Things to see and do in Qatar

If you are half-crazed for the sight of a hill, head for Bir Zekreet; the surrounding escarpment doesn't boast much in the way of altitude but it does offer an interesting lesson in wind-blown desert formations.

Sample the delicacies of the sea at one of Doha's many fish restaurants; after ginger squid on skewers, steaks of king fish, and white-flaked hamour wrapped in bananas leaves, you'll never look at a tin of tuna again.

Cruise into the sunset on a dhow boat ride around Doha Bay; these characterful hand-made vessels creek and groan with each gentle wave but, as the traditional Arab fishing vessel, they know all about braving high waters.

Play a round or two at the Doha Golf Club and be in the company of the greats; the Qatar Masters in March is an important event on the international circuit.

Book an overnight tour to Khor al-Adaid and find your own superlatives for sunset and sunrise over Qatar's inland sea; access to this area of salt-flats and sand dunes is by 4-wheel drive, and tour prices include barbeque and camping.

Watch the construction of two important additions to the cultural life of Doha: a photography museum with retractable roof and a national library built on two giant pillars, aimed at crowning Qatar as Capital of Arab Culture by 2010.

Try your bartering skills on the vendors in Souq Waqif; with a nose for a bargain you can find antique plates from China, prayer beads of amber, leather-tipped camel sticks and aromatic chests of cardamom from India.