Qatar, A Peninsula Flourishing in the Desert

By Lisa Loverro

Descending into Qatar via Qatar Airways is a visual feast for one’s eyes. Their capital city, Doha, set along the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf gives way to a land of sandy desert, modern skyscrapers and Islamic arts.
Although most American’s minds turn to Dubai when planning a trip to the Middle East, Qatar, with a total population of approximately 1.4 million is a sun drenched country filled with desert excursions and shopping bazaars; natural attractions, water sports and historical museums. There are luxury resorts and an array of culinary surprises, from critically acclaimed Gordon Ramsey’s Maze restaurant to the local eateries.

The Heart of the Gulf
The country was once just a poor pearl fishing center but is now one of the richest in the Gulf thanks to the oil and gas fields. And while boasting sunny, warm days year-round, Qatar is one hot destination, literally. As an up and coming destination in the Middle East, Qatar Airways is targeting a big push for the American Market. “Qatar Airways flies daily non-stop flights from New York (JFK), Washington, DC (IAD) and Houston (IAH) to Doha and beyond, for a total of 21 weekly flights to Doha from the U.S.” states Boyd Bailey, Marketing Executive of Qatar Airways for the Americas.
There are plenty of well-known and highly respected hotels to accommodate those arrivals too. And, the capital city of Doha is growing so quickly that the number of available rooms is predicted to jump from 8,500 to 29,000 by 2013, according to Cristina Mules, head of marketing at Qatar Tourism Authority. The Ritz Carlton (www.ritzcarlton.com) operates two properties in Doha. Their first, the Ritz Carlton, Doha, is an opulent, Middle Eastern paradise with eight restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools and a 235-slip marina, not to mention a spa utilizing elements from the sea and desert. Have your clients try their Oxygen Facial to rejuvenate their dehydrated skin from the 12-hour flight over. Their second property, The Sharq Village Hotel and Spa, is the ultimate indulgence with a 71,000 square foot Six Senses Spa, and Arabian Souq and wireless Internet capabilities throughout the village.
Other hotels include the new Oryx Rotana (www.rotana.com) convenient to the airport, with 5 signature restaurants including a sky lounge, jazz club and poolside café—perfect for a stopover visit. Boasting 6 restaurants and the most modern of conveniences, it’s a great option for travelers as a stopover visit. The Kempinski Residences and Suites (www.kempinski.com) an ultra modern and chic property houses a cool bar, The Lounge, to mingle with Qatar’s social elite.

Desert Excursions and Camel Jockeys
The most enjoyable “ride” in Qatar is not one on a man-made rollercoaster but in a 4-wheel drive vehicle through the desert. Easily arranged tours are available through Gulf Adventures (www.gulf-adventures.com). The “dune bashing” ride scales sand dunes before arriving at the famous Inland Sea near the border of Saudi Arabia. There are many other cultural tours offered by Gulf Adventures to take advantage of. A visit to the Museum for Islamic Arts, representing the full scope of art including ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood and precious stones is a must visit. The collection housed at the museum spans across three continents and its artwork dates from the 7th through to the 19th century.
For the sports minded, Qatar has a well-deserved reputation in horse and camel racing. Known throughout the world for their high quality of Arabian thoroughbreds, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (www.qrec.net) carries on this long tradition with a commitment to the pure breeding of Arabian horses and the enjoyment of horse racing. Camel racing, practiced throughout history, continues today in the small town of Al Shahaniya, where Qatar’s main camel racetrack is located; a true treat for any visitor to experience, and feel the full impact of the Middle East. Qatar is a perfect place to engage in physical activity with miles of coastline for activities including sailing, jet skiing and kayaking.

Getting There
Qatar Airways (www.qatarairways.com) offers daily non-stops from New York, Qatar and Houston. Flat beds onboard their new Boeing 777 and their premium terminal in Doha, a stand-alone terminal is exclusive for First and Business Class customers.

For more information on Qatar, contact www.qatartourism.gov.qa.