@QATAR@BAHRAIN@UAE@KUWAIT@OMAN@Destination Online Magazine - @DESTINATION ONLINE@DIAL A DESTINATION-a matcco publication

Qatar was transformed from one of the world's poorest economies to one where the per-capita income is equal to that of the wealthiest industrial countries in Europe. The capital of Qatar, Doha, is a quiet city with museums, mosques and ancient fortresses.

Qatar has direct dialing with about 215 countries. Dialing can also be made through exchange number 150. Oil and natural gas revenues enable Qatar to have a per capita income not far below the leading industrial countries of Western Europe.

Time: GMT/UTC plus 3 hours
Currency: The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR). It divides into 100 Dirhams. Banknote denominations include 1,5,10,50,100 and 500. Coinages include 25 and 50 Dirhams. The Riyal exchange rate is pegged to the US Dollar at QR 3,65.
Electricity: 240V + 6% with frequency of 50 Hertz
Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Location: Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia
Geographic coordinates: 25 30 N, 51 15 E
Map references: Middle East
Area: total: 11,437 sq km
Land: 11,437 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Connecticut
Land boundaries: total: 60 km
border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km
Coastline: 563 km

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
Palm Tree Island
This Spot is situated about 10 minutes away on a boat ride of the Corniche. The Island has children and family amenities, a restaurant, a café and water sports facilities. There is also a jetty for traditional Dhow boats close to Doha Sheraton Hotel on the Corniche waterfront.

Al-Khor
Approximately 57km north of Doha on the east coast, Al-Khor is famous for its harbor filled with small craft and fishing boats. It has excellent beaches, an historic tower and interesting mosques.

Al Wakra
Halfway along the east coast between Doha and Umm Said, Al-Wakrah is a commercial and fishing centre. The town has an old port as well as a number of old mosques and traditional houses.

Umm Said
This is the heart of Qatar's industry. Situated 45km south of Doha on the east coast of the peninsula, it has both a commercial port and an oil-exporting port. There are refineries in Umm Said as well as other industrial establishments producing steel, natural gas liquids, fertilizers and petrochemicals. Umm Said also has fine beaches.

Dukhan
Dukhan is on the west coast of the peninsula, Dukhan is about 84km across the country from Doha. It became important when oil was discovered in the surrounding area. Like Umm Said and Al-Wakrah, the town also has fine beaches.

Madinat Al-Shamal
This is a new town on the northern tip of the peninsula, Madinat Al-Shamal is about 107km north of Doha. It serves as an administrative centre for a number of coastal villages.

Khor Al- Udaid
It is located south of Doha and is difficult to reach due to coverage of the area with many sand dunes and sabkha deposits and can only be reached using 4 wheel drive cars.