Qatar flag

Qatar

History

The date marks Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed's founding of the modern state.
Declared independence marked a key step in Qatar's path toward modern sovereignty.
Qatar became independent from the United Kingdom, marking a key step in modern statehood.
Asia thumbnailPart ofAsiaMore countries, cities and routes.
CapitalDoha
Population3.2M
Area11,571 km2
CurrencyQatari riyal

Short facts

RegionWestern Asia / Middle East / Arabian Gulf
LanguageArabic
Time zoneAST (UTC+3)
Drives onRight

Worth seeing

  • Souq Waqif: Restored traditional market at the heart of Doha with spices, falcons, and Arabic coffee.
  • Museum of Islamic Art: Iconic I.M. Pei-designed museum housing world-class Islamic art on the Doha waterfront.
  • Inland Sea (Khor al-Adaid): UNESCO-recognized natural phenomenon of sea inlets cutting into the desert.

Find a city in Qatar

Showing all cities

Doha thumbnailDohaCityLusail thumbnailLusailCity

Planning questions

What is Qatar known for?Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art, Inland Sea (Khor al-Adaid).
What is the capital?Doha.
Which language is useful?Arabic.
When is the national day?18 December.
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.

Upcoming events

Qatar Grand Prix thumbnailQatar Grand PrixNov 2026 ยท Qatar

Use Doha as the first planning anchor for Qatar, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

Kebab thumbnailKebabSignature dishCoffee thumbnailCoffeeLocal drink

Known for

Souq WaqifMuseum of Islamic ArtInland Sea (Khor al-Adaid)DohaKebabCoffee
Eurovision Song Contest thumbnailMusic & CultureFestivals, concerts and cultural calendars.Asia thumbnailCoasts and islandsMarine calendars, islands, reefs and coastal travel timing.