Qatar is typical of the emerging Middle Eastern travel destinations, quickly developing, expertly managed and constantly monitored and improved. Although less established than some of its counterparts, it nevertheless has the facilities on hand to make sure that every visitor finds Qatar to be a jewel in the desert.

Water sports make up a large part of the attraction of a visit to Qatar, sitting out on a peninsula, with the Arabian Gulf surrounding it; there is huge potential for excellent yachting and water sports. Several years ago a pair of artificial reefs were constructed, and allowed to establish their ecosystem before being opened as a scuba diving spot, these are now renowned as possibly the best example of a man made marine environment in the world. Sailing is also a huge sport in Qatar , with calm weather yachting the norm, on the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf . Several stunning marinas have been built, including the top rate facilities to be found in Doha Bay. Sun worshipers will not be disappointed, as the miles of white sandy beaches for which Qatar has become internationally famed, are accessible all year round due to the balmy local climate.

For a little more action on the beach, there are plenty of water sports to be enjoyed including water skiing, wind surfing and kayaking. Add to all these Qatar's well established car rental for tourists shops similar to the popular car hire ireland services and you've got yourself a can't-miss tourist destination. .

The second face of Qatar tourism is the desert safari, many of these safaris will take an overland trip to the inland sea that makes up the central part of Qatar . Several tour operators offer day trips and longer excursions, often in the form of a four wheel drive spring across the desert, a thrilling and exciting ride in air conditioned comfort, followed by a safari style experience deep inland at one of the many nature reserves. Every safari operator is required to be licensed by local authorities, and are checked regularly to ensure that they are maintaining safety standards, which makes Qatar a great place to enjoy a desert safari in absolute safety.

For the type of visitor who enjoys bargain hunting and haggling prices, then Qatar will not disappoint. The sheer quantity of street vendors and markets makes Qatar possible the best Middle Eastern destination to purchase local handicrafts and goods. For a little more upmarket experience, all of Qatar's new shopping malls and commercial complexes offer an experiencing which parallels that of major metropolitan retails centres in the western hemisphere.

No matter the reason for visiting, people find Qatar a destination that is fascinatingly exotic, yet easily accessible, a great example of an emerging new tourist destination.