Anyone been there? if so would be interested in what it is like, as I'll be there next week.

Dull as hell, all social life centers around the half dozen or so int'l hotels. Good food can be had however at not too bad prices.

GB-I have never been there but here is what I found on the net..places to visit if you are going there for vacation


Not to miss
Umm Salal Mohammed

The first town north of Doha, Umm Salal Mohammed's raison-d'être is its fort, which is open when someone is around to unlock the door (mornings are your best bet). It's a relatively small, whitewashed rectangular building with two towers, one of which rises to a height of four storeys.

Near the fort is a small mosque with an old minaret that has recently been restored to its original state, and some ruined mud-brick fortifications. While there's not a lot going for it, Umm Salal Mohammed is only 25km (15mi) from Doha, so is worth a stop if you're heading north.

Doha

Around the Gulf, Doha has earned the unenviable reputation of being the dullest place on earth. You will be hard-pressed to find anyone who'll claim the place is exciting. That said, there's nothing wrong with Doha - you're unlikely to get shot or mugged or die from cholera.

The bay is pleasant and there are enough interesting sites around town to keep you occupied for a day or two. Doha is also the only place in Qatar with hotels (and an airport), so even if you're travelling around the country, you'll be stopping through here.

The Qatar National Museum occupies the once palace of Shaikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed, emir from 1913 to 1951. The museum includes an aquarium over two levels: the top floor is full of stuffed fish, but there are live ones in the appealing surrounds of the basement. The sea turtles are probably the best thing here. Other seafaring displays are interesting, as are those on Islam, desert life and astronomy.

Other sights are: the Ethnographic Museum, which looks at life before the oil boom and includes one of the Gulf's few remaining wind towers (pre-electric air-con!); Doha's fort, for some good displays on traditional crafts; and Aladdin's Kingdom, home to the only rollercoaster in the Gulf.

Khor Al-Adaid

Understandably touted as the major attraction in Qatar, this 'inland sea' is actually a huge lake jutting into the desert and surrounded by kilometres of towering sand dunes. The best time to visit the dunes is in the late afternoon, but to appreciate the area fully it's best to camp overnight.

Al-Shahaniya

Al-Shahaniya is a good place to see camels roaming around the desert and camels racing in a purpose-built stadium. If you have a car - a 4WD is not necessary - it's fun to drive along the 18km (11mi) racetrack during the race.

Al-Zubara

Al-Zubara occupies an important place in Qatari history as it was formerly a large commercial region in the 18th century. All that remains is a fort, which has been restored and converted into the Al-Zubara Regional Museum. It has some interesting exhibits of pottery and archaeology and some bleak views from the towers.

So as dull as anything then although would make an interesting advertising tourist advert "Qatar, now officially Cholera Free"

great food, very hot and humid (I was there in August), flash cars and hectic airport!

Cheers Abi, might be there for 2 years depending upon the outcome of the meetings that I'm scheduled to be having.

wow - if it`s what you want, then good luck!

The first motogp race this season is in qatar, we are going to watch 2nd race in Spain, best xmas present ever! Also, doing my CBT this month and then hopefully direct access, so that Kawasaki 626 is getting closer!! vroom, vroom...

Hi to your family.

xxx

Generator caught fire this morning, so 40+ outside and no AC, what's worse is that there's also a sandstorm blowin outside, so we can't open the windows.

You paint a sweaty picture... do they use deodorant over there?

As everyone was in the same boat yesterday it's hard to tell.

Not really that bothered now though, as I've got my e-ticket confirmation; back to the bul tonight!

Get ready for some beeyooteeful weather here - lovely, warm, sunny. Summer is just around the corner!