|
|
As your aircraft descends into Qatar, you are welcomed by a spectacular view of the capital city, Doha. The completely landscaped, crescent-shaped Corniche, the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, and the sandy desert backdrop provide the first glimpse of what experiences await you. This sun-kissed country is filled with possibilities – desert escapades and shopping extravaganzas; natural attractions and water sports; state-of-the-art sporting facilities and historical museums; all combined with fine dining and luxurious accommodations. Welcome to the heart of the Arabian Gulf. The capital of Qatar, Doha is situated halfway down the east coast of the peninsula. It is an important cultural and commercial centre and enjoys excellent communications with the outside world through its modern seaport, airport, and telephone links.
|
|
|
Umm Said is the heart of Qatar's industry. Situated 45 km south of Doha on the east coast of the peninsula, it has both a commercial port and an oil-exporting port. There are refineries in Umm Said as well as other industrial establishments producing steel, natural gas liquids, fertilizers, and petrochemicals. Umm Said also has fine beaches.
|
|
|
|
The tourist attractions of Doha will keep you engrossed when you are not busy watching the various sports in Asian Games 2006. The beautiful capital city of Qatar has a quaint charm of its own.
Despite its modern outlook and high-rise structures, Doha is still drenched in tradition. This very blend of the old and new makes Doha a must-visit city.
There are quite a few interesting tourist attractions in Doha. The highlight of Doha sightseeing is the 7-km long Corniche Bay. The most picturesque part of the Arabian Gulf, Corniche houses the main port of Doha. To see ships sailing to and fro the harbor, with the escalating city skyline as the backdrop as an amazing sight.
The famous Al Bida Park is also located on this waterfront promenade. Housing various shops, food joints and sports enclosures, it is known to be the best picnic spot in Doha.
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enjoying the amazing Sea view!
|
|
Qatar has targeted itself as one of the world's leading sports destinations and continues to expand existing infrastructure and build new facilities to accommodate this growing market niche. With the announcement of the 15th Asian Olympic Games being hosted by Qatar in 2006, new sporting facilities are quickly being developed.
The country has had great success hosting previous sporting events and has hosted many international sports stars such as Pete Sampras, Tim Henman, Boris Becker, Colin Montgomerie, and Steve Ballisteros. The existing facilities are superb and include Khalifa Stadium which seats 45,000 spectators, the 18-hole, professionally designed Doha Golf Course, and Khalifa Tennis and Squash Stadium with 17 courts, swimming pool, and gymnasium. Ambitious expansion and construction plans are underway for teh 2006 Asian Olympic Games, including the construction of Olympic Village between Doha and Al Khor to house 10,000 athletes; construction of two additional stadiums; construction of 36-lane bowling alley complex; construction of shooting range, horse racing track, and stables; and upgrade and improvements to nine existing stadiums.
|
|
|
|
From the large shopping complexes to the tiny stalls of the souqs, eager shoppers will find everything they need and more. Facilities like the City Centre Doha, the largest shopping complex in the Middle East, offer world famous brands plus many exciting family facilities. The markets (souqs) are a wonderful mixture of scents and sights where items are not marked with traditional price tags; haggling is welcomed and expected. Souq Waqif is the oldest of Doha’s traditional markets, originally used by Bedouin traders as a place to buy and sell meat, wool, milk, and other staples. Today it is a maze of alleyways packed with everything from traditional clothing and incense to camping equipment and hardware. There are textile souqs and gold souqs, as well as the popular Thursday/Friday Souq where clothes, perfumes, shoes, fabric, household goods, and carpets are on offer.
Contact with Europe was established in 1508, when the Portuguese conquered parts of Oman's coastal region. Portugal's influence predominated for more than a century. Fortifications built during the Portuguese occupation can still be seen at Muscat.
Except for a period when Persia conquered parts of Oman, Oman has been an independent nation. After the Portuguese were expelled in 1650 and while resisting Persian attempts to establish hegemony, the Sultan of Oman extended his conquests to Zanzibar, other parts of the eastern coast of Africa, and portions of the southern Arabian Peninsula. During this period, political leadership shifted from the Ibadhi imams, who were elected religious leaders, to hereditary sultans who established their capital in Muscat. The Muscat rulers established trading posts on the Persian coast and also exercised a measure of control over the Makran coast (now Pakistan). By the early 19th century, Oman was the most powerful state in Arabia and had a major presence on the East African coast....
|
|
|
|
|
Qatar Airways, the country's national airline, is one of the world's fastest growing carriers with its aircraft fleet of 29 and continuing to grow. Offering approximately 50 international destinations, Qatar Airways has signed a US$5.1 billion deal with Airbus to purchase an additional 32 aircraft during the next five years. It is also investing US$2 billion in the construction of Doha's new international airport, set to open in 2007. This state-of-the-art facility will connect to the newly renovated existing airport by a concourse.
Located in Doha International Airport is the 1500 square metre, bright and spacious Duty Free Shop offering gifts for international travellers. Electronics, cosmetics, wines, spirits, tobacco, and food items can be purchased with assistance from the 100 trained multilingual staff. Over 10,000 products are available including many luxury gifts and souvenir items designed from brass, onyx, and wood.
!
|
|
|
|
