The British Embassy in Doha is responsible for developing political, economic and defence relations between Qatar and the UK. We work to help British companies succeed in Qatar and provide a wide-range of consular services to British Nationals. As Ambassador, Mr John Hawkins is responsible to the British Government for all aspects of the relationship between our two countries. Mr Hawkins took up his post in August 2008. Our embassy does a number of jobs including: Giving practical advice, assistance and support to the ever-increasing number of British nationals who travel or live overseas. Dealing with requests for visas, and passports. Using our local knowledge to assess the risks to British nationals, which range from terrorism to natural disasters. Looking after the UK's commercial interests. Supporting UK firms who want to trade and export in overseas markets. Encouraging non-UK companies to invest in the UK. Being the eyes and ears of the UK Government abroad. Embassies are linked directly into UK government departments providing vital information on developments abroad, and on the effects in the UK of decisions made abroad, and vice-versa. Talking regularly to decision-makers and promoting the UK's strengths of integrity, creativity, and openness which helps to boost trade, inward investment, tourism and the influence of UK foreign policy. We also offer practical help in emergencies including: Issuing emergency passports. Helping Britons who have been arrested or imprisoned. Helping those who have been the victim of a crime. Helping those who have fallen ill or been injured. Giving practical help to those searching for missing friends or relatives. Giving practical help for those dealing with the sudden death of a relative or friend. Assessing the risks to British nationals ranging from terrorism to natural disasters. Helping British residents and holiday makers affected by a political emergency or natural disaster. We legalise thousands of documents each year.

Iraq, a triangle of mountains, desert, and fertile river valley, is bounded on the east by Iran, on the north by Turkey, on the west by Syria and Jordan, and on the south by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. It is twice the size of Idaho. The country has arid desert land west of the Euphrates, a broad central valley between the Euphrates and the Tigris, and mountains in the northeast. Official language: Arabic Second language: Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions) Religions: Muslims 96% - Christians 3% Time: GMT +03:00 - US EST +8 Currency: Iraqi Dinar Int'l Dialing Code: 00964 Iraq's mainly continental climate brings a wide range of temperature, with hot summers, particularly in the south, and cold winters, especially on the higher ground. In the mountainous region of the north, summers can be a little cooler and humidity is lower than in the south. During the winter months (October to April) snow often falls on the mountains. In the central areas of Iraq, summers are much hotter, with temperatures in Baghdad rising to about 33.3oC (92 F) in July and August. It is not unknown for temperatures to soar as high as 50.6oC (123 F) in this region. Winter in Baghdad brings a mean temperature of about 9.4oC (49 F). Temperatures in Basra range from 37oC (98.6 F) in summer to 14oC (57.2 F) in winter. Dust storms are an unpleasant feature of the central plains region. The southern area around the Gulf has extremely high humidity and some of the highest temperatures recorded anywhere in the world. Rainfall is heaviest in the north-east and falls mostly between October and May. On the central plain, however, less than 152mm (about 6 inches) falls annually. Desert areas receive virtually no rainfall.

The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Doha is the diplomatic mission of Cyprus to Qatar. Cyprus and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 2001 and the first Ambassador arrived in 2003. The Embassy's main mission is to promote and further enhance political, economic, cultural and trade relations with Qatar. Furthermore, the Embassy provides general information on Cyprus and offers consular services to Cypriot Nationals visiting or living in Qatar as well as to foreigners visiting or wishing to establish relations with Cyprus in various fields.

OFFICIAL NAME: Syrian Arab Republic. CAPITAL: Damascus AREA: 185.180 km2 (71.500sq. miles) POPULATION: 18.866 millions ( 2002 census ) CLIMATE: A pleasant and varied Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons. AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: 32° C. (90° F) in Summer, 10° C. (50° F) in Winter and 22° C. (72° F) in Spring and Autumn. TIME ZONE: November through February: GMT + 2 Hours (Winter). March through October: GMT + 3 hours. (Summer). ELECTRICAL CURRENT: 220 Volts, 50 A.C. WEEKEND: Friday and Saturday are the official weekend. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Metric system. TRAVEL INFORMATION ENTRY FORMALITIES: A valid passport with entry visa. Any amount of foreign currency could be brought into Syria. However, the sum of foreign currency allowed out should not exceed the amount brought in. Tourist groups coming through their local travel agency can obtain their free of charge visas from the airport or any other border. HOW TO GET THERE: By land: Syria is connected by highways with Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. By Sea: Through the two seaports of Latakia and Tartus on the Mediterranean. By Air: Damascus, the main gateway to Syria, Aleppo and Latakia are connected with all continents by the national carrier (Syrianair) and major international airlines. Main cities and number of inhabitants in each governorate: Damascus 3.8 million inh, Aleppo 4 million inh, Homs 1.5 million inh, Latakia 883 thousands inh, Hama 1.4 million inh, Tartus 716 thousands, Deir-ez-zor 1 million inh. Communications: International telephone code for Syria: 00963