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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.