My husband and I were living in Doha for all of 2006, and in June of that year, we took the short dhow trip across to Palm Tree Island. We had a very enjoyable day there. There was a seafood restaurant, pools, lovely gardens, and plenty of tree-lined, shady areas to relax under during the day. Many families, both European and Arabic, were enjoying themselves there. To our surprise and dismay, shortly before the Asian Games were about to take place, the entire island was razed to the ground—with only two trees left unscathed. From then on, we called it "Two Tree Island". Several theories were circulated as to the reason—a huge fountain was to be erected for the Games, or perhaps Doha did not want the rest of the world seeing the perceived "decadence" that went on over at the island. In fact it had been largely a family destination with no hint of nudity or improper behaviour. We were sad that the Qatari people could no longer enjoy the little island oasis. We left Doha in January this year and hope that plans are being made to rebuild the island into something that everyone in Qatar can share and enjoy.
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