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• Qatar
Due to host the 2006 Asian Games November 27-December 15, Qatar has come a long way from its roots as a fishing and pearling settlement
Asian Games 2006: The 15th edition will feature 39 sports ranging from archery to wushu and including other Asian favourites such as kabbadi and sepaktakraw. Tickets are available online at http://tickets.doha-2006. com/doha/eng/search_country.jsp
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Where: Surrounded by water on three sides, Qatar is a peninsula in the Arabian Gulf with its only land border existing at the southern end where Qatar meets Saudi Arabia. The entire county is approximately 240 kilometres from north to south, and less than 160 kilometres wide.
Top attractions: Situated about a 10-minute boat ride from the Corniche, Palm Tree Island has children and family amenities, restaurants and caf?s, and water sports facilities along with beautiful beaches for swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf.
Cuisine: As a trading entrep?t, Qatar has taken inspiration from the cuisines of the entire world and Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Thai flavours mingle with those of Italy, France, the Mediterranean, Mexico and beyond.
When to go: Temperatures are pleasant year-round. Summer temperatures range from 18?C-42?C, while winter temperatures range from 10?C-34?C. Nightlife: Restrictions on the sale of alcohol means some visitors will opt to stay within the confines of the major hotels (where beers, wines and spirits are readily available) but the choice is sufficiently wide to cater for all tastes. Famous Qatari denizens: The Al-Thani family has ruled Qatar since the 18th century. The present Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani took the throne in 1995.
Famous hotels: Noted hotels in the country include the Doha Marriott Gulf Hotel, InterContinental Doha, The Ritz-Carlton Doha and the Sheraton Doha Hotel and Resort. (See p4-p5).
Shopping: Visit the Corniche to see the daily fish catch being landed. Primarily a Bedouin culture, amazing art is created through weaving – tools made from wood and gazelle horn are used to weave sheep, goat and camel wool to create beautiful rugs, tents and cushions.
Local currency: The Qatari Riyal divides into 100 Dirhams. Banknotes come in 1,5,10,50,100 and 500 denominations. The Qatari Riyal is pegged to the United States Dollar at US$1= QR3.65.
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Local transport: Self-drive car hire is one option but chauffeured limousine services are also available, offering late model vehicles with knowledgeable drivers. The cheapest option is the plentiful white and orange taxis that are easy to flag down.
Uniquely: The Arabian Oryx is a once near-extinct social antelope now farmed and protected. The graceful white animal grazes on sparse vegetation, uses its large horns in self-defence and is believed to be the origin of the legend of the unicorn.
More information:
Visit www.experienceqatar.com
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