Joanna James
As the bustling capital of Qatar, the cosmopolitan city of Doha is the first point of interest many visitors encounter on a tour to the country.
An imposing building that is sure to catch your eye, the Museum of Islamic Arts is a good location to spend the day with your loved ones while learning about the arts and culture of the Islamic world. Occupying 45,000 m2, the museum was opened to the public in 2008 and was designed by world renowned American-Chinese architect I.M. Pei, who at the age of 91 scouted through Muslim countries for 6 months to ensure the authenticity of the design. In addition to being an architectural wonder, the museum also houses metalwork, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, textiles, and glass, obtained from three continents, dating from 7th century to 19th century.
Next, pay a visit to the city's favourite recreational hotspot and enjoy a cruise on a luxury yacht or traditional sailing vessel or simply go for a stroll to see a slice of everyday life in the modern metropolis. Offering visitors panoramic views of the city and the skyline the views available from the Corniche are Instagram worthy sights that will linger long in the memory.
People of every culture have their preferred ways of winding down; for the people of Doha it is definitely sipping a cup of hot coffee or smoking some shisha. An open-air marketplace that attracts visitors from all across the globe, Souq Waqif is the place to visit for all your shopping needs. Known as the "Standing Market," this souq is located in close proximity to many Doha family resorts, the likes of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels. Having a history of over a century, this souq comes to life after sunset, opening up a rather free space in conservative Doha. Eateries, shisha lounges, tea shops, coffee stops – the Souq is your haven to explore and make memories.
The Al Maha Sanctuary is one of the foremost sanctuaries for the Arabian Oryx in the world. Established with the purpose of boosting the conservation of Arabian Oryx who, in 1984, was declared an endangered species, the Al Maha Sanctuary has over 1,000 Arabian Oryxes who are cared for and bred. The sanctuary is one of the best places in the world to visit to understand the value of wildlife conservation and to witness the fascinating Arabian Oryx.
Tipped to be one of the most exciting and thrilling activities visitors can experience on a tour of Doha a desert safari is not for the faint of heart. Travelling through vast expanses of desert landscapes on a 4x4 visitors can not only enjoy a bout of dune bashing and wadi bashing but also explore the, Singing Sand Dunes and camp out in a Bedouin tent under the stars if they so desire.
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