Currently, Qatar does not have any municipality, council, or government-run beach parks. Those who like to go to the beach tend to use hotel facilities. Some of the most popular hotel beach clubs frequented by visitors and local residents are the Intercontinental, the Sheraton, the Ritz Carlton, the Marriott and the Sealine Beach Resort. Most offer day rates for casual visitors, whilst others require full membership.

As Qatar is a narrow peninsular jutting into the Arabian Gulf, it's hardly surprising that it has numerous beaches with sandy shores. Popular spots south of Doha include AI Wakrah by the dhow harbour and the stretch of coastline extending from Messaieed down past the Sea line Beach Resort to Khor Al Udeid. On the west coast, there are beaches at Zekreet and along the coast by the Dukhan oil fields, including the 'palm-tree' beach near Umm Bab. North of Doha offers the most options for beach lovers. Al Simaismah on the road to AI Khor is worth a visit, as is AI Khor and the area to the immediate south-east. The northern tip of the country has many fine beaches with shallow waters, including those around Al Huwailah, Fuwairat, and Al Ghariyah. More often than not these beaches have no signposts, directions, or dedicated parking areas, and to reach them it's usually a case of driving to the town or village and stopping when you reach the sea. Don't expect any facilities either, as sunshades, loungers, showers and toilets are not provided. You should also be extra careful when swimming, as there are no lifeguards. Another factor to consider is that unlike the hotel beaches that are cleaned regularly, public beaches are the mercy of the tides and may contain garb that has washed ashore. During the summer months especially, jellyfish can be a problem in the Waters around Qatar. Some people carry bottle white vinegar, which can help to neutralise a sting if applied to the affected area.

If conditions at these beaches sound a title primitive, you may prefer to use the facilities provided by some of the hotels .

If you need to escape from the stresses and strains of city life, there are plenty of oases of green within Dc' to help you unwind. In line with the rebuilding and redeveloping ethos currently sweeping the city. municipality's 'beautification department' has be. Hard at work improving the facilities at all of doha;s parks, so don't be surprised to find some areas off-limits for the coming months. In addition to. Public parks listed below, many resides. neighborhoods have enclosed, sometimes areas with lawns and trees, for the use of resident.

Al Muntazah Park

This is one of the older parks in Doha, and has Is, grassy areas and mature trees. Located at corner of the CoRing Road and Al Muntazah Stre-= the park is only accessible to women and child (boys up to the age of nine), and tends to :< busiest evenings and at the end of the WE Entrance is free of charge. Note that the park recently closed for renovation; the date 'Reopening was given as 'late 2005.'

Dahat at Ham am Park

Work is still in progress on this new park at corner of Arab League Street and Al Markiyah Sue but when finished it aims to be the Municipally" flagship park in Doha. The large plots will event the feature cafes, toilets, playgrounds, football pita: cycle tracks and even a showground with seating The park has plenty of greenery, with palm trees and open grassy areas, and at night the floodlights illuminate the whole area making quite an attractive sight. In line with other parks in the city, this is open to families only, so no single men will be allowed. Entry is free.

Museum Park

Next to the museum and overlooking the corniche and Doha Port, this large grassy area provides plenty of shade and places to sit and enjoy a picnic. Facilities are thin on the ground at the moment, as the park, along with the neighboring museum, is undergoing renovation, but it still makes a pleasant stop-off if you're in the area.

Rumeilah Park (aka Al Bidda Park)

Located opposite the corniche, this is a beautifully landscaped park that tends to be busiest on Fridays and in the evenings. It has an open-air theatre that is used during the annual Cultural Festival, and the impressive Heritage Village that was constructed to resemble a traditional Qatari village. There are a few shops that are open sporadically depending on the time of day and season of the year, and well maintained toilet facilities. A gallery, displaying artwork by local artists, is open 09:00 - 12:00 and 16:00 - 21:00. There is also a small kiosk where you can buy beverages and pre-packed snacks. The park is run by the Municipality and entry is free of charge, although single males or groups of men are not allowed as this is designated as a family park. The park stretches over two miles along the corniche, and can be accessed at most points along its length, although the main entrance (and the entrance to the Heritage Village) is on Majlis Al Taawon Street.

Sheraton

At the north end of the corniche, just before the Sheraton Hotel, this is another pleasant park enjoying great views across Doha Bay. There's a car park, as well as plenty of parking on the road, and you'll find a little kiosk selling refreshments. This is also where the dhows leave from to take you over to Palm Island .