 | Doha today Doha at the moment is fast becoming a tourist hotspot. It has risen to become one of the richest nations in the world courtesy the oil resources discovered here in the 1930s. The Asian Games held here in 2006 put Doha on the map. It is both the political, economic and cultural capital of Qatar. The increase in Qatar’s GDP resulted in the beautification of the city of Doha where now a number of architectural jewels and some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers dot the skyline including the Qatar National Museum and the University of Qatar. |
 | Doha back then Doha is a relatively young city. Founded in the mid 1800s it was originally called Al Bida and was later renamed. It has come far from its humble origins as a fishing village. Seventeen years after its establishment, Qatar went to war with Bahrain. Al Thani was installed as the ruler of Qatar by the British in 1868. Another victory followed in the early 1880s when Qatar defeated the Ottomans. Two majestic sites dating back to this period still standing today include the Al Wajbah and Doha fortresses. Qatar gained independence from the British in 1971. Qatar originally survived on its fi |
 | Doha Marriott Hotel Do not be fooled by the exterior of this hotel which is quite lackluster; the interior is chic and s |  | Movenpick Hotel Doha This fabulous hotel is located alongside the bay. The décor is chic and sophisticated. The faciliti |
 | Four Seasons Hotel Doha The magnificent exterior of this hotel is matched inside in terms of the high quality service provid |  | Ritz Carlton Doha This is arguably one of the most lavish of Doha’s hotels. The décor is spectacular and sophistica |
 | Somerset West Bay Doha Hotel This lavish hotel comprises of about 200 suites comprising of two to three bedrooms. Included within |  | Movenpick Tower and Suites Doha Hotel This hotel has a fantastic location; it stands in the vicinity of the airport, the exhibition centre |
 | Hyatt Plaza This is another of the many malls that have been established in Doha to cater to the luxury lifestyl |  | City Centre Doha This is a famous shopping mall in Doha which is absolutely gigantic; It sells a diverse range of pro |
 | Landmark Shopping Mall This is a famous shopping arcade in Doha which sells a diverse range of products. Both International |  | Villaggio This is another of the many malls that have been established in Doha to cater to the luxury lifestyl |
 | Gold Souk This market is a must stop for any tourist visiting Doha. The market is busy and popular amongst loc |  | The Centre This mall houses a number of stores selling everything from clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, shoes, and |
 | Tribeca Film Festival Doha This festival, which is scheduled to be held in Doha for the first time in the year 2009, will hopef |  | Qatar Summer Wonders This annual festival lasts two months. The venues are multiple and include the Landmark, City Centre |
 | Power Boat Races This event is held annually by the Qatar Marine Sports Federation along the Qatar coastline. Partici |  | Qatar Masters Golf This event is held annually and is quite popular amongst the local people as well as golf enthusiast |
| Qatar Summer Wonders This annual festival lasts two months. The venues are multiple and include the Landmark, City Centre |  | Doha Cultural Festival This festival is held annually. This event began in 2002. It is held and celebrated with much enthus |
 | The Garden Delectable sub-continental dishes are served here. There is great diversity of dishes reflecting a v | | City Centre Doha For those on a budget, all of Doha’s famous malls house a number of fast food chain restaurants su |
 | Crepaway Vivacious and down to earth best describes the ambience of this restaurant. The crowd usually consis |  | Balhambar This is a well known restaurant in Doha serving delightful traditional Qatari dishes. Both meat and |
 | Al Bandar This is one of Doha’s better known restaurants. It is no wonder as mouth watering dishes are serve |  | LeNotre Paris Stop for lunch or dinner at this fabulous restaurant. The atmosphere is cool and hip; the deco conte |
 | Fast Facts
-Location
To the East of the Gulf Peninsula lies beautiful Doha bordered by Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. -Dialing code +974 -Emergency/Useful numbers Police, Fire and Ambulance - 999 Telephone Directory – 180 International calls – 150 Internet Service - 111 Flight Enquiry – 4622999 Doha Airport – 4656666 General Post Office – 4466000 Qatar Tourism Authority - 4411555 -Population 400,051 -Languages Arabic, English, Urdu -Time zone GMT/UTC + 3 & |
