The modern State of Qatar gained its independence from the UK on September 3, 1971.The country's constitution was ratified by public referendum on April 29, 2003; it was endorsed by the Emir on June 8, 2004; and it became effective on June 9, 2005.
Weddings in any culture are a cause for expensive fanfare and hectic preparations. In the Arabian Gulf, however, weddings are conducted in a unique manner, observant of the gender segregation maintained between nationals in other facets of their private lives.
Since 2004, Qatar has been divided into seven municipalities (Arabic: baladiyah).