Best Areas and Suburbs in Qatar part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.
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Introduction
If you are an expat looking for a new and exciting place to call home, Qatar may just be the right place for you. Qatar is a small country located in the Middle East that is quickly growing in popularity among expats. There are many reasons why Qatar is a great place to live, including its tax-free environment, high-quality of life, and exciting culture.
Qatar is a great place for expats to live and find work, but there are some important things you’ll need to know before moving here. It is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, south of Iran, and north of Saudi Arabia. Its population as of 2021 was around 2,930,528, not including the many expats who live and work in Qatar. Because Qatar is a Muslim country, its laws and rules are based on Islam.
However, it is not necessary to be Muslim to live in Qatar. English is one of two official languages in the country (the other being Arabic), making it an easy place for English-speaking expats to settle. That being said, it is also considered a tax-free country, making it even more attractive for potential expats.
While there are some taxes in Qatar, they apply primarily to alcohol and tobacco products, imports, real estate sales, and corporate earnings. Expats planning on retiring in Qatar can rest easy knowing that their retirement income should not be taxed. Additionally, Qatar offers free health care to its citizens and expats alike. While the qualities of the public health facilities are not as high as those in other countries, they are reasonably priced.
Today, we have compiled this article to explain the best areas and suburbs in the country. Not only is that, but we will walk you through the top-rated tourist attractions in Qatar. In addition, you’ll also understand some of the pros and cons of living in this country as an expat. Read on to know what we have unleashed for you.
Fun Facts You Should Know about Qatar
Qatar is a country located in the Middle East. It is rich in oil and has the third-largest natural gas reserves in the world. The name “Qatar” may mean “something dugout.” It also hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Do you know more interesting facts about this nation? Here are the fun facts you should know about Qatar.
Qatar Is the World’s Richest Country Per Capita
According to the International Monetary Fund, Qatar has a gross domestic product per capita of $US102 000. The United States is ranked 8th compared to most countries with only $59,500. Also, Qatar has the world’s highest percentage of millionaires. And these millionaires are responsible for the high cost of living in Qatar. In fact, the food, rent, and car costs in Qatar are more than double compared to other places.
Qatar Is the Smallest Country in the World
This makes for a very densely populated country, with over 10,000 people per square kilometer. In comparison, England has about 445 people per square kilometer, and the United States has about 84 people per square kilometer.
However, Qatar is the wealthiest country in terms of GDP per capita. Also, Qatar has the highest Human Development Index in the Arab world and is considered a “high” income economy.
Qatar Is the Only Country in the World with No Paved Roads
This may be shocking to some, but Qatar’s expensive and elaborate infrastructure is all done through a system of underground tunnels. Trucks and cars move around on a network of specially made rails. This helps keep the city clean since there are no roads or parking spaces to take valuable real estate. Moreover, it also avoids digging up roads every time there is a road expansion or excavation.
Qatar Is One of the Most Liberal Countries in the Region
Qatar has been named one of the most open and tolerant societies in the Arab world. It is also one of the most gay-friendly nations in the region, with a large LGBTQ community. In 2021, Qatar will host the World Expo, which is expected to bring in millions of tourists worldwide.
Aside from that, Qatar is also planning to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. This will bring further profit to Qatar’s economy, along with mass infrastructure development.
Qatar Is Known for Greatness
Qatar is a small peninsula nation located on the east coast of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the smallest countries globally, but it is also one of the richest, with a GDP per capita of over $100,000 as mentioned earlier. This wealth comes from Qatar’s natural gas reserves, the third-largest in the world.
Qatar Is Home To The World’s Largest Mall
The Villagio Mall in Qatar is the world’s largest shopping mall. It has over 200 stores, a movie theater, an ice rink, and a bowling alley. Meanwhile, the world’s largest shopping mall in floor space is the New South China Mall in Dongguan, China.
However, that mall is only 20% occupied and dubbed a “dead mall.” Qatar is also home to several other large malls, including the Doha Festival City Mall and the recently opened Katara Plaza.
Qatar Is Home To the World’s Tallest Building
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the tallest building globally. But Qatar is set to take the title in 2020 when the new Lusail Iconic Tower is completed. The Lusail Iconic Tower will be over 2,000 feet tall, which will make it the tallest building in the world.
Qatar Is Home To the Largest Artificial Island
Qatar has developed a lot of property on reclaimed land by creating man-made islands. The Palm Islands are three artificial islands that have been built by dredging sand from the seafloor and pumping it into shallow areas of the Persian Gulf. Each island is shaped like a palm tree, and they total in size of over 6,000 acres, making them the largest artificial islands in the world.
Best Tourist Attractions in Qatar in 2021
Qatar is a small country located in Western Asia. Despite its small size, Qatar is home to many tourist attractions that are worth exploring. In this section, we will walk you through the best tourist attractions in Qatar. Without further ado, here are the best tourist attractions in Qatar in 2021.
Corniche
This is a waterfront promenade located on the edge of Doha. It is an area where local and international visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as bicycle racing, jogging, rollerblading, horse riding, picnicking, boating, fishing, strolling, or simply admiring the spectacular views of West Bay and the Doha skyline. The Corniche is a great place to observe Qataris and people from various cultures enjoying life in the open air.
Pearl Islands
Qatar plans to transform 52 artificial islands that have been originally constructed for oil exploration into tourist attractions by 2021. They will feature luxury hotels, shopping centers, entertainment facilities, corporate offices, and residential areas. The Pearl Islands are about 30 minutes away from the Doha coast and will be accessible by boat or helicopter.
The Katara Cultural Village
The Katara Cultural Village is home to several cultural venues, including an opera house, a theatre, and several museums. This village is the perfect place to learn about Qatar’s rich cultural heritage. You can also enjoy a variety of musical and theatrical performances at the Katara Cultural Village.
The Al Zubarah Fort
The Al Zubarah Fort is a historic fort that dates back to the 18th century. This fort was once used as a military base, but it’s now open to the public as a tourist attraction. If you’re interested in Qatar’s history, the Al Zubarah Fort is a must-see. Moreover, the Al Zubarah Fort is surrounded by several shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Souq Waqif
If you’re interested in the culture of Qatar, you’ll find it at Souq Waqif. This market has been around for more than 200 years, which makes it one of the oldest markets in Qatar. Souq Waqif is the perfect place to buy souvenirs and gifts, or just relax in a cafe. In fact, you can even take a cooking class in the Souq Waqif. This way, you can learn about the history of this market while honing your cooking skills.
The Aspire Zone
The Aspire Zone is a large sports complex home to several world-class stadiums and training facilities. If you’re a fan of sports, the Aspire Zone is a must-visit destination. You can even go sky diving at Aspire Zone. Furthermore, the complex also contains several restaurants and cafes, so you can grab a bite to eat while exploring the area.
Al Zubarah
This archaeological site is located northwest of Qatar, and it is known for its well-preserved ruins. The site was once a major pearling and trading center in the 18th century. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Qatar. Visitors can explore the fort, palace, mosque, and other pearling and trading structures in the Qatari Peninsula.
Museum of al-Warraq Culture
This museum opened its doors to the public in 2015 and has been thriving ever since this time. It is located in the al-Warraq area of Doha, which is one of the oldest trading centers in Qatar. The museum explores Qatar’s history both before and after Islam was introduced to the people here. This beautiful location has also been used as a movie set for several productions filmed within Qatar.
Al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Visitors to Qatar will want to make time for a trip to Al-Khor, a coastal area that provides sightings of the Arabian oryx. The nature reserve also has several recreational facilities and opportunities for tourists to enjoy themselves. In addition, a network of protected natural areas can be found in the sanctuary, which provides habitats for local and migratory birds from Europe.
