Climate and Clothing: May through mid-October is extremely hot in Qatar, and lightweight attire is recommended. From mid- October through April, temperatures range from 7 degrees C to 27 degrees C (45 degrees F-80 degrees F); spring and fall clothing is most comfortable. Traditional attitudes toward dress prevail, and although Western styles are perfectly acceptable, one should dress conservatively in public.

Visas: Valid visas are required to enter Qatar. Generally, travelers are required to show evidence that a Qatari citizen will sponsor them during their stay in Qatar.

Health: Visitors to Qatar do not need cholera shots.

Telecommunications: Allow 2 weeks for airmail delivery between the US and Qatar. Cable and telex lines to leading hotels and places of business are good. Telephone connections are excellent. Intercontinental calls are received by a US satellite land station near Doha. Qatar is eight time zones ahead of eastern standard time.

Transportation: Daily flights connect Doha to Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Direct flights to Europe also are available daily.

Tourist Attractions: The Qatar National Museum has an award- winning display of traditional Bedouin life, combining rare film clips of everyday activities (tea ceremony, packing a camel) with standard still-life exhibits in a building of classical Arabian architecture. The museum also houses the National Aquarium, containing indigenous sea life and samples of the traditional sea-going vessel, the dhow.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, November 1987.