Qatar

Qatar is a place that seems to spring from the surrounding desert with a glittering burst of glass. Doha, the country’s sophisticated capital, is a constant flurry of development. A modern skyline juts out of the surrounding dunes and the tree-lined promenades are designed to keep pedestrians and cars as cool as possible in the desert heat. There is a truly world-class selection of hotels, restaurants and museums to visit, plus the opportunity to head out into the desert to watch traditional camel races, experience the sunset over golden rolling dunes, and try out some fun outdoor activities.

Your time in Qatar will be spent in Doha. First head to the Souq Waqif, an area where the region’s traditional history is still present. Purchase handmade garments, take in the aromatic scents of spices and cooking meat, and wonder at how this slice of the past is still present and thriving in one of the 21st century’s greatest cities. Once you’ve looked into the past, look forward into the future by visiting the city’s busy shopping malls, exploring the enormous skyscrapers, and head into the incredible Museum of Islamic Art for contemporary art.