Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service in Qatar

• Time
• Weather
• Population
• Language
• Religion and Ramadan
• Alcohol

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.

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