While the Arabian glitterati are elsewhere enthralled, as Rory McIlroy swings his way across a series of pristine fairways just down the road, and the eyes of the cricketing world are straining to see if Sachin Tendulkar can bow out with one last, glorious century, Scotland's willow-whirlers and ball-slingers remain focused on their own task.

There might never be a better chance to qualify for a major tournament. The news that the next one-day version of cricket's showpiece will feature fewer of the oft-forgotten stragglers was greeted with much grumbling by the associate nations. The powers-that-be, though, have made up for that omission somewhat by allowing six of the world's lesser lights to compete at next year's Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

First though, they have to progress through this qualifying tournament, a competition designed not only to determine who is the best of the rest, but also - admirably - to give the 16 associate and affiliate nations the chance to play as much tournament cricket as possible. There is even - believe it or not - a play-off for 15th place.

This allows, in what is not an undue consideration when taking into account the paltry resources some have available, each country to plan their travel without the dreaded fear of being sent home early. Every minnow is here for the long-haul, including the likes of Bermuda, Denmark and Nepal, all of whom the Scots face in the next two weeks.

Scotland have as many as three chances to qualify. First, they can win their group - a not-impossible target, but still tricky against a burly Afghanistan, not to mention the Netherlands, Kenya and an in-form Papua New Guinea. Or they could finish second or third, which would throw up a play-off with the third and second teams respectively in Group A, the easier of the two sections. Aside from the spectre of their Irish nemeses, who must be strongly fancied to come out on top despite having lost to Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, the likes of Canada, United Arab Emirates, Italy and Namibia would not greatly worry coach Pete Steindl.

But, heaven forbid, even if that opportunity should slide past into the sand, there is still one last chance to grasp qualification. The loser of that play-off will take on the winner of a bout between fourth and fifth in a winner-takes-all shoot-out. It is a convoluted format, but one which rewards both dedicated supporters and eager players.

The Scotland squad - fresh from a warm-up tour in Colombo - are relaxed. Comfortable wins over Namibia and USA this week have been encouraging not only for the ease of the results, but for the form of star batsman Calum MacLeod, who bashed over 100 runs at a healthy strike rate over the two games. They will benefit greatly, as well, from the guile and experience of the former England captain Paul Collingwood in the coaching team.

Outside of cricket, everything is shaping up nicely as well. Players have been tweeting pictures of the remarkable marina view from their stylish apartments, a team-building game of night-golf was enjoyed and the heat is not so intoxicating that it gives other squads an advantage. Still, for all the optimism, let's not forget this is a Scottish sports team we are dealing with. Expect both nailbiting and dizzy relief.

Scotland open their campaign in Sharjah today against Bermuda.

GROUP RIVALS

Afghanistan

Captain Mohammed Nabi is not just focused on winning the tournament, he is convinced his team should lift the trophy. He is probably right. In past qualifying competitions, the Afghans have lost only twice and, in 2012, won seven out of seven in the group stage, only to lose to Ireland in the final having already secured their place in Sri Lanka. Cricket-daft, they would probably have greater stature in the game if allowed to play at home.

Netherlands

Have failed to build on their famous victory over England in 2009. Their record in qualifiers, though, has been bettered only by Afghanistan and Ireland and, if Scotland lose to the former in Saturday's crucial showdown, they are likely to be the closest rivals for second. They have long had to do without their best player, Ryan ten Doeschate, who plays in the IPL.

Papua New Guinea

Could be the surprise side. Led, if not captained, by the Ashes-winning wicketkeeper Geraint Jones, they pulled off the stand-out result of the warm-ups with a comfortable strangling of Ireland. Jones, who top-scored in that match, once batted at seven to Collingwood's six in the England Test team. The two will surely share a chuckle after the match on Thursday at where they find themselves.