MARHABA
Qatar -- pronounce it like “cut-ter”; not “Ka-taar” which means train in Arabic! Total population of about 800,000, 50% resides in Doha. Expatriates make up about 70% of the population. Based on our observation, nationals from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Indonesia make up most of non-natives.
A growing economy that enjoys one of the highest income per capita in the world, Qatar owes its wealth primarily to its resources in natural gas as well as oil.
We are living in exciting times as far as progress of this nation is concerned, as we see things sprawl around us. The country is growing like a weed. We are sure the country will look nothing like it is today in a few years’ time.
This afternoon, the thermometer in my car registered 120 F, not at its hottest, I was told. Our morning drive to school started out at 97 F at 7:30am. The sun rises at about 5:15am and sets at about 6pm. You learn to shift your activities earlier. Most shops (except major malls) close during the peak of the afternoon heat between 12 noon and 4pm. So shopping happens between 7am and 12 noon and then 4pm to 10pm.
Life’s New Chapter in Doha, Qatar
Tuesday, 04 September 2007
