Qatar

The work day starts quite early in Qatar. Do not be surprised by 7AM meetings!

In the summer, many small stores and Arab businesses will be open from 8AM-12PM and 4PM-8PM. During the "siesta", most people return home to escape the oppressive heat.

Education City is a new project in Doha funded by the Qatari Government through the Qatar Foundation. It is the home to Qatar Academy, the Learning Centre, the Academic Bridge Program similar to a college prep school, as well as branch campuses of Texas A&M University Engineering (http://www.qatar.tamu.edu/), Weill Cornell Medical College Medical (http://www.qatar-med.corn...), Virginia Commonwealth University Arts and Communication, Carnegie Mellon University Business and Computer Science, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and the latest addition to the fold, Northwestern University Journalism (http://www.qatar.northwes...) and Faculty of Islamic Studies [www.qfis.edu.qa] all located in Education City to the east of Doha in the Rayyan area.

In addition to this Education City is home to the Qatar Science and Technology Park, one of the only places in the Middle East undertaking research and development initiatives. The location of so many academics and students is very appealing for research focused organisations.

The College of the North Atlantic based in Newfoundland, Canada, also maintains a campus in Doha in the northern section of the city, near the local Qatar University. The University of Calgary Nursing is also in Qatar.

The country is surrounded by the sea so watersports are a must. Kite-surfing is increasingly popular for the westerners while the locals prefer driving jet-skis at high speed next to the beaches. Safari tours to the desert with dune-bashing in Landcruisers are popular. Visit the collection of widely scattered malls around Doha and enjoy yourself.