Qatar ECONOMYOil formed the cornerstone of Qatar's economy well into the 1990s and still accounts for more than 70% of total government revenue. In 1973, oil production and revenues increased sizably, moving Qatar out of the ranks of the world's poorest countries and providing it with one of the highest per capita incomes. Despite a marked decline in levels of oil production and prices since 1990, Qatar remains a wealthy country, thanks largely to burgeoning gas exports. Qatar's economy was in a downturn from in the mid-1990s. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' quotas on crude oil production, the lower price for oil, and the generally unpromising outlook on international markets reduced oil earnings. In turn, the Qatari Government's spending plans had to be cut to match lower income. The resulting recessionary local business climate caused many firms to lay off expatriate staff. With the economy recovering in the late 1990s, expatriate populations, particularly from Egypt and South Asia, have grown again. Oil production will not long return to peak levels of 500,000 barrels per day (b/d), as oil fields are projected to be mostly depleted by 2023. However, large natural gas reserves have been located off Qatar's northeast coast. Qatar's proved reserves of gas are the third-largest in the world, exceeding 7 trillion cubic meters and Qatar has the largest single gas field in the world. The economy was boosted in 1991 by completion of the __BODY__.5-billion Phase I of North Field gas development. In 1996, the Qatar gas project began exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan. Further phases of North Field gas development costing billions of dollars are in various stages of planning and development, and agreements have been concluded in 2000 and 2001 with U.A.E., Bahrain, and Kuwait to expand gas via pipelines and to Korea, India, and China via ship. Qatar's heavy industrial projects, all based in Umm Said, include a refinery with a 50,000 b/d capacity, a fertilizer plant for urea and ammonia, a steel plant, and a petrochemical plant. All these industries use gas for fuel. Most are joint ventures between European and Japanese firms and the state-owned Qatar General Petroleum Corporation (QGPC). The U.S. is the major equipment supplier for Qatar's oil and gas industry, and U.S. companies are playing a major role in North Field gas development and related energy and water infrastructure development. Qatar pursues a vigorous program of "Qatarization," under which all joint venture industries and government departments strive to move Qatari nationals into positions of greater authority. Growing numbers of foreign-educated Qataris, including many educated in the U.S., are returning home to assume key positions formerly occupied by expatriates. In order to control the influx of expatriate workers, Qatar has tightened the administration of its foreign manpower programs over the past several years. Security is the principal basis for Qatar's strict entry and immigration rules and regulations. FOREIGN RELATIONSQatar achieved full independence in an atmosphere of cooperation with the U.K. and friendship with neighboring states. Most Arab states, the U.K., and the U.S. were among the first countries to recognize Qatar, and the state promptly gained admittance to the United Nations and the Arab League. Qatar established diplomatic relations with the U.S.S.R. and China in 1988. It was an early member of OPEC and a founding member of the GCC. In September 1992, tensions arose with Saudi Arabia when a Qatari border post was allegedly attacked by Saudi forces, resulting in two deaths. Relations have since improved, and a joint commission has been set up to demarcate the border as agreed between the two governments. Qatar and Bahrain disputed ownership of the Hawar Islands. The International Court of Justice in The Hague issued a ruling in June 2001, which both sides accepted. In the agreement Bahrain kept the main Hawar Island but dropped claims to parts of mainland Qatar, while Qatar retained significant maritime areas and their resources. U.S.-QATARI RELATIONSBilateral relations are strong and expanding. The U.S. embassy was opened in March 1973. The first resident U.S. ambassador arrived in July 1974. Ties between the U.S. and Qatar are excellent and marked by frequent senior-level consultations in Doha and Washington. Amir Hamad visited Washington in May 2003 and President Bush went to Qatar in June. Qatar and the United States coordinate closely on regional diplomatic initiative, cooperate to increase security in the Gulf, and enjoy extensive economic links, especially in the hydrocarbons sector. Qatar sees the development of a world-class educational system as key to its continued success. As a result, hundreds of Qataris study in the United States. Cornell University has established a degree granting branch medical school campus in Doha, and other universities including Texas A&M, Carnegie Mellon University and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Design also have branch campuses in Qatar's newly inaugurated "Education City" complex. Principal U.S. Embassy OfficialsDOHA (E) Address: 22 February Street; APO/FPO: ARCENT-QA, Box 520, APO AE 09898; Phone: (974)
TRAVELConsular Information SheetJanuary 13, 2005 Country Description: Qatar is a monarchy governed by the ruling Al-Thani family in consultation with a council of ministers, an appointed advisory council and an elected municipal council. In April 2003, approximately 96 percent of voters approved a new constitution, which will come into force in June 2005. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Qatar is a modern, developed country. Tourist facilities are available. Qatar is not a signatory to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations or to any other bilateral or multilateral consular accord. The capital is Doha. Entry/Exit Requirements: Passports and visas are required. U.S. citizens may obtain a tourist or business visa at the airport in Doha upon arrival. These single entry visas cost QR55 (15.11 USD) and are valid for 21 days and may be extended for an additional 7 days. However, U.S. citizen travelers will be able to clear Qatari immigration more quickly and be granted a longer stay in the country by obtaining visas prior to arrival.For further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the State of Qatar (http://www.qatarembassy.net/), 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20016, telephone (202) 274-1600, fax (202) 237-0053, or the Consulate General of the State of Qatar, 1990 Post Oak Blvd. Suite 810, Houston TX 77056, telephone (713) 355-8221, fax (713) 355-8184, email info@qatarembassy.org. Military personnel are subject to different entry/exist requirements and should refer to http://www.fcg.pentagon.mil for specific information pertaining to their travel requirements. Safety and Security: Americans in Qatar should exercise a high level of security awareness. The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against United States citizens and interests throughout the world. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. In addition, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects, and to report the presence of the objects to local authorities. Vehicles should not be left unattended, if possible, and they should be kept locked at all times. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions. In addition, U.S. Government facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time as necessary to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Crime: Crime is rare and generally not a problem for travelers in Qatar. Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. See our information on Victims of Crime at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1748.html. Medical Facilities and Health Information: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in Doha. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payments for health services. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) web-site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith. Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens 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 may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Travel by road in Qatar is generally safe, although safety regulations in Qatar are not consistent with U.S. standards. Informal rules of the road and local customs often prove frustrating for first-time visitors. The combination of Qatar's extensive use of roundabouts and the high speeds at which many drivers travel can prove challenging. The rate of automobile accidents due to driver error and excessive speed is higher than in the United States. In rural areas, poor lighting, wandering camels, and un-shouldered roads are other factors of concern. 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 Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate General of the State of Qatar in Houston, Texas. Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Qatar, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. Special Circumstances: Qatari customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning importation into Qatar of items such as alcohol, narcotics, pork products, firearms, or anything deemed pornographic by Qatari authorities. While importation of religious material for personal use is acceptable, importation of religious material for the purpose of proselytizing is not. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, D.C., or the Consulate General of the State of Qatar in Houston for specific information regarding customs requirements. Pets entering Qatar require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Cats with proper documentation are allowed to enter with no difficulty, but some breeds of dogs, especially large dogs, are not admitted. Application forms for import permits may be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture through a sponsoring employer. A copy of the pet's health certificate and vaccination record must be submitted with the application. Qatari law does not recognize dual nationality. Persons who possess Qatari citizenship in addition to U.S. citizenship are considered Qatari citizens by the State of Qatar and are subject to Qatar's laws. Qatari citizenship imposes special obligations, particularly with regard to child custody and exiting or entering the country. For additional information, please refer to the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/ and use the search function to locate our Dual Nationality flyer or contact the U.S. Embassy in Doha. The U.S. Embassy in Doha cannot assist U.S. citizens in Qatar to obtain third country visas for unofficial travel. Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating Qatar's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Qatar are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Penalties for drunk driving and other alcohol-related offenses are treated with severity and may result in heavy fines, imprisonment, or expulsion from the country. Homosexual activity is considered to be a criminal offense, and those convicted may be sentenced to lashing and/or a prison sentence, and/or deportation. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Incidents involving insults or obscene language/gestures often result in arrest and/or fines whether the incident occurs between private parties or involve officers of the law. Photographing official government installations and other locations is prohibited. Before taking any photographs, check with relevant parties such a management or security officials. In addition, it is advisable to ask permission before photographing individuals. This especially applies when photographing women. Qatari employers/sponsors have customarily held on to the passports of their foreign (i.e., non-Qatari) employees during the terms of their employment in Qatar. Foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, may not leave Qatar without the permission in the form of exit visas obtained by their employer/sponsor. All U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times so that if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship is readily available. Islam provides the foundation of Qatar's customs, laws and practices. Foreign visitors are expected to remain sensitive to the Islamic culture and not dress in a revealing or provocative manner, including the wearing of sleeveless shirts and blouses, halter-tops and shorts. Western bathing attire is worn at hotel pools and beaches. Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living or traveling in Qatar are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Qatar. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in the Al-Luqta District on 22nd February Street, P.O. Box 2399, Doha; phone (974) 488-4101, extension 6500. For after hour emergencies, U.S. citizens may call (974) 488-4101, extension 6600, to reach the duty officer. On the Internet you may reach the Embassy website at http://www.usembassy.org.qa/ for additional information and operating hours. The embassy observes a Sunday through Thursday workweek. Government offices and most businesses in Qatar also observe a Sunday through Thursday workweek. International Parental Child AbductionJanuary 2005 The information below has been edited from the report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Parental Child Abduction section of this book and review current reports online at travel.state.gov. Disclaimer: The information in this circular relating to the legal requirements of a specific foreign country is provided for general information only. Questions involving interpretation of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign legal counsel. General Information: Qatar is not a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, nor are there any international or bilateral treaties in force between Qatar and the United States addressing international parental child abduction. American citizens who travel to Qatar place themselves under the jurisdiction of local courts, as well as the country's laws and regulations. American citizens planning a trip to Qatar with dual-national children should bear this in mind. Custody Disputes: When child custody disputes arise between parents of any religion, the custody decisions by Qatari courts are based on Islamic (Shari'ah) law. Custody cases can be very complex and are usually determined on a case-by-case basis. When making decisions regarding child custody matters, Qatari courts consider the parents' religion(s), place(s) of permanent residence, income, and marital status. Qatari law differentiates between custodianship and guardianship. Generally speaking, a custodian is awarded physical custody of the child and is responsible for his/her upbringing including education and daily care. A guardian is responsible for the child's financial support and can be held responsible for ensuring a sound upbringing, such as proper religious foundation. In many cases, the guardian (frequently male) must grant permission for children to depart Qatar. Qatari courts do not, as a general rule, award custody of "dual national" (U.S./Qatari) children to an American mother or father, even one who is Muslim. A fundamental consideration in awarding custody is a parent's place of permanent residence and degree of access to the children. Custody of very young children is generally granted to the mother, as long as certain restrictive conditions are met. Once the children come of age (for males, completion of their seventh year of age, for females, the onset of puberty), the father can appeal for, and will usually be awarded, full custody, provided ncertain restrictive conditions are met. If a father is unable or unfit to be custodian of his children, the court may give custody to another family member. Shari'ah court judges have broad discretion in custody cases and often make exceptions to these general guidelines, particularly in cases in which a parent is from an influential family or has powerful connections in Qatar. Even when a mother is granted custody, the non-custodial father maintains a great deal of influence on the rearing of the children. In many cases, the father has been able to acquire legal custody of children against the wishes of the mother when she is unable or unwilling to meet certain conditions set by law for her to maintain her custodial rights. For example, if a mother refuses to give the father access to his child or attempts to leave Qatar with the children without the court's permission, a mother's custody rights can be severed. The Qatari court can sever a mother's custody if it determines that the mother is incapable of safeguarding the child or of bringing the child up in accordance with the appropriate religious standards. Either parent can lose custody by re-marrying a party considered "unmarriageable," or by residing in a home with people that might be "strangers." However, the final decision is left to the discretion of the Shari'ah court. Questions involving Qatari law should be addressed to a Qatari attorney or to the Embassy of Qatar at: Embassy of the State of Qatar Visitation Rights: In cases where the father has custody of a child, visitation by the mother is entirely at the discretion of the father. Upon a non-Qatari parent's departure from Qatar, the Qatari parent (either the mother or father) may request an immigration stop against the other parent, thereby preventing future entry into Qatar even with a valid visa. |
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