QATAR:

Ruled by the Al-Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Oil and natural gas revenues enable Qatar to have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

Oil and gas account for more than 60% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have made Qatar one of the world's faster growing and higher per-capita income countries - in 2006 per-capita income equaled that of the EU. Sustained high oil prices and increased natural gas exports in recent years have helped build Qatar's budget and trade surpluses and foreign reserves. Proved oil reserves of more than 15 billion barrels should ensure continued output at current levels for 23 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas exceed 25 trillion cubic meters, more than 5% of the world total and third largest in the world. Qatar has permitted substantial foreign investment in the development of its gas fields during the last decade and is expected to become the world's top liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter in 2007. Qatar is also trying to attract foreign investment in the development of its non-energy projects by further liberalizing the economy.

DOHA CORNICHE:

Explore this seven kilometer stretch of the bay, which fronts the city of Doha. Explore with a guide or walk alone and see how the architecture of Qatar is changing.
The gardens are superb in winter, ablaze with colour and full of the scent of petunias - wonderful by day or night, and completely safe at any hour. There’s plenty to see in the bay, from fishing boats at anchor to resident or migratory birds.

QATAR NATIONAL MUSEUM:

Visit this interesting museum, which is housed in the restored palace of the former ruler, the late Sheikh Abdullah Bin Qassim Al Thani.Dating back to 1901, the exhibition looks at the history of Qatar through the ages.
The collections housed in the Museum give an insight into the lives and customs of the bedouin in the past, their craftwork and extraordinary knowledge of the desert. There is a collection of jewellery, and an interesting geological section.

WEAPONRY MUSEUM:

This museum houses some of the most spectacular exhibits dating back to the 16th Century. The amazing display of gold and silver swords and daggers make very interesting viewing.

It is well worth a visit to see the extensive collection of swords, traditional curved daggers (khunjars), and old weapons and armour dating back several hundred years.

Paintings and photographs are also included in the collection. Visits are only possible by special arrangement or as part of an organised tour.

DOHA SOUQS:

A Souq is the Arabic word for a market. Tours can be arranged to visit the City Center, Fish, Vegetable, Falconry, Omani, Camel and Gold Souqs, where you can have fun bargaining for your goods.
The older souqs, such as Souq Waqif, feature narrow covered alleys where shops sell all varities of spices, herbs for infusions, nuts, perfumes, household goods.
Other souqs feature textiles, where row upon row of materials, seemingly all the colours under the sun, spill out onto the pavement, and you can even find Liberty cotton lawns. You will find many Jewellery shops just the place to buy a lasting memento of your stay in Doha.

AL SHAQAB STUD:

Owned by the HH The Emir, this stud houses pure-bred Arabian show and racing horses. Visitors will be amazed at the beauty of these thoroughbreds, equalled only by the architecture and gardens in which they are kept.

DOHA ZOO:

Further out of town, the Doha Zoo offers the opportunity to see a variety of animals - from the oryx of the Arabian peninsula to Indian elephants - all set in attractive grounds, with shaded viewing areas and play areas for children.

ORYX FARM:

The national animal of Qatar, the Oryx now live and breed in protective herds and can be visited at the Oryx Farm.

CAMEL RACE TRACK:

Being part of the desert peninsula, Qatar is obviously home to the animal of the desert; the Camel. Earlier the Camel was used for transport mainly, however today the use of the Camel has deterioated considerably due to the onset of modernization. However Camel racing is still part of Qatari culture. The Camel racing season begins in October and continues till December.
Visit the Camel Race Track and see jockeys and trainers out exercising their camels ready for the next race.

DOHA FORT:

Located on the edge of the Souq area, this is a remainder of the Turkish occupation during the 19th Century. It houses examples of traditional decorative works such as wooden doors and panels.

DOHA CITY TOUR:

Explore this interesting Arabian city along the Corniche, visit the Diplomatic Area, West Bay, the traditional souqs,falconry shops, Doha Golf Club and the National Museum.

ZUBARA FORT AND THE NORTH:

Built in the 1930's, the fort has been converted into a museum, housing finds from excavations in the area. Lying on the north-western coast of Qatar, Al Zubara is reached after a visit to Al Khor, Qatar's second city. The fort is of square shape with three corner circular towers and one rectangular tower, distinguished from others, with the thickness and height of its walls.After seeing the fort, drive along the coast, passing by other fishing villages and places of interest.

THE INLAND SEA:

Travel south of Doha and into the desert from Umm Said. Enjoy the heart stopping dune-bashing as you ride the sand rollercoasters. Try sand ski-ing, enjoy a swim in the warm tranquil waters and marvel over the views towards Saudi Arabia. Surrounded by sand dunes, it is a beautiful area to spend the day or to camp overnight, the colours most spectacular at dawn and sunset. Nature lovers may see a variety of birds from flamingos to osprey (which nest on islands in the sea here), and watch gulls and terns crowding around shoals of fish, waiting for the opportunity to make a killing

SUNSET BARBECUE DINNER:

Enjoy a late afternoon adventure in the desert and watch the sun go down as a sumptuous barbecue dinner is prepared.

FISHING TRIPS:

Venture out into the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and enjoy a day fishing for local catch. Relax on board your boat and bask in the sunshine as you reel in many beautiful varieties.

LUNCH:

Available to supplement the main city tour or any of the options chosen from our selection of appetizers. International or traditional Arabic cuisine is available in a variety of different venues.

OVERNIGHT IN THE DESERT:

Extend your stay at the Inland Sea or your Sunset Desert Adventure by experiencing a night in the desert. Relax around the camp fire and count the stars as you totally unwind.

DOHA SHOPPING:

Visit thee wide variety of shopping options available in Doha. From the largest shopping centre in the Gulf, to the typical Arabian Souqs. Shop for designer goods, traditional Arabic perfumes, handicrafts and gold.

SPA TREATMENTS:

Indulge yourself with a visit to one of the luxury hotel spa around Doha. You can also visit the Thai Massage Centre and the Reflexology Clinic for rejuvenating experiences.

FINE DINING:

Treat yourself to a gourmet meal at the Diplomatic Club. Originally built as a palace, this beautiful building is the perfect venue for the extra special evening.

DOHA BY NIGHT:

Enjoy a typical Arabic dinner followed by the visit to an Arabic coffee shop for 'hubbly bubbly'. Extend your evening with a relaxing walk along the Corniche to see Doha lit up by night.

DHOW DINNER:

Relax abroad a traditional Arabic boat as you cruise around the Doha Bay. Enjoy a typical barbecue dinner and watch the sights of Doha as you cruise by.