<strong>Desert dreaming: </strong>Qataris are proud of their ultra-modern capital Doha, but their hearts are in the deserts which envelop much of the Gulf state.
Desert dreaming: Qataris are proud of their ultra-modern capital Doha, but their hearts are in the deserts which envelop much of the Gulf state.
Jo de Frias
<strong>Sandy shore: </strong>The luxury Regency Sealine Camp offers a hospitable haven from the desert's many moods on the shore of the Khor Al Adaid or "Inland Sea."
Sandy shore: The luxury Regency Sealine Camp offers a hospitable haven from the desert's many moods on the shore of the Khor Al Adaid or "Inland Sea."
Regency Sealine Camp
<strong>Lagoon life: </strong>The Inland Sea in the southeast of Qatar is where the Gulf infiltrates the dunes, with Saudi Arabia on the far side. It is a UNESCO-recognized natural reserve with its own ecosystem. Plant life exists, and for the lucky few, a chance sighting of the desert fox and even wild camels.<br />
Lagoon life: The Inland Sea in the southeast of Qatar is where the Gulf infiltrates the dunes, with Saudi Arabia on the far side. It is a UNESCO-recognized natural reserve with its own ecosystem. Plant life exists, and for the lucky few, a chance sighting of the desert fox and even wild camels.
Jo de Frias
<strong>Towards the sea:</strong> Four-wheel drive tours are popular with locals and tourists. The Inland Sea is only accessible across the vast, sandy wastes.
Towards the sea: Four-wheel drive tours are popular with locals and tourists. The Inland Sea is only accessible across the vast, sandy wastes.
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<strong>Ships of the desert: </strong>Camel safaris are the authentic way to experience traditional desert life in Qatar.
Ships of the desert: Camel safaris are the authentic way to experience traditional desert life in Qatar.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
<strong>Camping out:</strong> For many visitors a night or two in the desert is a highlight of their visit to Qatar. Locals, too, love to head out of the city at weekends and camp out in the dunes.
Camping out: For many visitors a night or two in the desert is a highlight of their visit to Qatar. Locals, too, love to head out of the city at weekends and camp out in the dunes.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
<strong>Starry</strong><strong> sky: </strong>Night is a special time in the desert, with a comforting fire and a vast canopy of stars overhead.
Starry sky: Night is a special time in the desert, with a comforting fire and a vast canopy of stars overhead.
Regency Sealine Camp
<strong>Rush hour: </strong>Dune bashing in the desert is a popular pastime in Qatar, but inexperienced drivers risk getting stuck or lost.
Rush hour: Dune bashing in the desert is a popular pastime in Qatar, but inexperienced drivers risk getting stuck or lost.
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<strong>Two wheels:</strong> It's not just 4x4s that love playing in the dunes. Quad bikes and pedal bikes are increasingly popular sources of sandy fun.
Two wheels: It's not just 4x4s that love playing in the dunes. Quad bikes and pedal bikes are increasingly popular sources of sandy fun.
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<strong>Distant city:</strong> Qatar's deserts make you feel a long way -- in distance and mindset -- from the thrusting megalopolis of Doha.
Distant city: Qatar's deserts make you feel a long way -- in distance and mindset -- from the thrusting megalopolis of Doha.
KARIM JAAFAR/AFP/AFP/Getty Images