Doha (population 370,000) is the capital of Qatar, located on the Persian Gulf. Major industries are oil and fishing. Located near Doha is Education City, an area devoted to research and education.
The city was founded as Al-bida in 1850. The city became the capitol of the British protectorate Qatar in 1916. The Al Wajbah fort is in the southwestern part of the city and was build by al Rayyan in 1882. This fort witneessed the famous battle where the people of Qatar underneath the leadership of Sheikh Qassim beat the Ottomns in 1893. The Al Kout fort was built in 1917 by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Qassim Al-Thani and lies in the center of the city. In 1949 the city began exporting oil. The Government House opened in 1969 and is considered the nation’s most prominent landmarks. In 1971 it became the capitol of the independent Qatar. The Doha University opened in 1973. The National Museum of Qatar opened in 1975 which was originally the palace for the ruler in 1912.
Doha is Qatars cultural and commercial heart. The State of Qatar is an Emirat, leaded by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The country is an Arabic / Islamic society. Five times daily the Call to Prayer is reminding Muslims to come to the mosque to pray. The country obeys the Islamic laws and culture in all aspects of society.
Just like other cities in the Persian Gulf Region, Doha is an intriguing mixture of old and new. You’ll find fine modern architecture next to traditional Arabic Soukhs (bazaars) and more than 260 mosques (the multiple-domed Grande Mosque is, in fact, the largest). The harbour is still a thriving international port well equipped for modern commerce. The traditional Dhow harbour is a favoured attraction. The western style nightlife in Doha is centralized only in the international hotels. Here we find state of the art bars and discotheques.
Local nightlife is found in traditional shi-sha places and coffee houses. The shi-sha is the Arabian water pipe; very popular amongst local people and foreigners. Not to forget, Qatar is the home base for Al Jazeera Media, the famous Arabian news station.