Qatar is part of Asia, specifically situated in a distinct cultural and geographical subregion known as the Middle East.
While all Middle Eastern countries are part of Asia (except for Egypt, which straddles Africa), not all Asian countries are part of the Middle East. This often creates a confusion if Middle east countries are part of asia.
Let's talk about Qatar, a land no larger than Connecticut, yet has influence that spans continents and a nation that defies expectations. What follows is a collection of fascinating tales and lesser-known facts about Qatar - stories you might hear while sipping karak chai in a local café.
Qatar's Humble Beginnings
For generations, Qatar's fortune lay in the skilled hands of pearl divers who braved the Middle East waters. But when Japanese cultured pearls flooded the market in the 1920s, fate had already prepared another path.
In 1940, oil was discovered in Dukhan Field, though World War II would delay its extraction. This discovery of Oil in Qatar would transform the nation once known for fishing and pearling into an energy Producing Power with the world's third-largest natural gas reserves. yes ! just like dubai's transformation but Doha has it's own key differences.
Funfact : Qatar’s maroon flag comes from Al-Khor’s dye, and its nine points mark it as the ninth “reconciled emirate” under the 1916 treaty, alongside Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Bahrain.
Well one would think this means there must be good unity between middle eastern countries but fast forward to 2017.
June 5, 2017, dawned like any other day in Qatar, but by nightfall, the nation faced an unprecedented crisis. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt had not only severed diplomatic ties but also closed their airspace, shipping routes, and Qatar's only land border.
For a country that imported 90% of its food, this could have spelled disaster. Instead, it sparked one of the most remarkable stories of crisis management in modern history.
Visiting Qatar one would often get to hear about this particular story :
Operation Dairy Airlift: The 40-Day Miracle
Within hours following the blockade, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker received an urgent call regarding the country's decreasing milk supplies. How did he respond? "Give me 48 hours."
The events that followed were nothing short of extraordinary. Qatar Airways turned its cargo operations into a cattle transport fleet overnight. They planned the "Great Bovine Airlift" in collaboration with Australian suppliers.
Specially adapted Boeing 777s take off from Australia, each carefully transporting up to 200 Holstein cows. These weren't just regular trips; the airplane had to maintain particular cabin pressure and temperature, and veterinarians were on board to oversee the delicate cargo. In just 40 days, more than 4,000 cows were transported to Qatar.
When queried about the strange cargo, a Qatar Airways pilot said, "We generally convey customers who complain about the food and temperature. "These passengers are far more cooperative."
An even more ambitious strategy was developing while the airlifts continued. Construction crews labored nonstop in the desert north of Doha to create what would be known as Baladna, or "our country" in Arabic. The project's scope was astounding: kilometers of climate-controlled barns with automated feeding systems and rotating milking parlors
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What began as an emergency response turned into a source of pride for the country in a matter of months. Baladna was innovating in addition to producing milk.
The spirit of innovation did not end with dairy. Qatar turned its crisis into an opportunity for complete self-sufficiency.
Hydroponic fields in the desert produce fresh veggies daily, while local fishing fleets have been extended and updated.
Food processing facilities were established to lessen the reliance on imports.
Qatar Airways redesigned global aviation maps, pioneering new routes through international airspace.
Today's Qatar exemplifies visionary leadership. Under Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who became Emir in 2013, the country has made significant progress.
With 99% of its inhabitants living in cities, predominantly in metropolitan Doha, Qatar is one of the world's most urbanized societies. Its 3 million citizens are a diverse mix of over 100 ethnicities, with South Asians accounting for over 60% of the population.
Qatar's economic transition reads like an Arabian Nights story. With zero income tax and the world's third-largest natural gas reserves, it boasts the sixth-highest GDP per capita in the world.
In 2021, it became the first Middle Eastern country to implement a monthly minimum wage, establishing new benchmarks for worker welfare. The unemployment rate in 2013 was a minimal 0.1%.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 QATAR , ASIA
When FIFA announced Qatar as the 2022 World Cup host. The criticisms came in waves: "Too hot!" "Too small!" "No football culture!" "No beer?" What followed was perhaps the most compact, accessible, and innovative World Cup in history.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup served as Qatar's coming-out party on the global stage. As the first Middle Eastern country to host the tournament, Qatar didn't just meet expectations – it shattered them. The success proved that this nation of 3 million could handle any challenge thrown its way.
December 18, 2022. Lusail Stadium. The final between Argentina and France was more than simply a game; it was poetry in motion, two sides delivered what many consider to be the greatest World Cup final ever played.
Messi's dream versus Mbappé's brilliance, culminating in a penalty shootout that left the globe breathless.
A French journalist later commented, "We came prepared to critique a World Cup in the desert. We depart having witnessed a tournament that pushed the boundaries of what is possible."
Even the numbers tell an impressive story: zero reported major security incidents, over 3.4 million attendees, and eight spectacular venues all within a 75km radius. But Qatar's real victory was in proving that size doesn't limit ambition.
The compact nature of the tournament created a unique festival atmosphere where multiple fan bases could mingle in central locations, something impossible in larger host nations.
"Qatar didn't just host a World Cup – they reimagined it."
Living in Qatar, Asia.
Modern Qatar provides a quality of life that appears nearly utopian. With a 97% literacy rate, world-class healthcare, and infrastructure that eliminates traffic congestion, it's no surprise Qatar was crowned the safest country in the world in 2020.
The country values both history and innovation; where else can you see robot camel racing alongside historic falconry, with the Falcon Souq housing its own specialised hospital for these treasured birds?
Qatar is actively pursuing a sustainable future.
Qatar's rise in worldwide tourism presents a captivating story about ambition and execution. With the hospitality industry expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2028, the country is developing experiences to match its objectives. By 2030, Qatar hopes to welcome 6 million visitors yearly.
Seamless Arrivals in Qatar
The recent transformation of Qatar's visa system has made visiting easier than ever. With 102 countries eligible for visa-on-arrival and the streamlined Hayya platform launched in 2023, planning your journey has never been simpler.
In 2024 alone, Qatar hosted over 80 significant events encompassing culture, sports, and worldwide business.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a prolonged stay, there's always something special going on.
Doha's restaurant sector has grown into a global culinary attraction. From the world's largest Nobu restaurant to the award-winning Hakkasan Doha, the city has cuisines for everyone.
Looking for the best restaurants in Qatar? Find selected restaurant recommendations at
Local Treasures
Beyond the multinational establishments, Qatar's native food has its own historical history. Traditional foods like Machboos and Harees share menu space with new fusion concoctions, giving a taste of both.
