1- Information about the State of Qatar Madinat Al Shamal Ras Laffan Bahrain Al-Khor Al Zubara Dook Ras Dukhan Doha Umm Bab Al Wakrah 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 Doha, 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 education in Qatar 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. Al Khor 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-Zubarah 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.