Qatar is fast developing as a major Mid-east destination, after opening its doors to
tourism since 1989.
Qatar houses major historic forts, modern luxury hotels, impressive seascapes and sandunes and is home to the
Al Jazeera headquarters, the Arab world’s answer to CNN.
Doha, the capital of Qatar is located halfway down the east coast of peninsula. Doha is an important commercial and Cultural center and is connected in an excellent manner with the outside world through state-of-the art seaports, airports and telephone links.
Tourists can explore the natural environment of Qatar by taking an exciting desert safari, relaxing at the many beaches and pools or just enjoying their favourite sport, be it bowling alleys, tennis, snookers, billiards, golf courses, or ice skating rinks. There is something for everyone in this wonderful place.
1. The Kingdom of Aladdin (Entertainment City)The Kingdom of Aladdin is located at the West Bay area and comprises more than eighteen play features for all age groups. It also has an artificial lagoon, a rest house, a cafeteria and a theatre. It remains open
Sunday through Friday, and
Mondays and Wednesdays are dedicated for
ladies and children under twelve.
2. Oryx FarmVisitors to Qatar get to see the Oryx in its natural surroundings at the Oryx Farm, which is located at Shahaniya. Oryx, being the national animal of Qatar, one cannot find them in such large numbers anywhere else in the world. Arabia horses are well-known for their beauty. One gets to catch a glimpse of the Arab show and race horses that are pure-bred at the Al Shaqab Stud Farm. Other attraction is the Qatar Equestrian Club, where visitors come over to view its stables. Races and show-jumping events are held at the Rayyan Racing and Equestrian Club.
3. Water Sports and CruisesBeing surrounded by the Arabian Gulf on all three sides of the peninsula, there lies plenty of opportunities for cruising and water sporting. Sailing is a good pastime here, and many private firms offer windsurfers and dinghies for rent and there are sailing classes for novice sailors. A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow (Arab sailing ship) provides one with a stunning view of Doha at night, while luxury yachts could be rented for full day fishing trips. Apart from this, there are pedal boats, water cycle, parasailing, and wind-surfing.
4. Desert SafariMaking a trip to the inland sea, located in the middle of the desert, could be a fabulous way of spending the day. Sand dunes that are 60meters in height could be found along the way. Most air-conditioned vehicles are geared with necessary safety equipments to take one through an exciting, safe, tour to the mysterious desert. While traveling on the sand dunes, one gets to catch a view of the desert, and on listening closely one could hear the sands shift, while descending down the slopes.
5. ShoppingEager shoppers can get whatever they wish for in the large shopping complexes or tiny stalls in the market. Doha, with facilities such as the Doha City Center, which is the largest shopping complex in the Middle East, offers brands of world-class reputation, in addition to various other exciting family facilities. In the markets, unlike in all other places, items are not marked with traditional price tags.
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