The fifth smallest country in the middle-east also has the highest GDP per capita in the world at USD 114,648.03. It is a data point made possible because of a 38-fold growth in the economy over the past three decades. 88.4 percent of this country’s population are foreign workers, and 92 percent of the population lives in its capital city. It is the headquarters of Al Jazeera English, an acclaimed independent editorial media channel, and the world’s best airline. Outdoor air-conditioning is common, desalination is the primary source of potable water since there are no rivers in its arid plains, and there is no personal income tax.

Welcome to Qatar.

Until 1939, however, things were very different in this peninsula jutting off Saudi Arabia’s coast into the Persian Gulf. A British Protectorate from 1916 to 1971, the pearling industry which sustained the emirate had died a rapid death in the 1920s with the introduction of the cultured pearl by Japan; the economy was sinking. Qatar was fast becoming one of the poorest countries in the world. Then a miracle happened. Not one, but two. The second even more incredible in scope, and its timing.

Oil was discovered in the Dukhan Field in 1939. Ten years later, the first crude oil exports left Qatar’s harbours. The Qataris were happy enough with this. But there was more wealth in store for them. In 1971, immediately after gaining Independence from the British, one of the world’s largest gas-fields was discovered off its shores—the North Field. Qatar exported its first shipment of liquefied natural gas [LNG] in 1996.

Ruled by the House of Al Thani since 1776, Qatar today contains 14 percent of the world’s known natural gas reserves, third only to Russia and Iran’s, and is the second largest LNG exporter globally with China, India, and Japan the country’s top trade partners.

There has been no looking back for Qatar after 1996. It just continues to surge ahead.

Immense wealth and traditional Bedouin values guide this nation where in two hours one can traverse its 160 kilometres length from north to south, and go from east to west in half that time.

Here’s how to spend 72 hours in Qatar. In pictures. For at times, pictures just say it better. 🙂 Continue reading →