Qatar has become world-renowned for its hosting of many high profile sporting events, including in recent years the ATP Tennis tour, the Exxon/Mobil Open, and the Qatar Masters, part of the European Golf Tour.

For expatriates living in Qatar there are facilities and clubs for virtually all forms of sport, including horse racing, camel racing, boat racing, soccer and falconry. Golf is particularly popular, with world-class 18-hole and 9-hole courses available at the famous Doha Golf Club.

Many expatriates make regular day trips into the desert, to the beaches outside Doha and to local forts. One of the main attractions is the Inland Sea, a huge lake jutting into the desert and surrounded by towering sand dunes, which offers opportunities for bathing and scuba diving.

Qatar has a very child-friendly environment, with numerous playgrounds and a number of theme parks. Especially popular with children are Palmtree Island in Doha Bay, with its beaches and camel and pony rides, and Aladdin's Kingdom, an entertainment park with many exciting rides, in the West Bay area. There is also a popular zoo around 20 km from Doha along the Salwa Road.