25º25N 51º32E, pop (2000e) 281 000. Seaport capital of Qatar, on the E coast of the Qatar Peninsula, in the Persian Gulf; reclamation of West Bay has created New Doha; chief commercial and communications centre; airport; university; oil refining, shipping, engineering, foodstuffs, refrigeration plant, construction materials; old Turkish fort (1850).
| Doha (الدوحة) | |
| Skyline of Doha | |
| Location of Doha within Qatar. | |
| Country | Qatar |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Ad Dawhah |
| Established | 1850 |
| Area | |
| - City | 132 km² |
| Population | |
| - City (2004) | 339,847 |
| - Density | 2,574/km² |
| - Metro | 612,707 |
| Time zone | AST (UTC+3) |
Doha (Arabic: الدوحة;, Ad-Dawḥah or Ad-Dōḥah), population 400,051 (2005 census), is the capital of Qatar, and is at 25.3° N 51.5333° E, on the Persian Gulf. The city is Qatar's largest city, with over 80% of the population residing in Doha or its suburbs, and is the economic centre of the country. Doha is currently preparing for the 2006 Asian Games, which are set to be held in the city in December 2006.
History
In 1850, the city of Doha was founded under the name Al-Bida.
The city was made capital of the British protectorate of Qatar in 1916, and when the nation gained independence in 1971, Doha remained the capital of Qatar. Today, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani currently rules in what some consider to be Qatar's most beautiful city
Demographics
Doha's demographics are unusual as the majority of residents in the city are expatriates, with Qatari nationals forming a minority.
Economy
Much of Qatar's oil and natural gas wealth is visible in Doha, which is the economical centre of Qatar. As a result, Doha is currently experiencing a very large boom, with the city developing very rapidly - this is mostly the result of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa's modernization program.
Like the nearby city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Doha's economy is moving away from its dependency on the oil and natural gas industries, although unlike Dubai, Doha's main focus is not tourism. Construction is also booming in Doha, a result of increasing corporate and commercial activity in Doha;
Education
Doha is home to the University of Qatar, established in 1973, as well as several other universities located in Doha's Education City.
Sports
Doha is home to a number of sports stadiums, many of which were recently renovated in preparation for the 15th Asian Games, to be held in Doha in December 2006. Sports venues in Doha and its suburbs include:
Al Ahli Stadium Al Gharrafah Stadium Al Itihad Sports Club Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al Sadd Stadium) Grand Hamad Stadium Hamad Aquatic Centre Khalifa International Stadium - Main venue for the 2006 Asian Games.The MotoGP motorcycling grand prix of Doha is held annually at Losail International Circuit, located just north of the city.
Transport
Roads
The Mowasalat transportation company recently introduced of a new bus system in Doha. The bus system is mainly used by lower-income groups, and does not attract many from the higher-income groups in the city, which has resulted in increased congestion on the roads of Doha, as most people prefer cars.
Doha is facing a very large problem with congestion on its roads, and despite attempts at introducing public transport to relieve congestion, the city's main roads are unable to cope with the huge amount of traffic.
Air
Doha International Airport is Qatar's only international airport.
A new airport, the New Doha International Airport, is being constructed near the existing airport, and should solve the problems the current airport has .
Climate
Doha is situated in the Arabian Peninsula, and as such its climate is very hot.
Gallery
|
The City Center mall |
Skyline of Doha |
The Emiri Diwan |
A mosque in Doha |
|
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium |
Islamic center in Doha |
Buildings in Doha |
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