If we must talk about differences, however, they can be found. For one thing - and this is really what stands out the most in my mind so far - the traffic lights here are soooooo increeeeeedibly looooooong you wouldn't believe it. Cars actually shift into park and put on the parking brake when sitting at a red light. Part of this perceived difference is just that there ARE traffic lights in Doha. I am realizing all over again how roundabout-happy the UAE is.
Another way Doha exceeds Dubai is that they are even more deferential to families with children here. I would not have believed it possible, but it's true. The generous attitude toward kids started upon arrival at the Doha airport when we were whisked to the front of a very long passport control queue simply because we had two small children with us. Then the passport control officers gave the girls each a piece of candy to keep them busy while they processed our documents. We have also been allowed to jump the queue to get a taxi because of the girls and everywhere we go it's like people are waiting to help us take care of our children.
We still have a lot to see but sadly, the studio of Al-Jazeera will not be on that list. I tried to score a tour but they said they only let in people who are journalism students. And you have to be older than 18, too. I guess Qatar's child-friendly attitude had to end somewhere.