Tucked in the northeast corner of the Arabian peninsula, Qatar might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of tourism, but that just means it’s a hidden gem. Whether you’re traveling for work, leisure, or a certain soccer championship, here are a few ways to enjoy this fun, lesser-known travel destination!

Save a camel. Ride an SUV. “Dune bashing,” or the desert version of off-roading, is a popular Qatari pastime that involves hopping into an SUV and going for a dizzying ride along the swells and crests of the sand dunes. If you aren’t up for a drive, other desert adventures range from camel rides to sand skiing and sand boarding. You can also sign up for tours that include things like Tanoura dance shows, meals in traditional Bedouin tents, and other authentic cultural experiences within Qatar.

Doha is the biggest city in Qatar, and it’s home to all kinds of retail opportunities. They range from luxury boutiques in sky-high shopping malls to bustling outdoor markets called souqs. The most famous of these souqs is Souq Waqif, a large, sprawling complex packed with vendors selling everything from colorful fabrics to exotic herbs and spices. It’s almost like a city within a city with each new alleyway leading you to something new!

Like Dubai, another city on the Persian Gulf that’s famous for its architecture, Doha has a stunning skyline that has to be seen to be believed. It’s the crown jewel of Qatar, and it boasts gleaming, towering skyscrapers designed by world-class architects. You could spend days just sightseeing and getting a crick in your neck! Another cool thing about Doha’s infrastructure is that the old often sits right beside the new, so ancient military forts are only a stone’s throw away from shiny, freshly-built stadiums.

The Museum of Islamic Art

Qatar is an Islamic country, so it has strict rules against idolatry that prevent it from showcasing the human figure in objects or artifacts. It does have plenty of museums, however, and they can be great places to learn more about Qatar, Islam, and the Arabian Peninsula as a whole. For example, the Museum of Islamic Art has a stunning collection of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and woodwork. The National Museum of Qatar is a work of art, using mind-bending architecture to house even more impressive exhibitions and art galleries.

Camel racing is a seasonal activity, so you’ll need to be in Qatar between October and February to watch a match. If the stars align for your trip, however, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you’re sure to remember for years to come. You’ll notice a certain lack of humanity among the jockeys. That’s because they’re actually robots, which replaced the traditional child jockeys after a bit of cultural reform. Check out the Al-Shahaniya Racetrack to learn about scheduling and ticketing. Before you go, make sure to brush up on the history of the spot; it dates back millennia in the Middle East, so it’s worth appreciating.

Dhow boats are a relic of Qatar’s pearl-diving trade in the 19th century. Today, however, these wooden, thin-hulled boats are used for tourism much like the gondolas of Venice. You can go for a slow and leisurely cruise all along Corniche Bay, enjoying the sights of both natural and man-made wonders along the Doha skyline. You can also hop off for adventures in camel riding or jet skiing at places like Palm Tree Island.

The Pearl is one of Qatar’s most upscale tourist attractions. An artificial island with a distinctly Mediterranean flair, it’s a way to enjoy tropical-style luxury and glamor even in the middle of a desert. You can dine, shop, sleep, and explore to your heart’s content. Whether you’re in the mood for lounging around a resort or discovering new cafes along the marina, the Pearl is just as rare and beautiful as its namesake.

Richard Serra’s ‘East-West/West-East’ in Doha

Qatar is a nation dedicated to the arts. It puts $1 billion per year towards the preservation of art, culture, religion, and various forms of creative expression, and you can see this devotion throughout its cities. Remember Souq Waqif, the outdoor market? It has several art installations. So do local streets, parks, and other public places. To see one major piece, artist Richard Serra’s monumental “East-West/West-East,” you’ll need to venture out into the desert. One major piece While the museums of Qatar hold plenty of wonders, you don’t have to pay an admission fee to enjoy Qatari art: It’s everywhere, and it’s free to admire.

Maybe you’re looking for kid-friendly activities in Qatar. Maybe you just love unleashing the kid inside yourself. Either way, your best bet for breathless fun is the Gondolania Theme Park. It offers everything from bowling to laser tag to minigolf, and it welcomes visitors of all ages, so it’s perfect for both solo travelers and mixed groups. You can race go-karts, hop on a Ferris wheel, or enjoy a gondola ride. You can even go ice skating! How many people can say that they’ve been ice skating in the desert?

Do you have a favorite fun Qatar activity? Let us know in the comments below!