From the alleyways of its traditional markets to therapeutic award-winning spas, the peninsula is dreamy and everything you will ever wish for. Here are some unforgettable ways to cherish the summers when in Qatar.

Pocketful of flavours, avant-garde arenas, sorbets, and luxury spas form the delightful bounty in Qatar. There is something for everyone to discover in this magical peninsula in the Middle East.

ADVENTURE CALLING

At Khor Al Adaid Beach, there is more than just its unique geography to observe. Soak up the distinct species of fauna, dunes towering at 40 metres and above, and melting sunsets creating the perfect golden hour. No one does desert sports quite right like Qatar, sandboarding, camel rides, and the desert safaris, all amidst the sand dunes, form the core of your adventure journey here.

The Persian Gulf surrounding this destination brings in the best of water sports on Qatari turf. From kite surfing with the waves in Fuwairit, and kayaking across the lush landscape of Al Thakira mangroves, to exploring the world underwater through diving and visiting the water parks – there is specially curated fun for families.

Take to the air with hot-air balloon rides, paratriking, paragliding, for an unrivalled bird’s-eye view as you soar above the coastal landscape and desert vastness.

When it comes to indoor recreational activities, Qatar has everything from ice skating rinks to arcade games, multi-screen movie theatres and amusement and theme parks like Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, Quest Doha, home to the world’s tallest indoor shot and drop tower and the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster. Entertainment centres include the winter themed Snow Dunes, and the Middle East’s first dedicated e-gaming hub Virtuocity, in Doha Festival City Mall.

ROYAL DINING

From Michelin-starred restaurants and experimental cuisine to delicious street food, there is an atlas of flavours in Qatar. Head to the top floor of the Museum of Islamic Art to dine at IDAM, where each dish is a celebration of local tastes, spices and ingredients, such as the Date Soufflé, a traditional French dessert with a Qatari twist. For an innovative, authentic culinary experience, try Madrouba at Deli Kitchen at Al Messila Resort & Spa. The resort’s eight restaurants are overseen by acclaimed Michelin-starred Italian chef Pino Lavarra. In the winding paths of Souq Waqif, you will find the culinary gem Parisa, a palatial restaurant that serves the best of Persian cuisine. The Taj Bareh Kebab, a rack of lamb barbecue with homemade spices and fresh lime, is a crowd favourite. International cuisines are a delight with Morimoto Doha – the first Japanese restaurant serving signature dishes with fine sake; Halul Cafe for light-hearted bingeing through fast food staples, and the acclaimed restaurant CUT famed for its fine American steaks, and healthy dishes of the South.

A place is best discovered through its street food. While Qatar’s street food is not typically sold on roadside stands or carts, refurbished shipping containers in ‘box parks’ are local interpretations, offering a variety of favourite food and drink, including the nation’s favourite specialty coffees and karak tea. Places such as Chapati & Karak in Katara or Shay al Shamoos in Souq Waqif are known to serve the best karak in town. Perhaps the most common street food in any Middle Eastern country, shawarma, can be found at Mashawi Al Arabi in the Old Airport area or Jabal Lebnan in Al Nasr Street. The nation’s favourite sweet treat on-the-go, Luqaimat must be eaten while freshly made. Local women selling home cooked foods in Souq Waqif can fry some up or you can order some at a karak shop like Karaki in The Pearl or Chai Halib in the Mall of Qatar.

LEISURE PLAY

Discover your special moments as you walk through Souq Waqif -the iconic marketplace of Doha that offers all the traditional trinkets of the region shining on Middle Eastern culture. Choose your museum of the day on the Corniche – Doha’s most gorgeous promenade, or treat yourself to the grandest luxuries at Qatar’s most beloved spots like Al Hazm – the renowned complex forever bustling with trendy cafes, boutiques, and entertainment zones.

Visit the Katara Cultural Village for art and theatre prospects, or the iconic Gold Souq for some architectural marvelling and local shopping. From high-end, designer labels to local bestsellers, discover the best of all the worlds.

BE WELL

Nature has blessed Qatar with precious wellness spots. Unwind with a quick jog along the beaches, and end the day with a blissful nap in a cabana at your preferred hotel. Book yourself a fine day of relaxation at Qatar’s most quintessential spas – Six Senses Spa, Sisley Paris Spa at W Doha, or Remede Spa at The St. Regis Doha, allowing yourself to be pampered with rich therapies and treatments. Self-care, traditional therapies and healing techniques come together to form a grove of wellness in the treasured world of Qatar.

The peninsula brims with glittering skylines, but nothing shines brighter than Qatar itself during summer. Come, discover for your own self.