Qatar is Getting HOT, HOT, HOT!!!
Qatar is Getting Hotter (and It’s Not the Weather!)
If you love the United Arab Emirates (and I really love the annual Shopping Festival in Dubai!) then you are in for a treat when you discover the peninsula state of Qatar.
Qatar might have been one of the poorest Gulf States half a century ago, but since the discovery of oil in the 1940s it is a thriving and vibrant country. The Qatari economy has doubled at least 10 times in the past 14 years, and it is actually positioned to become one of the global energy giants in the next few years.
International teachers will find that Qatar is full of excitement yet has a welcoming, traditional feel to it. From the Pearl Qatar in Doha to a sportsman dreamscape, Qatar has it all!
Qatar’s rich history, which dates as far back as 6,000 B.C., is founded in the ancient art of pearl diving. The ancient souks call to you with glimmering gold and wafting scents of Arabic coffee. The art of falconry is on display in the desert and traditional sailing vessels called dhows coast along the sparkling waters.
Make no mistake though. Qatar is set to be a dominant world force in this century!
Luxury living is widely available in and near the capital of Doha. Pearl-Qatar is an island built on one of those sites and features villas, marinas, international fashion shops and 5 star accommodations for the traveler who understands true luxury.
For weekend and evening excitement, you don’t have to look far. In and around the capital city of Doha are horse and camel racing tracks, sand dune racing, and all types of water sports. For all the Villa fans (or Man United if you must), Khalifa International Stadium where you can watch major football (soccer) teams from around the world take on each other in a spectacular desert setting.
And in case you haven’t heard, the World Cup 2022 will be in Qatar. More than $20 billion USD has been earmarked to build the luxury tourist infrastructure required to build 5 star accommodations, resorts and other recreational facilities.
It’s not just about tourism though. Qatar has strategically staged itself as a world leader in environmental technologies. The Qatar International Environment Protection Exhibition at the Doha Exhibition Center shows Qatar’s commitment to using sustainable energy and green business practices very seriously, with a focus on educating the community.
There is also the Doha Furniture and Decoration Exhibition each fall that hosts more than 12 countries with designer showcases in furniture, design and accessories. Perhaps you can pick up some tips to use next time you are haggling over a silk Persian rug at the Qatar International Carpet Exhibition in March!
Love movies?  Try the Doha Tribeca Film Festival this October. Rub shoulders with local celebrities and take in some emerging indie flicks. Pick up some ideas for how to eat and dress like a celebrity for the upcoming Food Festival and Jewelry Exhibitions set for February 2012.
Teachers will certainly have enough money to spend on these activities. Salaries and benefits are generally excellent, with accommodations often provided in full by the schools. I know from living in the Middle East, my largest expenses were only my food and a few dollars of gas to put in my car every week. I admit, the rest I spent on gold, rugs, and lots of traveling! 
So if you are looking for something really hot in international teaching positions, you have to check into the ultra-cool country of Qatar.
Shannon Dipple -Â http://www.primary-education-oasis.com