The Cultural Village Foundation is an exceptional project of hope for human interaction through art and cultural exchange – a project made possible thanks to the inspired vision, solid faith and wise leadership of HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir​ of the State of Qatar.

Keeping pace with the emerging global culture that emphasises the importance of diversity in human development, Katara Cultural Village is the largest and the most multidimensional cultural project of Qatar. It is a place where people come together to experience the cultures of the world. With beautiful theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries and cutting-edge facilities, Katara aims to become a world leader for multi-cultural activities.

In line with the goals set forward by the Qatar National Vision 2030, Katara serves as a guardian to the heritage and traditions of Qatar and endeavours to spread awareness about the importance of every culture and civilization and as such, Katara hosts international, regional and local festivals, workshops, performances and exhibitions.

A desert safari is a must. Most local tour companies offer package tours, which vary in price depending on the size of the group, with overnight camps and sunrise desert safaris available. Take part in dune-bashing with a professional guide, stop for a swim and outdoor sports, and recharge with some barbecued food and refreshments. The overnight tour is at a desert camp with traditional Bedouin tents, filled with Persian carpets and plush cushions. Alternatively, set the alarm clock and travel out early to see the sun come out over the desert dunes.

Enjoy seeing Arabian oryx at the Al Shaihaniya nature reserve. Once threatened with extinction, the graceful oryx now live and breed in Qatar, and Almaha Sanctuary is home to one of the largest herds. Known as maha in Arabic and referred to as al wodhi (the clear), because of its light colour, catching a glimpse of an oryx in the wild is rare, so arrange a visit with one of the local tour companies.

Reincarnated in the last decade as the social heart of Doha, Souq Waqif is a wonderful place to explore and an undoubted highlight of the city. There has been a souq on this site for centuries; the Bedu would bring their sheep, goats and wool here to trade for essentials, and the entire market area has been cleverly redeveloped to look like a 19th-century souq, with mud-rendered shops, exposed timber beams and some beautifully restored original Qatari buildings.

With booming prosperity, the advent of vast, air-conditioned shopping malls and Qatar's rush to embrace the new, Souq Waqif fell into serious decline by the 1990s and much of the souq was destroyed in a fire in 2003. The outcry from Qataris prompted the authorities to undertake a massive rehabilitation program, one that continues to this day. Such has been the success of this venture that the souq keeps growing to accommodate new ‘old alleyways’.