Qatar Tourism

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		The State cares a lot for tourism and provides all facilities and incentives so that this vital sector can cope with the pace at which other sectors are developing. This patronage stems from the firm policy adopted by HH the Emir, HH the Heir Apparent and the government to open up to the outside world. Qatar Tourism Authority was established in line with this policy, with the aim to promote Qatar locally, regionally and internationally, and support activities relating to the general trends of the Qatari policy. Qatar National Hotel Company (QNHC) has gone a long way in the field of tourist achievements and has established several tourist attractions and first class hotels. QATAR TOURISM AUTHORITY In July 2000 HH the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, issued a law ordering the establishment of the QTA as a public authority with an artificial personality and autonomous budget, to be affiliated to the Council of Ministers and based in Doha. The authority aims to draw up the State's general tourist policy, organize and develop tourism, promote Qatar as a destination locally and abroad and undertake supervision and control over all tourist activities in the country. Major Cities Doha The capital city, is situated on a calm bay halfway along the East Coast of the Qatar peninsula. It is inhabited by 83% of the population in both Doha and Rayan suburb. Doha is the commercial and cultural center of the country. Al Wakrah It's a small town situated halfway between Doha and Mesaieed. It is the center for a booming commercial and fishing activities and has an old fishing port, which is still in use to date. The town is famous for its fine mosques and many houses reflecting the old Islamic architecture style. There is also a museum displaying among other things traditional Arabic style doors. Alkhor Lies north of Qatar, 57km north of Doha. Until the early 1940s of the past century the town used to be a thriving port and pearl fishing center. Despite that other trades have started to replace those trades, the town teems with relics that testify to the town's venerable history. Its fine mosques, its museum that houses valuable archeological pieces and acquisitions and its historical towers are some examples of those relics. Mesaieed It's situated south east of the country. It is the center for heavy industry with a major seaport for oil explortation and a commercial seaport. Madinat Al-Shamal It's a modern town functioning as an administrative center for a number of coastal villages north of the country. Dukhan It was developed following the discovery of oil in the surrounding fields. Shahaniya It's situated 60km west of Doha and has a purpose-built camel racetrack. It is famous for camel races.