WHY THE MAGIC OF QATAR WILL LEAVE YOU SPELLBOUND LONG AFTER THE WORLD CUP PARTY ENDS

The eyes of nations all around the globe will be on Qatar when the World Cup kicks off next month for the first time in the Middle East.

The eagerly-awaited sporting extravaganza gets underway on November 20, with 32 teams competing in 8 groups, and culminates with the final in the magnificent Lusail Iconic Stadium in the dazzling capital Doha on December 18.

The spotlight will be turned on Qatar throughout the event – but the appeal of this independent Persian Gulf emirate will continue long after football fans from around the world have headed back home.

You’ll be on to a real winner when you book the holiday of a lifetime any time of year in this land of beauty and wonder, where old world charm blends seamlessly with cosmopolitan sophistication.

Fascinating museums and galleries, incredible historical landmarks, amazing coastal fortresses and epic desert expanses are among the other delights waiting to be discovered in this enthralling peninsula in the east of Arabia.

Qatar is also the perfect place to relax and soak up the blissful sunshine, surrounded by breathtaking sandy beaches, enchanting mangrove forests and inviting crystal-clear waters.

This mesmerising land also boasts many world-class sports and leisure amenities, while also being home to a host of traditional sports including Arabian horse racing, camel racing and falconry, plus championship golf courses and Formula 1 racing.

Qatar really is a dream come true for all visitors, whether you crave a thrilling big city experience, a journey into the country’s culture and art, a sightseeing adventure in the great outdoors or a fun-packed beach holiday brimming with water sports action.

Glorious sun

Qatar enjoys year-round sunshine, with a hot season between May and October and a cooler season from December to February.

The cooler winter season has obvious appeal when temperatures are warm and pleasant, ranging between 22°C and 25°C. The mercury starts rising in March, with July normally being the hottest month when temperatures range from around 32°C to a stifling 43°C.

Rainfall is scarce in Qatar and normally occurs as thunderstorms in the winter months. The emirate’s many air-conditioned shopping malls offer welcome relief from the high temperatures during particularly hot months.

Natural wonders

You’ll be wowed by the spellbinding natural beauty all around you when you arrive in this sun-kissed paradise.

Unspoilt sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life, huge tidal lakes and wetlands, rolling sand dunes and exotic flora and fauna will take your breath away.

Khor Al Adaid, one of Qatar’s greatest natural treasures, also known as the Inland Sea, is a phenomenal expanse boasting turquoise waters and rolling sands which can only be reached by taking to a 4x4 vehicle.

The Al Thakira Mangrove Forest north of the seaside city of Al Khor is a jawdropping expanse of vegetation which contrasts with the surrounding desert landscape and is home to varied birdlife, including herons and flamingos.

Bin Ghannam Island, a beautiful sheltered attraction inside Khor Al Shaqiq Bay, is home to marine animals, birds and incredible mangroves.

Other natural attractions in Qatar include Dahl Al Misfir Cave, a deep sinkhole which was formed more than 325,000 years ago and the wind-sculpted lunar landscape Ras Abrouq rock formations (Zekreet) near Dukhan.

Desert delights

The spectacular desert landscapes in Qatar offer the chance to venture into a sandy wilderness for an unforgettable adventure.

Climb on a camel for an exhilarating ride across the sands, fasten your seatbelt in a jeep for a thrilling dune-busting ride, soar above the sprawling expanses in a hot air balloon or spend the night under canvas in a traditional Bedouin camp.

Sunrise or sunset is the ideal time to marvel at the sights created by the light conditions at the stunning dunes in the largest area of Qatar’s desert on the southwest part of the capital Doha.

Beach bliss

Qatar is blessed with more than 560km of striking coastline where you’ll discover heavenly beaches, sapphire waters, tranquil bays and secluded coves.

Umm Bab Beach is a delightful palm-fringed sandy expanse which is popular with families, while Al Thakira Beach is a peaceful place where you’ll discover plenty of wildlife and one of Qatar’s largest mangrove reserves.

Katara Beach in Doha stretches for an impressive 1.5km, with plenty of activity going on including Gondola and speedboat rides, sailing and water sports galore.

Other superb coastal delights include Zekreet Beach with its half-moon bay, Fuwairit Beach which is a nesting site for Hawksbill turtles, Sealine Beach with its incredible sunsets and Al Maroona Beach, a real gem on the northernmost tip of Qatar.

City sights

Qatar is home to vibrant and modern cities where you’ll discover towering opulent hotels, high-end shopping malls, gourmet restaurants and a myriad of superb attractions.

Doha, the emirate’s cosmopolitan capital city, will impress every visitor with its futuristic buildings, enthralling air-conditioned museums and galleries, beautiful mosques and lively entertainment venues.

Key attractions in the city include Aspire Park, Al Koot Fort, Doha Zoo, Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art, Katara Cultural Village, the offshore island The Pearl-Qatar and Doha Corniche, an amazing 7km waterfront promenade where you'll find luxurious hotels, top-class restaurants, lovely parks and Qatar National Theatre.

Qatar’s second largest city Al-Rayyan is home to glitzy boutiques and malls, towering skyscrapers and old fortresses and mosques dating back the 18th century. Other key cities include Al Wakrah, Al Khor and Ash-Shahaniyah.

Getting around

Qatar has a fast, reliable and affordable public transport network, meaning you’ll have no trouble exploring the emirate’s key city attractions.

Mowasalat, the national transportation provider, runs a reputable bus, taxi and limousine service, while Doha’s ultra-advanced metro provides a great way to get around the city.

A government-run public transport agency in Qatar also operates a taxicabs service, with more than 7,000 aqua coloured cabs available for hire.

Adventures galore

Qatar is a natural wonderland, with a multitude of exciting outdoor activities and attractions to ensure there’s never a dull moment throughout your holiday.

Diving, water sports and kayaking are an obvious choice in this alluring destination which is home to mangrove lagoons, tidal lakes and is surrounded by the sea on three sides.

Rock climbing is a popular pursuit, with the ancient rock formations in Zebreet National Park among the challenges waiting to be tackled.

You can also take to a dhow, a traditional Qatari fishing boat, to explore Doha’s marvellous Corniche, set out on an exhilarating quad biking ride in the desert or simply enjoy a pleasant stroll or outdoor games in one of the emirate’s many beautiful parks.

Other popular pursuits in Qatar include trekking, camping, kitesurfing, skydiving, golfing, karting, caving, swimming, sandboarding, sailing trips and falcon tours.

Family fun

Families can look forward to a feast of fun during a holiday in Qatar, with hours of pleasure on the sandy beaches and a splashing time in the inviting Persian Gulf waters.

There’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained in Doha where Angry Birds World, the e-gaming hub Virtuocity and the winter-themed Snow Dunes are among the attractions.

Other family favourites include Aqua Park Qatar, Al Thuraya Planetarium and Circus Land, a fun-packed children’s playground inside Landmark Mall. Many city hotels also feature kids clubs, mini water park and other delights for young guests.

Fabulous fare

The culinary delights in Qatar will send your taste buds wild with delight in a plethora of dining venues ranging from fast food outlets to world-class Michelin-starred restaurants.

Qatari cuisine is unique and delicious, combining flavoursome ingredients from India, Persia, North Africa and Lebanon.

Breakfast in Qatar is usually a light meal comprising cheese, yoghurt, olives and coffee, lunch is the main meal of the day and dinner is normally a light snack, except during Ramadan and other special times.

Popular dishes include Thareed which comprises lamb or chicken and vegetables, Harees is a porridge-like creation featuring boiled or ground wheat mixed with meat and Machboos is a much-loved meal comprising rice which is cooked with spices and a choice of chicken, camel, lamb, shrimp or fish.

Mouth-watering street food delights in Doha include filled falafel, crepes, samosas and chapatis, while delicious Qatari desserts include Luqaimat which are deep-fried pastry balls dipped in honey or syrup, and Basboussa, a smooth semolina soaked in syrup or rose water.

Karak, the unofficial national drink in Qatar, is a strong dark tea made with full-cream milk and Limonana is a popular lemon and mint drink.

Shoppers’ paradise

Shopaholics will love Qatar, with everything from bustling street markets to giant air-conditioned malls offering the chance for some retail therapy during your holiday.

Doha hits the bullseye when it comes to shopping, with state-of-the-art electronic products, plush bags and leather goods, designer clothing and fashion accessories, high-end jewellery and luxury cars among the choices available.

You’ll discover more than 250 stores and 85 dining options in City Centre Doha Mall, while Villaggio Mall will impress you with its superb stores, ice rink, cinema and indoor canals and gondolas.

Other imposing shopping venues include The Gate Mall Doha, Tawar Mall, Ezdan Mall and Lagoona Mall.

Live the Arabian dream on the holiday of a lifetime in sun-kissed Qatar. Book your getaway today at Destination2.co.uk.