Qatar is an oil-rich peninsula jutting out into the Gulf between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The majority of the country consists of sand dunes and salt flats. The city of Doha combines a rich mixture of traditional Arabic and modern architecture. The Grand Mosque with its many domes and the Abu Bakir al-Siddiq Mosque are particularly interesting. The north contains most of the historic sites, including Umm Salal Mohammed, a relatively large village dominated by the ruins of a 19th-century fort. Al Khor is the second-largest city, situated around a natural shallow harbour. On the west coast there are fine beaches at Umm Bab (‘The Palm Tree Beach’) Dukhan and Salwah near the Saudi border. The south is a region of sand dunes and beaches, offering opportunities to go pearl hunting, or to practise any of a number of watersports. Public entertainment can be rather limited. Live entertainment is infrequent, but some international artists do perform in Qatar.

The visitor should be fully aware of Muslim religious laws and customs. Women should always dress modestly. Western dress is acceptable as long as it is modest and conservative. Women in particular should dress conservatively in public areas.
It is also worth noting that, while it is acceptable to cross legs, showing the sole of the foot or unknowingly pointing it at a person is considered an insult. At business and social functions, the traditional Qatari coffee, in tiny handleless cups, will invariably be served. This is a ritual of welcome with strict rules: guests are served in order of seniority – a few drops at first, then, after three or four others have been served, the server returns to fill the first cup; always hold the cup in the right hand; two cups are polite, but never take only one or more than three.


Do's:

• Do ask permission from people before you take their photographs. Many older people and most women object to being photographed; equally, avoid sensitive sites or pictures which include members of the police or armed forces.
• Do make sure you drink plenty of water. Your body needs more than fruit juices, carbonated drinks, tea and coffee. On average you should drink one pint of fluid for every 10ΊF. Ideally, if the temperature is 80ΊF (27ΊC), you should drink 8 pints of water per day! If your urine becomes yellowish, it's a sure sign you are dehydrating!
• Do be aware of the fact that visitors are expected to conform the local customs and be modest in their dress. Whilst a swimsuit or bikini is fine at the beach or possible, make sure you cover up appropriately for the journey.
• Do be prepared to bargain with shopkeepers – particularly in the souq. Asking for a discount is the norm!
• Do remember that, even though you are in the heat of the desert, over-efficient air conditioning can chill you to the bone! Take along a light jacket or sweater when visiting restaurants and other places where you are likely to be sitting for a while- just in case.

• Don't be afraid to go out at night. Qatar is one of the safest places you'll find in the world. Evenings are an ideal time to explore the town, and Doha Bay looks superb at night. Clear skies reveal a host of stars.
• Don't sit in a way that shows the soles of your feet or shoes to your Qatari hosts; it's considered insulting. Equally, don't sit with your back towards other guests. (You will notice chairs are usually arranged around the walls.)
• Don't hand over or accept items with your left hand, and if you're eating with your fingers, only use your right hand, following Muslim convention (the left hand is reserved for bodily functions.)
• Don't forget to use high-factor sunblock on all exposed skin including the tops of your feet if you're wearing sandals. Make sure children are well protected too.
• Don't go in the sea barefoot. Stonefish can be found along the shoreline. They look like stones, and if you inadvertently tread on them, they inject poison into your foot!