The centrepiece of the city, Doha Bay was carefully constructed with landfill to make an attractive crescent, along which runs shaded footpaths and cycling tracks.

BBC: A perfect day in Doha

In West Bay, pull up at the new St Regis Doha, the most spectacular five-star hotel in an area filling up fast with other big-name hotel brands.

BBC: Going global in Doha

After a morning browsing the souq, jump into a taxi for the 20-minute ride to the Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island in West Bay Lagoon and one of the most up-and-coming areas in Doha.

BBC: A shopaholic's guide to Doha