A tranquil, seaside city, bustling with new-age technology and business, bumped up against the backdrop of centuries of history in the middle east, Doha, Qatar offers every traveler their own unique story.
Traditional Arabic Dhow boats in Doha harbour
Your first taste of Qatar’s brilliance comes when you debark your plane at the Hamad International Airport, one of the top 5 Star airports in the world. Travelers will delight in modern architecture while strolling alongside brand name stores through the concourses. The airport offers a variety of activities to help you decompress from your long flight including massages, pool, gymnasium, and more.
Morning is the best time for the lazy walk in Doha harbor, enjoying the beautiful flower beds, old wooden dhow boats and the skyscrapers in coastal district, Qatar.
Once you leave the airport, you will be immersed in the centuries of middle eastern history and religion. Places such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Al Zubarah Fort, Sheikh Faisal Museum, National Museum of Qatar, the national mosque of Qatar Abdul Wahhab Mosque (State Grand Mosque), Katara Mosque and the Katara Cultural Village offer travelers an expansive insight into the region and the stories behind its legacy.
The cultural village Katara in Doha, Qatar, by night
Doha also offers a brilliant arts scene highlighted by the Museum of Islamic Art with its over 1,400 years of historical art exhibitions and the East-West Art Installation, a collection of metal sculptures located in the desert outside of Doha created by American sculpture Richard Serra.
The skyline of Doha, Qatar, and the Museum of Islamic Art at sunset.
For travelers interested in luxury and opulence, make your way to Pearl-Qatar Island. Explore the variety of upscale shops and restaurants or take a walk along the harbor and enjoy the beautiful views.
The famous bridge of Venice, Doha Qatar, at Qanat Quartier in the Pearl-Qatar, Persian Gulf, Middle East.
However, a trip to Doha would not be complete without exploring the breathtaking UNESCO natural reserve ‘inland sea’ of Khor Al Adaid. Take in the beauty of the majestic sand dunes bumped up to the ‘sea lake’ on a 4×4 vehicle expedition or try your hand at riding a camel across the dunes. If travelers are looking for a unique camel experience, about 40 minutes outside of Doha is the Al Shahaniya Racetrack and its robot-jockey camel races.
Dune Bashing at sunset sky near Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Khor Al Udeid, Persian Gulf, Middle East. Inland sea is a major tourist destination for Qatar. Discovery and adventure travel concept.
Racing camels at the Al Shahaniya Racetrack. Doha Qatar Middle East
After a full day exploring the area, stroll along the 4 miles of the Corniche waterfront promenade for some relaxation, or take in the sights, sounds and smells of the oldest market in Doha, Souq Waqif. Souq Waqif is home to numerous merchants selling everything from clothing, to perfumes and handicrafts, to local fruit. The market also boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants offering local dishes and dishes from around Africa and Asia. This is a must-stop for visitors to Doha!
Doha, Qatar offers a wonderful destination to spend a week or two or a perfect place to explore for a few days on a pit stop between long continental flights.
Scenary of Doha West Bay skyline at sunset light reflecting in the water of park in Downtown. Modern glassed skyscrapers of Doha skyline in Qatar, Middle East, Arabian Peninsula in Persian Gulf.
Written by Travel Specialist: Scott Oathout