About
Qatar has a history tracing back to 4000 B.C. This barren Middle Eastern peninsula of sand dunes and salt flats has rapidly evolved from a poor pearl diving country to one of the wealthiest modern states in the Persian Gulf thanks to oil exportation. The monarchy has a progressive, modern vision for its Islamic nation, oil revenues have been invested to boost the country into a dynamic, upmarket tourism destination.
Experience the Bedouin culture: take a sunset cruise on a dhow to view the capital Doha’s skyline, stargaze into the black night sky, go pearl hunting from such beaches as Khor Al Udaid in the southern region with its tall dunes, watch a camel race at the track in Shahaniya or stroll along the Corniche promenade lining the Arabian Gulf by moonlight. You can also see the protected herds of Arabian Oryx on a farm located in Shahaniya or ride in a four wheel drive vehicle on a desert safari along sand dunes to the inland sea for an Arab meal and swim.
There are numerous first class hotels with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, spas, beaches and pools during your Qatar travel. A variety of watersports are available, as well as diving to such artificial reefs as oil drums and sunken cars. Golf is offered at Doha Golf Club, an 18-hole, 7,181-yard, par-72 championship course that has played host to major international golfing championships. Qatar also boasts state-of-the-art sports stadiums and complexes for tennis, squash, bowling, horseracing and ice skating.
Doha is an important cultural and commercial center and the country’s main seaport featuring a mix of Arabic and modern architecture. There are large shopping complexes and colorful souks. Offshore Palm Tree Island is a popular beach destination with cafes, watersports facilities and pools. Incidents of violence are rare in Qatar; the strong police presence is a comfort.
