The State of Qatar is a sovereign and independent state in the Middle East, occupying a peninsula that is 100km wide juts 200km into the Arabian Gulf, Qatar includes several islands, the largest of which are, Halul and Shraouh. It shares a land border with Saudi Arabia and maritime borders with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

In recent years, Qatar has witnessed major achievements in all fields, especially economic diversification.

The non-hydrocarbon sector has become a “star performer” in Qatar’s current economic expansion, which grew 5.6% in 2016 (Qatar National Bank Data).

The latest growth figures confirm Qatar’s ongoing, rapid process of economic diversification away from its traditional role as a hydrocarbon exporter towards a manufacturing and services hub. Qatar attaches top priority to this process, desiring to reduce its dependence on energy sources for financing the budget.

Qatar’s wise leadership has given great importance to human development via education, recognizing the human factor as being a primary contributor to development.

Public education was established in the State of Qatar in 1952. Since then, a comprehensive education policy has crystallised, based on well-established principles to preserve the heritage and conservative character of the nation, develop curricula and educational systems and continue to benefit from modern technological achievements and recent educational experiences.

The State has established many schools, universities, colleges and research and training centers that have contributed to the development of its human resources. In addition, it has attracted many schools and universities from abroad, and worked on the upgrading its youth’s abilities and skills to meet the country’s needs for development.

Artistic: The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. — Photo courtesy of the embassy

In 2004, Qatar launched an initiative to develop the country’s public education under the slogan "Education for a New Era." This aims to provide better methods of education for the children of Qatar. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, responsible for establishing the State’s educational policy, is also tasked with developing an education plan and overseeing its implementation, in order to achieve Qatar’s 2030 vision of developing the Qatari individual to be able to actively participate in all aspects of life.

Healthcare in Qatar, particularly Doha, is of a high standard. Both Qataries and expatriates have access to affordable public hospitals and clinics, as well as private medical establishments.

Qatar stands out for its enriching cultural experiences in a region known more for extravagance. There is much to explore beyond the skyscrapers of Doha — from a stunning array of art in a “starchitect”- designed landmark to a creative installation deep in the Qatari desert; ancient traditions like pearl diving and falconry; and a visit to an atmospheric market that looks lost in time. Of course, there is glitz aplenty for those who seek it.

The State of Qatar pays special attention to the youth through two departments: the Youth Centre Administration and the Administration of Youth Activities and Events. Both departments are affiliated to the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, and are concerned with licensing youth centers; promoting young talents and developing them culturally, scientifically and religiously, supervising various youth activities; supervising the Qatari Scouts Association; organising cultural, scientific and religious contests.

Despite its rapid economic and social gains, as well as political changes, Qatar has maintained its cultural and traditional values as an Arabic and Islamic nation that considers the family to be the main pillar of society.

Under the wise leadership of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hammad Al-Thani Emir of the State of Qatar, the country continues to implement important initiatives that will propel it to fully developed nationhood, and strengthen its role in the international community. — VNS