For your convenience, Sharq Village & Spa has provided the following information to help you plan for and enjoy your stay with us.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and, during this period, people of the Muslim faith fast each day from dawn until dusk. It is also a time for inner reflection and enlightenment.
When does Ramadan begin?
Muslims follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The beginning of the Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon. Thus Ramadan begins on a different day each year and moves forward.
Are non muslims required to follow Ramadan practices?
Islam is a tolerant religion and respects people of all cultures, races and religions. Non-Muslims are in no way forced to follow Islamic traditions during the month of Ramadan. However, as a sign of respect to the host country, guests are asked to refrain from consuming food, drinks, chewing gum and smoking in public during the fasting hours of the day (dawn to dusk).
Is it okay for non-muslims to follow Ramadan practices?
Muslims welcome guests of all religions and cultures and encourage them to learn more about Islam.
Can I eat and drink during the day in Ramadan, and where can I get food and drink?
Most international hotels and restaurants within hotels, are open during the day for non-Muslims. Restaurants will have separate sections open or keep curtains or blinds closed as a sign of respect to Muslim passers-by. In addition, in-room dining and room service is available as normal during the day.
Can I still enjoy the pool, beach and other facilities of the hotel during Ramadan?
Guests staying at the hotels in Doha can enjoy the beaches and the facilities of the hotel as they normally would.
What should I wear during Ramadan?
It is strongly recommended to wear conservative clothing during the month of Ramadan as a sign of respect.
Are there any changes in working business hours?
Companies usually do have reduced working hours for their employees during Ramadan, in particular for those that are fasting, however it is business as usual and the normal business hours are covered, in most cases, with employees working different shifts in most organizations in the private sector. The start of the business day in the morning might be a little later than normal.
What activities are available during Ramadan?
Ramadan is a time when friends and families come together and community ties are strengthened. There are a myriad of options available to residents and visitors alike.
Is everything closed during the day?
No, not everything is closed during Ramadan. Opening and closing hours do change during the month as opposed to the other days of the year for offices and shops, but are usually open for short hours in the morning, usually from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and they re-open approximately half an hour to an hour after breaking fast until as late as midnight. Parks and other public places open after the breaking of fast and remain open until late at night.
Climate
The weather in Doha is generally sunny all year round with the temperature ranging from an average high of 31 degrees Celsius during the day to 22 degrees Celsius at night. Qatar’s subtropical desert means it becomes very hot and humid from June to August, with temperatures reaching upwards of 40 degrees Celsius. During the winter months from November through February however, the country’s weather is extremely pleasant. Rainfall is rare.
Clothing
Cotton or lightweight clothing is suitable for daywear. Proper evening attire is recommended when dining in restaurants. Skirts or shorts above the knee should be avoided, as should sleeveless tops that expose the shoulders or upper arms. Very tight or revealing clothing should also be avoided
Visas
Rules and regulations concerning the issuing of visas vary depending on nationality and due to the fact that details can change with little warning it is worth checking before traveling.
Tourist Visa
Applications for tourist visas are submitted to the Immigration Department (Airport Visa Section) by registered hotels. Tourist visas are usually issued within 72 hours and are valid for 14 days and thereafter can be extended an additional 14 days.
Business Visa
A company or a recognized establishment may submit an application to the Immigration Department (Airport Visa Section) by registered hotels. Business visas are usually issued within 72 hours and are valid for 14 days, thereafter can be extended for another 14 days.
GCC Residents Visa
GCC residents are granted a visa at the airport. The visa is valid for 14 days and thereafter can be extended for another 14 days. Having a valid residence visa in any GCC country is a precondition.
Health Requirements
No health certificates are required for entering Qatar, except for visitors arriving from cholera or yellow fever infected areas (Africa, Asia or South America). It is recommended that visitors to Qatar are immunized against typhoid and hepatitis A as a precaution.
Language
The national language is Arabic. English is widely spoken in the State of Qatar, particularly in Doha
Airports
Doha International Airport accommodates over 20 passenger airlines and is currently undergoing an expansion program to cater to the growing number of visitors to Qatar. Just a few kilometers away, the new airport is being constructed, that will offer state-of-the-art facilities to airlines and passengers. The airport is located a 10 minute drive away from Sharq Village & Spa and transport can be organized directly with our concierge.
Airport General Inquiries 0 974 465 6666
Airport Immigration/Passport Control 0 974 462 1276
Taxis
There are currently two taxi companies operating in Doha, mowasalat-karwa (blue taxis) and the national taxi (orange and white). The future plan is that mowasalat-karwa will gradually replace the national taxis. From the airport the mowasalat-karwa taxis’ meters start as QR 25 and run at QR 1 per kilometer.
Al Mowasalat-Karwa 0 974 458 8888
Rental Cars
Most of the internationally known car-hire firms are represented in Qatar, with offices at the airport and in hotels. There are a number of local firms offering car rental too, with competitive prices to match the recognized companies. Rental can be for just one day or for weeks or months at a time, and a wide range of cars are available. Expect to pay from around QR 300 ++ per day.
Parking
Car parking is widely available around Qatar and in most parts of Doha, although some parts of the capital are becoming increasingly congested, resulting in the introduction of parking meters on the city’s streets. Most shopping centers, office blocks and residential buildings have complimentary parking facilities.
Buses
Mowasalt-karwa operates a large fleet of air-conditioned public busses that runs several routes in and out of Doha from its city centre hub, Al Ghanim Station (located off Grand Hamad Street and Al Ashat Street). The bus service is available every 20 minutes daily between 5 a.m. - 11 p.m., with stops every 750m. Fares are QR 2 for an inner city ride and up to QR 7 for long-distance journey for towns outside of Doha.
Trains
There is no train transport system currently in place in the State of Qatar.
Electricity
The electric supply operates at 220-240 volts and 50 Hz. Both two and three-pin plug mains are operating and adaptors are available.
Currency
Transactions are done in the Qatar Riyal (QR). 3.65 is equivalent to US $. A currency exchange service is available at the hotel’s front desk. You may also change your money or cash travelers checks at banks. Remember to bring along your passport to help facilitate exchanges.
Phone
The country code is 974; there is no city code. International calls are made by first dialing 0 followed by the numbers. For local directly assistance, kindly call 180.
Tourist Information
Qatar Tourism Authority
P.O. Box 24624
Doha, Qatar 0 974 441 1555
(tel) 0 974 437 2993
(fax) info@experienceqatar.com
Emergency Phone Numbers
Police, Fire, Ambulance – 999
Hamad Hospital - 0 974 439 2111
Public Holidays
The two major public holidays in Qatar are religious ones: Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha. Eid al Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Because this calendar is based on the lunar months and dates are therefore not fixed, holidays will only be determined 24 hours in advance. Eid al Fitr is marked by a three-day celebration where almost every business in the country shuts down. Eid al Adha follows approximately 70 days after Eid al Fitr and is marked by a four- day celebration where almost every business in the country shuts down. Besides these two religious celebrations there are two other fixed holidays:
Accession Day, June 27
Qatar National Day, December 18
Hours of Work/Business
Banks open from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. although some branches, especially those located in shopping centers, also open in the evening.
Shopping Hours
Major shopping malls are usually open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. but the majority of stores are closed on Friday mornings, opening only at 4 p.m. Timings for independent stores vary but are generally open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and then from 4-9 p.m. Many independent stores are closed all day Friday, although some do open late afternoon.
Tipping
Tipping is most common in restaurants, averaging 10%, although some establishments automatically add a 10% service charge, however this should be stated on the menu.Taxi fares are generally minimal, so tips are quite common. Tipping tour guides is subjective, but is good practice