Useful

**Ancient_Mariner** · 10-05-2007, 14:03

I'll be traveling to the Far East later this year via Qatar. Wondering if it's worth arranging a brief stopover in Qatar. Is there anything worth seeing/doing there? Bear in mind I am old and knackered so camel racing, clubbing and visiting local harems is out.

Is there a local Werthers Original factory I could tour?

**Legs** · 10-05-2007, 14:05

Having been the for a few months back during TELIC 1, I can reccommend a wander round Doha City. A mix of modern and ancient (although not as ancient as you I understand) and the souks are well worth a visit.

**Filbert Fox** · 10-05-2007, 14:09

I was only there for a couple of hours each time so didnt leave the crappy building or tent that they stuck us in.
The food was interesting though, massive sandwiches and shed loads of melted chocolate, strange but I thought the local cuisine would have been more 'eastern'!

**Bat_Crab** · 10-05-2007, 14:12

Al Udeid does a very good line in frozen sandwiches and luke warm water. The accommodation leaves a little to be desired though :D

Seriously, I've heard that Doha, whilst not worthy as a specific holiday destination, is worth a couple of days if you're passing through.

**sniper_bob** · 10-05-2007, 14:22

According to The Times it was the Qataris who just bought Chelsea Barracks for £900m - save yourself the airfare and stagger across the road from the RH to sample their delightful culture. Just don't trust them because they all tell big fibs all the time.

**Zingari** · 10-05-2007, 18:37

Don't forget to inspect the 'gents' toilets in the departure longe - they are something that should appear on 'Life of Grime'. Take your own paper and wear wellies as the floor is ankle deep in "fluids"

**Ancient_Mariner** · 11-05-2007, 07:35

Originally Posted by sniper_bob

According to The Times it was the Qataris who just bought Chelsea Barracks for £900m - save yourself the airfare and stagger across the road from the RH to sample their delightful culture. Just don't trust them because they all tell big fibs all the time.

No lodgings at the Royal Hospital for me I'm afraid - I'm of a saltier persuasion. When I was there recently, the pensioners all threw iPods at me while shouting 'Mr Bean, Mr Bean'. Must be some sort of weird, army tradition.

Many thanks to all who replied to my query.

**jarrod248** · 12-05-2007, 09:03

Qatar airlines are excellent especially the business class which is good value. Staff well trained planes in good order, plenty free champagne and the food is good. The in flight entertainment is also excellent loads of on demand music.
Doha airport was being updated last time I went through and it was a shambles, nowhere to sit, people everywhere, but that was maybe 18 months ago and might be finished now.
http://www.airlinequality.com/
The above is a good site with personal opinions re airlines, seating food etc.

**the_matelot** · 12-05-2007, 09:26

TBH, I think you'd be better off going to either Dubai or Bahrain.

Qatar is a dry state for a start...

**subbsonic** · 12-05-2007, 09:34

You might like to email ahead to the Ritz Carlton and ask if they have a rate for off-duty Brit service personnel.

If that does not work try the intercontinental. Both are a bit off the beaten track, but if you just want gym , pool and somewhere of your own to hook yr laptop up it should do.

If you have a few sponds to spare, the hotel's own car may be a bit more dependable, in sy terms, that the taxis. The souk is pretty standard fare for the region, but better souveniers than the airport or hotel shopping.

If you want to blow a bit of cash on local scoff, email the defence section in the Embassy and ask if there are any resturaunts they could re.commend.

( BAE used to have an office out there

)