Qatar » Doha

Doha is the capital city of Qatar, with a population of 400,051, according to the 2005 census. It is located in the Ad Dawhah municipality on the Persian Gulf. The city also enjoys an enviable location overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Doha is Qatar's largest city, with over 80% of the nation's population residing in Doha or its surrounding suburbs, and is the economic center of the country. Doha is home to the Education City, an area devoted to research and education.

In 1850, the city of Doha was founded under the name, Al Bida. The name "Doha" came from the Arabic word, Ad-Dawha, which means "the big tree."  The city was made capital of the British Protectorate of Qatar in 1916, when the nation gained independence in 1971; Doha remained the capital of Qatar. 

Doha's demographics are unusual as the majority of residents in the city are expatriates, with Qatari nationals forming a minority. It is home to expatriates from the United States, South Africa, United Kingdom, Norway and many other countries.

Doha's economy is moving away from its dependency on the oil and natural gas industries. It is seeing huge amounts of growth, with the population of the city increasing by more than 60,000 between 2004 and 2006; this has caused a boom in the real estate sector, with real estate prices skyrocketing. Old traditions still shine through Doha’s ultra modern exterior in the guise of its markets and sailing boats.