Doha

Doha

Introduction to the "Doha" Tourist Attractions Doha (Doha) is the capital of Qatar, the country’s largest city and the center of economy, transportation, and culture, as well as one of the famous ports in the Persian Gulf. Located in the central part of the eastern coast of the Qatar Peninsula, the climate in summer is hot and humid, especially from June to September, when temperatures can reach up to 48°C. The winter climate is cool and pleasant, with nighttime temperatures generally below 20°C and a minimum of 7°C. There is no rainfall in summer, while winter is windy with scarce precipitation. The population is 340,000 (2004), accounting for about 50% of the total national population.

Doha was originally a fishing port and a hub for pearl-diving boats. After World War II, it prospered along with the development of the domestic oil industry. It concentrates most of the country’s industries including natural gas liquefaction, petrochemicals, power generation, cement, plastic products, fish processing, and seawater desalination. A deep-water port was built in 1970, capable of berthing 10,000-ton ships. The city streets are wide, and there are many tall buildings that reflect Arabic national characteristics. Notable landmarks include the Emir’s Palace, the Grand Mosque of the Capital, the National Museum, and the Aquarium. The Doha Corniche (approximately 8 kilometers long) is the most beautiful boulevard in the country and a major leisure and fitness spot for Doha residents. The boulevard features wide green spaces planted with lush lawns, year-round blooming flowers, and tall date palms. In the middle of the boulevard is a larger central park—Al Bidda Park—home to several art sculptures reflecting the traditional customs of the Gulf Arab states, where large outdoor celebrations are often held. The Emir’s Palace of Qatar is located on one side of the Corniche, and many government institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Trade, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior, and the Central Bank are situated along the boulevard, alongside numerous modern buildings that rise one after another. Doha also hosts what could be called a witness to the founding history of Qatar—now the Qatar National Museum. Officially opened in June 1975, the museum consists of four parts: First, the Old Palace, built in 1901, which served as the residence and office of the first Emir, Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani. In 1972, the Emir ordered the renovation and reinforcement of the palace, converting it into a museum. Second, the New Building, constructed north of the Old Palace during its renovation, is a three-story structure. The top floor houses a library and offices; the middle floor is a science and education cinema introducing the geological formation history of the Arabian Peninsula and Qatar; the ground floor is an underground exhibition hall displaying photos and artifacts related to Islamic art and culture, science, medieval nomadic life, as well as modern history, geology, and petroleum. Third, the Maritime Museum, completed in October 1977, exhibits various marine fish, organisms, shells, pearls, and other items from the Gulf region. Fourth, the Seawater Lake, a small lake east of the Old Palace, whose bottom is connected to the sea via pipelines. With a depth of 1.5 to 2.5 meters, the lake features models of old sailing ships.

Qatar’s only university, “Qatar University,” is located in the suburbs of Doha. It includes seven faculties and departments: Education, Humanities, Science and Engineering, Law, Engineering, Economic Management, and Technology, as well as several research and experimental centers. Doha enjoys convenient transportation, with an international airport and a deep-water port in the suburbs, and high-grade roads connecting it to other towns in the country and neighboring Saudi Arabia. Doha has a tropical desert climate, with long, hot summers where temperatures can reach up to 46°C; winters are cool and dry, with a minimum temperature of 7°C. Sunlight is intense, and the average annual rainfall is only 125 mm. Oil and natural gas are the economic pillars of Qatar, contributing 65% of GDP, and Qatar’s natural gas reserves rank third in the world. The population of Qatar exceeds 800,000, with locals making up about 40% of the total, and the rest being expatriates, mainly from India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asian countries. By law, all companies in Qatar must have Qatari nationals as owners, while management is primarily from Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt. Arabic is the official language, and English is widely spoken. The majority of the population practices Islam. The annual per capita income exceeds $45,000. The country provides free medical care and free education. Qatar is a constitutional monarchy under an emirate system, with stable politics and good public security. The urban environment in Doha is beautiful, transportation is convenient, the local people are kind-hearted, and they are very friendly toward Chinese people.

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