In nomadic society, desert travellers were always invited and welcomed to share food and drink. This tradition is deeply ingrained in Qatari culture and the serving of Arabic coffee and dates to welcome visitors remains a symbolic expression of this hospitality.

In traditional settings and at celebrations such as weddings, the age-old practice of communal dining is still followed and meal times are characterized both by the unfailing generosity of the host and the informality and warmth of the conversations that flourish over the shared feast.

Despite limited agriculture, traditional Qatari food can be surprisingly varied. While locally caught fish are always in plentiful supply, a number of staples have to be imported.

Over the years, local dishes have been influenced by the cuisine of the Indian Subcontinent, Iran, the Levant and North Africa. Local favourites include: Machboos, a stew of richly spiced rice with seafood or meat, mutton served with yogurt; Ghuzi, a whole roast lamb on a bed of rice and nuts; and stuffed boiled sheep or goat served with seasoned rice. This centerpiece of the meal is generally accompanied by a variety of side dishes, including chicken, fish and vegetables and salad.

Locally grown dates, fresh fruit and desserts such as halwa or Umm Ali round off a typical Qatari meal.

Qatar boasts a remarkable variety of dining possibilities. Many restaurants offer an authentic taste of Arabia and the Middle East, but all the major cuisines of the world are well represented. Options range from formal fine-dining to relaxed fast food outlets and coffee shops.

Many world renowned restaurants can be enjoyed across Qatar’s hotels, as well as at The Pearl-Qatar, West Bay Doha, Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village, amongst numerous other culinary corners of the city. These include well-known international culinary names like Morimoto, Alain Ducasse, Nobu, Sanjeev Kapoor, Jean-Georges, Wolfgang Puck and Antonio Carluccio, amongst others.

Since ancient times, traders and merchants have congregated in traditional markets to provide for the daily needs of the local community.

These souqs are still very much part of modern life in Qatar. Some specialize in a particular product area, such as fish or fruit, vegetables and spices. Others cover a vast and varied range of different items though, even here, certain areas of the market are often devoted to groups of adjacent shops all selling related products, such as clothing and fabric, gold and jewellery, spices or kitchen wares.

As noted elsewhere Doha’s central market, Souq Waqif, with its maze of alleyways and unique architecture and ambience, ranks as a major visitor attraction in its own right. But it is a great place for the dedicated shopper too, ideal for finding presents, souvenirs and regional specialties.

Popular purchases include: carpets, rugs and textiles; Bedouin weaving; Arabic coffee pots; antique silver; incense burners; prayer beads; inlaid jewellery boxes; miniature dhows; brass items; and regional art and handicrafts. The market – as well as the nearby specialist gold souq – is also an excellent source of great value jewellery, precious metals and stones.

Outside Doha, the port city of Al Wakra lying just to the north of the capital has its own thriving market – Souq Waqif Al Wakra.

Qatar is a great place to unwind in the warm sunshine. Around the country’s coastline are many unspoiled tracts of clean sandy beach and Doha itself boasts the well-tended facilities of Katara Public Beach among notable others.

For most visitors, the hotel pool – or, in some cases, private hotel beaches – are likely to be the first port of call. All major hotels have well-appointed pool areas, often in stunning garden settings with comfortable seating, the perfect place to lie back and take a well-earned break.

For the ultimate way to unwind in luxury, nothing can beat the pampering on offer at Doha’s luxurious spas. These superb facilities, mostly located in major hotels or clubs, perfectly combine the highest standards of comfort, service and treatment from east and west.

Many are operated by leading international spa operators, including Six Senses, Remede, Angsana, Anantara among other international names.

Children’s Facilities

Qatar is a family-friendly destination. Children’s pools, well-equipped safe play areas, babysitting and other services are available in all major hotels. Family facilities are also excellent at malls, public parks and elsewhere. Children entertainment and edutainment offerings are spread across the city and now include Kidzania, Bounce, and the region’s largest indoor entertainment offering at Doha Festival City including the world’s first Angry Birds theme park.

Family Outings

Katara Public Beach, with its supervised water sports facilities, makes an ideal destination for a family trip. Others include Aqua Park, with its many water rides, and Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve.

Many of the city’s leading malls have supervised indoor play areas and also feature a variety of family food outlets and a range of activities for older kids, including ice skating, ten-pin bowling and cinema complexes.

In contrast to the atmosphere and bustle of the souqs with their multiple small shops, there are many large stand-alone retail outlets and showrooms lining the streets of Doha’s main shopping districts, as well as a fine array of large and small malls offering visitors a total shopping experience in air-conditioned indoor comfort.

The latter feature department stores, brand name boutiques and individual shops offering an immense range of both regional and international products. Facilities usually include under-cover parking, banks, supermarkets, coffee shops, food outlets and entertainment activities, such as cinemas, ten-pin bowling and ice skating. Most malls also offer complimentary high speed WiFi, a concierge service for families with children and play areas for youngsters.

Here’s a list of the biggest malls in Qatar:

Al Hazm: www.alhazm.com
City Center: www.citycenterdoha.com
Villaggio Mall: www.villaggioqatar.com
Hyatt Plaza: www.hyattplaza.com
Doha Festival City: www.dohafestivalcity.com
Mall Of Qatar: www.mallofqatar.com.qa
The Gate: www.thegatemall.com
Landmark: www.landmarkdoha.com
Ezdan Mall: www.ezdanmall.qa
Gulf Mall: www.gulfmalldoha.com
Lagoona Mall: www.lagoonamall.com
Tawar Mall: www.tawarmall.qa
Al Khor Mall: www.alkhormall.com
Dar Al Salam: www.daralsalammall.com
Royal Plaza: www.royalplazadoha.com
The Mall: www.themalldoha.com
Mirqab Mall: www.mirqabmall.com
B Squaremall: www.bsquaremall.com