With more than 560 km. of coastline, Qatar has always looked to the sea. While the harsh conditions of the desert interior afforded few opportunities for agriculture, Qataris have always settled around the peninsula’s coast where the shallow waters of the Gulf provided a reliable natural bounty of teeming marine life. For generations, fishing and pearl diving provided the mainstay of life for many communities and, while the latter succumbed to the advent of cultured pearls in the 1930s, Qatari waters remain rich in fish life, also attracting the largest pod of Whalesharks annually during the summer months.

Qatar’s largest area of sand desert lies to the south-west of the capital, with its high dunes a major attraction both for recreational safaris or simply to enjoy the spectacular landscape. The desert scenery constantly changes depending on the time of day and light conditions. The breath-taking colours of sunrise and sunset are especially dramatic in photographs and the clear night skies offer a rare treat for stargazers. Khor Al Adaid, the impressive ‘Inland Sea’, lies to the south of this expanse of desert.

Some 60 km from Doha in the south-eastern corner of the country lies one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, the ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid. A UNESCO recognized natural reserve with its own ecosystem, this is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. Inaccessible by road, this tranquil expanse of water can only be reached by a 4x4WD vehicle across the rolling dunes.

Qatar’s west coast offers plenty of interest. The area around Zikreet and the isolated Ras Abrouq peninsula is noted for its unspoiled sandy beaches, wild deer reserve and haunting lunar-like landscape of limestone rock formations sculpted by the wind into dramatic shapes.

Gypsum deposits in the center of the peninsula have given rise to the geological phenomena known as ‘desert roses’ (clusters of roughly rose-shaped gypsum crystals) and, most notably, the 40m deep cave at Dahl Al Misfir, formed largely of fibrous gypsum that sometimes gives off a faint, moon-like phosphorescent glow.

Al Thakira mangroves, lying just north of the city of Al Khor, present a large expanse of natural greenery in sharp contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. This area of vegetation with its own ecosystem is notable for attracting resident and migrating bird life, including flamingos and herons. A great way to explore the mangroves is by kayak, available from several destination management and specialist companies.

Qatar’s climate limits the variety of flora and fauna though, after any rain, the desert blooms with greenery. The national animal, the Arabian Oryx, which had become extinct by the 1970s, has been reintroduced since 1980 through an ongoing breeding programme. Other creatures occasionally encountered in the wild include foxes, jerboas, reptiles and various resident and migratory bird species, including flamingos. Dugong and hawksbill turtles are found in waters around the coast.

For sightseeing within the capital, DohaBus operates a ‘hop on, hop off’ service by double-decker covering many of the city’s major highlights. wwww.dohabus.com

Qatar also has a number of experienced destination management companies offering a range of organized tours and excursions with pre-arranged itineraries in Doha and nationwide. They can also put together tailored tour programmes to suit specific requirements.

Outside Doha, besides desert safaris (see below) some of the more popular tour operator excursions take in Al Zubarah in the north, Dukhan and the unspoiled Ras Abrouq peninsula on the west coast and trips to the camel racing track at Al Shahaniya.

For greater independence, hiring a rental car or a car with an accredited driver are two possibilities. Qatar’s roads are generally of a high standard with well-signposted directions.

A seven-kilometer long waterfront promenade around Doha Bay, the Corniche offers spectacular vistas of the city, from the dramatic high rise towers of the central business district to the bold shapes of the Museum of Islamic Art. Traditional wooden dhows lining the Bay evoke echoes of Qatar’s great seafaring past. The Corniche also provides a green, vehicle-free pedestrian space in the heart of the capital. The Corniche is also a popular destination for joggers and fitness enthusiasts.

Off-road desert safaris by 4×4 vehicle offer an exhilarating roller-coaster ride over the dunes, often taking in the spectacular Khor Al Adaid, or ‘Inland Sea’, as well as the chance to enjoy glorious desert sunsets and moonlit barbeques.

Most safaris take place in the vast tract of high dunes lying a short drive to the north of Doha and may include optional activities such as camel riding, sand boarding or driving a dune buggy or quad bike. Daytime, evening and overnight camping trips can all be arranged. Several destination management companies operate their own Bedouin-style camps in the desert. The camps are usually equipped with modern facilities.

A stroll down the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif provides an authentic taste of traditional commerce, architecture and culture. The maze of small shops offer a dazzling array of Middle Eastern merchandise from spices and seasonal delicacies to perfumes, jewellery, clothing, handicrafts and a treasure trove of souvenir bargains. Traditional music, art and cultural shows add to the ambience of this special place. Relax and soak up the energy and atmosphere at one of its eclectic mix of great restaurants and cafes. www.souq-waqif-doha.com

Trips aboard traditionally-shaped Qatari wooden vessels combine spectacular city vistas with a taste of the country’s centuries-old seafaring heritage. Full-day, half-day and evening sightseeing excursions, including a meal, can be arranged via beachfront hotels or through any of the leading local destination management companies. The vessels are usually furnished and decorated in traditional style and have been modernized to include visitor amenities such as bathrooms.

The new National Museum of Qatar brings the unique story of Qatar and its people to life, covering the earliest times to the present day and offering a vision of the future. Visitors embark on an eye-opening journey through three “chapters” — Beginnings, Life in Qatar, and The Modern History of Qatar — each presented through compelling story-telling and fully immersive environments that engage all the senses. nmoq.org.qa

Experience 15 centuries of Islamic art in a single day. The MIA’s magnificent and imaginatively presented displays of the finest art and artefacts from across the Islamic world have earned it recognition among the world’s top cultural institutions. No visitor can fail to be impressed by the quality and diversity the collections, housed in a modern architectural masterpiece designed by the award winning architect IM Pei. The museum ensures fresh interest through its constantly changing programme of special exhibitions. A fee may be charged for these temporary shows, but admission to the permanent galleries is free. www.mia.org.qa/en

Camel Racing, at the Al Shahaniya track, attracts large enthusiastic crowds during the winter racing season.

An innovative interpretation of the region’s architectural heritage, this purpose-built development’s impressive theatres, galleries and performance venues stage a lively year-round programme of concerts, shows and exhibitions. Among Katara’s recreational attractions are a wide choice of dining options, including top class restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, and a spacious, well-maintained public beach with water sports. www.katara.net/en

Falconry, a sport dating back 5,000 years, is avidly pursued by many Qataris during the hunting season.

The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island off the West Bay coast featuring Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, villas and hotels, as well as luxury shopping at top brand name boutiques and showrooms. A popular dining spot, its waterfront promenades are lined with cafes and restaurants serving every taste – from a refreshing ice cream to a five-star dining experience. The Pearl is a popular visitor attraction by virtue of its chic elegance, inviting description as the ‘Arabian Riviera’. www.thepearlqatar.com/EN/Pages/default.aspx

The Al Shaqab centre is devoted to perpetuating Arabian thoroughbreds, while Qatar’s equestrian tradition also flourishes at Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club.

One of Qatar’s leading shopping destinations is home to 500 of the best international and local retail stores covering every shopping need. Doha Festival City also features two food courts and an array of fine dining options to suit both casual and formal needs. The mall is also home to indoor and outdoor attractions unique to Qatar – from the country’s first VOX Cinema, Angry Birds World, and recently-opened Virtuocity; all of which were created exclusively for Qatar. www.dohafestivalcity.com/home/aboutus

Traditional music featuring wind instruments and drums is still widely played, especially at banquets, celebrations, weddings and special events.

Mall of Qatar has introduced a brand new shopping concept that is capturing the imagination of the entire nation with 500,000 sq. m of innovative shopping, top-notch recreation and remarkable leisure options. www.mallofqatar.com.qa/english/home

Traditional decoration and design remain important features of Qatari life, finding expression in the work of craftsmen in many field, including jewellery, architecture, henna painting and Arabic calligraphy.

Located on Qatar’s north-west coast and comprising the immaculately restored Al Zubarah Fort and surrounding 60-hectare archaeological works, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most extensive and best preserved examples of an 18th–19th century settlement in the region. It covers the remains of a walled coastal town that once ranked as one of the Gulf’s most important pearl diving and trading centers, with links extending to the Indian Ocean. The fort houses a visitor’s center. www.qm.org.qa/en/project/al-zubarah

Some 60 km from Doha in the south-eastern corner of the country lies one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, the ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid. A UNESCO recognized natural reserve with its own ecosystem, this is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. Inaccessible by road, this tranquil expanse of water can only be reached by a 4x4WD vehicle across the rolling dunes. www.visitqatar.qa/discover/tourist-hotspots/khor-al-adaid.html