Staying in Qatar for a short stop over or few days of business or leisure? Well, there's plenty of stuff to keep you up on your toes during your stay in Qatar.
Doha is home to the headquarters of major oil and gas companies in Qatar and serves as an international hub for transit passengers traveling via Qatar Airways, hence the city offers quite a few attractions for travelers staying in Doha for few days or for business or pleasure.
Take a peek at some of our favorite attractions in Doha and the Top 10 Things to Do in Doha.
1. Discover the Heritage and Culture of Doha
Discover the true heritage and culture of Doha. The many forts and towers of the ancient times are evidence to the architectural and urbanistic wealth of the ancient civilizations that once lived in Qatar.
Doha Fort is home to many of Qatar's traditional handcrafts, exhibits including Bedouin Sadu, fishing boats, handcrafts, gypsum and wooden ornaments which showcase the daily life of craft workers in the past. Al Zubara Fort & Museum is one of the oldest museums in Qatar and the oldest archeological site famous for its fort. It features a lot of antiques that showcase the history of Doha.
Attraction Highlights: Al Wakra, Al Wajba Fort, Al-Jassasiya, Al-Zubarah town, Al-Wsel, Barzan towers, Katara Cultural Village
2. Shopping
Shopping in Doha is a fantastic experience. Get ready to be spoilt for choice as Doha offers a choice of either traditional or modern shopping.
Get lost in the alleyways, and snare yourself a bargain as you walk through the winding laneways and stalls of the Gold Souq and Souk Waqif which stocks everything from spices and antique jewellery to colourful textiles.
Or enjoy the luxury of Doha’s luxury themed air-conditioned shopping malls, a perfect place for some retail therapy in Doha. The Doha City Center mall hosts over two hundred international luxury and retail stores. Or visit the Villagio Mall, an Italian themed shopping and entertainment mall close to Aspire Sports Zone.
Attraction Highlights: City Center Doha, Villagio Mall, Souq Waqif, Gold Souq, Landmark Mall, Exclusive Boutique on the Pearl Doha
3. Delve into Arts, Culture and Religion
Discover the true essence of Islamic Arts in Doha and start off the tour at one of Doha's impressive architectural structures - The Museum of Islamic Arts. You will find the world's finest collection of Persian rugs, Turkish mosaics, artworks and wood carvings. The Museum also contains artifact, manuscripts and precious materials that showcase the historical culture, excellence and intellectual aspects of Islamic Culture
Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art is an educational institute dedicated to Arab culture which houses a permanent collection of unique and modern Arab arts such as the an artists use of gunpowder as a medium of Art.
Attraction Highlights: Grand Mosque, Museum of Islamic Arts, Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art, Qatar National Museum and Aquarium, Islamic Culture Center.
4. Walk or Cruise the Corniche
One thing you don’t want to miss if you are visiting Doha, is to take a cruise on a traditional boat known as “Dhow” or an exclusive yacht cruise. Depart from the Pearl islands and slowly cruise your way to the Doha Corniche, the skyline of Doha is simply breathtaking.
If you wish you can also take a stroll or a walk on the Doha Corniche, this allows you to capture memories of what has contributed to present Doha, from the iconic pearl on the Oyster monument, to the dhow wharf and amazing skyline.
Attraction Highlights: Doha Corniche, Dhow/Yacht Cruise, Watch the Sunset on a Dhow.
5. Where Doha comes to play - Mix Bar, Lounge & Terrace
At the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa - MIX Bar, Lounge and Terrace is a lively, soulful affair that gives a new heart to Doha's social scene. Our playful approach belies an uncompromising commitment to quality. Watch our mixologists work their magic while you find a corner and fill it with friends – this is where Doha comes to play.
6. Desert Adventures in Doha
Embark on a Desert Safari adventure to the beautiful landscape where the Inland sea meets the desert. It involves a drive out of the city to the edge of the desert with the use of 4 x 4 jeeps where you will be welcomed to Bedouin style tents. Strap yourself and get ready for an adrenaline pumped acton drive through sand dunes and smooth sandy mountains.
A short drive further takes you to the inland sea where the deep blue waters contrast with the sweeping golden dunes. An amazing sight not to miss.
Attraction Highlights: Desert Safari, Dunes and Wadi Bashing, Singing Sand Dunes.
7. Sports and Recreation
From watersports, sandy beaches, fishing, golfing, horse racing, camel racing, you name it, there is so much to do in Doha to suit everyone's interest. Play a round of gold at the Doha Golf Club or team up with friends to watch a local football game where you can experience live Arabic football chants to the sounds of local drums.
This international sports destination is part of the development of sporting excellence that the state of Qatar is working towards.
Attraction Highlights: Camel Racing at Al Shahaniya racetrack, Golfing, WaterSports, Doha Beaches, Fishing, Blokarting, Football, Aspire Zone.
8. Nightlife in Doha
When day turns to night, the iconic skyline of the city lights up and the stars come out in Doha. Nightlife in Doha is almost very similar to what you get in other Middle East countries, however there are bars and restaurants to mix and mingle and paint the town red.
Explore what's happening around Doha from five star signature restaurants and bars to sassy shisha lounge, movie premiere events and lots more. The Pearl Qatar is also home to many local and international hangout spots.
Attraction Highlights: The Pearl Qatar, Restaurants and Bars in Doha.
9. Visit the Al Maha Sanctuary
The Arabian Sanctuary also known as Al Maha Sanctuary in Doha is home to the Arabian Oryx which are otherwise identified as the symbol of Qatar. These endangered desert deer species are milky-white antelopes, with curved horns has helped create the legend at the nature reserves of Al Sheehaniaya.The Al Maha Sanctuary came into existence as a result of one man’s love of the oryx which then made Qatar the first Arab nation to breed the Arabian Oryx in captivity.
Today, the Sanctuary is managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and there are now more than 1,000 under protection in reserves at Shahaniya, Ras Ushaijrij and Al Maszhabiya.
10. Visit Future Qatar
As Doha becomes a fast developing city and gears up for the 2022 World Cup, a number of key projects are undergoing construction.
Lusail City, just off the West bay lagoon will be home to residential buildings, island resorts, commercial district, marinas and luxury shopping facilities.
Aspire Zone, also known as Doha Sports City is a 250-hectare sporting complex, just about 20 minutes away from the hotel. The complex features various porting facilities.
Education City, an initiative put forward by Qatar Foundation in an effort to make Qatar a leader in innovative education and research.
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