Qatar is located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and features a flat desert landscape. Its history includes early nomadic tribes, a pearling industry, and rapid modern development following oil discoveries. Traditional practices include specific foods like machboos and harees, clothing such as the thobe and abaya, an absolute monarchy government, and festivals like National Day and Eid celebrations.

1. Discovering Qatar
Geography, History, Food, Clothing,
Government, and Festivals

2. Geography
• • Location: Qatar is on the northeastern coast
of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi
Arabia.
• • Landscape: Mostly flat desert terrain with a
dry, arid climate.

3. History
• • Early Inhabitants: Nomadic tribes settled in
the region thousands of years ago.
• • Pearl Diving Era: Known for its pearl diving
before oil discovery.
• • Modern Development: Rapid growth after
oil and natural gas discoveries in the 20th
century.

4. Traditional Food
• • Machboos: A spiced rice dish with meat or
fish.
• • Harees: A porridge made from wheat and
meat.
• • Balaleet: Sweetened vermicelli noodles
often served with eggs.

5. Traditional Clothing
• • Men: Wear a 'thobe,' a long white garment.
• • Women: Wear an 'abaya,' a black cloak,
often accompanied by a headscarf.

6. Government
• • Type: Absolute monarchy.
• • Current Leader: Emir Sheikh Tamim bin
Hamad Al Thani.
• • Capital City: Doha.

7. Festivals
• • National Day (December 18): Celebrates
Qatar's unification in 1878.
• • Eid al-Fitr: Marks the end of Ramadan with
feasting and family gatherings.
• • Eid al-Adha: Commemorates Ibrahim's
willingness to sacrifice his son.

8. Fun Facts
• • Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
• • Home to the Museum of Islamic Art, housing
a vast collection of artifacts.
• • Camel racing is a popular traditional sport.