In terms of visitor attractions, heritage sites, and areas of interest, it has been said in the past that Qatar doesn't have a great deal to offer. However, that is beginning to change. To attract and accommodate more tourists and visitors, Qatar has embarked on an ambitious programme to develop residential, commercial, leisure and entertainment projects, and to completely overhaul the country's infrastructure. Qatar already hosts a number of prestigious international events, but the 15th Asian Games to be held in Doha in December 2006 will present Qatar to a world audience. Athletes, officials and spectators from over 40 countries will converge on the capital, bringing with them masses of media attention that tourism officials here will be keen to exploit. To coincide with the new sporting and accommodation facilities being built for the games, the government is constructing a number of exciting cultural projects that will make Qatar even more attractive to visitors and residents. These include the Museum of Islamic Art, the Photography Museum, and the National library all coming up along the Doha Corniche. In addition to these brand new projects, many of the existing attractions in the country (and in Doha especially) are undergoing comprehensive redevelopment. While it may seem that Qatar will only be worth

Exploring once all this development work is finished, the country does already have a variety of attractions that are well worth a visit. Being a peninsula, Qatar is blessed with kilo metres of beaches and coastline, much of which is accessible to the public, and Doha is famed for its corniche where walkers can enjoy views of the Arabian Gulf. The interior of the country is characterized by barren desert plains and impressive sand dunes. A trip to Khor Al Udaid in the south-east provides an opportunity to drive a 4WD through the mountainous dunes and witness the impressive 'Inland Sea' as it meanders like a river through the desert. Closer to home, a dedicated army of municipality workers and regular irrigation ensures that visitors and residents have a good selection of pleasant green parks and open grassy areas to choose from. Many have facilities such as cafes and restrooms and are especially popul ar in the late afternoon and evening. To keep the younger generation occupied, Qatar, and Doha especially, has some exciting amusement and entertainment centres. For those in search of heritage and culture, Qatar does boast several forts, museums, and sites of archaeological interest. Some of these historical sites are outside the main populated areas and may be difficult to find, but there are various tour companies that organize trips. Within Doha, the sprawling souks offer a fascinating glimpse of an age-old Arabian shopping experience, while shoppers who prefer their creature comforts won't be disappointed with the selection of stores in Doha's modern malls.

The following is a list of the 'must sees' and 'must dos' in and around Qatar. There's plenty to keep you amused in the capital Doha, such as shopping, eating and sightseeing, but anyone who wants to escape the city should also find something that takes their fancy. For those that love the great outdoors, a thrilling trip to the 'Inland Sea' or a night beneath the stars in the desert is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Shopping

Modern malls such as City Center and Landmark give shappers plenty of oppartunities to part with their hard-earned cash. And when you have shopped till you're ready to drop, there's no end of cafes, restaurants, and even cinemas to help revive the weary. Doha Corniche Perhaps the most picturesque part of the capital, the corniche extends seven kilometers in a horseshoe around Doha Bay. It's a popular destination far walkers and joggers, and there are ample places to sit back and enjoy the skyline or the night lights.

Relax at the Ritz

With rich mahogany tables and chairs, lush sofas, and a chilled atmosphere, the Habanos Cigar Bar at the Ritz Carlton makes for a great escape - perfect far pre-dinner drinks, late-night cocktails, or a spot of luxury loafing any time of the day.

Palm Island

Located in Doha Bay, Palm Island is an ideal destination for families, with children's play areas, sports facilities, a cafe and a licenced restaurant. To reach the island, visitors take a ten-minute boat trip from the jetty near the Sheraton Hotel.

Umm Salal Mohammed

For a fascinating journey back in time, escape from the city and travel north from Doha to this historic village. You'll marvel at the ancient buildings and architecture, including the impressive fort and Barzan Tower.

Fish Market

A visit to the fish market is a great experience, especially if you can drag yourself out of bed before sunrise to watch the auctioning take place before the actual market opens to the public.

The country's main museum features a comprehensive history of Qatar, with displays of Islamic relics, Bedouin artifacts, and sections on oil gas and minerals. (The museum is currently closed far renovation but should reopen soon).

Shisha

Smoking a shisha is a favorite pastime of locals, and there are many cafes where you can sit back, relax, and sample the different flavors of tobacco on offer. Apple and grape are popular, but for a changes why not try a cappuccino shisha?

Doha Zoo

Doha Zoo houses a good collection 0.' familiar animals from around the world, plus desert creatures indigenous to the region. You can expect to see Oryx's, giraffes, elephants, baboons and zebras among the lush and spacious landscape.

Doha Trip

This is a fabulous way to see Doha from the water. The best time to take the cruise is in the evening. so you can enjoy the sunset and witness the city's skyline by night. Evening cruises will often include dinner and drinks too.

Khor AI Udaid

This area, also known as the 'Inland Sea' is at the south-eastern end of the country and requires a four wheel drive and an experienced driver to reach. The towering dunes and calm waters make it a great spot to go for a swim or even try your hand at sand skiing or boarding.

AI Khor Corniche

40km north of Doha, Al Khor is a small coastal village with a beautiful waterfront. It's a great location for a picnic lunch or dinner, especially during the cooler months. There is a quaint little museum on the waterfront that is free of charge.

Arabic Dining

Restaurants such as Al Majlis on Al Sadd Street and Balham bar on the corniche provide visitors with an unforgettable local dining experience. Enjoy some of the finest dishes this region has to offer while soaking up the unique atmosphere.

Wakra

Wakra is a pleasant little town just down the coast from Doha, with a museum, dhow harbor and beaches. It's also a haven for heritage lavers, with no end of historic architecture in the farm of old houses and mosques.

Overnight Desert Trip

An overnight desert trip is a great experience and a must for amateur star gazers. You will be far from all the city lights thus allowing you to fully enjoy the entire solar system, and you may even be lucky enough to see one or two shooting stars!

Sheikh Faisal's Museum

Housing a private collection to match the best public museums in the region, access to the Sheikh's Shahaniya farm can be arranged by appointment. Inside you'll find weapons, ceromics, jewels, currency, classic cars, and much mare.

Sauk Waqif

Souk Waqif is the oldest Arabian-style market in Qatar. You can quite literally lose yourself in the fascinating maze of alleyways, with their small shops selling anything and everything imaginable from pots and pans to clothing, spices, baskets, and perfumes.

Animal & Falconry Souks

Near the fruit and vegetable markets off Salwa Road, these sauks trade in sheep, chickens, ducks, camels, geese, rabbits, birds, domestic pets, and of course falcons. The souks are always full of colour, activity and interesting characters.

AI Rumeilah Park

Still sometimes known by its old name of Al Bidda, this public park opposite the corniche is especially popular in the evening and at weekends. It has lots of green spaces, cafes and facilities, and a heritage village built in the traditional style.

AI Shaqab Stud

Owned by His Highness the Emir, AI Shaqab Stud occupies a large site alongside Education City. The aim is to breed thoroughbred horses and to Maintain the breeding of the Qatari horse. There is a riding school too, offering lessons to all ages and abilities.

Oryx Farm

The Oryx is the national animal of Qatar and can be visually described as a mix between a goat and a ram. The largest Oryx farm In the world Is located in Shahaniya, west of Doha, and it is open to visitors by prior arrangement or through a tour company.

Camel Races

For the locals, a trip to the camel races is one of the highlights of the Qatar social calendar. You'll be entranced by the sights and sounds of the whale spectacle and you should even get to witness the new robot jockeys.