This site is not updated. Business Travel Travel to Qatar is no more restricted to business purposes - winter tourism has become an attraction in recent years. Arabic is the official language of Qatar, but English is widely spoken and is generally acceptable in private and public sectors. Friday is a day of rest for all sectors, including all embassies. Officially, Qatar uses the Gregorian calendar year for all purposes.
Religious holidays vary from year to year.
The months from October through April are generally considered the best period for foreign business representatives to visit Qatar. The summer months are very hot and humid. Decision makers in both public and private sectors can be expected to be absent from the country during some part of the period June to September. The U.S. Embassy closes for all Qatari and American Holidays. All travelers to Qatar should have passports valid for the next six months at least, and should hold valid entry visas.