Doha

Doha (Arabic: الدوحة;), population 339,847 (2004 census), is the capital of Qatar, and is at 25.3° N 51.5333° E, on the Persian Gulf. The city is home to Doha International Airport and the major oil and fishing industries. Nearby is Education City, an area devoted to research and education.

The city, regarded by some as one of Qatar's most beautiful, was founded in 1850 as Al-bida.

The Al Wajbah fortress, in southwestern Doha, was built in 1882 by al Rayyan, and, in the following year, witnessed the famous battle in which the people of Qatar, led by Sheikh Qassim, beat the Ottomans.

The city was made capital of the British protectorate of Qatar in 1916, and remained so when, in 1971, the nation won independence.

The Al Kout fortress, in the center of the city, was built in 1917 by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Qassim Al-Thani.

Doha oil exportation began in 1949.

Now considered Qatar's most prominent landmark, the Government House opened in 1969.

Doha University opened in 1973.

The National Museum of Qatar opened in 1975, in what was originally, in 1912, the ruler's palace.

The Al Jazeera Arabic satellite television news channel began broadcasting in 1996, with headquarters and broadcast center in Doha.

The 15th Asian games will take place in Doha in December 2006.