1- Information about the State of

Madinat Al Shamal

Ras Laffan

Al-Khor

Al Zubara Dook

Ras Dukhan

Doha

Umm Bab

Umm Said

Abu Samra

Arab-South American Countries Summit 11 Location:

Qatar is a peninsula located midway along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf, between latitudes (24.27º and 26.10º) North, and the longitudes (50.45º and 51.40º) East. It is a peninsula extends towards the north into the Gulf waters covering 11, 521 square kilometers. Topography:

Qatar generally consists of flat rocky surfaces. It does, however, include some hills and sand dunes which reach an altitude of 40 m above sea level in (Dukhan) in the western part of the country.

Qatar is characterized by a number of geographical features which are peculiar to the western side of the Arabian Gulf. These include rainwater-draining basins found mainly in the north and central areas of the country. These two areas are considered the most fertile parts, where natural plants are found in abundance. Climate:

Qatar has a moderate desert climate with long hot summer, with temperature ranging between (30º to 50º) centigrade, during summer season. It has a warm winter with temperature ranging between (8º to 22º) centigrade. It receives little rain in winter with an average rainfall not exceeding (75.2) mm in a year..

12 Arab-South American Countries Summit Population:

The present inhabitants of Qatar are descendants of the ancient Arab tribes which migrated from far parts of Arabian Peninsula, in different eras starting from the seventh century up to the nineteenth century.

Census:

The population of Qatar is approximately (1.5) million inhabitants with an annual average increase rate of 10%. 83% of the population lives in the capital , its suburbs and in the industrial areas.

Religion & the Official Language:

Islam is the official religion of the country.

Arabic is the official language in Qatar, and English is widely spoken.

National flag:

The national flag is maroon colour with a broad vertical white stripe at the pole, the two colours being separated with a nine- point serrated line on the maroon colour side.

Arab-South American Countries Summit 13 The National Anthem:

The anthem has the following meaning:

Swearing by Allah Who upraised the sky,

Swearing by Allah Who spread the light,

Qatar will always remain free,

Elevated by the spirits of the loyal,

Follow the path of the ancestors,

And the prophet’s guidance.

In my heart, Qatar is an epic of dignity and glory,

Qatar is the land of the forefathers,

Our protectors at the time of war,

Doves at the time of peace,

And hawks at the time of sacrifice. The Ruling Family:

The Al Thani family drew their name after the chief of their tribe, Thani Bin Mohamed who ruled the country. They are a branch of Beni Tamim tribe, who trace back to their ancestor Mudhar Bin Nizar. Their history traces back to the arrival of Al Thani tribe to Qatar from (Al Eshaiqar) town in Al Washem region, in the Eighteenth century. They then settled at Al-Rewais Oasis, and then shifted to Zubara. Toward the mid of the Nineteenth century they settled in Doha under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Thani. The succession of rule in Qatar is a hereditary within Al Thani family.

14 Arab-South American Countries Summit Rulers of Qatar from among Al-Thani family:

Sheikh Mohammad Bin Thani (1850 - 1878).

Mohammad Al Thani (1878 - 1913).

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani (1913 -1940).

Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani (1940 -1948).

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani ( 1948 – 1949)*.

Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al Thani (1949 - 1960).

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Ali Al Thani (1960- 1972) .

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani (1972 - 1995).

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani The Present Emir ( 1995 up to now).

≠ Note : Despite of his abdication of the throne to his son Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah in 1940, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani, returned to power in 1948, after the death of his son Sheikh Hamad, and remained in power till his death in 1949.

Brief Profile of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani:

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed power on June 27th, 1995, after securing the consent and allegiance of the ruling family, Al Thani and the rest of the Qatari citizens.

His Highness was born in Doha in 1952. He began his and attended the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, from where he was graduated in 1971. He then commissioned and promoted to military ranks and posts till he was gradated the title of Major General, and later appointed Commander in Chief of the Qatari Armed Forces.

Arab-South American Countries Summit 15 His Highness is known for his dedication to national work, as he is known for his independent personality, broad mindedness and for his resort to counseling, in line with his hard strives to develop the Qatari society. He was greatly concerned with youth and wear activities. Hence, Doha hosted the Asian Olympic Games.

His Highness covered with his care and patronage all fields of public work. He took wide strides in developing education, industry, infra structure, gas production, petrochemicals, as he supported laying the foundations of industry and the national economy.

His Highness patronized number of international conferences, such International Economic Conference, Doha Islamic Summit, 77-Plus China Summit Conference, The International Conference on New or Restored Democracies.

The State of Qatar has projected a distinguished presence in the international arena, during His Highness’s era. After bolstering bonds of fraternity with the GCC member states and with Arab countries, Qatar has stepped forward towards strengthening its friendly links with different foreign countries, through reciprocal consultations and by participating in addressing in issues of concern for international and regional cooperation and peace movement, particularly among the Non-Aligned Group. It chaired the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Group of 77 –plus- China. Qatar became a member of the UN, non permanent member of the Security Council, member of the UN Human Rights Council and of Economic and Social Council. Currently Qatar chairs the 6th International Conference on New or Restored Democracies.

The foreign policy under the stewardship of His Highness is distinguished with flexibility, balance and dynamics. It established effective and positive relation with other countries. Qatar contributed directly to solution of political crisis of Lebanon and supported peace in the Middle East and stability and security in the region, particularly in the Gulf. Qatar widely participated in humanitarian operations and in peacekeeping forces.

His Highness was awarded numerous medals and Legion of Honor from number of Arab, Islamic and foreign countries, in recognition to his unique efforts in bolstering bilateral relations and in promoting fields of cooperation with these countries.

16 Arab-South American Countries Summit Major Cities: Doha

Doha, capital of Qatar, the seat of government and the main commercial and financial institutions, is situated midway along the east coast of the Qatar peninsula. Doha is a cultural center and has a large commercial seaport and an international airport, which link the country with the rest of the world. Over one million of Qatar's populations live in Doha. Doha is adorned with numerous public parks, grand and magnificent hotels, commercial complexes and with the most landmarks of modernization. Messaied

Messaied, the major industrial city in the county, whose existence has been associated with the discovery of oil, lies approximately 45 km south of Doha on the south east coast of Qatar. It has the main port for exporting oil, in addition to a commercial port. The city accommodates many large industries such as NODCO's Oil Refinery,QAFCO's Fertilizer Complex, QAPCO's Petrochemical Complex, QGPC's NGL Plant, and QASCO’s Steel Mill. The Sea line Beach Resort of Messaied with its sand dunes is one of the beautiful tourist places in Qatar. Ras Laffan

Ras Laffan is the second largest industrial center in the country and one of the world’s biggest industrial cities. It is located 80 km to the north of Doha, in an area of 160 square kilometers. Ras Laffan is the largest exporting oil port in the Gulf. It has the natural gas liquefaction. Its marine part accommodates one of the world largest reserves.

Arab-South American Countries Summit 17 Al-Khor

It lays 57 km north of Doha. has a harbor for fishing and other small boats. The city is famous of shores, old mosques and architectural towers. Besides, the city has a regional museum which hosts the historical and architectural antiquities. Al-Wakrah

This booming town is located half way between Doha and Messaied, about 15 km south of Doha. It contains several traditional houses and mosques which reflect the traditional architecture. Its local museum includes antique and environmental artifacts. Al-Wakrah has also a harbor for fishing boats. Dukhan

Dukhan is situated at 84 km from Doha, on the west coast of the State of Qatar. It has drawn much concern since the discovery of oil in the surrounding oilfields. It is distinguished with its beautiful beach which citizens and visitors of Qatar head for. Madinat Ash-Shamal

It is a modern town built to be an administrative center for a number of coastal villages in the northern part of the country. It is 107 km away from Doha. Al-

Al-Zubara is one of the most important archaeological towns. It is located about 105 km to the north of Doha; it is famous of its historical Al-Zubara fort. 18 Arab-South American Countries Summit Qatar Throughout of History: Ancient Ages

Archeological excavations, engravings, flint spearheads, group of fine pottery works, which were discovered in different parts of Qatar by archaeological expeditions from Denmark in 1956, Britain in 1972, and France in 1976, proved that human habitation in Qatar peninsula is traced back to 4000 BC. Different people lived in Qatar throughout of its ancient history and they left their legacies and heritages.

Around two hundred sites of prehistoric archaeological evidences were discovered during the eight years of excavations carried out in Qatar by the Danish Archaeological expedition from 1956 to 1965.

Several sites of different periods in the Stone Age were discovered east of (Um Babb); other sites were discovered in difference parts towards the southernmost border of Qatar near (Sudanthail); also an important large site for manufacture of flint works was found in (Um Taqah) south east of (Dukhan), which could be traced to the Mesolithic Middle Stone Age. Towards the south west of Messaied a number of new sites were discovered. The archaeological excavations proved that the Ubaidi civilization, which was prevalent in southern of Iraq and the northern region of the Arabian Gulf, had also extended to Qatar peninsula.

In the 5th century B.C., the Greek historian Herodotus mentioned that the Canaanite Tribes, a people known for their trade and navigation skills, were the first people to live in Qatar. Furthermore, Ptolemy, the Greek geographer, made a reference to “the name of Qatar” in his map the so-called the Arab countries as believed, to point out to the Qatari town of Al-Zubarah, which was one of the most important commercial ports in the Gulf region at that time.

Arab-South American Countries Summit 19 Qatar in the Islamic History

In the middle of the 7th century A.D., the lands of Qatar and the surrounding areas were under the rule of Al-Manazirah Arabs. Their king, Al-Munzir Ibn Sawi Al-Tamimi, embraced Islam. Thus, Qatar has become a part of the Islamic civilization and witnessed various Islamic eras and phases.

The presence of Qatar in the and Islamic literature was very prominent, since poets expressed their admiration of Qatar, its highbred camels, and woven cloth and garments to the extent that, according to some sources, Allah’s Messenger Mohamed (May Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him) wore a Qatari garment, and ‘Aysha, wife of the Prophet (the Mother of the Faithful- may Allah be pleased with her) wore a gown made of Qatari textile. It was also reported that the third Caliph, ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) had a Qatari loincloth.

Furthermore, it is reported in the Arab Islamic History that the Qatari people were very proficient in navigation skills, so they took part in the preparation of the first navy which was assembled to transport the Islamic army for jihad under the leadership of Abu Al-Alaa Al-Hadrami.

The Arab historians and travelers honored the fame and outstanding bravery of the Qatari poet and horseman: Qatari Ibn Al-Fujaah. In his book Mu’jam Al-Buldan’ i. e. (The Dictionary of Countries) Yaqut Al-Hamawi, a well known Arabian geographer, mentioned Qatar for its fine striped woven cloaks, known at that time as Qatari cloaks, and stated the Qataris’ remarkable skill in the manufacture and fine finishing of spears, which were known as ‘Al-Khattiyah’ i. e. linear spears.

Under the Abbasid State during the 8th century A.H. (14th century A.D.), Qatar witnessed a great economic boom, which enabled it to financially support the Caliphate Centre in Baghdad. The evidence of such support can be gleaned from the inscriptions of Merweb fort, situated on the western coast of the Qatar peninsula, since this fort carries the distinguishing features of the Abbasid architectural style.

20 Arab-South American Countries Summit During the 10th century A.H. (16th century A.D.), the Qataris allied with the Turks to drive out the Portuguese; consequently, Qatar, like all Arab countries in 1871, came under the Turkish rule for four successive centuries. Ottoman sovereignty, however, was only nominal since the real authority was in the hands of the Sheikhs and princes of local Arab tribes.

In 1893, the Turkish attacked the headquarters of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohamed, but he defeated them in Al-Wajbah Battle. Subsequently, they retreated to Doha fort.

Qatar in the 20th Century

Qatar continued to maintain its ties with the State of the Islamic Caliphate during the early years of the 20th century and recognized its nominal sovereignty even though the Ottoman influence in the Gulf region and the Arabian Peninsula was on the wane. In those circumstances, Qatar did not commit itself to any protection pacts other than the 1868 treaty, which Sheikh Mohamed Bin Thani had signed with Britain.

On the other hand, Britain was able to conclude an agreement with Qatar in 1916 which was finally approved on March 23rd, 1918 after Sheikh Abdulla Bin Jassim had ratified the original and the translated versions of the treaty.

Thus, Britain moved to the de fact presence stage in Qatar after the approval of the amended treaty in 1935, since the amended version secured the nullification of the “frozen articles” in the old treaty concerning the

Arab-South American Countries Summit 21 British political representation in Qatar, provided the establishment of an office for postal and telegraphic services and the establishment of airports and other facilities, notwithstanding that no British political representative had come to Doha before 1949.

Oil drilling operations took around 14 years (1935 - 1949), and though oil started to flow from Dukhan field at the end of 1939, operations ceased for 4 years (1942-1946) because of the broke out of the Second World War and its repercussions. In 1949, oil started to flow in commercial amounts. So, in December of the same year, the first ship left the shores of Qatar bearing a consignment of Qatari crude oil to world markets.

Before oil exploration operations and exporting it in commercial amounts, a 10-year- period of hardship, which was marked by food shortage, sharp increase in the price of commodities and sharp fall in revenues from pearling industry, hit the country between 1939 and 1949 in the aftermath of the Second World War.

Although Qatar did not yet obtain its independence, it spared no effort since the 1960s to engage in some international activities by joining some technical UN organizations, such as the UNESCO and the WHO. It also participated in the conferences of Oil Producing Countries and the 14th session of the League of Arab Countries’ cultural committee, which was held in Cairo on the January 21st, 1961.

After Britain had decided to completely withdraw from the region in 1968, a Decree by Law No (11) of 1969 was issued to establish a department for foreign affairs, which then became the nucleus of the present Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Health Services:

The country is covered with an umbrella of free health care for all citizens and for a nominal cost paid by the expatriates.

The structural body of health services setup offers integral and comprehensive services that include preventive care, treatment, rehabilitation and general administration. Health services apparatus is formed of a chain of integral circles of primary health care centers and general hospitals. 22 Arab-South American Countries Summit Hamad Medical Corporation:

The corporation comprises four hospitals of high level of specialization. These hospitals are: Hamad General Hospital, Women & Maternity Hospital, Al-Rumailah General Hospital and Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, along with 21 centers for primary health care in different parts of the country.

There are around 23 private polyclinics and 171 private clinics in Qatar that cater for different medical services, along with a multi specializations hospital. National Occasions:

- The National Day: falls on December 18th, annually.

- The birth day of late Sheikh Mohamed Bin Thani, the founder of the State of Qatar

- H. H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, assumed power of rule in the State of Qatar on June 27th, 1995.

- Eid Al Fiter (Lesser Bairam) falls on Shawal 1st, the tenth month of Hijra (A.H) each year. Its festivities are for four days.

- Eid Al- Adhaha (Greater Bairam) falls on Zul Al Haja 10th, the 12th month of Hirja (A.H.) annually. Its festivals continue for 5 days. Local Time:

3 hours + Greenwich Mean Time. Electric Current:

240 Volts + 6% with frequency 50 hertz.

Arab-South American Countries Summit 23 Points of Entry to Qatar:

Land : Through the main border point with K.S.A. at Abu Samra.

Air : Via Doha International Airport, Doha City.

Sea: Through the ports of Doha and Umm Saeeied. Customs are to be charged for some goods by “Customs Department” at the points of entry, with exception of goods imported from the GCC member states. Currency:

The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which is divided into 100 Qatari dirhams. It is issued by Qatar Central Bank.

Denominations of QR include: one riyal, 5 riyals, 10 riyals, 50 riyals, 100 riyals, and 500 riyals. There are coins of 25 dirham and 50 dirham.

The Exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of US $ = 3.65 QR.

There are no restrictions on money transfer or exchange in Qatar, whether in banks or exchange centers in addition to Doha International airport. Entry Regulations to Qatar:

All entrants to Qatar must be in prior possession of a valid visa. The Organizing Committee of the Summit shall make the entry visas available via Qatari Embassies, E-government site: http://www. E-Gov.qa, or upon arrival at Doha Airport, or Qatar Airways. Thus, the participating delegations are kindly requested to fill in the attached forms and to enclose passport photograph of the participants.

For more information, please visit the following web site of the Ministry of Interior: <>

24 Arab-South American Countries Summit Heads of South America Countries Diplomatic Missions in Doha

No Name Country Fax Telephone

1 HE Victor Manuel Bizani El-Salvador 4110962 4110195

2 HE Hugo Juliani Kuri Dominican 4113267 4113868

3 HE Anwar Nahhas Brazil 4838087 4838812/227

4 HE Juan Andrez Basiko Uruguay 4355677 3215754

5 HE Robert Norika Morino Venezuela 4932729/34 4932734

Arab-South American Countries Summit 25