Doha, capital city of Qatar state, has witnessed explosive growth in recent decades. Its burgeoning expatriate population now outnumbers that of its nationals; when the state opened up its property market to foreign ownership, foreigners flooded the capital, doubling the city’s population in the last decade alone. This oil-rich city has diversified its economy in recent years. With economic liberalization has come a degree of social liberalization. It is possible to find a range of good bookstores, bars and cinemas showing western films. During the sweltering hot summer months, temperatures regularly soar to 50 degrees Celsius and beyond; unfortunately, as the city switches on the air conditioning to cool the interior, it inadvertently heats up the exterior. During these months, many either retreat to cooler climes, or to the air-conditioned cool sanctuary of shopping malls. Qatar is far more liberal than its neighbors. Prospective expats will be relieved to learn that a blind eye is turned to those wearing shorts, (prohibited in many other Arab states) and that women are not required to wear the abaya here. Alcohol is legal and readily available, albeit at a high price, and you can lounge by the pool in a bikini provided it is in the confines of an international hotel or your own backyard. It is important to observe social norms – no kissing in public, for example, or directly asking after an Arab colleague’s wife. Cover your shoulders, don’t expose too much skin, and make sure your teenage daughters keep their bellies under wraps. Doha is a city that begs to be explored and its Qatari hosts are welcoming and tolerant. Try out sand surfing, blo-kiting or desert camping. If you fancy a mouth-watering street snack, head for the famous Souq Waqif and sample a traditional pancake. The swaths of fabulous fabrics hidden in the Souq Al Dira and the city’s abundance of talented tailors provide a novel alternative to store-bought designer labels. This affluent, small city boasts an eclectic range of restaurants alongside a host of activities and hidden delights that will make your stay here, be it long or short, a memorable one.