Qatar Direct: in pictures

Qatar's spectacular West Bay is fast becoming an iconic image of the rapidly changing face of the oil-rich Gulf nations. Nigel Downes, a British photographer based in Qatar has taken a series of photographs reflecting the many qualities of the country.

Qatar's spectacular West Bay is fast becoming an iconic image of the rapidly changing face of the oil-rich Gulf nations. Nigel Downes, a British photographer based in Qatar has taken a series of photographs reflecting the many qualities of the country.

Qatar's emerging skyline features cutting-edge designs from the world's leading architects. These structures include many elements of Islamic and Arabian culture.

Qatar's emerging skyline features cutting-edge designs from the world's leading architects. These structures include many elements of Islamic and Arabian culture.

The Katara mosque on the right is part of the Katara cultural village, a centre for literature, music, visual art, conventions and exhibitions. The unusual looking building on the left is a traditional dove cot.

The Katara mosque on the right is part of the Katara cultural village, a centre for literature, music, visual art, conventions and exhibitions. The unusual looking building on the left is a traditional dove cot.

Al Zubarah, near Doha, is an important archaeological site famous for its old fort, now a museum. Constructed in 1938 with high, thick walls, the fort has also served as a coast-guard station.

Al Zubarah, near Doha, is an important archaeological site famous for its old fort, now a museum. Constructed in 1938 with high, thick walls, the fort has also served as a coast-guard station.

A Qatari man in traditional dress carries his lunch boxes in one hand and holds his Arabic flat bread in the other.

A Qatari man in traditional dress carries his lunch boxes in one hand and holds his Arabic flat bread in the other.

Built on reclaimed land off the coast of Qatar, this recently constructed community models itself on Venice with an extensive canal system and Italian-style pedestrian piazzas.

Built on reclaimed land off the coast of Qatar, this recently constructed community models itself on Venice with an extensive canal system and Italian-style pedestrian piazzas.

The Qatar Islamic Cultural Center, a prominent landmark visible from far out at sea. The lighthouse motif is a nod to Qatar's rich seafaring heritage.

The Qatar Islamic Cultural Center, a prominent landmark visible from far out at sea. The lighthouse motif is a nod to Qatar's rich seafaring heritage.

Two Qatari women drinking 'designer' coffee on a winter's evening at the Museum of Islamic Art park overlooking West Bay, Doha.

Two Qatari women drinking 'designer' coffee on a winter's evening at the Museum of Islamic Art park overlooking West Bay, Doha.

The Aspire Tower, a hotel, was originally built for the 15th Asian Games hosted by Qatar in 2006. The building, at 300 metres (984 feet) high, can be seen from most parts of the city.

The Aspire Tower, a hotel, was originally built for the 15th Asian Games hosted by Qatar in 2006. The building, at 300 metres (984 feet) high, can be seen from most parts of the city.

Away from the city centre with its polish and glitz it is still possible to find traditional crafts workers. Here a cobbler repairs shoes in a quieter suburb of Doha.

Away from the city centre with its polish and glitz it is still possible to find traditional crafts workers. Here a cobbler repairs shoes in a quieter suburb of Doha.

Qatar National Day is a national commemoration of Qatar's unification and independence. Held on the 18th of December each year.

Qatar National Day is a national commemoration of Qatar's unification and independence. Held on the 18th of December each year.

Members of the armed forces parade for National Day Parade in Doha. The country has a small armed force but has actively supported revolutions in Syria and Libya with money, diplomatic action and even weapons.

Members of the armed forces parade for National Day Parade in Doha. The country has a small armed force but has actively supported revolutions in Syria and Libya with money, diplomatic action and even weapons.

Cash point, Arabian style. A clever solution to make a modern day ATM blend in with its traditional historic surroundings.

Cash point, Arabian style. A clever solution to make a modern day ATM blend in with its traditional historic surroundings.

A market porter takes a nap during the mid-day break in the wheel barrow he uses to ferry people's shopping about.

A market porter takes a nap during the mid-day break in the wheel barrow he uses to ferry people's shopping about.

Qatari gentleman relaxing in the Souk smoking his Shisha pipe.

Qatari gentleman relaxing in the Souk smoking his Shisha pipe.

Saudi Arabian visitors stroll through Souk Waqif, home to many traditional Arabic restaurants and a focal point for visitors, local families and tourists.

Saudi Arabian visitors stroll through Souk Waqif, home to many traditional Arabic restaurants and a focal point for visitors, local families and tourists.

Porto Arabia, part of a huge construction project, is a man-made island off the coast of Qatar. Its waterfront cafes and restaurants are fast becoming a place where the local and expat communities meet, says Nigel Downes.

Porto Arabia, part of a huge construction project, is a man-made island off the coast of Qatar. Its waterfront cafes and restaurants are fast becoming a place where the local and expat communities meet, says Nigel Downes.