Qatar Guide
The oil-rich peninsular of Qatar is sandwiched onto the north coast of Saudi Arabia and surrounded by the Arabian Gulf. It is a land of contrasts, of ultra-modern cities and ancient Bedouin culture, extravagant shopping malls and undulating desert.
Hear the commercial heartbeat of Qatar in ultra-modern Doha, where the beachfront Corniche is dotted with Vegas-style hotels. Investigate Al-Zubarah, 100km west of Doha, famous for its old square fort with circular towers and visit Al Ruwais, on the northern tip of the peninsula, to see the nomadic Bedouin lifestyle slowly merging with the modern world.
Sand dunes and desert dominate the landscape, although the tranquil inland sea of Khor Al Adid (an inlet of the Arabian Gulf) breaks the monotony of the endless dunes. Take a day trip on a ‘dune basher' (4x4) for a picnic and a dip in the warm waters. Elsewhere, much of the coastal area is covered with sabkha or salt flats; see wading birds congregating there during migration.
Find international goods in the shopping malls of Doha and head to the souks for spices, perfumes, embroidered cushions and exotic bed covers. Invest in tax-free 21-carat jewellery in the brimming Gold Souk or a selection of cultured and natural pearls. Purchase a Karthush charm bracelet inscribed with your name in Arabic and English.
Doha's restaurants are international. Go local to sample matchbous (spiced lamb with rice), hareis (slow-cooked wheat and lamb) and seafood served with seasoned rice. For pudding, try Umm Ali , a sweet cheesecake with a cream topping, or sticky mehalabiya , made with pistachios and rosewater. Alcohol is banned outside the confines of the hotels, so stick to freshly squeezed juices.
Qatar is becoming something of a sporting hub. The Men's Water Ski and Wakeboard World Cup Finals are a recent addition to the sporting calendar. See the guys show off their talents in April in the waters along Doha Corniche.
