Here’s our guide to navigating its delights, no matter how long you’re staying for.

Where to stay

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to where to base yourself in Qatar, with a plethora of five-star luxury options. The suitably grand Marsa Malaz Kempinski is a great choice for families, located at Pearl Island in capital Doha, with seven restaurants, multiple pools and private beach access.

Meanwhile, design buffs and foodies will love the W Doha, with its maximalist interiors and artworks, not to mention two restaurants by revered chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. If you’re looking for a wellness escape, Zulal Wellness Resort (sister hotel to Thailand’s famed Chiva-Som), is perfect for honeymooners or those seeking rest and relaxation. Or consider Habitas in Ras Abrouq, luxury properties which offer activities such as restorative sunrise yoga and starlit sound ceremonies in peaceful desert surroundings.

What to do

There’s so much to do in Qatar that it can be easy to get overwhelmed, so it’s all about tailoring to your preferences. Seek adventure with activities such as kitesurfing or dune racing, discover natural wonders such as prehistoric petroglyphs or the unique inland sea, or indulge in a bucket-list dinner overlooking the desertscape. Whichever route you follow, disappointment is not an option.

What to see

Thanks to Qatar Museums, a substantial amount of investment has been pumped into developing the nation’s museum and gallery offering, which includes the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar.

No visit to Qatar would be complete without spending a few hours in the vibrant Souq Waqif, with its unique warren of narrow alleyways selling everything from spices to traditional homewares.

Where to eat

Doha is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, offering a range of cuisine from Japanese to Italian. Local tastemakers rate La Petite Maison, with its French classics like escargots, Market by Jean-Georges at the W Hotel for its sushi, and Roberto’s for laid-back dinner-date vibes (and excellent pizzas). One of the hottest new additions to Doha’s dining scene is Cyra, a Lebanese-Mediterranean fusion restaurant that also offers the chance to try shisha.

For something really different, head to Emshoot, where you can try Azerbaijani cuisine – think succulent lamb flatbreads and aubergines galore. Or for authentic, rich Middle Eastern recipes, look to Em Sherif, a multifaceted fine dining concept, or Bayt el Talleh, which boasts a magnificent view over the Katara south hills.

Where to shop

You could be forgiven for thinking you were in Paris when you consider that some of the top shopping destinations in Qatar include Galeries Lafayette, Place Vendome, and Printemps.

Beauty aficionados should check out Gold Apple, which boasts all of the best brands housed under one glamorous roof, with particularly inviting sofas for tired/bored partners.

And finally… where to pamper

Enhance your trip by adding a few pampering pit stops. The Four Seasons Hotel is renowned for its Jet Peel hydrafacial, while the Waldorf Astoria offers incredible full-body massages, and everything from hair treatments to mani-pedis at its Aldo Coppola salon.

Learn more at visitqatar.com