Doha

Doha, Qatar’s biggest city, is a growing entity. The flow of development money has resulted in buildings like I.M. Pei’s Museum of Islamic Arts on the bay, and its selection as the site of the 2022 World Cup, the first to be hosted in the Middle East, will surely cement Doha’s growing imprint on the world map. Stroll down the Corniche, a seaside promenade affording views of the imposing skyscrapers and look for a sheesha bar, where you can become a member of the locals in smoking some fruit flavoured tobacco. Shopping is an important pastime in this city where alcohol is largely banned (expect to imbibe only at large international hotels) and malls take on an almost theme park style - like the Villaggio, a replica of Venice where you can take a gondola ride from the shops to the food court. The souqs (markets) offer a less burnished browsing experience. If shopping’s not your thing, try taking off of the city for a desert safari or to see the singing sand dunes, which hum as the wind blows across them. Finally, rest your head on any of the extremely comfortable pillows at Doha’s plentiful luxury hotels.