Doha

Doha is predicted by some to become one of the leading cities within the Gulf States in the next few years. While Doha is by no means the only city in Qatar, it is by far the largest and most developed. Many of what are widely believed to be the nation’s best activities take place either in Doha or are organised from within the city limits; the city also acts as the start and finishing points of any excursions. Two such Doha tours worth mentioning include a trip to see the famous Singing Sand Dunes and a desert safari. When desert humidity is suitably low, a slight wind blowing across the dunes causes them to hum with a unique sound that has been described as disturbing by some and amazing by many. Do not worry if it is a windless day, as simple an activity as running along the dunes or sliding down them can provoke the dunes’ eerie song. Visits to the dunes can be done privately if you wish, or with organised tours, which are available at affordable prices. Desert safaris are another fun option, with stunning trips into the best of the Qatar desert.

If museums are your sort of thing then Doha really is the city for you, with no fewer than nine high quality museums ranging in genres from Islamic Art (Museum of Islamic Art) to Modern Art (Mahaf Museum), Archaeology (Al Khor Museum), Natural History (Al Wakrah) and even a weaponry museum, displaying weapons from ancient to contemporary. Qatar can boast a rich cultural heritage and is as dedicated to the upkeep of this heritage as it is to its many museums. If you are a book worm (or even if you are not) the Heritage Library is well worth a look, with an impressive array of over 50,000 books across multiple languages. Also well worth a visit is the Grand Mosque. A stunning example of Arabic architecture, visitors should respect that the Grand Mosque is first and foremost a place of worship. Many Qatar tours, however, offer a chance to see this magnificent building in a respectful yet enjoyable manner. If what you are looking for in a Qatar-Doha Holiday is fun for all the family then look no further than Jungle Zone, an animal themed park. Conveniently situated entirely indoors and suitable whatever the weather, the Jungle Zone has something suitable for children of all ages from the very small, to teenagers, to those who are young at heart. Although few who visit Qatar fail to be absorbed by its magnificence, wanting a taste of home is understandable and Doha is not slow in providing the answer. The many examples of Qatar’s rich culture can be matched by shopping malls and, although alcohol is not served outside airports and international hotels, a variety of international fast food restaurants are available all over the city. If you are feeling more adventurous with your shopping or just want to pick up some souvenirs then look no further than the city’s many Souqs. Traditional markets selling traditional wares, these are well worth a visit, particularly the famous Gold Souq specialising in jewellery; even if you can only afford to look. It is worth mentioning that the biggest problem weather wise that you will have in Qatar is the heat rather than the cold, and it is therefore better to enjoy a Qatar holiday during the winter months (even if you do risk a bit of rain). Visiting between November and March is generally advisable as these are the cooler months. If you do visit during the heat of summer do not despair, most places are satisfactorily air conditioned and visitors often say that it is worth the heat to enjoy what Qatar has to offer.