Qatar is all abuzz in anticipation of hosting the 15th Asian Games in 2006, and all eyes are focused on sport! For 15 days in December 2006, athletes from 45 countries and regions will compete for glory in a total of 423 events. For more information on the games, visit www.doha-2006.com. On a slightly less competitive level, the residents of Doha keep active in many sports and activities on a daily basis. This chapter lists the sports clubs, social groups, hobby societies and general activities that are worth looking into, especially if you've just arrived and want to make the most of life as an expat.

Aerobics classes are a good way to exercise - the music is loud and motivating, the instructor will squeeze every last ounce of effort out of you, and you can compare sore muscles afterwards with a group of other fitness fanatics! Step, pump, spinning, aqua and many other kinds of fitness classes are offered at most of the health clubs around Doha - check with each club for their schedule of classes. Prices vary from club to club, but if you are not a member you can expect to pay around QR 35 per class. It is usually necessary to book in advance for the popular classes at peak times.

Bio-Bil Health, Beauty Centre & Spa

Set in luxurious surroundings and taking up three floors of the prestigious Bilal Suites Building (in the West Bay next to City Center Mall), this amazing salon and spa features the latest equipment and highly trained staff. In addition to beauty treatments and sports therapy, the spa also has a gym for men and women where you get round-the- clock advice from personal trainers on fitness programmes, nutrition and fat reduction techniques. There are also group fitness classes and yoga classes in the aerobics studio. Other facilities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam rooms, and Turkish and Moroccan baths. Contact the spa for enquiries about membership. The daily rate is QR 50.

Doha Club

The Doha Club offers Aqua Aerobics on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also do step aerobics and Pilates classes. You can either pay per class (QR 35) or per month (QR 350). For more information and a schedule of classes, call Leslie (554 8935).

Fun town

Fun town is reserved exclusively for women, although boys up to the age of ten can accompany their mothers). Apart from a range of exciting leisure activities (including a bowling alley, ice-skating rink, children's play area and squash courts), Fun town also has a fully equipped gym where you can do aerobics classes. Each class costs QR 35.

InterFitness Club

The comprehensive health club at this hotel has a 24 hour gym, as well as a range of exciting fitness classes. Choose from something quiet like a stretch class, or something more strenuous like a 'Total Beach-Body Workout'. There is also a running group affiliated to the club, and an active tennis club.

Ramada's Cabana Club

Fitness classes at the Cabana Club are open to members and non-members. Choose from step aerobics (a great cardiovascular workout), water aerobics, stretch classes and gym personal training classes (where you can learn the proper techniques for weight training). You can also take classes in yoga and pilates.

The Ritz-Carlton Doha

If you want high-impact, maxiumum calorieburning exercise classes, you can try spinning, circuit training, body combat and body pump. If you want something a bit more gentle (but still effective), you can try resistance ball, stretching or body balance classes. And the 'Absolute Abs' class will blitz any wobbly bits you have around the middle! All classes cost QR 35 for non-members; members can join the classes for free.

Badminton can be played on the multi-purpose outdoor court (also suitable for basketball, football and baseball). The cost for badminton is QR 60 for non-members, and QR 45 for members. Booking is essential. For more information, contact the club at the above number (ext.225), or call Mangala on 526 9338.

Sealine Beach

Sealine Beach Resort has badminton court available for hourly hire. The cost for one hour is QR 10. It is wise to book the court in advance, as it gets quite busy.

Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort

This club has a badminton court but it is for use by hotel guests and club members only_ Non- members can only play if accompanied by a member. The cost per hour is QR 20.

This baseball league is open to boys and girls (aged 4 - 18). If you have children who are interested in playing, call Ed Dixon (556 0975) for more information on registration, location and timings. There are 20 teams in the league, which began its ninth season in September 2005.

Many of the basketball courts in Doha are in health clubs and therefore are reserved for use by members only. However, there are places where non-members can play basketball; some of the health clubs allow non-members to play on their courts, as long as they are accompanied by members. And the Doha Club hires out its court to non-members. The Diplomatic

Members can use the half-size basketball court from 07:00 to 22:00. Balls are available from the recreation reception. Regular social sessions are organised so that keen players can practise together.

Doha Club

Basketball can be played on the multi-purpose outdoor court (which is also suitable for baseball, football and badminton), but obviously the summer temperatures may see you sticking to indoor activities. For more information on prices, timings and reservations, please contact the club on the above number (extension 225) or call Mangala on 526 9338.

Ramada's Cabana Club

Although there is no fee to play basketball on this court, it is for the use of members and hotel guests only (although non-members are allowed to play when accompanied by a member). It is advisable to book one day in advance, especially since there are regular 'Basketball Nights' organised during the week.

Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort

This club has an indoor court that is suitable for basketball - it is open throughout the week from 07:00 - 22:00. It is only for use by members of the club, who have to pay QR 50 to use the court. Booking in advance is required.

If you aspire to the boating life but can't be bothered with all the hard work of owning your own boat, you can still sail off into the sunset on a chartered boat or a cruise. The companies listed below offer various options depending on how long you want to go for, and how many people are in your group.

Doha Club

A boat is available for a full-day charter - a day trip takes seven hours, departing at 10:00 and returning some time after 16:00. It is possible to leave earlier, if required. The boat can carry up to 21 people. A full day's charter will cost QR 800, a trip to Banana Island costs QR 300 and a trip to Safliya Island costs QR 200. Booking is essential - contact Mr. Dawre on the above number (ext. 243) or on 580 0530 - he will be able to tell you if the weather is good enough to sailor not.

Regatta Sailing Academy

The Regatta Sailing Academy has a range of sailing vessels to suit all requirements, including funboats, training boats, dinghies, and even a 28 foot yacht that can be used for pleasure or racing. The academy is staffed with fully qualified British Royal Yacht Academy instructors, who provide instruction in the safety of the lagoon area before venturing out into the waters of Doha Bay. Call for more information on prices and weather conditions.

This one-stop fun centre for ladies has a long list of facilities, including a six-lane bowling alley. It costs QR 10 for a game (for one person), and if you need to buy socks, they cost QR 8. Boys are allowed up to the age of ten.

Qatar Bowling Centre

The Qatar Bowling Centre has 32 lanes. The entrance fee is QR 10 and then each game costs QR 7 (including shoe rental). Alternatively, you can take out a yearly membership for QR 400. Entrance is free for members. There are some league teams that play regularly (usually on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday evenings) and hold tournaments. Tuesday mornings are reserved for ladies only. The centre has a food court where you can get snacks and soft drinks.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland has a ten-lane bowling alley. Prices for a game are flexible: if you play between 10:00 and 14:00, a game costs QR 7. If you play from 14:00 onwards, it costs QR 10. A yearly standard membership costs QR 150 and a yearly league membership costs QR 75 - both standard and league members play QR 7 per game, at any time of day. Alternatively you can pay QR 500 for the 'Strike Gold' membership card, which lets you play 100 games at your leisure. Socks cost QR 6 and you can rent a locker for QR 100.

Qatar Boxing Federation

The primary function of this federation is to promote Qatar boxing. However, if you are a keen boxer and would like to practise regularly, you can contact them and fill in the information form, and you will be able to use the facilities. You will have to undergo a medical test before you start.

This is your chance to experience something that you probably wouldn't get to do in your home country: a camel ride along the beach. It costs QR 15 for a quick ride, and QR 100 for a hourlong ride (padded shorts are recommended for this option').

To camp in Qatar you will need a well-equipped 4 WD and a group of friends who are experienced campers and know their way around once you get off road. Of course, if you don't have your own 4 WD (or your own friends!), there are companies that can take the hard work out of camping, providing tents that are relatively luxurious, food, water and entertainment. Qatar International Tours Live the bedouin lifestyle, but without the hardship - QIT will provide all camping equipment including a tent, fully furnished with carpets, cushions, sleeping bags, dressing rooms, and a table and chairs. They even provide sweet water for the showers. A typical night out in the desert starts with the lighting of a huge bonfire, and then while you relax the chef prepares a sumptuous barbecue feast. The minimum number of people required for desert camping is eight. A band and belly dancer are available on request (and for an extra charge).

This cycling group is open to members of the public who are keen cyclists. They organise regular rides and races in the categories of road racing, time trials, individual and team races, mountain biking and triathlons. The federation's official team has participated in many international races and they are training for participation in the 2006 Asian Games. For more information, visit the website or send an email to aljaaass@yahoo.com.

You can charter a dhow for QR 75 per person, including lunch. The trip takes you to the nearby islands, or if you prefer you can just cruise along the corniche. Trips can last anywhere between three and eight hours, depending on your preference (the price will vary accordingly).

Palm Tree Island Boat Company

A dhow will take you to Palm Tree Island at a cost of QR 20 for adults and QR 15 for children, which includes a soft drink and snack. The trip from the corniche to the island takes about ten minutes; no booking is required. Call Nahed on 486 9151, 4865178 or 5509832 for more information.

It offers a range of diving courses and awards BSAC qualifications. The basic course lasts for six weeks and includes pool practice, lectures and accompanied sea dives. Further qualifications, such as Sports Diver, Diver Leader, Advanced Diver and Instructor, are available. Shore dives are arranged to two artificial reefs that are still under construction by the club. Trips are also arranged to dive sites at Dukhan, AI Khor and the natural coral reefs in the Inland Sea. There are many wreck dives to be found in Qatar's waters. The club owns two boats that are used for offshore trips. On the social side, the club has its own clubhouse and hosts regular barbecues and get-togethers. The club has about 130 diving members. Membership is open to all, even for those who don't dive. New diver membership costs QR 1920 (this includes the cost of Ocean Diver Training). Annual renewal is QR 1200. Contact the club for more information.

Pearl Divers

Pearl Divers is a 5-Star PADI facility - their instructors can help you become a proficient diver in less than a week. After you've completed your training you will get the PADI Open Water Diver certification, which is internationally recognized. Visit the Pearl Divers shop for a comprehensive range of diving equipment and accessories.

QDive Marine Center

This centre offers a full range of diving services, equipment rental and retail. They arrange diving, snorkelling and fishing trips, either with a speedboat or on the classic dhow. They also offer a range of diving courses accredited under PADI. Their shop is the Qatar distributor for renowned brands like Zeagle, Sherwood and Genesis.

Qatar Fencing Federation

This association caters for those who are serious about fencing - they send a Qatar team to the Fencing World Championships and the Asian Games. The association is also open to members 0the public who are interested in fencing though, and beginners can play on Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays from 16:00 to 19:00.

The clear, warm waters of the Arabian Gulf provide rich fishing grounds. From sardines to sailfish. you'll have the chance to catch it in the waters of Qatar's coast. During the fishing season (October to May) you should be able to enjoy some successful fishing trips where your catch might include kingfish, tuna, mackerel and barracuda.

Doha Club

Fishing trips are available through the club, at a cost of QR 800 for a full-day trip. While the trip is available in summer, it might be more comfortable to go in winter when the weather is cooler. You can expect to catch fish such as hammour, barracuda and kingfish. You have to provide your own fishing equipment and lunch. Trips cannot take place in certain weather conditions, so book in advance and then phone before you go just to make sure that the trip is on.

Qatar International Tours

A full-day fishing trip with QIT costs QR 180 on the traditional dhow, or QR 200 on the fishing boat. The price includes lunch, fishing line, bait and soft drinks. The QIT captain is highly experienced and guides the boat to locations that yield the best catch.

Aviation Science Centre

This aviation centre offers a safe and supervised environment for flying model aircraft. For more information, please contact Mr Khalid AI Khater on the above details or by email (rafco@qatar.net.qa).

The multi-purpose outdoor court can be booked for football (as well as other sports such as badminton, basketball and baseball). It costs QR 75 for an hour and QR 125 for two hours. Contact the club for more information, or call Mangala on 526 9338.

Doha Golf Club

Doha Golf Club is open daily to members and nonmembers. It has a 7,312 yard, 18 hole championship course and a floodlit nine-hole academy course. It is also home to several restaurants, lounges and conference rooms. The club's Golf Academy is a state-of-the-art teaming and practice facility with custom-built chipping, putting and bunker areas. The club is host to the Qatar Masters tournament, which has ':lee regular feature on the European Tour schedule since 1998

The Qatar Hash is a mixed hash, running on Monday afternoons. There is a family barbecue on the first Monday of every month, at which kids are welcome. For more information contact Chris Dommet (dommetCchris@hotmail.com; 5857491), Keith Davis (davis@qp.com.qa; 4475783), or Phil York (payork@qatar.net.qa;  582 0684).

The hockey scene in Qatar is an informal affair, but there are enough enthusiasts to make sure newcomers will be able to find a game. There are four clubs - Wanderers, Pakistan HC, Gateway and Doha - and tournaments and matches between the clubs are arranged from time to time. There are currently no dedicated outdoor venues for hockey, but hopefully this will change after the Asian Games in 2006. All interested players are encouraged to join in. Costs are low, covering only the hiring of the ground, if required. Players should bring a stick and shin pads, although beginners can borrow equipment initially. Teams usually play on Tuesday evenings at the Qatar International School. Contact Neville Gibbs for more information.

Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club

The QREC offers riding tuition for all ages, conducted by highly qualified instructors. After filling in the application form and paying the monthly subscription fees (QR 300), you can have three lessons per week.

Sea line Beach Resort

At this beach resort you can enjoy a horseback ride along the beach for QR 15 (or you can hire a horse for one hour for QR 100). Camel rides are also available.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland has a full-size ice-skating rink that can be used for recreational skating or for training - there are several ice hockey leagues that use the facility. There are qualified coaches on hand to help beginners with their technique. Skate hire is available. For more information, call the above number or 4839163 (the direct line for the ice rink).

Funtown

Funtown is for ladies only, although boys are allowed up the age of ten. For an ice-skating session lasting one hour and 45 minutes. it costs QR 35. You can buy a full-day pass for QR 50 and a monthly pass for QR 150.

Winter Wonderland

The full-size rink is available for recreational skating, and a quick spin on the ice certainly provides a novel and welcome respite from the summer heat outdoors. A single skating session costs QR 35 per person, and the entrance fee for non-skaters is QR 10. A full-day pass costs QR 50 from Sunday to Wednesday and QR 100 from Thursday to Saturday. Various membership packages are available: Silver Monthly Membership costs QR 400 and allows unlimited access from Sunday to Wednesday while Gold Monthly Membership costs QR 750 and allows unlimited access at any time. Extra services include skate hire, skate sharpening (QR 75). professional lessons (packages starting from QR 350) and ice hockey classes. The direct number for the ice rink is 4839163.

Kayaking

This resort offers many water sports from its beautiful stretch of private beach. You can hire a Kayak for QR 40 per hour.

Doha Club

Lessons are available in the martial arts of karate, taekwondo and judo. Karate lessons are every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with Capt Naggar (584 8749). Taekwondo lessons are with Capt Hatem (5535287) on Mondays and Wednesdays. Karate and taekwondo lessons cost QR 150 per month. Judo lessons are with Capt Hamad (5696021). All these disciplines are taught at various levels (beginners. intermediates and adults). Call the relevant captain for more information.

IAID

The International Academy for Intercultural Development offers Shotokan karate classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Those who take karate seriously should be able to get to black-belt status in two or three years. Every three months there is an examination to assess your readiness to proceed to the next level. The monthly cost is QR 100 for children and QR 150 for adults.

Ramada's Cabana Club

Apart from being able to defend yourself, the benefits of karate and taekwondo include improved physical fitness and energy levels. The Cabana Club has lessons for beginners and advanced students. Call the club for information on prices and lesson times.

Taekwondo Centre

Classes are available for men, women and children and are split into three levels: beginners (white and yellow belts), intermediate (green to red belts) and advanced (senior red and black belts). The coach, JK Shin, is a 7th Dan Black Belt, a member of the Qatar National Taekwondo Team and the coach for Korea's National Taekwondo Team.

Motor Sports

The Diplomatic

The QMMF organizes rallies and provides advice on driving skills. One of the immediate ways you can get involved is to volunteer to become a marshall at one oftheir events, held throughout the year. Visit the website to download a volunteer application form, and to find out more information about the federation's upcoming events.

Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation

QMMF promotes two- and four-wheel motor sport in Qatar, organising several events every year. They are always on the lookout for keen volunteers who can help with the organisation of these events, such as marshalling on the day. Visit the website to download the volunteer application form.

The Diplomatic Club

Among other waters ports and activities available at the Diplomatic Club, you can have a go at parasailing. One round costs QR 100 for adults and QR 75 for children.

Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort

A parasailing session here lasts for about 15 minutes and costs QR 100. It is necessary to book in advance.

The Diplomatic Club

The Diplomatic Club has a 21 foot powerboat that can be hired for day trips, fishing trips, water skiing and island drop offs. The hire includes an experienced captain. If you are water skiing, instruction is available, and safety cover is provided by trained lifeguards on jet skis.

As long as you are 16 years old and have a valid driving licence (for identification purposes), you can hire a quad bike from the Sealine Beach Resort. It costs QR 150 per hour for a big bike (160cc) and QR 100 per hour for the medium or small bike (80cc or 50CC). Attendants are helpful and will show you how to operate the bike. If you get stuck in the sand they will hop on a spare bike and come and help you out!

Doha Rugby Union Football Center

This active centre was formed in 1974. Today it has 150 mini rugby players, an U16 side, and first and second XV, a vets' team, a gulf-recognised colts' side and two ladies' teams that have won virtually every tournament in the last two years (including two successive wins at the renowned Dubai Rugby 7S). Perhaps one of the reasons for the centre's success is its dedicated army of supporters, known to number as many as 700 at some local matches. If you would like to join the centre, contact any member of the Executive Committee. Alternatively, you can just show up at the grounds on Sunday or Tuesday evenings at 19:00, with your kit.

The only two hazards that might hamper your running in Qatar are high temperatures and crazy drivers. On the whole though, the climate is bearable for most of the year (and absolutely perfect in the winter), and there are plenty of routes around the less busy roads allowing you to avoid the cars. Running along the corniche is particularly enjoyable, and proves to be a very popular spot for Doha's joggers.

InterFitness Club

InterFitness aims to gather together running enthusiasts of all fitness levels for an organised run once a week. Runners meet on Wednesday evenings at the corniche - there is no need to book, and no charge; all you need is your running shoes! Call the club for more information.

The year-round favorable weather conditions and the calm waters off the coast mean that sailing is a popular sport in Qatar. Regular events and regattas are held.

Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation

The Qatar Sailing & Rowing Federation is responsible for promoting sailing in Qatar, with the support of the Doha Sailing Club. The club has a variety of boats suitable for all ages, including the following: Optimist, Laser 4.7, Laser Radial, Laser Standard and Catamaran.

Some boats belong to members, but many are owned solely by the club and the QSRF. To find out more about how you can get involved in the elegant sport of sailing, contact Mr. Abdulla (the president of DSC) or Mr. Rashid (the secretary-general of QSRF) on 443 9840 or 442 0305 respectively.

Regatta Sailing Academy

The academy has a range of equipment suitable for sailors of all ages, including lasers, dinghies and sports boats. You can seek the advice of several fully qualified British Royal Yacht Association instructors, and get some pointers in the safety of the lagoon before progressing to the waters of Doha Bay.

For thrills and spills, desert style, try sand boarding on the dunes. You won't reach the breakneck speeds of snow boarding, and if you do fall off you'll land in lovely soft sand! This must-try activity is offered by most of the tour operators.

Qatar International Tours

Whether you choose to go on the half-day or fullday desert safari with QIT, you'll have the opportunity to try sand skiing. A half-day tour lasts four hours and costs QR 200 per person. A full-day tour lasts eight hours and costs QR 275. For each tour a minimum of four participants is required.

Qatar Shooting

Although this organisation used to be solely for members of the national shooting team, it is now open to the public. People can practise clay target shooting, skeet shooting and trap shooting, and there will be regular precision shooting events.

Facilities will be the same ones used for training by the national team - the shooting range located on the northern outskirts of Doha (opposite the new North Atlantic College building). The prices are as follows: skeet shooting - QR 50 (25 targets), trap shooting - QR 70 (25 targets), double trap shooting - QR 80 (50 targets).

Many major clubs, hotels and resorts in Doha have at least one snooker table. Prices vary from QR 5 to QR 20 per hour of play (not including any entrance fee you may have to pay).

Qatar Bowling Centre

The bowling centre has nine snooker tables. Entrance is QR 10, and each game (one hour) costs QR 10. It is not necessary to book in advance, unless you plan to play during peak times or at the weekend. You can become a member - annual membership costs QR 400 and members don't have to pay the entrance fee Gust the game fee).

Apart from being a top-class dive centre, QDive also offers snorkelling trips. Depending on the weather, there are weekly trips to either the southern or northern waters off Qatar's coast. Day trips are also available to the Banana and Safleya Islands.

Many hotels and fitness clubs have squash courts, although these may be reserved for use by members and hotel guests only. Member-only courts are available at Ramada's Cabana Club (4417417), the Sheraton (4854444) and the Inter Fitness Club (4844979).

Doha Club

The club has airoconditioned squash courts, and lessons are available. For more information on lessons and prices, please contact Essam Faraj on 5765770.

Duffers Squash League

This fun squash league is for young and old, men and women, serious players and 'duffers' alike. Depending on your ability, you will be assigned to play at one of five levels, and you will get to play against four different opponents each month. Although it is a fun league, there is a healthy sense of competition and it is a great way to get in or stay in shape. Games are played at various locations in Doha - you will decide with your monthly opponents where to play. To sign up for the league, or get more information, visit the website.

Khalifa Tennis & Squash

The squash courts at this club have recently undergone renovation (due to reopen in November 2005). Timings and prices are subject to change, but the courts are open from 08:00 to 23:00, and to hire a court for one hour costs QR 25.

The Ritz-Carlton Doha

The Ritz Carlton has one squash court that can be used by members and nonomembers. For members there is no charge, while non-members have to pay QR 50. At present squash lessons are not available. Booking is required in advance call the hotel for details.

InterFitness Club

Swimming lessons are available here for members and non-members. A private swimming lesson costs QR 100 for an hour and QR 75 for half an hour. It is recommended that people who are serious about learning book a package of ten one-hour sessions at QR 850. Group lessons (maximum four people) are available at a cost of QR 50 per person. Members get a 10% discount off all lessons.

Ramada's Cabana Club

You can learn to swim here under the watchful eye of qualified instructors and in a temperaturecontrolled swimming pool. Choose from group or individual lessons. For groups, a package of eight lessons for children (up to 14 years old) costs QR 250 for members and QR 300 for non-members. For adults (over 14 years), packages cost QR 450 for members and QR 600 for non-members. Individual sessions cost QR 35 (members) and QR 45 (nonmembers) for children and QR 60 (members) and QR 80 (non-members) for adults.

The Ritz-Carlton Doha

The Ritz Carlton is equipped with an attractive 25metre swimming pool that is ideal for swimming training. Lessons are offered from time to time, both for members and non-members. Swimmers are advised to call the club for details of timings, costs, and lessons.

Doha Club

Doha Club has three table tennis tables that can be used by non-members for QR 20. Members can use the tables for free. Table Tennis lessons are also available on request.

Qatar Bowling Centre

There are three table tennis tables at the Qatar Bowling Centre. Entrance costs QR 10, and then an hour of table tennis costs a further QR 10 (i_ncluding racquet hire). Booking is not required, but it is recommended, especially during busy times. You can become a member of the Bowling Centre - annual membership costs QR 400. Members receive various benefits, and once you're a member you won't have to pay the entrance fee.

Ramada's Cabana Club

Table tennis is available at the Cabana Club from 19:00 to 21:00. Members pay QR 5 per person, and members' guests pay QR 15. Call the club for more information.

Doha Club

Private or group tennis lessons are available here on one of seven floodlit courts - contact Alex Rosca on 570 0439 for more information. Members can use the tennis courts for free, and non-members can hire a court for QR 20.

Ilnter Fitness Club

There are two courts available for hire at QR 30 per hour (advance booking is recommended). On Fridays and Sundays (18:00 - 20:00) there is social tennis, where you can meet other players. Social tennis costs QR 25 (free for members). Private lessons are available at a cost of QR 120 for nonmembers and QR 110 for members.

Khalifa Tennis & Squash

The Khalifa Tennis and Squash Stadium, home of the $1 million Qatar Open, has hosted some of the game's greats over the last few years. Tennis courts are available for hire at a cost of QR 25 per hour (booking is required). Lessons cost QR 200 per month (for three lessons a week).

Ramada's Cabana Club

Private lessons are available and the costs are as follows: Members pay QR 430 for 12 sessions, QR 320 for eight sessions and QR 45 for a single session. Non-members pay QR 550 for 12 sessions, QR 400 for eight sessions, and QR 55 for a single session. Only members can hire a court for non,lesson play. To hire a court costs QR 20 per hour (but there is an extra charge of QR 10 if the member brings a guest).

The Ritz-Carlton Doha

At the Ritz Carlton there are two indoor tennis courts available for hire. Club members can use the courts for free; non-members have to pay QR 50. Tennis lessons are available at QR 115 per hour.

Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort

Although the facilities here are officially for the use of members only, use of the tennis court and private coaching is possible for non-members during quiet times. There is an indoor and outdoor court, but booking is recommended to ensure availability. Volleyball

Doha Club

You can play volleyball on the Doha Club's outdoor court at a cost of QR 150 for two hours. For reservations, call Mangala on 526 9338.

The Filipino Volleyball Association

You don't have to be from the Philippines to play with the Filipino Volleyball Association of Qatar. All players are welcome; the only prerequisites are that you are not a professional club player, and you pay the annual membership fee of QR 20. Matches are played on Fridays from 13:00 on the volleyball court at the Philippine International School of Qatar (near the New Rayyan branch of Qtel). For more information contact the chairman Uoey Angeles - 5375994), vice chairman (Rocky Lumicao - 5612370), tournament director (Erick Cruz - 5207785) or tournament secretariat (Ammie Jaca - 5366972). Team registration forms and membership application forms can be picked up from the tournament secretariat.

Qatar boasts some impressive sand dunes, reaching heights of nearly 50 metres. With a skilled driver, you can spend a thrilling afternoon racing up sand dunes and navigating your way down the other side. Unless you are extremely experienced, it is safer to enlist the help of one of the tour operators than to attempt dune baShing yourself. If you do go off into the desert in your own vehicle, always adhere to safety precautions and most importantly, travel in convoy'

Qatar International Tours

Experience the thrill of riding up and over dunes and through rugged wadis on an organised trip with QIT. You can choose from a half-day tour (lasting four hours and costing QR 200 per person) or a full-day tour (lasting eight hours and costing QR 275 per person). There must be a minimum of four participants per trip.

The Diplomatic

A range of watersports is available here, and nonmembers can pay an entry fee to use the facilities (QR 75 on weekdays, QR 100 on weekends). Wakeboarding is available for adults and children. The club has wakeboarding coaches on hand, so you can become a wakeboarding pro perhaps even learn how to jump three metres high off the specially installed pylon! Wakeboarding costs QR 100 per hour; there is no extra charge for instruction. All waters ports are available from 09:00 to just before sunset.

The Diplomatic Club

An hour of water skiing costs QR 100, and coaching is available at no extra cost. Members can enter the club for free, but non-members have to pay an additional QR 75 on weekdays and QR 100 on weekends. Water skiing is available from 09:00 until just before sunset.

Water Sports

Sealine Beach Resort

This resort offers a range of watersports activities from kayaking and pedal boating to jet skiing and aqua cycles. Contact Sealine for more information on prices.

Regatta Sailing Academy offers windsurfing lessons at Sheraton Lagoon. An hour-long lesson costs QR 150, and all equipment is supplied. Beginners are welcome.