Centrally located in the Arabian Gulf, the peninsula state of Qatar, with 900 trillion cubic feet, controls five percent of the world's proven natural gas reserves. It is the richest Arab nation with a per capita income of US $ 40,000 per annum.

Eighty percent of the Qatari population, which is now approaching one million, is based in and around the capital, Doha.

Qatar has strong historical and cultural ties to the sea. Pearl fishing was the traditional mainstay of the economy until oil and gas took over around 50 years ago. Although pearling is no longer a key economic driver, it has left a legacy of skills, stories, music, art and poetry that is a source of identity and pride for Qataris today.

Tourism
The aim of the Qatar Tourism Authority is to establish Qatar as a leading quality destination for business, culture, education, sport and health tourism. The Tourism Masterplan released in May 2004 highlighted new projects worth in excess of US$ 15 billion. With new projects such as the New Doha International Airport, new museums, cultural sites and the increase in hotel rooms to 10,000 by 2010, Qatar is fast establishing itself as key stopover and business hub. The ‘Qatar experience’ is a unique blend of adventure, leisure and Arabian tradition, from desert dune driving to exciting water sports, from fascinating museums to traditional markets. Qatar offers world-class hotels, restaurants and spa facilities and activities for all the family in a safe and secure environment. For more information about tourism in Qatar please visit www.qatartourism.gov.qa .

Qatar Airways
Central to the International promotion of Qatar is the country's flag carrier Qatar Airways-now one of the the world's fastest growing international airlines. Currently serving a growing route network throughout Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Continent and Asia, the airline will operate a fleet of 52 Airbus aircraft by 2008.
www.qatarairways.com

International Events
Qatar, already host to annual ATP tennis tournaments and PGA golfing events, is making a name for itself on all the international sporting event circuits and, in 2006 hosted the Asian Games.

The Qatari government has a pro-business stance on foreign investment and is encouraging the growth of the country's private sector, stimulating progress with an active privatization program.

*Source: Ministry of Economy and Commerce, State of Qatar