History of Qatar

Evidence of early civilisation in Qatar stretches back several thousands years, with pottery shards dating from around BC 2,500 having been found at more than one location. Qatar's relationship with the ancient Dilmun civilisation is to further study. In the 5th century BC, the Greek historian Herodotus referred to the original seafaring inhabitants of Qatar. Qatar was famed for its weaving and embroidery, especially its cloaks.

In modern term Qatar gained independence on September 3, 1971, having had a protection treaty with Britain since the early part of the twentieth century. The present Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who was born in 1950, is the eighth member of the family to rule the country.

H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State has assumed power on June 27, 1995 after eighteen years as Heir Apparent and Defence Minister, a period during which he became increasingly involved in the running of the State affairs.

Political History of Qatar

Qatar has enjoyed political stability and economic prosperity since independence in 1971 and is currently evolving into and modern State. H.H. the Emir, who assumed power in 1995, abolished censorship by disbanding the information Ministry in 1996. The new freedoms were further enhanced with the establishment of an independent Arab satellite news channel called Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel, the first of its kind in the Arab World. The Advisory Council, invited representatives from the press and the Ministry of Justice to help draft a press and publications law that would further cement the media's newly gained freedoms.

A British protectorate until 1971, Qatar enacted a provisional constitution in 1972, which is an amended version of the 1970 constitution. The move towards a modern society included holding municipal elections in 1999 where men and women were both voters and candidates - a first in the Arabian Gulf. With the election of the Municipal Council,H.H. the Emir also promised to hold legislative elections in his inaugural speech to the committee set up to draft the country's first permanent constitution. Addressing the committee. H.H. the Emir expressed commitment to fulfilling "aspirations.. to broaden the base of popular participation through the setting up of an elected house of deputies."

The evolution of a modern society in Qatar extends to several fields, including health and educational services and the economy. As a committed member of the World Trade Organisation and international financing organisations, Qatar has completed its integration in the international free trade economic order. With a distinguished banking system and no restrictions on the movement of capitals from the country, the whole of Qatar represent a free economic zone. New laws have been enacted to encourage foreign investors and to protect intellectual property rights. The Doha Securities Market started operating in 1997 and Qatar Tele-communications was transformed in to a joint stock company in 1999 as part of the country's privatisation drive. Largely dependent on oil, Qatar has also embarked on a diversification plan with the establishment of the Industrial Development Bank in 1997. The Leadership of the Country has actively and successfully utilised the country's vast gas reserves, the third largest in the world following Russia and Iran.

Qatar has also positioned itself as a stage for solving international disputes by initiating several mediation efforts in regional and international disputes. The international media routinely refers to Qatar as a "mediator" Qatar's international standing has also been highlighted with its hosting of several regional and international events including the Middle East and North Africa Economic Conference in 1997 and the 9th Islamic Summit Conference held in Doha in November 2000.