Doha holidays

Katara Beach lies just north of the city centre, and you’ll get great views of the skyline from its pristine, white sands. That’s far from the only attraction on this one-and-a-half kilometre stretch though – there’s a tonne of watersports you can try out, a stack of restaurants and cafés by the sands, plus a playground for kids.

West Bay Beach is right on the doorstep of Doha’s business district, so the soft sands come with a side of skyscrapers. There’s plenty going on here, from food trucks serving dishes from around the globe to the outdoor cinema, and a playground for little ones. The beach is fully accessible, too, thanks to a ramp that takes you straight into the water.

If you don’t mind travelling out of town, Fuwairit Beach is well worth a visit. It takes around an hour to drive there, which probably explains why it’s so quiet. There’s also very little going on nearby, so it’s ideal if you’re after some peace and quiet. Just remember to bring a packed lunch with you.

Souq Waqif has been a fixture in the heart of the city for more than a century. Its narrow alleyways are filled with spices, souvenirs and handicrafts, and it’s probably the best place in the city to get some traditional Qatari clothing. Just be prepared to haggle if you head here, it’s not so much expected as encouraged.

The Mall of Qatar is home to around 500 stores, with every big brand you can think of under its roof. Nike, Adidas, Zara – they’re all in there. And at last check, there was even a Virgin Megastore. Remember those?

The Villagio Mall’s an Italian-themed shopping centre that’s dripping with luxury touches, like gold-tinted ceilings and marble floors, so it’ll come as no surprise to see the tenants they’ve got in here. The likes of Hugo Boss, Armani and Calvin Klein all make the cut.

The Pearl is Qatar’s answer to the Palm in Dubai. This man-made island just off the coast is filled with cafés and restaurants that stay open ‘til late.

Nightclubs aren’t traditionally big business in Doha, so standalone venues are on the short side. The liveliest bars and clubs tend to be found inside the major hotel chains that are dotted around the city centre.

Qatar’s national dish unsurprisingly pops up in restaurants across the capital. The base ingredient’s either lamb or chicken, which is slow-cooked, served over seasoned rice and finished off with salad and homemade tomato sauce.

This classic Arabic stew’s a hearty favourite that’s typically served at family dinners – think casserole with a slight kick. The main ingredient can be beef, lamb or fish, which is mixed with vegetables that are seasoned with garlic and ginger, then slow-cooked.

If you’re a fan of doughnuts, this is a must-try. It’s a sweet, fried dumpling that’s flavoured with cardamom and saffron, and topped with sugar syrup. And you’ll know you’re getting a good one if it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

You may have seen this referred to as dolma, which has been a Middle Eastern staple for centuries. The basic premise is the same – vine leaves stuffed with ground meat or rice, but what sets the Qatari ones apart is the extra seasoning of garlic, coriander and pepper.

This porridge-like dish is a hearty comfort food in these parts. Rice is the primary ingredient, and it’s beaten and boiled for hours, with chicken pieces and a whole load of spices mixed in until it’s served piping hot.