Doha has year-round hot, sunny weather with very little rainfall. Winters are marginally cooler, especially at night, and there is more chance of rain. Summer temperatures can rise as high as 104°F (40°C). The best time to visit Doha is between November and March, when daytime temperature are at their most merciful, and the threat of sand storms is low.

Visitors to Qatar are spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurant options in Doha. The cultural diversity of Doha is particularly evident when it comes to the various restaurant choices available throughout the city. Whether you're after traditional middle-eastern delights, spicy Indian curries or familiar western favourites, you're sure to find a restaurant serving something to your liking in Doha.

Doha is home to Doha International Airport, Qatar's only international airport, served regularly by Qatar Airways and in close proximity to the city. Doha also has an excellent road network with new highways being developed to further improve access to the metropole. There is an extensive bus system and good taxi services in place in and around the city, while plans for a metro system are also under way. Doha Port is located just off the Doha Corniche and also provides access to the city.

Doha has a lot to offer travellers with kids. Apart from the selection of shopping malls, kids will be richly entertained at Aladdin's Kingdom Theme Park. The Doha Zoo should definitely be on the sightseeing itinerary for any family travelling with children, while no visit to Doha is complete without stopping in at the beaches of Palm Tree Island.

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used.

The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which divides into 100 dirhams. The Riyal exchange rate is pegged to the US Dollar at QR 3.65. Money and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, the airport and exchange dealers. To avoid additional charges it is best to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. The main bank branches are on Grand Hamad Street in Doha. Banks are open Saturday to Thursday 8am to 1pm and some are open into the evening. ATMs are available on the main streets of the cities and towns, at banks and in shopping malls and most shops, hotels and restaurants accept international credit cards.

With the dearth of alcohol in Qatar, the country doesn't have the type of nightlife scene that most western travellers would be familiar with. However there are numerous Sheesha (smoking) cafes, and the Corniche is a popular area for those keen on an evening stroll. The bars in the international hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton, the Grand Hyatt, Ramada and La Cigale are all popular nightlife spots for expats and visitors to the country. The Irish pub at the Sheraton regularly hosts live music events and the glamourous Skyview Bar at La Cigale attract a vibey clientele. Tourists wishing to purchase alcoholic beverages are required to present their passport before being served.

Qatar is a premier shopping destination and visitors to the country will be hard-pressed not to spend some time at one of the popular malls or traditional souqs(markets). Doha has a selection of world-class malls with a range of products from across the globe. With new malls opening across the city it is wise to ask your hotel where the newest mall is and what shops are housed there. Doha's largest mall is City Centre Mall in Al Dafna Area. This mall offers coutureshopping with high-end brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as a broad range of electronic goods. City Centre Mall has an amusement park area for the kids, a Carrefour for groceries, a banking area, bookshops and a number of other shops. Villagio Mall on Al Haab Street is another popular shopping centre. The mall boasts a canal running through the entire centre as well as ceilings painted to resemble the sky. There is a food and entertainment area as well as 220 other shops including Boots, Topshop, Carrefour, Apple and Virgin. Other popular malls in Doha include Landmark Mall and Hyatt Plaza.

The souqsin the centre of town are the best places to find great bargains, but be prepared to haggle. The Iranian Souq ( Souq Waqif) is by far the most popular. Shoppers can find souvenirs, textiles, carpets and even falcons at this market. Other souqspopular with tourists include: the Gold Souq near the bus station, where you can find precious metals and intricate gold jewellery; and the Omani Souq on Haloul Street, which sells saffron and other spices as well as incense.

Doha offers a range of sightseeing activities. Visitors can enjoy the traditional souqsor stroll along the Corniche at sunset. Palm Tree Island, which is only a short boat trip away, is always popular with sunbathers. Doha has a range of museums and galleries offering respite from the desert heat, some of the most popular museums include the National Museum and Doha Fort. The Ethnographic Museum and the swords and knives on display at the Weaponry Museum are equally fascinating, and offer visitors a glimpse into the history of this proud country. Some of the enticing excursions out of the city offer visitors the chance to see the Arabian Oryx, camel rides and racing as well as the stark beauty of the seemingly endless stretch of dune scenery.

Local time is GMT +3.