Understanding Qatar
Time
Standard time in Doha, Qatar is 3 hours ahead of UCT (Universal Coordinated Time, formerly know as GMT) and seven hours ahead of EST (Eastern Standard Time). During Daylight Savings Time in the U.S., Qatar is 8 hours ahead of EST.
Weather
The country of Qatar has a desert climate, with long hot summers and generally mild winters. Winter temperatures vary but rarely drop below 45 degrees Farenheit (approximately 7 degrees Celsius.) However, it can feel quite cold because most buildings are not centrally heated.
The summer months are very humid and hot, with temperatures sometimes exheeding 110 degrees Farenheit (approximately 45 degrees Celsius.) Rainfall is scarce and occurs mainly between October and March.
Population
Although there are no reliable figures available, Qatari newspapers estimated in early 2008 the population to be 1.5 million. The population has been estimated to be growing at an annual rate of 9%. About half of the total population lives in Doha.
Qatari citizens account for roughly 20% of the population. Other Arab groups, mostly Palestinians, Lebanese, Omani, Syrians, and Egyptians account for another 20%. Pakistanis and Indians each represent 18%, Iranians 10%, while Europeans and others make up the balance.
Language
The official language of Qatar is Arabic. However, English is widely used in everyday life and a majority of businesses are capable of completing transactions and services using English. In addition, all classes taught at Education City universities are taught in English.
Georgetown University offers free Arabic lessons to Faculty and Staff at a variety of skill levels. Contact the Human Resources office for more information on classes.
Religion and Ramadan
The official religion of Qatar is Islam. A monotheistic religion, Islam's holy book is the Qur'an, and Friday is the holy day. Mosques may be found throughout the city of Doha.
Ramadan is Islam's holiest month. In 2008, the first day of Ramadan will occur on September 1. The start of Ramadan comes around 8 to 10 days earlier than the previous year.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours, and will work a shortened schedule to accomodate evening "break" fasts ("iftar" in Arabic). During Ramadan it is illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours.
Most restaurants will be closed during the day but open at sunset (large hotel restaurants usually remain open). Alcohol sales are prohibited during Ramadan.
Eid Al-Fitr (four days) marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Adha marks the conclusion of the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca.
Some Christian services are held on Fridays in temporary quarters, and construction of new churches are underway.
Quick Links
Events Calendar
Upcoming SFS-Qatar Events
- Nov 10, 6pm-7:30pm: Monthly Dialogue: John Crist
- Nov 17, 5pm: Faculty Film - The Last Wave
- Dec 1, 5:30pm: Faculty Film Series
SFS-Qatar News
- SFS Dean Discusses Changing Face of International Relations
More than 300 people gathered at the Four Seasons on Monday evening to listen to Georgetown professor Carol Lancaster discuss the “new world order” in international relations, and how this will impact the balance of wealth and power in the coming years. (October 14, 2009) - Georgetown Welcomes the Class of 2013
On Thursday, August 20, the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Qatar) officially welcomed the Class of 2013 into the university during its New Student Convocation ceremony. (August 25, 2009) - Summer Camp Makes Global Knowledge Local
This July, teenagers from Qatar's 16 local schools participated in Planet Georgetown, an internationally-themed summer camp. (August 01, 2009)
