The rich history of these lands have woven stories across generations and it has been shaped by the forces of nature, trading and cultural exchange. The earliest inhabitants of these lands were known to be Bedouin tribes. They were engaged in herding, fishing and trading. The strategic location along the Arabian Gulf made Qatar an important stop along the most important trade routes. Economic success in the days of old came quickly as Qatar was the largest hub for pearl fishing and trading.

The 19th century saw the entire Arabian Peninsula fall into Ottoman hands which also included Qatar. Even though the nomadic Bedouin tribes put up a brave fight, it took many treaties between the inhabitants of the Peninsula and the British to stabilise the region. It was only in 1971 that Qatar won its independence from the British. The discovery of natural oil and gas reserves accelerated economic growth and transformed the landscape. With all that oil and gas money, the government soon began investing in infrastructure, healthcare and education.

Qatari culture has been shaped by deep rooted traditions and rapid modernization. It offers a unique amalgamation of traditional values and contemporary dynamism. Being an Islamic state, Qatar has many mosques and other muslim monuments and buildings all around its cities. The sounds of the calls to prayer can also be heard throughout the day. Hospitality, charity and respect are the most important pillars of Islamic teachings and the locals take them to heart.

Qatar’s natives are rapidly developing their love for literature, visual arts and music. There are many festivals hosted throughout the year which present a stage for both local and international talent. Institutions like the Museum of Islamic Art and Qatar National Library further strengthen these cultures. Qatari’s also emphasise family values which includes respect for one's elders.

During earlier times, Qatar used the Indian Rupee and renamed it Gulf Rupee. However, when India devalued its currency in 1966, all countries along the Arabian Gulf developed their own currency. The official currency of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal which is denoted by the letters ‘QAR’. A single riyal is made up of 100 dirhams. Coins can be found in various denominations, they are- 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 Dirhams and 1 Riyal. You can also use bank notes which are valued at 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Riyals.

Qatar is renowned for its efficient banking system which has made it possible for tourists and other visitors to use their credit and debit cards with ease. Alternatively, visitors can also withdraw money from the many ATMs dotted around the cities. Digital and mobile payment systems have also made their way into Qatar. Today, locals and tourists can use Apple Pay, Google Pay and other forms of contactless payment.