Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Marriott Doha Gulf Hotel Qatar

LOCATION OF MARRIOTT DOHA GULF HOTEL IN DOHA :
Top
Situated close to the airport the Marriot is still a beachfront property and offers excellent views of the colorful Marina and Doha Bay. The hotel is also in close proximity to the commercial business district. The hotel has a Spa as well.LOCATION: The Marriott Doha Gulf Hotel is adjacent to the Doha Sailing Club and one mile from downtown. This full-service property features superior accommodations, a fully equipped health club, private beach and a comprehensive range of facilities for business meetings or private functions.
RESTAURANT OF MARRIOTT DOHA GULF HOTEL IN DOHA :
Top
RESTAURANT & LOUNGES : All'Aperto (poolside restaurant) Italian Open for lunch and dinner Authentic Casual Italian . Asia Live Japanese Open for dinner Far Eastern Cuisines with Far East Hospitality Cafe Trottoir International Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner lobby cafe with live entertainment Salsa Tex-Mex Open for dinner Lively Tex_mex Restaurant with Live Band Corniche Mediterranean Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Casual Dining Taj Rasoi Indian Open for dinner Classic and Authentic Indian Cuisine with superior service The Pearl Lounge Open for dinner Upscale Lounge & Club
ACCOMMODATION OF MARRIOTT DOHA GULF HOTEL IN DOHA :
Top
ACCOMMODATION: Whether you're traveling for business, pleasure, or planning a meeting, Marriott focuses on what it takes to make your trip successful. Enjoy the comfort of one of our guestrooms, each equipped with two telephone lines, modem connection, and interactive TV with free Internet Access from the Rooms. The fabulous Executive Lounge on the roof top gives you the panoramic view of Qatar! The new Spa has the finest well being treatments in town together with a state of the art fitness center to mix business with pleasure.
General Room Amenities Air conditioning Alarm clock Bottled water Crib Electrical adapters Individual climate control Internet browser/Web TV Iron and ironing board Luxurious bedding - down comforters, custom duvets, cotton-rich linens Pillows: foam Rollaway bed Safe
HOTEL SERVICES AND FACILITIES OF MARRIOTT DOHA GULF HOTEL IN DOHA :
Top
Al Maha Meeting RoomExclusive executive meeting room with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.
HOTEL FACILITIES & SERVICES: Complimentary Services Coffee in lobby Evening reception Newspaper delivered to room Newspaper in lobby Shoeshine.Guest Services Cash machine/ATM Concierge desk Daily housekeeping service Evening turndown service Foreign exchange Laundry on-site Limousine service Room service, 0:00AM-11:59PM, 24-hour Safe deposit boxes, front desk Shoeshine stand Valet dry-cleaning Guest Facilities Bar-B-Q and/or picnic area Beauty shop, nearby (referral at front desk) Car rental desk Activities Horseback riding nearby (10 km) Jet-skiing nearby Jogging/fitness trail Sailing Sauna Scuba diving nearby Snorkeling Sports court? onsite Squash nearby Surfing Tennis Volleyball Water-skiing nearby SwimmingThe Spa (on site), heated Towels provided Children's Pool Outdoor Jacuzzi Whirlpool The Spa Body scrub Body wrap Facial treatments Fitness counseling Foot bath Manicures/pedicures Massages Massage lessons Plunge pools Spa restaurant Steam room Therapy baths Waxing Classes available

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Qatar Business Profile

Qatar Business Profile

Economy: Oil and gas reserves have transformed Qatar from an impoverished outcrop on the Arabian Peninsula into one of the richest countries in the world. The oil deposits located and exploited from the 1970s onwards were of unusually high quality and generated a substantial income for the country. In addition, one of the world’s largest natural gas fields, known as the North Field, was discovered in Qatari waters in the late 1980s. Measured by revenue, gas production has now outstripped oil and is set to remain Qatar’s principal source of income for the foreseeable future.

Agriculture is necessarily limited by climate and water resources. Some indigenous industry exists, mainly based on petrochemicals and refining but also including steel, concrete and cement, plastics, paint and flour. The Qatari government has earmarked US$5 billion for further industrialisation projects over the coming years. Current economic performance is good with an annual growth of 8.5 per cent and inflation of 2.3 per cent. Qatar is a member of OPEC, the Arab Monetary Fund and the Islamic Development Bank. It also belongs to the World Trade Organisation, and hosted the organisation’s 2001 round of negotiations. Currently, most of Qatar’s oil and gas is sold to Japan and Italy. EU countries, Japan and the USA are the country’s main trading partners.

Business: Politeness and patience in business dealings are needed. Office hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-1200 and 1600-1900. Government office hours: Sat-Wed 0700-1400.

Conferences/Conventions: Several of Doha’s largest hotels provide facilities with extensive support services, including simultaneous translation systems and full audio-visual capability. Contact individual hotels for more information.

Qatar Social Profile

Qatar Social Profile

Food & Drink: While the best food is generally found in hotels, Chinese, Indian, Persian, Thai, US and Western cuisine is also available. All the major hotels have good public restaurants and most offer outside catering of high quality; waiters, crockery and cutlery will be provided on request. There are a reasonable number of places to eat in Doha, including snack bars serving fast foods, as well as the traditional Levantine shawarma and Egyptian foul and taamiyeh. Restaurants are scarce outside the capital.
Alcohol is prohibited and should not be consumed in public, though some international hotels may serve alcohol.

Nightlife: Public entertainment is rather limited. Doha has a cinema showing English-language films, and there is also the National Theatre. Live entertainment is infrequent, but some international artists do perform in Qatar.

Shopping: There are several large modern malls, with cinemas, restaurants and other facilities as well as brand shops. The old souks remain popular for bargains. Shopping hours: Generally Sat-Thurs 0800-1200 and 1600-1900 or later, with the malls open until 2100 or 2200. Some shops close on Friday.

Special Events: Qatar’s festivals and events are primarily Islamic celebrations.
The following is a selection of special events occurring in Qatar in 2005:
Jan Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Mar Qatar Masters (golf), Doha. Jun-Aug Qatar Summer Wonders Festival of Fun. Nov Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).

Social Conventions: The visitor should be fully aware of Muslim religious laws and customs. Women should always dress modestly. It is also worth noting that, while it is acceptable to cross legs, showing the sole of the foot or unknowingly pointing it at a person is considered an insult. At business and social functions, the traditional Qatari coffee, in tiny handleless cups, will invariably be served. This is a ritual of welcome with strict rules: guests are served in order of seniority – a few drops at first, then, after three or four others have been served, the server returns to fill the first cup; always hold the cup in the right hand; two cups are polite, but never take only one or more than three. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix. Tipping: Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. A service charge is often added to bills in hotels and most restaurants, otherwise 10 per cent is appropriate.

Qatar Sports and Activities

Qatar Sports and Activities

The national sport is football. Doha boasts several marinas, sub-aqua clubs and sailing facilities as well as a number of sports clubs which are open to visitors. There are several camel race tracks; the main one is found off the road to Dukhan, but spectators need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to follow the race. The graded track is 18km (11 miles) long through the desert and sometimes more than 250 camels take part with big money prizes and prestige at stake. Desert excursions can also be arranged.

Qatar Climate

Qatar Climate

Climate: Summer (June to September) is very hot with low rainfall. Winter is cooler with occasional rainfall. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens are worn during summer months, with warm clothes for cooler evenings and during the winter. Rainwear is advisable during winter.

Qatar Accommodation

Qatar Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION: Recent building ensures that Qatar is well served by first-class hotels. There are also a number of 3- or 4-star hotels offering reasonable accommodation. Advance booking is strongly advised. All rates are subject to a 15 per cent service charge. Visit www.oxfordtravels.com/middleeast/qatar/index.html to see complete list of Hotels in Qatar.

Qatar Travel International

Qatar Travel International

AIR: Gulf Air (GF) and Qatar Airways (QR) are the major airlines serving Qatar.

Approximate flight times: From Doha to London is eight hours 25 minutes. There are no direct flights from the USA.

International airports: Doha (DOH) is 8km (5 miles) southeast of the city (travel time – 25 minutes). Taxis are available to the city with official rates displayed. Facilities include car hire (Budget and Hertz), banks, restaurant and a duty free shop.

Departure tax: None.

SEA: The main international ports are Doha and Umm Said. The traffic is mostly commercial, but some passenger lines call at Doha.

ROAD: Access is possible via both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, but the main international route from Saudi Arabia is unreliable and often impassable during the rainy season.

Qatar Travel Internal

Qatar Travel Internal

ROAD: The road system is fair, but conditions are poor during the wet season. Driving is on the right. Bus: No organised public bus service. Taxi: These have black and yellow number plates, are painted orange and white, and are metered. Taxis can be hired on an hourly basis. Car hire: Available from local companies at the airport and hotels. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required, but a temporary licence can be obtained on presentation of a valid UK licence.

Qatar History and Government

Qatar History and Government

History: The families that rule the northern Arabian Gulf states are, almost without exception, descended from migrants from the central region of the Arabian peninsula in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The Al-Khalifas, who today govern Bahrain, also established a settlement on the small peninsula directly opposite the island – modern-day Qatar. The Al-Khalifas were unable to hold on to their mainland possession, however, and were displaced by the Al-Thani clan. The Al-Thanis were part of the original wave of migration, but little else is known about their origins. Although the Al-Khalifas had agreed a treaty with the British in 1868, this did not prevent Qatar being absorbed into the Turkish Ottoman empire – then undergoing a brief resurgence during a period of otherwise chronic decline – in 1872.

After the Ottoman collapse during World War I, Qatar once again came under British suzerainty. The British recognised the Al-Thanis as rulers, providing military protection in exchange for control of Qatar’s external affairs under treaties signed in 1916 and 1934. British troops were moved out of the Gulf in 1968 as part of the ‘East of Suez’ withdrawals. Plans to enhance Qatar’s security through federations with Bahrain and the Trucial States (now the United Arab Emirates) failed and in 1971 Qatar assumed full independence under the rule of Sheikh Ahmad.

Rivalries within the Al-Thani family immediately after independence culminated in a coup by the chief minister, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al-Thani. Under Khalifa’s regime, Qatar has used its substantial oil revenues to develop a modern infrastructure, health and education services. It has allied itself closely with Saudi Arabia on regional and international issues (see below). Qatar was also one of the instigators of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), inaugurated in 1981, which has become the principal regional trade and security bloc. The security aspect of the Council’s work has received the greater attention during the last 15 years.

Qatar played a low-key role in the Iran-Iraq war, generally on the side of Iraq, and was an active participant in the multinational alliance assembled to liberate Kuwait in 1990. During the early 1990s, the Emir adopted several independent initiatives in his conduct of foreign policy: there were burgeoning commercial relations with Israel and welcome support for American strategic objectives in the region (see below); yet Qatar was one of the few governments to maintain relations of any kind with the Taleban regime in Afghanistan. Around the same time, Qatar became involved in a number of territorial disputes with both Bahrain (over the oil rich Hawar islands) and Saudi Arabia, over the position of the border between the two countries.

The Emir’s conduct of Qatari foreign policy during this period undoubtedly exacerbated the divisions within the ruling family. These came to a head in 1995 when the Emir was deposed by his son, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, in a bloodless palace coup. Sheikh Hamad has subsequently embarked on a very gradual process of democratisation: a woman was appointed to a ministerial post, and municipal elections were held for the first time in 1999. In 2003, a national referendum backed the Emir’s plan for a national parliament. However, his announcement of his son, Prince Jassem, as his anointed successor, illustrates that the Emir has no intention of relinquishing the al-Thanis’ control over the country. (Jassem has since been supplanted in his father’s favours by his brother, Prince Tamim.)

The territorial disputes with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were both settled, with international mediation, in 2001. These were relatively minor matters compared to the Emir’s decision in late 2002 to allow the Americans to establish their main regional command centre at Sayliyah and expand the airbase at al-Udeid. The American request was prompted by increasing unease on the part of the Saudis who had hosted the centre during the 1991 Iraq war. Qatar has duly played a vital role in the American campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Government: Executive power is held exclusively by the Emir, a member of the Al-Thani family, which has ruled Qatar since independence. The Emir serves as both head of state and head of government. There is no independent legislature or political parties. Some decision-making is devolved to a Council of Ministers appointed by the Emir. A 30-strong advisory council with limited powers was created in 1972. The Emir's democrtisation plan envisages a 45 member parliament, of whom 30 will be popularly elected and 15 appointed by him.

Qatar Health

Qatar Health

1: Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Typhoid fevers and hepatitis A exist; precautions should be taken. Hepatitis B is endemic. Cutaneous leishmaniasis occurs.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Note: Certificates proving the visitor to be HIV-negative may be required if planning on staying more than one month in the country. Check with Embassy (see Contact Addresses section).

Health care: There are several hospitals in Qatar, the most recent and modern being the Hamad General Hospital. The Poly Clinic has good dentists. Charges are high and health insurance is essential. As a precaution against the intense heat, visitors should maintain a high salt and fluid intake.

Qatar Duty Free

Qatar Duty Free

Duty-Free: The following goods may be imported into Qatar without incurring customs duty:
A reasonable amount of tobacco and perfume for personal use.

Prohibited items: All alcohol is prohibited. Firearms can only be imported with a licence obtained in advance from the Ministry of Defence.

Map of Qatar

Qatar Money

Qatar Money

Currency: Qatari Riyal (QR) = 100 dirhams. Notes are in denominations of QR500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 dirhams; however, only the 50 and 25 coins are in wide circulation, minting of the rest ceased in the 1970s and smaller denominations are becoming ever-scarcer.

Note: The Qatari Riyal is tied to the US Dollar.

Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency restrictions: There are no restrictions on the import or export of either local or foreign currency. Israeli currency, however, is prohibited.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Riyal against the Dollar and Sterling:
Date May '04 Aug '04 Nov '04 Feb '05
£1.00= 6.50 6.71 6.91 6.87
$1.00= 3.64 3.64 3.65 3.64

Banking hours: Sat-Thurs 0730-1330.

Qatar Visa Information

NEWLY IMPLEMENTED VISA REGULATIONS!

Visitors arriving at Doha International Airport on Tourist Visas have to show US$.1370.00 in cash or equivalent in foreign currency to be eligible to enter the Qatar.

If visitor does not have the required money with him, he has to present an internationally valid credit card.
People arriving on tourist visas also have to show a hotel voucher with confirmed booking in one of Doha’s recognized hotels to be able to get tourist visa.

If approval, a printout of the Visa page can be used for reference and presentation upon arrival at the Doha Airport

Passport/Visa

Duration : Valid for 14 Days stay in Qatar
Processing Time : Minimum 4 working days (Except Fri & Sat which are Holidays)
Eligibility : All nationals other than those mentioned below require visas before arrival.

We had been just informed that the cost of the Tourist Visa Upon Arrival at Doha International Airport had been increased from USD 65/- to QAR 100/- per person per passport, but with extended validity, e.g. instead of 14 days, it is now valid for 1 month.
Type of Visa Rates
TOURIST VISA USD 65

STRAIGHT FORWARD TOURIST

Qatar has been able to offer a straight forward tourist or business visa simply on arrival at Doha International Airport for persons from the following 33 countries:

USA, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea.

If you are not from one of the countries listed above, then you can apply for visas in the following ways:
Applications for tourist visas are submitted to the Immigration Department (Airport Visas Section) by one of the registered hotels. Visas are usually given within 24 hours and are valid for 14 days. They can be extended for another 14 days. Discuss with the hotel where you have a reservation.

Qatar General Information

Qatar General Information

Area: 11,437 sq km (4416 sq miles).

Population: 618,000 (official estimate 2002).

Population Density: 54.0 per sq km.

Capital: Doha. Population: 264,009 (1997).

GEOGRAPHY: Qatar is an oil-rich peninsula jutting out into the Gulf between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. There are hills in the northwest, but the rest of the country consists of sand dunes and salt flats, with scattered vegetation towards the north.

Government: Emirate since 1971. Gained independence from the UK in 1971. Head of State: Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani since 1995. Head of Government: Prime Minister Sheikh Abdallah bin Khalifa al-Thani since 1996.

Language: Arabic is the official language. Some English is spoken.

Religion: Islam.

Time: GMT + 3.

Electricity: 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Communications:

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 974. There are no area codes. Outgoing international code: 0.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network exists. Main network provider is Q-tel (website: www.qtel.com.qa).

Fax: Available at some major hotels.

Internet: Main ISPs iclude Qatar (website: www.qatar.net.qa). Internet cafes exist in Doha.

Telegram: The Cable & Wireless office in Doha (0600-2300) and major hotels provide services.

Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to one week.

Press: English-language newspapers include the Gulf Times and The Peninsula. The main dailies are Al-’Arab, Ar-Raya and Ash-Sharq.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Qatar Overview

Qatar is an oil-rich peninsula jutting out into the Gulf between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The majority of the country consists of sand dunes and salt flats. The city of Doha combines a rich mixture of traditional Arabic and modern architecture. The Grand Mosque with its many domes and the Abu Bakir al-Siddiq Mosque are particularly interesting. The north contains most of the historic sites, including Umm Salal Mohammed, a relatively large village dominated by the ruins of a 19th-century fort. Al Khor is the second-largest city, situated around a natural shallow harbour. On the west coast there are fine beaches at Umm Bab (‘The Palm Tree Beach’) Dukhan and Salwah near the Saudi border. The south is a region of sand dunes and beaches, offering opportunities to go pearl hunting, or to practise any of a number of watersports. Public entertainment can be rather limited. Live entertainment is infrequent, but some international artists do perform in Qatar.