Qataris are warm and kind people who make expatriates feel very welcome in their country. Take the time to get to know the local residents by discovering their unique heritage and way of life. With many expatriates from around the world living in Qatar, you will find many interesting people. Each nationality brings its own customs and heritage to Qatar, so you will discover an eclectic mixture of languages, culture and traditions.

Being surrounded by water on three sides of the country, water sports and activities play a major part of entertainment in Qatar. Waterskiing, jet skiing, parasailing, and sailing are just some of the available options for you and your friends. You can even take a voyage on a traditional wooden Dhow boat to islands located in Doha Bay.

If you've ever wanted to learn to sail, the Arabian Gulf is the perfect place to learn maritime skills. You can sail on a 26-foot Colgate and listen to the sails slap in the wind as the water laps against the boat's hull. Scuba-diving opportunities abound in Doha. Obtain certification and investigate Qatar from underwater.

For sports enthusiasts, there are many international sporting events held in the country and entries to many events are free. Every January, the Qatar Total Open Men's Tennis Tournament is played in Doha, followed in February by the Qatar Total Open Women's Tennis Tournament. Both events are played at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex and provide an excellent opportunity to watch some of the world's top tennis players facing each other in tough competitions. The Qatar Masters is held each March at the Doha Golf Club and the world's top male golf players compete to take home the prize-winnings.

For those who like to participate rather than observe, you'll be interested in Qatar's organized sports. Activities in Doha that can keep you active include aikido, aerobics, badminton, baseball, basketball, and bowling. If you enjoy cycling, you can buy great traditional, racing and cross- country off road bikes.

You can also ride Arabian horses. There are several tracks and expert facilities with breeders in Qatar. Affordable classes can be arranged for adults in group or private lessons. Don't forget Qatar has major golf, lessons are available to all ages and skill ranges. Or perhaps you prefer karate, rugby, track, squash, swimming, Tae Kwon Do, or volleyball. The opportunities are endless.

There aren't many concerts and professional shows in Doha yet, but this is soon expected to change. Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical production, Cats, was staged in 2003 and the opera Carmen, played during 2004. Both Shaggy and UB40 have performed in Qatar. Doha also boasts a national opera and orchestra. The Doha Players, a large international community theatre is regionally renowned for producing several plays and musicals throughout the year. Both young and old can perform, run backstage operations and enjoy as audience members.

Entertainment aspects in Qatar are expected to grow steadily in the coming years. There are several movie theatres where movie-lovers can watch their favorite films and new flicks, or try one of the many video rental companies offering the best in movie entertainment. Dubai, an entertainment capital within the Arabian Gulf region, is only a 45-minute flight from Qatar and offers exciting concerts, clubs and events for your enjoyment.

After a hard day's work nothing can be more relaxing than a calm walk along the beach at sunset and with more than 700 kilometers of coastline, shell collectors will be delighted with the treasures that can be found during a stroll along the many public and private beaches. Many hotels in Doha boast beautiful crystal clear pools and private beaches where members and guests can relax in a comfortable lounge chair, sip a tropical fruit drink or take a dip in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. Bikinis are acceptable to wear at the many private beaches around Doha.

In addition to hotels and housing compounds, there are several private clubs offering fitness facilities, which are especially important when it becomes too hot to exercise outdoors. Most of the private and hotel clubs offer additional services, such as indoor / outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pools, jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. There are also many on-site spa and massage areas for a complete body workout. The clubs offer memberships at reasonable rates.

Doha's natural landscape offers its own brand of entertainment. Enjoy unparalleled views of the desert and beach while maneuvering rollercoaster trips in four-wheel drives to the inland sea. Want to get away to someplace special, but don't want the long car ride? A short thirty-minute drive south of Doha carries you to the Sealine Beach Resort in Mesaieed, with a beautiful beach, waterfall pools, restaurants and a beach where you and your friends can rent dune buggies or 4-wheelers by the hour. Climb on and enjoy the wind in your hair as you steer up and over the tall sandy dunes.

The Corniche may be one of the most popular locations in Doha. Stretching along Doha Bay, this grassy expanse offers a pedestrian-only area for walking, running and playing. With the Arabian Gulf as a backdrop, you can enjoy a picnic or a stroll. Additionally, many organized activities take place along the Corniche, including parades and fireworks. During holidays and festivals Doha residents go to the Corniche to see the colored lights and decorations, eat local foods and watch the extravagant fireworks displays.

Boats and ferry rides to surrounding islands usually dock from the Corniche and the fishing harbor is here as well. If you get up early enough the fishermen might sell you fish directly off their boat. The Corniche area often serves as the starting and finishing lines for various sporting events.

Most of the large hotels have nightclubs with bars. Here you will find many expatriates enjoying the nightlife. You can listen to music, meet new people, have a drink and unwind at the end of the week.

Qatar is a wonderful place for your family and friends to visit. There are places for casual entertainment in a relaxing environment, including pool halls, bowling alleys, ices skating rinks, and karaoke clubs. Invite your guests and show them around your new country. Try camel riding or camping out on a desert safari. You can take them swimming or sailing in the Arabian Gulf. The gold souqs are a marvel to see, even if you don't buy anything. The selection is spectacular and the detailed designs are exquisite.

The central position of Qatar in the Middle East offers amazing travel opportunities. You can travel to places you always wanted to see. There are great getaways offered by local travel agencies and airline carriers throughout the season.

Living in Qatar is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, discover new cultures, and learn about a new country. It is a fantastic chance for personal development as it can broaden your horizons and open up new opportunities and experiences.

Living and working internationally may increase your future employment opportunities as you develop new skills and learn valuable information for conducting business in a global environment.



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