Qatar in the midst of an immense spurt of economic growth is emerging as a unique tourist destination. This small desert peninsular has a varied landscape from limestone crops in the north to the magnificent white sand dunes in the south. The harmonious blend of deeply rooted tradition and culture with modern ideas is what makes Qatar such a vibrant and unique experience.
The pulse of Qatar is it’s capital city Doha. Whether you loose yourself in the rich colours and delicate aromas of exotic spices, shishas and perfumes in quaint shops at the traditional Souq Waqif or stroll along the spectacular crescent shaped Corniche and dhow harbour you’ll find this city holds many surprises. The distinctive high rises viewed from across the bay give you an insight into the mushrooming economy of Qatar. A visit to the Museum of Islamic Art designed by world renowned architect I.M. Pei, lends understainding to the culture that surrounds you in Doha. The expansive malls and souqs offer boundless shopping opportunities with unique treasures to remember your visit.
A drive through old historical towns with ancient seaports, caves etched with prehistoric stone carvings and forts unique to Arabian architecture bearing scars of battles won give you a glimpse into a rich past - the essence of modern Qatar.
With 700 km of coastline, Qatar is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf etched with beautiful coral reefs perfect for diving and fishing. The Mangrove Island, a great place to see migrating birds and flamingos seeking shelter in a natural lagoon and conservation projects around Qatar with deer , the Arabian Oryx and Camels in their natural habitat, are a real treat for the nature hungry. A trip to the equestrian club within Doha city is a great opportunity to see the distinguished collection of Arabian Horses.
There aren't many places in the world, where you can ski in the sand! In the north you can find stony deserts, while sand dunes can be found in the south, close to the Saudi border. Don't miss the limestone outcrops at Bir Zekreet (a tiny village in the West, near Dukhan) and the sand dunes south of Mesaieed.
The desert is what Qatar does best. If you don’t fancy camping overnight, at the very least take a half-day tour across the dunes. The drivers are incredibly talented (and slightly mad) and drive you across the steepest sand dunes at breakneck speed. Not necessarily for the faint-hearted, it is however a unique experience that should not be missed. True sandy desert, where tour guides will take you on a rollercoaster ride up and down the dunes in four-wheel-drive cars, pushing your adrenaline output to a all-time high. If you stay overnight there are facilities offering Bedouin tents strewn with persian carpets and the traditional majlis evoking Qatar's nomadic roots.
It is this combination of the living past and the vibrant present, which makes Qatar a stimulating and intriguing place to visit and explore.
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