SANDS GOOD
Huge £4.3billion beachfront attraction set to ‘rival Disney’ with theme park and resorts
And what it's like to fly on the country's national airline
A NEW $5.5billion (£4.3billion) new attraction is set to take on the Disney theme parks.
The new Simaisma Project, in Qatar, has been revealed, set to open along 4.3miles of beachfront.
3
3
The project involves the country’s Ministry of Municipality and Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company.
Just 18 miles from Doha, the small seaside town will have four unique resort zones, each with attractions and amenities for both tourists and locals.
As part of the huge complex, a massive theme park is set to open as part of the main "anchor" of the attraction.
The theme park would stretch over 650,000 square metres, making it bigger than Disney's Magic Kingdom.
Read more on theme parks
Discussions are already in place with "international park operators" to run it.
Little has been revealed about the theme park in regards to rides or an opening date.
But it will also be joined by a "world class" 18-hole golf course as well as restaurants and shops.
A yacht club, marina, beach club, resorts and residential villas will all be part of it.
Most read in Beach holidays
CEO of Qatari Diar, Ali bin Mohammed Al Ali said: “We have meticulously planned this project under the guidance of the Ministry of Municipality and in alignment with Qatar’s trajectory of continuous growth.
“This project is poised to establish new benchmarks for tourism in the region and write a new, remarkable chapter in Qatar’s success story.
Hamad International Airport: Soaring Above as the Best in 2024
"The anchor is the theme park and that phase will be coming first to attract more people to come and invest."
Qatar’s municipality minister Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah added: "We are steadily advancing towards realising Qatar’s national vision 2030, building a more prosperous and stable future for coming generations across the economic, social and environmental domains.
“We are thrilled to contribute to the growth of the tourism and entertainment sector by spearheading innovative projects that meet the rising demand in this crucial industry.”
Qatar is often overlooked by Brits who head to the UAE for a holiday in Dubai instead.
Qatar deals
But Doha, the capital city is a popular stopover destination for Brits heading to Asia.
It is home to EpiQ Coaster, the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster at 57m, found inside the indoor Doha Quest theme park.
Or you can head to the Maldives-like Banana Island Resort Doha, with overwater villas and 800m beach.
Flights to Doha's Hamad International Airport take around 7 hours and can be found for as little as £192 each way when flying from London Gatwick or London Heathrow.
Both British Airways and Qatar Airways offer direct flights from the UK.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
What is Qatar like to visit?
The Sun's Chief Sports Reporter Martin Lipton visited in 2022 ahead of the World Cup - here's what you can expect.
Sit on a camel, steering the “ship of the desert” along the dunes, or race up and down them at 60mph.
Nothing compares with the sensation of sitting atop a camel as it trudges across the dunes.
Take a kayak or paddleboard on to the turquoise blue waters.
And inhale the sights, sounds and smells of Souq Waqif, Doha’s famous market, which has been the hub of the city for more than a century.
All while being part of football’s version of Disneyland in the Desert.
There is, even in a young country, history and culture, a host of museums.
And then there is the five miles of the waterfront “Corniche” promenade — planned to be a cavalcade of colour, excitement and hubbub for visitors.
Hotels are affordable too - Premier Inn at Doha Airport starts from £29 while central Doha hotels can be found for around £50 a night.
The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor flew to Doha on the world's best business class - here's what it's like.
3