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The State of Qatar sits on a peninsula halfway along the western shoreline of the Arabian Gulf and is almost completely surrounded by sea. It borders Saudi Arabia to the south and is separated by the sea from the United Arab Emirates in the southeast and Bahrain in the northwest.

The economy is supported by Qatar's abundance of oil and natural gas reserves. Currently, there is significant ongoing investment being made to develop the country's infrastructure and economic diversification including the development of Qatar's tourism industry.

Qatar's citizens number around 250,000 and are predominantly Muslim. An expatriate workforce makes up nearly 75% of the country's inhabitants, most of which live and work in the country's capital city, Doha.

Qatar is now a sought-after tourist destination, with many attractions including international 5-star hotels, spas and resorts. Its year-round sunshine provides an ideal climate to escape the northern hemisphere winters. Education also attracts many visitors to Doha, with Education City having established campuses of some of the most well-known universities in the world.

The best time to visit Doha is November-March, when temperatures are at their mildest. Humidity, however is very high along the coast. October and April are tolerable but very hot.  The country is hottest during July-September, but the humidity lessens a bit .   Sandstorms can occur throughout the year, although they are most common in the spring. Most rain falls during the winter months in sudden, short but heavy cloudbursts. Take a sweater for evenings year-round.

Lightweight cottons and linens are worn during summer months, with warm clothes for cooler evenings and during the winter. Rainwear is advisable during winter.