Pearls of the Gulf

Doha is a very different kettle of fish to its more famous cousin along the gulf. In fact it isn't such a bad analogy - it's due to it's history as a pearling and fishing town that Doha has a far more established feel. While there is plenty of construction going on, it seems far more integrated with the current town nestled around the historic harbour.

One of the things immediately comparable between the cities is one of the key focuses of the region - the hotels. The Sheraton in Doha was the pearl of the region for many years, until the hotels of Dubai stole its crown - however, having visited some of the most opulent of the Dubai, my preference is definitely with the art deco grandiosity of the old Sheraton than the rather Las Vegas-ish feel of the Dubai buildings.