I‘LL be honest, visiting Qatar was not on my bucket list.
Like many people, my first exposure to Doha, the nation’s capital, was watching the 2022 World Cup.
I was intrigued by the country given how successful the tournament was. But I couldn’t see myself making the seven-hour flight. That was until I got the chance to compete at an international swimming competition in Qatar. So I dived straight in.
This time last year, I was part of Ireland’s 26-strong team at the World Aquatic Masters Championships in Doha. I call it the Olympics for dads.
I was competing in the 50m and 100m freestyle events in the 40 to 44 age category. You can enter once you hit certain qualification times linked to your age and stroke. I flew out in luxury with Qatar Airways from Dublin early Monday ahead of my first event the next day – the 100m freestyle.
And if first impressions are anything to go by, I was in for a treat. I was lucky enough to bag an upgrade to business class.
I’m not a great flyer, but honestly, it’s not really flying in business class. It’s just relaxing and being pampered.
A problem in Dublin Airport meant we were on the tarmac for two hours before take off. But I didn’t care a jot as I stretched out and watched my movies.
Over the next seven hours, I ate like a lord, quaffed champagne and loved life. Not ideal preparation for the biggest swimming test of my life.
My choice of films reflected all this – the two most recent Mission Impossible movies.
Landing in Doha I was whisked to my digs for the next five nights, the postcard-like 5-star Banyan Tree hotel. My room was luxurious and massive – bigger than some Dublin apartments.
The next morning, it was off to the giant Aspire Dome to bring back gold. But that didn’t happen.
I missed the warm-up in the competition pool. But the facilities were “different class”, as Jimmy Magee would say.
STUNNING FACILITIES
Indeed, the facilities in the Aspire Zone are off the charts. Not only is there an Olympic-style swimming pool, there’s a football stadium (used during the World Cup), a training academy and sports medicine hospital.
It is jaw-dropping stuff that leaves Ireland severely lagging. I could see why the city is becoming a popular training destination.
I had a free day in the middle of my swims which allowed me to explore Doha properly.
My brilliant guide whisked me around the city taking in as many sights as possible. While many see other Arab cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi as futuristic metropolises, what pleasantly surprised me was Doha’s links to the past.
Monuments and sculptures are everywhere. It is much more of an artistic and cultural than I expected. Doha has incredible buildings and skyscrapers – but it hasn’t lost its roots.
MEAT FEAST
We stopped for lunch in Souq Waqif, the ancient marketplace of alleys. It was here I had one of the greatest meals of my life – an array of kebab meats worth the flight alone. And all for €10.
But the highlight of my trip – if representing one’s country isn’t – was my journey into the desert.
My guide had arranged for me to take the Discover the Desert and Inland Sea Tour.
You drive one hour out of the city in a 4×4, stop to deflate the tyres, then the adventure starts with the off-road desert drive through dramatic sand dunes.
It was an amazing experience – a rollercoaster on sand. My kids would have loved it.
GO: DOHA
HOW TO GET THERE: You can fly from Dublin to Doha with Qatar Airways. Flights start at around €665 return.
For best deals, see visitqatar.com or qatarairways.com.
STAY: Stay at the Banyan Tree Doha hotel for €259 a night. Prices at other 5* hotels start at €85 for a double room with breakfast.
DO: The Desert and Inland Sea Tour from €75.
The National Museum and Museum of Islamic Art are also both highly recommended.
From two nights to two weeks, Qatar has become a popular stopover during long-haul flights.
I recommended it to my brother – a man with a penchant for flash cars and stunning buildings – as a potential honeymoon destination.
There are some beautiful hotels – often with good value deals.
TASTE OF ITALY
There is plenty for the kids with a theme and water park. There’s of course great shopping.
Why not even take a trip to Venice and visit Doha’s Qanat Quartier, an astonishing remake of the Italian city – including the famous Rialto Bridge.
And how could I forget, blessed with sunshine all year round, Doha is for outdoorsy tourists, with activities such as camping, hiking and kite-surfing.
Don’t fancy that? Then book a cabana at Makani Beach Club, at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha, and eat light Mediterranean dishes while listening to a chilled DJ set.
AGE AWARE
And don’t worry, you can get a pint or ten as I did on my last night. There are plenty of pubs in the hotels – even a few Irish bars.
Just remember to bring your passport. Security check on every door, regardless of your age.
I was genuinely surprised by what I found in Qatar. I expected a soulless monstrosity but it wasn’t like that at all.
Swimming took me there, but it won’t be the last time I take the plunge and visit.
