Most of the hotels and resorts in Qatar are based in the capital, Doha, so most of the exciting cultural activities, shopping and recreation can be found here, but not exclusively. About an hour north of Doha, the ancient New Stone Age petroglyphs fascinate all those who visit.

The inland sea of ‘Khor Al Adaid’ is a UNESCO recognised nature reserve and home to a host of endangered species such as turtles and dugongs. Khor Al Adaid is one of only three places in the world where the sea meets the sand dunes. Best reached via 4x4, the surrounding desert is an ideal site for sand skiing and quad biking.

The Pearl, Qatar, is one of the most impressive feats of engineering in the Middle East. This man made island offers housing, entertainment, sport and recreation over 4 million square metres. There is greenery, Mediterranean piazzas and canals, spas and shopping on this ambitious island project. Most of the expatriates living and working in Qatar in the run up to the World Cup 2022 reside here, so it’s a cultural melting pot of busy activity.

In the heart of the capital, you’ll find the Museum of Islamic Art. This architecturally stunning building is home to vast exhibitions, collections and libraries documenting art from the Islamic world, dating back as far as the 9th century. A day of learning and cultural understanding is enough to work up anybody’s appetite, and here, you’re treated to art of the culinary variety at IDAM by Alain Ducasse.

Just thirty minutes from central Doha, you’ll come across the Barzan Towers, built in the 19th century to protect valleys which collected precious rain water. These towers are extremely well preserved and provide a glimpse into the lives of Qataris over two-hundred years ago.