Architectural gems rise from sand dunes on the daily, as can be seen from the Doha Corniche. Despite the urban glamour, old markets like Souq Waqif have stayed untouched by time – pet stalls, textile shops, antiques, jewelry, and restaurants are still in abundance. Local leisures like falconry, camel-feeding, turtle-watching, and horse-riding may be costly, but will prove to be unforgettable!

In steeped-in-tradition Qatar, you can learn about the ancient pursuit of falconry, watch camels race across the desert and admire traditional dhows (wooden cargo boats) bobbing on the water. But the country is developing rapidly, with the capital Doha a world-class city in the making, thanks to its spectacular modern skyline, peerless Museum of Islamic Art, a fine and expansive traditional souq, and burgeoning arts and culinary scenes. On any given day you could sample a portfolio of sophisticated restaurants and then watch the sun set over sand dunes that seem to spring from a fairy tale.

As Qatar prepares to host the 2022 World Cup, there’s a flurry of activity and controversy in the air – as the nation uses imported laborers for the construction of roads, rail routes, and stadiums for future fans. The recent Saudi-led blockade of Qatar makes most onward Gulf travel from this once-popular stopover destination much more difficult.

Best time to visit Qatar

The best time to visit Qatar is from December to February when the temperatures are mild with average highs ranging between 22°C (72°F) and 25°C (77°F). January is the coolest month with temperatures ranging from 14°C (57°F) to 22°C (72°F).