Being the only major city in the country, if you’re coming to Qatar it is likely that a good proportion of your time will be spent in its capital, Doha. So, what’s in store? 

Firstly, from its humble roots as a small pearl fishing village, Doha has grown at an astonishing rate. In keeping with the Middle East’s efforts to embrace modern consumerism at a frightening pace, Doha is fast on track to securing Qatar a well earned place in the Middle Eastern rankings. From a tourist point of view, if you are intent on discovering a slice of the old style Qatari way of living, your best bet is to head to the Heritage Village off Doha’s Corniche, or to Doha Fort for a taste of the Ottoman empire. Otherwise, brace yourself for a modern city with dashes of older style architecture here and there (such as the well known Water Tower), whose days may be numbered. 

Museums and forts aside, an interesting excursion is to take a traditional Dhow boat ride along the river, or for something completely different pay a visit to the live animal market where you will witness the trading of goats, camels and even birds of prey.