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Travel Bug

Melissa Lee from HDM who visited Qatar earlier this year shares some of her adventures in this mesmerising country.

One of the places that you simply cannot miss is The Corniche. This is a 7 km scenic esplanade along the Arabian Gulf lined by palm trees, flowers and decorative flags where locals and tourists alike spend a quiet evening strolling and taking in the view. This spectacular view of the West Bay was taken from a restaurant on the top of the Sheraton Hotel.

The Sheraton Doha Hotel and Resort is one of the first 5-Star hotels in Qatar. This luxury hotel is shaped like the pyramid and is situated opposite The Corniche. A night here will set you back from USD 200 at least.

Sand dune (Barchan) at Khor al-Adaid (Inland Sea) - Dunes driving is very thrilling but also a dangerous affair. It’s a good idea to leave it to the experts. It is definitely an experience to see daredevil drivers hurling their vehicles over the dunes and displaying their stunts.

Second Hand Market Souq al Haraj - The “Souq" or traditional markets are places where you can do some shopping. There are souqs that specialise in certain products ranging from jewellery to antiques. There are also those that sell second-hand goods such as the market above. In this market where I visited, there are plenty of stalls selling anything from old shoes to clothes, blankets and other knick-knacks.

Camel Race (Sport of Sheikhs) Al-Shahaniya - Camel races started in Qatar in 1972. Usually the race season starts sometime in May and June. Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to see the races because February was their training month.

4WD racing Near Sealine Beach Resort at Mesaieed - At this beach, the sand dunes offer a dramatic backdrop for 4WD racing and the slopes are ideal for sandboarding especially among the Qatari youngsters. Sandboarding down the slopes is really exhilarating and can be enjoyed on just a simple flat wooden plank. For the more well-heeled, a fancy expensive custom-made sandboard is a must-have. These are male-dominated sports and you will not find any Qatari women joining the men here.