Doha: The Jewel of the Middle East

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكراً
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذراً
  [aathirann]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اتركني وحدي!
  [itrkni wahdi!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atsil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atsil bittabib!]
• I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana dae']
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mariid]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [awad an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat attala]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'rh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جداً
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinak khafd alsi'rh?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alssa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alssa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (10)
  [alnusf ba'd (10)]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonمساء
  [masa']
• Eveningمساء
  [masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغداً
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tisia]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين توجد...؟
  [ayn tawajud...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yaati alhafilat altalyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tazkirat (ila ....)]

Doha's history traces back to the 1820s, although archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the area for thousands of years. The name 'Doha' is derived from the Arabic term 'Ad-Dawḥa,' meaning 'the big tree,' a reference to a prominent tree that once stood near the fishing village that the city grew from.

In the mid-19th century, Doha became the seat of power for the Al Thani family, who have ruled Qatar since. Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani signed a treaty with the British in 1868, laying the foundation for the modern state of Qatar and establishing Doha as its capital.

Before the discovery of oil, Doha's economy was primarily based on pearl diving and fishing. The waters of the Persian Gulf provided some of the finest pearls, and the industry was a significant source of wealth for the local population until the early 20th century.

The discovery of oil in 1939 marked a turning point in Doha's history. After World War II, the city's economy rapidly transformed, attracting foreign investment and leading to infrastructural development. By the 1950s and 1960s, Doha began to modernize, with new roads, schools, and hospitals being built.

Qatar gained independence from British rule on September 3, 1971. Doha, as the capital, witnessed rapid modernization efforts under the leadership of Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. The city expanded its infrastructure, including new government buildings, roads, and public services.

In recent decades, Doha has positioned itself as a center for education and culture in the Middle East. The establishment of Education City, home to branch campuses of international universities, and the opening of the Museum of Islamic Art in 2008, have made Doha a hub for learning and cultural exchange.

Doha has hosted numerous international events, including the 2006 Asian Games and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. These events have further spurred infrastructure development, including the construction of stadiums, hotels, and transportation networks, elevating Doha's status on the global stage.

The skyline of Doha is now dotted with architectural marvels such as the Aspire Tower, the Tornado Tower, and the Katara Cultural Village. These structures symbolize Doha's rapid urban development and its aspiration to blend traditional Qatari elements with contemporary design.

Doha is served by Hamad International Airport (HIA), one of the most modern and efficient airports in the world. Located about 15 kilometers from the city center, it offers flights to and from major cities across the globe. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport shuttles are readily available to transport you to your accommodation.

Doha offers a variety of transportation options including a modern metro system, buses, and taxis. The Doha Metro is a convenient and affordable way to navigate the city, with lines connecting major landmarks and neighborhoods. Karwa taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also widely available. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, but be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

The official currency in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or in areas where card payments may not be accepted.

Doha is generally a very safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and being mindful of your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific neighborhoods known for high crime rates targeting tourists.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Hamad General Hospital provides comprehensive medical services and has an emergency department. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public and religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always dress conservatively and behave respectfully in mosques and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on the metro or buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Men should wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't eat or drink in public during Ramadan daylight hours.

To experience Doha like a local, visit the Souq Waqif where you can buy traditional Qatari goods and enjoy local cuisine. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Corniche, a waterfront promenade offering beautiful views of the Doha skyline. For a unique experience, visit the Museum of Islamic Art and the Katara Cultural Village.