Joanna James
Qatar is a nation of opulence as well as heritage, this means that if you happen to take a visit there, there's an incredibly amount of sights to see and experiences to be had.
If you wish to take in fine examples of Arabian architecture then this is definitely one of the finest of examples. The mosque also happens to be situated at the heart of Katara Cultural Village, which itself features some of the best works of Qatari architecture. The design of the Katara Mosque is unique, with its exterior resembling a mosaic fashioned out of various tiles that are mostly blue with small flashes of red and yellow. There are also three striking pillars attached to the mosque.
With a name that translates into 'standing market', this is a great place to indulge in some retail therapy and become surrounded by Qatari heritage. The site of this marketplace dates back hundreds of years, and recently the market was renovated and buildings were built in the traditional style of the Qataris. There's even many a Doha boutique hotel to be found within the market, known simply as the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels. This is definitely the best place to buy a wide range of souvenirs from garments to spices to handicrafts, and also indulge in a wide range of Middle-Eastern cuisine.
If you appreciate peace and tranquillity, then this is the perfect place for you. Most of the Doha dessert is pristine and unspoilt, with large expanses of empty terrain that creates an almost spiritual setting. This vast and imposing landscape is sure to cause a sense of awe within anyone who happens to encounter it. The best way to have a Doha dessert experience is to enlist a 4X4 and head out on a dune-bashing adventure.
Provided you embark on a Doha desert safari, after miles upon miles of endless sand dunes, you could suddenly come across a massive and intimidating fortress. Other than its scale, one of the most striking things about the fort is its air of loneliness since even the town the fort is situated in is abandoned. This historic fort was built in 1938 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim al Thani to serve as either a coast-guard station or a police station; this is still a matter of debate. Currently the fort functions as a museum and displays a comprehensive selection of artwork and archaeological findings.
For one place where you can indulge in the observation of various kinds of beauty, would be the National Museum of Qatar. The design of the museum's building is an iconic example of almost impossible abstract architecture, with some comparing it to that of a work of origami. The concept was derived from the shapes of desert roses, which are crystals formed in certain climates. The architect believed that these formations represent the passage of time, and thought they make a fitting basis for the design of the museum.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
