Qatar Airways (QR) (website: www.qatarairways.com) is the heavily promoted national airline of Qatar.

From London to Doha takes from 6 hours and 40 minutes to 7 hours and 45 minutes. There are no direct flights from the USA.

Doha (DOH) (website: www.dohaairport.com) is 8km (5 miles) southeast of the city (journey time to city centre - 15 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city with official rates displayed. Facilities: Car hire, banks, ATMs, restaurants, coffeeshops, handicraft/book shop and a duty-free shop.

QR20, usually included in ticket price.

Main ports: Doha and Umm Said. The traffic is mostly commercial.

With car insurance for both countries, the Qatar-Saudi border is open to residents of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Others must have a Saudi visa or transit visa in advance. The same applies for those travelling by bus. The main international bus operator is Saudi Arabian Public Transport Co (Saptco) (tel: 454 5000; website: www.saptco.com.sa); bookings can be made on line. A new causeway linking Bahrain and Qatar is under construction, due for completion in 2012.