Qatar

An Arab emirate with the second highest GDP per capita in the world, thanks to its oil rich status. Before this the economy was focused on fishing and pearling. Sharia law is enforced in Qatar although it is more liberal than other Arab states and women do not have to wear headdress although many do. Much of the country is low sandy plains and rolling sand dunes in the southeast. The climate is mild in the winter and hot and humid in summer.

It is possible to travel to Saudi Arabia overland with the appropriate visa. It may also be possible to travel to Bahrain via a causeway in the near future. Bus routes also provide access via connections in Damman (Saudi) for Amman (Jordan), Damascus (Syria), Manama (Bahrain), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Dubai (UAE) and Kuwait. You need a transit visa for Saudi Arabia and the onward ticket and visa for the country beyond before you start. You can fly to/from the Doha International Airport to ports in Europe, Asia and most of the Middle East. Public transport was limited in Doha but the government has set in place 35 bus routes with modern, air-conditioned vehicles. Taxis also operate to cover any gaps in the system. Most locals use their own cars so it’s mostly foreigners and immigrants using public transport.

Doha
The capital Doha hosted the 15th Asian Games in 2006 and has put in a bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. It’s keen to enter the world stage and much has been done to make it ready for this. Places to visit include the modern seafront, the Doha Fort, Grand Mosque, the maze like Souq Waqif, modern shopping malls, good restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of luxury hotels to pick from and plenty of sea based activities.

Al-Khor
A former pearl fishing village on the north east coast with a quiet harbour and fish market.

Khor al-Adaid
This natural reserve around the inland lake is the perfect place for an overnight sojourn with encroaching sand dunes surrounding it.

Al Zubara
This tiny fort in northwest Qatar is remote and compelling.

Messiad
A resort town on Doha’s east coast that attracts off-road enthusiasts thanks to the sand dunes created by wind deposits.