DUBAI may be a holiday heavyweight, but a neighbouring country has its sights set on becoming the Middle East’s next tourism hotspot — and it has the money to do it.
The tiny, oil and gas-rich nation of Qatar is now officially the richest country on Earth having recently overtaken Luxembourg for the world’s highest per capita Gross Domestic Product. But while many live the high life, there’s an underbelly to the glitz and glam.
After Doha was selected to host the 2022 World Cup, the global spotlight was shone on the plight of the 2.2 million migrant workers in the country who earn a literal pittance while they build this desert metropolis.
In response to international pressure, the country is now in the process of labour reforms.
While a high price has been paid by these people to develop the city, it’s clear the World Cup is a milestone for development. Five star hotels, and mammoth malls are increasingly popping up among historic souks and mosques. Added to this are rapidly expanding routes from Australia to Doha (making it one of the fastest-growing transit hub in the world) and a new visa waiver, which means that more and more Aussies will be stopping over, free of charge.
But what does the world’s richest city have to offer a 48-hour visitor? Read on for eight highlights.
THE SHOPPING IS OUT OF THIS WORLD
As the mercury rises, the cool air-conditioned malls are a welcome relief.
Adopting Dubai’s ‘bigger is better’ mentality, retail here is a serious business, which can be seen at the Venetian-themed Villagio mall where visitors can sail an indoor canal, before enjoying the indoor Olympic-sized skating rink and 22,000-square-metre theme park.
YOU CAN BUY FALCONS
A highlight of any trip to Doha is a visit to its Souq Waqif. The historic heart of Doha, this labyrinth of souks sell everything from spices to rugs, gold ... and falcons.
A rite of passage for Qatari men, nearly 80 per cent of the male population will own a falcon and they don’t come cheap. A healthy bird can cost from $5,000 to a whopping $250,000! But that’s small change when 14 per cent of the local population are millionaires.
AND WATCH CAMELS RACE
Forget horse racing, in Doha camel racing is the big ticket attraction. Called the ‘sport of sheiks’ it’s so popular there’s even a TV channel dedicated exclusively to the activity. From November to February, drive 40-minutes to the Al-Shahaniya track and you can join locals cheering on their prized camels to the finish line.
IT HAS MAN-MADE ISLANDS
Dubai has its Palm Jumeirah and Doha has the Pearl. A hangout for the mega-rich, these man-made islands cover 400-hectares of reclaimed land made up of beach villas, hotels and apartments, making it the most exclusive address in the city. But you don’t need a millionaire bank balance to walk on its beautiful boardwalk or stop for a coffee in one of the many cafes that line it.
HOTELS HERE ARE SERIOUSLY SWANKY
At the top tier is the Sharq Village & Spa, where serious high rollers can check into the aptly named Royal Villa with its ostentatious blue marbled bathroom veined with actual 18-karat gold.
While we can dream, a 5-star option within reach of mere mortals is the Grand Hyatt. Overlooking the Persian Gulf, it has serious ‘wow’ factor with sprawling tropical gardens and a private beach.
IT’S HOME TO THE WORLD’S BEST AIRLINE
And that’s official. National carrier, Qatar Airways was named ‘Airline of the Year’ this year — an award it has received four times. Little wonder it’s one of the most rapidly expanding airlines with a global network of 150-plus destinations and routes from Australia, including daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth (and Canberra from 2018) and five flights weekly from Adelaide.
IT’S A CULTURAL CENTRE
There’s more to the city than just bling. Rising from its own purpose-built island, the Museum of Islamic Arts houses the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, including textiles, ceramics and manuscripts. The stunning geometric structure — designed by famous architect, IM Pei, who was responsible for the Louvre pyramid in Paris — is worth the visit alone.
AND A MECCA FOR FOODIES
While the museum is the jewel in the city’s cultural crown, it also houses a culinary gem. On the fifth floor is Alain Ducasse’s Idam Doha — the first restaurant in the Middle East for the famed French chef. Other standout eateries include an outlet of London’s trendy Hakkasan, Tinseltown favourite Nobu (co-owner Robert De Niro visited last year) and Gordon Ramsay’s Opal.
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