More from Qatar

I finally got to explore more of Qatar over this past weekend after ariving last Tuesday and am now very thankful for getting to come to Qatar instead of Dubai. I know just writing that sounds strange. Qatar is an interesting up and coming place on the business and world map. The main new part of Doha is built along three bays which are seemingly man made but I am not sure. One of these is lined by a cornice which they have made into a public park area with lots of palm trees and walking path and benches. This is a great place to go around sunset and in the evenings. I try to go jogging every day and it is always fun seeing all of the locals and for that matter expats out enjoying their city. Just the other day I was out jogging and looked over on the grass and there was a family atleast the male members of the family knealing on the grass praying. They line up with one man knealing in front leading the evening prayer, looking out towards sunset. (well actually directed towards Mecca but it happened to also be in the direction of sunset) but it was interesting seeing all the way from toddlers to the grandfather sharing their faith so publically, but at the same time so privately. I think it really was something that Westerners should have all seen, bringing a sense of peace to the Islam faith not the hatred and violence that is usually represented in western media.

Anyways back to Doha. Qatar is actually the State of Qatar which is only of a very few countries that has an Emir instead of a King, where is working offices are in the palace that is right there in middle of the cornice which is also his working offices like the White House. Qatar is currently booming right now, with hundreds of high rise buildings being built with cranes taking over the skies of the cities especially along the three bays. Qatar has gone to great links to create a welcoming environment in middle of a dessert, easily seen in the tons of work that goes into planting and maintaining the palm trees, lush green grass and tons of flowers that line all of the streets, medians and round abouts. Almost making it feel as if you are in a beach community instead of middle of the dessert.

The weekend was great, I was able to get out and experience more of what Qatar has to offer, spending the day on the beach and by the pool. It was interesting seeing all of the locals in their usual dish dashes and the women being covered up. Even some of the women going out into the ocean water in jeans, but not seeming out of place here.

The house is really great as well where I am staying. Its massive six bedrooms and tons of public rooms to enjoy. There are two other teams here, and a trainee so it is fun to just hang out at the house. Both nights we all got together and cooked and just hung out on the patio at the house. We went out to one of the local clubs if you can call it that. Since alchol is only sold at nice hotels, but there really aren’t any clubs just restaurants that clear out some tables and have live bands singing western music that were quit good. Qatar still hasn’t fully opened up completely but I am sure they will in the coming years. Signs of this is seen in them not allowing you to bring in alchohol like in from the airport. But if you are a local expat working in the country and if your local company allows you, they will give you a pass to buy alchohol at the one liquor store in the country. This is also seen in the lack of openness in privatization. Many of the markets are still monopolies seen in sectors such as telecommunications where there is only one government owned telecom provider. Thus the phone calls here are extremely expensive especially internationally. And all companies have to be 51% owned by a Qatari.

Last night we went to an event at the Four Seasons one of the many beautiful five star hotels along the ocean. It was a signing to open up a new oil field where the Minister of Oil and Chairman of Qatar Gas corporation and the CEO of Exxon Mobile Qatar. Afterwards we meet the Minister and did the usual photo, and of course the food was wonderful. Lots of fresh juices and crème brule.

There is still no word on when my Visa for Saudi will be ready but am thinking that it will be any day now. Colleen arrived in Jeddah yesterday and began doing meetings today so the project has already officially begun. Early next week there are two big events going on the Jeddah Economic Forun which in years past have brought in big international speakers like Al Gore and many Saudi and regional VIPs which would be great to meet. Also if I am still here in Qatar I have been invited to Forbes CEO conference. Which is really an honor since it is invitation only, its held at the Four Seasons and opening with a grand entrance of the CEO and Presedent of Forbes Magazine Steve Forbes landing in front of the hotel in a hot air ballon. Other VIPS I can’t wait to meet who are attending are: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qatar, HRH The Duke of York, Chairman, Emaar Properties, CEO, Qatar Airways, COO of , PepsiCo International, CEO of National Bank of Kuwait, President and CEO, Aramex International, Founder, easyGroup, Minister of Trade, Ministère de l’Economie, des Finances et de l’Industrie, CEO, Qtel, President and COO, Calvin Klein, Chairman of BMW, President, Vonage, MTV Managing director………. Wow that’s a lot (FYI I jst cut and pasted that out of the letter) So this one really looks to be like a lot of fun.

New photos at http://community.webshots.com/user/chadgriggs