A bit about Qatar

Beneath Doha's shining futuristic skyline, traditional dhow boats bob about on the cobalt-blue bay, perfectly encapsulating the striking contrast of old and new that defines today's Qatar. Once a major pearl trading hotspot, oil and gas have made this tiny enclave of the Arabian Peninsula one of the richest countries in the world and it shows. Perfectly manicured streets and ultra modern malls are a hallmark of the capital Doha, but it also boasts the oldest souk in the Gulf and the city is patrolled by police on Arabian horses dressed in traditional costume.

In the surrounding desertscape, the clash between old and new continues, with dune-bashing in four-wheel-drive vehicles as popular as camel rides to traditional Bedouin camps. The seemingly limitless desert hemmed in by dune-backed beaches has become a visitor's playground. Ocean-front resorts provide the setting for idyllic sun, sea and sand holidays with all manner of watersports on offer at the immaculate beaches.
 

Qatar for families

With family and children very much at the centre of Qatari life, it's little surprise that the destination caters so well to family travellers. The bustling capital, Doha, is full of playgrounds and parks, attractions geared towards families, and restaurants where children are most welcome. The majority of hotels have kids facilities, as well as clubs and private sections of beach reserved for children to paddle safely with floats and inflatables.

The range of activities and adventures for families visiting Qatar is also impressive. Various tour agencies organise exciting trips to the desert or voyages aboard traditional dhows. You can also explore independently in a four-by-four vehicle, visiting sights such as the Singing Sand Dunes that's a particular hit with kids.
 

Family fun and adventure

Qatar's capital Doha is a clean, safe and ultra-modern city that's fun to explore with family. Taking a walk along the waterfront corniche is an absolute must, not least to see the magnificent view of futuristic buildings clustering around the bay and old-fashioned dhows bobbing on the water. Al Wakrah Park is another good spot for families visiting Doha. The large landscaped park is dotted with shading trees and has a swimming pool, children's playground and cafeteria. All the family will be fascinated by the colours and curiosities of bustling Souk Waqif - said to be the oldest indoor-outdoor market in Arabia - and children will be especially enchanted by the Harry Potter-esque falcon area where young Qataris come to purchase their first pet birds of prey.

Beyond the city, Qatar's seemingly limitless dunescapes are given over to all manner of activities and extreme sports from dune-bashing to camel safaris that can be a thrill for the whole family. South-west of Doha, the towering Singing Sand Dunes are a great place for a family day trip during the cooler months. As well as listening for the fabled singing - a low-pitched hum produced by the crescent-shaped dunes - kids love climbing the sand dunes and sliding down, and you can bring a picnic to make the most of the scenic Arabian location. Stay until sunset to witness the magical shifting colours of the dunes.

There are countless options for having fun out on the water in and around Doha in particular. You can travel the traditional Arabian way on a dhow cruise leaving from Doha port or choose a more modern way to explore. With Paddle Qatar you can head out onto the shallow languid waters in a fleet of kayaks on a range of different itineraries. The experienced and enthusiastic guides at Entalek Eco-Adventures will take you kayaking from Al Thakira beach in Al Khor province through Al Dakhira Nature Reserve's hidden mangroves, where there's a chance of spotting rare species such as dugongs. For the really adventurous, there's a moonlight mangrove tour that culminates with a camp fire supper at the beach. During the winter you can reserve a semi-permanent tent to camp overnight at the beach and enjoy a barbecue dinner.