Dedicated England fans and FIFA officials will have the chance to assess Qatar's ambitious claims to stage the 2022 World Cup on Saturday.
Since hosting a successful Asian Games in 2006 the tiny peninsula nestled in the Arabian Gulf has adopted a simple approach to hosting international sporting events: bid, bid and bid again.
The Olympic Games and football's showpiece will be staged in the Middle East at some stage and Qatar wants to be in pole position.
The country has strong links to Brazil - Pele is backing their World Cup campaign - and the South Americans will profit handsomely from Saturday's clash in Qatar. Brazil were England's first opponents at the new Wembley in June 2007 and were promised a rematch at a venue of their choice as part of the original deal.
For many years Dubai, with its impressive purpose-built stadium, has been a stop on the international rugby sevens tour, while neighbouring Abu Dhabi upstaged Bahrain 11 days ago when its Yas Marina circuit won rave reviews for its maiden Formula One Grand Prix.
There is a certain Field of Dreams "build it and they will come" attitude pervading in the Gulf and Qatar is happy to participate in the construction frenzy. Saturday's match will take place at Khalifa Stadium, a top-class facility renovated in 2006 with a 50,000 capacity. It is adjacent to the state-of-the-art Aspire sports academy, which has won plaudits from Pele and a host of Premier League clubs.
As the leading exporter of liquefied natural gas with the fastest growing economy in the world Qatar is rolling in cash, some of which has been used to invest in the likes of Sainsbury's, Barclays, Chelsea Barracks and most recently the US embassy in London.
Visitors will notice a confident swagger among the local Qatari population but there are few signs of in-your-face opulence. The population of about 1.5 million comprises a potpourri of nationalities with the majority coming from the Asian sub-continent. There is a growing number of Brits, currently estimated to be about 11,000.
Weather has been cited as the main hurdle for any successful Olympics or World Cup bid by Qatar. Temperatures in the summer can reach 125ºF but on Saturday it is likely to be comfortably warm, around 90ºF.
Read More
Doha has been cruelly described as the "ugly sister" of Dubai and while it is understated in comparison it is not as strict as Saudi Arabia. Gulf Times, the local English language daily newspaper, reported that the British embassy here is urging football fans to log on to its web site to learn about the cultural differences that are likely to be encountered.
While it may be a stretch to expect the average England supporter to take such sage advice, those who needed a map to check the whereabouts of Qatar should be wary of local laws.
Passengers attempting to smuggle alcohol into the country are unlikely to be deported immediately but drink will be confiscated and the authorities can make life difficult for anyone arriving inebriated.
The same applies to anyone drinking in public or staggering around the streets under the influence. Bars only exist in five-star hotels and many require visitors to become members for a nominal fee so prepare to queue and always take ID with you. Prices are comparable to London.
Rowdy behaviour will almost certainly result in a visit to one of the local jails and under no circumstances be discourteous to anyone in authority. Also, bear in mind that there are likely to be plain clothes security officials mingling with the crowds on match day.
The stadium itself will be alcohol-free, as will the fanzone complex.
So for some fans a visit to Qatar may resemble a stretch in the Priory but enjoy nonetheless!
