The Arab Street

The Arab Street: Doha

From economic growth to the World Cup, Qataris talk about the issues that matter to them.

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The Arab Street takes viewers to the beating heart of some of the world’s most vibrant cities.

With a rapidly expanding economy and revenue from its huge gas reserves, Qatar has enjoyed an unprecedented boom over the last decade.

As it grows stronger financially, its political and cultural influence is also increasing.

The Arab Street goes to the country’s capital, Doha, to find out what people think of the changes that are happening at such dizzying speed.

Although Qatar’s population now stands at 1.4 million, less than a quarter of its population were actually born in the country.

Do they think the country is growing too fast and losing its traditional identity as a result? Do they fear a Dubai-style financial crash, or is Qatar’s boom built on more solid foundations?

The Arab Street talks to ordinary men and women about the country’s cultural standing in the Arab world, a position enhanced by the presence of Al Jazeera, and Qatar’s successful staging of the 2006 Asian Games.

Now it wants to host the word’s biggest football event – but is the 2022 World Cup a realistic prospect or merely a dream?

The Arab Street: Doha can be seen from Monday, December 21, 2009 at the following times GMT: Monday: 0530, 1130; Tuesday: 0130, 1400, 2330; Wednesday: 0630, 1630; Thursday: 0300, 1430; Friday: 0600, 1930; Saturday: 1030.