Centrally located in the Arabian Gulf, the peninsula state of Qatar, with 900 trillion cubic feet, has five per cent of the world's proven natural gas reserves. Qatar is the richest Arab nation with a per capita income of US $30,000 per annum.

Eighty per cent of the Qatari population, which is now approaching one million, is based in and around the capital, Doha.

Qatar has strong historical and cultural ties to the sea. Pearl fishing was the traditional mainstay of the economy until oil and gas took over around 50 years ago. Although pearling is no longer a key economic driver, it has left a legacy of skills, stories, music, art and poetry that is a source of identity and pride for Qataris today.

The Qatari government has a pro-business stance on foreign investment and is encouraging the growth of the country's private sector, stimulating progress with an active privatization programme

It only began issuing tourist visas in 1989, but after a slow start Qatar has begun to reap the benefits of its new openness. Visitors are welcomed to a land of glitzy new hotels, towering sand dunes, ancient rock carvings and distinctive architecture.

Everyone except nationals of other Gulf States needs a visa to enter Qatar. Visas are obtainable at the airport for many nationalities. Embassies and large hotels within the country can sponsor visas.