Qatar is simply the perfect gateway to the Arabian Gulf and has grown to become a major destination of discovery for visitors from all over the world.

Situated on the western shoreline of the Arabian Gulf, Qatar is a country of fascinating contrast with an abundance of well-preserved natural and historical sites, the untamed natural beauty of the desert and miles of unspoilt beaches bordering the Arabian Sea.

At the heart of this thriving and vibrant country and built on the shores of a beautiful bay and palm tree-lined corniche, is its capital city and commercial and administrative centre, Doha, whose cosmopolitan spirit strikes a perfect balance with its rich cultural and religious heritage and where the traditional sits comfortably alongside the modern.

Complementing the country's emergence as a top-flight business and tourist destination, Doha has also become a major venue on the international sporting stage, attracting a diversity of prestigious World Championship events including Tennis, MotoGP, Powerboat Racing and World Superbikes. In 2006, Qatar had the honour of hosting the 15th Asian Games and in 2022 will host the FIFA World Cup.

Adding to Qatar's international appeal and reputation is The Pearl-Qatar, a riviera-style man-made island developed in an exclusive environment in Doha, and considered by many as the Middle East's most glamorous address, covering 400 hectares of reclaimed land and the country's first international urban development venture.