Glimmering in the Qatari sun, Doha is sure to make the eyes of any architecture-lover water with its medley of Gehry-esque curves and reflective skyscrapers inspired by Hong Kong. The city pulsates with energy and action like few in the Middle East; Ferraris and Porches stream along the palm-shaded boulevards that line the famous Corniche, millionaire yachts cluster on the jetties of the so-called Pearl (one of the world’s most exclusive residential areas), Venetian-style canals weave through classy malls awash with designer wares, and old Arabia rears its head in the smoky shisha bars of Souq Waqif and the spice-laden Omani Souq. Oil money is everywhere in this magical city of the sands, which means classy hotels by the bucket load, and more fine-dining international joints than you can shake a picante chili labneh at. The city is also positioning itself as one of the region’s top cultural hubs, which is why Doha tour guides now offer a range of museum trips, which flit between the iconic Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum, the Mathaf modern art centre and many of the other cutting-edge institutions around town.