Figure 1.--This is a children's theme section to a shopping mall. After the food court there is a indoor fun fair with attractions for children. The circus theme is used. Meanwhile in another part of Doha in the pet Souq its bird and small pets night. People including the two boys have brought birds to auction. The presence of shipping malls in Qatar may seem surprising ro some, but the market pr Souq has always been an important part of Arab society and it is not surprising that it would be an early

We note Qatari boys in a range of activities. Of course school is a major activity and has been given considerable emphasis in recent years. Trligion is an important activity as in all Arab states. Sports are plated, especially football. Overall sports, however, are not as common as in Western countries. Girls activities are far more resrricted than boys activities, although not as much as in the past. Shopping malls as in the West have become an important area of children';s activities. We note a children's theme section to a shopping mall. After the food court there is a indoor fun fayr with attractions for children. The circus theme is used. Meanwhile in another part of doha in the pet Souq its bird and small pets night. People including the two boys have brought birds to auction. Other boys wearing Arabic costume are visiting the bird auction and have bought animal feed for their pets.

Adventure Parks

The Qatar International Adventure Camp is operated at an Inland Sea (Persiasn Gulf) beach camp. It is a family oriented camp. Many Qataries and Europeans expats enjoy the facilties at a great sandy beach. We note sand board surfing, ball games, swimming, camel rides, and sand castle building. The beach was sandy. The operaters seem permissive concerning European bathing suits.

Religion

Religion is an important activity as in all Arab states. Qataris are largely Sunni Muslims. Islam is the official religion and Islamic jurisprudence is the foundation of Qatari law. Civil courts have jurisdiction over commercial law. Arabic is the official language.

Schools

Of course school is a major activity and has been fiven considerable emphasis in recent years. Qatar has used its oil income to build an extensive education is system. Education is compulsory and free for all government employees' children from 6-16 years old. This includes girls. Qatari girls for the first time are being educated in large numbers. A substantial number of Qatari citizens are enoloyed byv the Government. Qatar has as a result a high literacy rate. Although a substantial majority of the population is foreign. Most of the school population is Qatari. Many schools have Western-styled uniforms. Lots of children after school school and a different activity each night. There is no rest but enjoyment.

Sports

Sports are plated, especially football. Overall sports, however, are not as common as in Western countries.

Shopping Malls

Shopping malls as in the West hazve become an important area of children';s activities. We note a children's theme section to a shopping mall. After the ood court there is a indoor fun fair with attractions for children. The circus theme is used. Meanwhile in another part of doha in the pet Souq its bird and small pets night. People including the two boys have brought birds to auction. Other boys wearing Arabic costume are visiting the bird auction and have bought animal feed for their pets.

Girls

Girls activities are far more resrricted than boys activities, although not as much as in the past.

Created: 10:11 PM 10/23/2009
Last updated: 8:39 AM 3/20/2010