The small Middle Eastern country of Qatar has a lot to offer from historic religious sites, Islamic art & culture, and the rapidly expanding modern skyline in the capital of Doha. These are just a few of my favorite highlights from my first trip to this breathtaking Persian peninsula.
1. The Airport
A CNN article calls: “Qatar’s Hamad International: World’s most luxurious airport?”. It sure looks like. As you enter the Country you get first glimpse of the luxury, cleanliness and grandeur you will see all over. The architecture and super modern feel are consistent at every turn.
2. The 5-Star+ Hotels
The opulence is present in the size, the materials, the décor, the first-class restaurants, stores and the attention to every detail.
3. The Museum of Islamic Art
Housing 14 centuries of the finest Islamic artifacts, the museum displays mind- blowing samples of paintings, glasswork, metalwork, ceramics, textiles, manuscripts and jewelry made with some of the largest precious stones you may ever see. All of this inside an imposing building that perfectly combines futuristic and traditional architectural designs.
4. The Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque
Opened in 2011, the Qatar State Mosque is an amazing sight inside and out. With 175,164 sq meters, 45 domes and space for 30,000 people, all of it masterly constructed to inspire awe in visitors of any religion.
5. The National Library
The library is part of the Education City, an academic campus which with satellite campuses from leading universities and institutions from around the world. The very interesting building has the shape of two huge books. It houses over a million books and space for thousands of readers over an area of 42,000 m2.
6. The Skyline
There were hardly any buildings here just 20 years ago. This striking collection of modern architecture was constructed in less than two decades.
7. Camels
There is something exhilarating about riding a camel around the same desert dunes where warriors from old civilizations rode thousands of years ago.
For more information, or if you are interested in booking your next vacation, please contact:
Helena Bushroe, Travel Specialist
DSA Vacations
520-696-9834
helena@dsavacations.com