The State of Qatar is an emirate in the Middle East, which occupies the small Qatar Peninsula which is part of the larger Arabian Peninsula. It borders Saudi Arabia to the south; otherwise the Persian Gulf surrounds the country.

The Museum of Islamic Art, opened in 2008, has quickly come to be regarded as one of the great museums of the world. Qatar is the world’s biggest buyer in the art market by value.

The long summer (May through September) is characterized by intense heat and alternating dryness and humidity, with temperatures reaching 50 °C (122 °F). Temperatures are moderate.