Doha is the beautiful capital of Qatar, located on the Persian Gulf and home to the majority of the country’s population. In 2006 the city hosted the world’s largest Asian Games yet, and has since continued to thrive and grow, now preparing for the prestigious FIFA World Cup in 2022. Doha has a surprisingly laid-back atmosphere and is a good base from which to explore the rest of the country. The city is also renowned to be safe, clean and accommodating of foreigners, which is not surprising considering the huge amount of expats that call Doha home.

As a cultural and commercial centre, Doha offers plenty to see and do. Topping the list of popular activities is shopping, an obsession fuelled by both mammoth modern malls and exotic traditional markets (souqs). Many of the travellers who visit Doha are primarily visiting on business, but the glitzy hotels, quality museums and booming restaurant scene keep everybody entertained.

Doha’s modern seaport, busy airport and great infrastructure make it very accessible to visitors, and Qatar is pouring wealth into developing the already sophisticated city into a cultural and economic powerhouse to rival the likes of Dubai. The skyline becomes more impressive and attractive every year and more and more travellers are discovering the wonders the city has to offer. A stroll along the Doha Corniche, ocean on the one side and glamorous cityscape on the other, should leave nobody in any doubt as to why Doha is emerging as a hugely desirable travel destination.