Qatar

Introduction

In recent years Qatar has thrust itself onto the world tourism stage, hosting the 2006 Asian Games, throwing gleaming skyscrapers up at a rapid rate and promoting the Emirate on a global stage. Today this once little known corner of the Middle East is attracting an ever-increasing number of savvy holidaymakers from around the world. Doha is at the heart of Qatar's fledgling tourist industry, luring visitors with its expansive bay, sandy beaches, warm waters, luxurious resort hotels and vast shopping malls. Holidaymakers who venture beyond the thriving capital are rewarded by arid desert complete with voluminous sand dunes, Bedouin tribes, historic forts, good beaches and the spectacular inland sea, Khor al-Adaid. With sweeping Gulf beaches on three sides, a wealth of watersports, a swathe of shops and traditional souks, a flurry of historic attractions and myriad opportunities for getting active in the desert Qatar caters to all tastes.

Who goes there?

Business people from other Arab countries make up the majority of visitors to Qatar, however an increasing number of holidaymakers from Europe are visiting the Emirate's resort hotels. More mature visitors and families with younger children tend to holiday between October and April when average temperatures are cooler, ranging from 17-29ºC (62-84ºF).

Where in the world?

Qatar occupies a peninsula that protrudes 160km (100 miles) from the east of Saudi Arabia into the Persian Gulf. Doha, the Qatari capital, is located on the central east coast of the Emirate. Doha International Airport is 5km (3 miles) outside the city. Qatar shares a land border with Saudi Arabia in the south and is flanked by the Persian Gulf on the other three sides. Doha overlooks the sea and is backed largely by flat desert plains.

Beach

Private stretches of pristine white sand, complete with parasols, sun-loungers, beach bars and myriad watersports are characteristic of Qatar's resort hotels. A number of properties also have dedicated beach clubs, where the focus is firmly on sun, sea and sand; holidaymakers might even be able to ride across the beach on a camel.

Beyond the beach

Doha impresses visitors with a skyline that seamlessly combines gleaming skyscrapers with more traditional architecture, including Doha Fort, Qatar National Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. Old traditions also thrive in the capital's souks, dhow harbour and fish market. A fitting way to finish off a day's sightseeing is with a stroll along Doha's attractive Corniche, which curves for 7km (4.5 miles) along the bay.

Family fun

With resort hotels that typically feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a private stretch of beach, family-friendly restaurants and a whole host of recreational activities, Qatar appeals to children and adults of all ages. If you can coax the children away from the resort then fun-filled excursions like dune bashing await. The Doha City Centre Mall (West Bay Area) with its multiplex cinema, ten-pin bowling, ice-skating rinks and water park is also great for families.

Retail therapy

An intoxicating blend of modern malls and traditional souks ensure that Doha really is a shopper's paradise. Holidaymakers can snare designer labels in gleaming shopping centres, traditional clothing in the Waqif Souk, aromatic spices from the eponymous Spice Souk, or 22 carat gold from the souk of the same name. Household items, colourful fabrics and traditional crafts can also be picked up in Doha's souks.

A night on the town

Qatar's nightlife is centred firmly in its resort hotels and members clubs. Ease yourself into the evening over a drink in one of myriad hotel lounge bars. After dinner holidaymakers can enjoy a digestif or smoke fruit flavoured tobacco in a traditional shisha pipe. Live music, cocktail lounges and lively nightclubs are also located in Qatar's hotels.

Eating out

Restrictions on the sale of alcohol mean that many holidaymakers content themselves to dine in their resort hotels. Hotel restaurants in Doha offer an eclectic range of national cuisines including Middle Eastern, French and Italian, not to mention themed nights. Less formal meals and snacks are available from hotel beach or pool bars, as well as buffet restaurants. To eat like a Qatari, however, you will have to venture beyond your resort. The Balhambar Restaurant (Doha Corniche) is a great place to try local dishes.

Getting around

For those without hire cars taxis are the most affordable way of getting around, these are orange and white and can be hailed or caught from ranks. Limousines are also widely available and many resort hotels have their own chauffeur driven cars. To explore beyond Doha, holidaymakers should also consider joining an organised tour.

Exploring further afield

The Khor Al-Adaid, or the Inland Sea, is one of Qatar's most appealing attractions. Join other holidaymakers on an organised excursion here and career down enormous sand dunes with an expert driver behind the wheel of your 4x4. Trips also typically include sand boarding and sample traditional Bedouin hospitality.

Splashing out

Book yourself an indulgent massage, mineral wrap, hydrotherapy treatment or soothing facial at one of Qatar's first class resort hotel spas. For that ultimate in pampering the spa at the Ritz-Carlton (West Bay Lagoon) (website: www.ritzcarlton.com) offers a variety of two hour packages, including those catering specifically to male holidaymakers.

Flying in

Doha International Airport (DOH)