Environmental Responsibility in Qatar - Essay Example

QATAR The residents of Qatar can be separated into three groups, the Hadar, the Bedouin, and Alabd. The Bedouin’s decent is traced from the nomads of the Arabian Peninsula. The ancestors of Hadar were settled town dwellers. They are descendants of Bedouin, many of them descent from migrants from present-day Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran occasionally are referred to as Irani-Qataris. The meaning of Alabd is ‘slaves’. Alabd are descendants of slaves that were brought from east Africa. All the three groups are identified as Qatari and nobody can challenge their right to citizenship, however their subtle sociocultural differences between them are acknowledged and recognized. Qatar is a little peninsula that is on the western shore of the Arabian Gulf and it covers approximately 4,247 square miles (6,286 square kilometers). Qatar is just 160 kilometers north into the Persian Gulf from Saudi Arabia. It is located between latitudes 24° and 27° N, and longitudes 50° and 52° E. Qatar mostly consist of low and barren plain that is covered with sand. To the southeast lies the Khor al Adaid (‘Inland Sea’), which is a region of rolling sand dunes surrounding Persian Gulf’s inlet? The landmass creates a rectangle that is described by the local folklore as resembling right hand’s palm that is extended in a prayer. The neighboring nations include Iran to the northeast. Bahrain to the northwest, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to the south. Both Qatar and Bahrain claim the Hawar Islands located west of Qatar and it is uninhabited. Just recently, only few semi-permanent seasonal encampments have been found in the interior desert. Resources of water that are near the coast together with opportunities for pearl diving, fishing, and seagoing trade have facilitated larger, and additional permanent settlements. The patterns of these settlements have contributed to the social differences between Hadar and Bedouin. Qatar’s climate can be described as subtropical dry, hot desert climate that has low annual rainfall. During the summer the temperatures are extremely high and there is a big difference between maximum and minimum temperatures, more so in the inland areas. The Persian Gulf slightly influences the coastal areas and have lower maximum, however, it has higher minimum temperatures and the moisture percentage in the air are higher. Summer ‘June – September’ is extremely hot with low rainfall. Daily maximum temperatures are able to easily reach 40°C or more. Winter is cooler with irregular rainfall. Spring and autumn are warm, in many cases dry and pleasant, with maximum temperatures in the range of 25°C and 35°C and nights that are cooler with temperatures between 15°C and 22°C. The Shamal, a hot and dust-laden wind, blows in the spring and summer time, from March – August. At times, these winds are very strong, causing Sandstorms that are able to occur throughout the year, although they are common in the spring. A lot of rain falls at the time of winter months in sudden, short but heavy cloudbursts and thunderstorms. Environmental responsibility in Qatar is vested in the Ministry of Industry and Agriculture. High in the country’s environmental priority list consists of conservation of oil supplies, natural wildlife heritage preservation, and water supply increase by desalination. Air, water and land pollution are also important environmental issues in the country. In addition to acid rain and smog, Qatar has been affected by pollution of the air that was generated during the Persian Gulf War. A threat to the water of the nation is presented by pollution coming from the oil industry. Pesticides and fertilizers have damaged the country’s soils and the land for agriculture is in danger of desertification. The species that are endangered include hawksbill turtle, white oryx, and green sea turtle. Arabic is the official language. English, Urdu, and Farsi are widely spoken. Arabic is as closely related with the Islamic faith; therefore, its use enhances the Islamic identity of its citizens and the nation. The Qatari dialect of Arab is the same to the version that is spoken in the other states of Gulf and is referred to as Arabic. The adjective khaleeji ‘of the Gulf’ that describes the local dialect also distinguishes the citizens of the six Gulf states from Levantine Arabs to North Africa. Farsi, Iran’s official language is also widely spoken by the people and families that trace their descent from that nation. Because of the influx of foreign workers, a lot of other languages are usually spoken, including Urdu, English, Hindi, Tagalog, and Malalayam. A lot of Qataris are able to speak more than one language, but it is not common for immigrants to learn Arabic. Arabs and foreign workers interactions are carried out in English or expatriate’s other language. The greater number of the citizens and the ruling family are Sunni Muslims, specifically Wahhabiis (Cobb, et al. 2012). However, there is a big number of Shi’a Muslims. Recent events like the Iran-Iraq War, Iranian revolution, and claimed discrimination against Shi’a Muslims have worsened the sectarian tensions. The divisions are unusually discussed openly. The cornerstones of Qatar’s economy are petroleum and liquefied natural gas and together they account for more than 70% of government’s total revenue. More than 60% of the gross domestic product and approximately 85% of export earnings. It has been proven that oil reserves of 15 billion barrels will ensure continued output at the current levels for 23 years. Qatar has been given by oil a per capita GDP that is ranked among the highest in the world. The country’s proved reserves of natural gas is more than 7000 cubic kilometers, more than 5% of the world’s total and is the third largest in the world. Natural gas production and export are becoming increasingly important. Goals that are long term involve the development of off-shore petroleum and the diversification of the economy. Qatar is currently the richest in the world (Ireland, et al. 2008). In the 1760s, members of the Al-Khalifa of the Utub tribe came to Qatar from Kuwait and central Arabia and created a commercial and pearling base in Zubarah in the north. From there, they expanded their territory through occupying Bahrain, which they have ruled ever since. The current ruling family, The Al-Thai, established themselves following years of contention with the Al-Khalifa, who still had claims to the Qatar peninsula through most of the 19th century. Mohammad Thani was recognized by Britain as the representative of the Qatari people in 1867. A few years later, Quasim Al-Thai, Mohammad’s son, consent to receive the title of governor from the Ottoman Turks, who were striving to establish authority in the area. The defeat of Qasim Al-Thani Turks in 1893, is normally viewed as a confirmation of autonomy of Qatar. Abdullah bin Qasim Al-Thani, Qasim’s son, in 1916 entered an agreement with the Britain that effectively established the Al-Thani as the ruling family. The agreement offered for British protection and desired rights for British subjects and ensured that Britain would have influence in foreign affairs of Qatar. Al-Thani’s position was strengthened by the increase in the state’s income from oil concessions. When it was announced by Britain of its intention of withdrawing from the region, Qatar was considering joining a federation with Bahrain and the seven Trucial States. But an agreement could not be reached on the federation’s terms, and a constitution was adapted by Qatar and it declared independence in 1971. It is stated in the constitution that the ruler shall always be chosen from the Al-Thani family and the council of ministers and a consultative council will assist the leader. The consultative council was never elected; instead an advisory council was appointed by the ruler. Despite periodic demonstrations against power concentration and disputes that are occasional within the ruling family, Al-Thani’s wealth, size, and policies have maintained a stable regime. Women can access schooling and employment and have the right to travel outside country and drive. However, social mores that have been influenced the Islam and historical precedents have made a lot of women uncomfortable with strangers in public. Instead, they conduct their activities in private spaces. The total population of Qatar was estimated at 1.8 million in 2013; 278,000 Qatari citizens and the remaining are expatriates. Qatari nationals are only 13% of the total. Non-Arab expatriates constitute the majority of Qatar’s population. The largest expatriate community is the Indians. The other populous communities are the Nepalis, Filipinos, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans and Pakistanis among many other nationalities. Many marriages are arranged. Normally, the sisters and mother of the groom inquire about prospective brides, the possibilities are discussed with the man, and if he has an interest, his family is approached. The woman has the chance of accepting or refusing the proposal. Marriages are normally arranged between families with the same backgrounds, and it is a common thing for many members of two lineages getting married to each other. Unions between Qataris and Gulf Arabs are common, however, marriages to non-Gulf citizens is discouraged by the government. One must be officially permitted to marry a noncitizen, and the citizen has to give up the promise of government job and other benefits. Polygamy is legally and religiously sanctioned. Food central to cuisine of Qatar include the native varieties of seafood and dates. Other foods are locally grown or in Iran are considered local delicacies, and these include sour apples and fresh almonds. Machbous, a traditional dish, is richly spiced rice that is combined with seafood and/or meat and traditionally served from a large communal plate. The main meal is consumed at midday, with lighter meals at late evening and in the morning. But with many Qataris entering the employment system, family meals are commonly taken in the evenings. The midday meals on Friday, following prayers, servers as the main gathering of the week for many families. During Ramadan, a time when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, elaborate and festive meals are served at night. Lightweight cottons and linens are normally worn during summer months, with clothes that are warm for cooler evenings and during the winter. Rainwear is advisable during winter. References Cobb, M. R., Puchalski, C. M., & Rumbold, B. D. (2012). Oxford textbook of spiritaulity in healthcare. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Ireland, R. D., Hoskisson, R. E., & Hitt, M. A. (2008). Understanding business strategy: Concepts and cases. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Read More