Joanna James
Desert adventures, a souq that is renowned world over, a museum that is the largest in the region, there is so much to recommend Qatar as the next major destination in the world.
Designed by I.M. Pei, the world-famous architect, the Museum of Islamic Arts is home to the largest collection of Islamic Art in the world. The building itself is quite impressive, Pei being the same architect who designed the glass-and-steel pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The artefacts found at the Museum include ancient sculptures, well-preserved pottery from aeons ago, jewellery, as well as other artefacts sourced from the Middle East as well as Central Asia. The museum also has a beautifully designed dining area, one of the best places to have a meal in Doha as it is located on the top floor of the Museum. The design and make of this Museum can put all luxury hotels in Doha to shame.
Souq Waqif is arguably the most famous souq, or market, in the world. It has been a market since the ancient times and now has been expertly restored. It still retains its old world charm and ambience, making a visit to the Souq an experience similar to time travelling. You will find stalls upon stalls of gold, restaurants, and cafes in this market. Your olfactory senses will be assaulted by the numerous fragrances that will surround you, from body oils to wooden incense chips. There is a falcon market within the souq itself, as well as a falcon hospital. Adjacent to the Souq is Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, a popular accommodation option for those visiting Doha for a cultural experience. Visiting the Souq Waqif is a transformative experience.
If you are not a fan of relaxing at one of the luxury hotels in Doha, being waited hand and foot, if you seek a rush of adrenaline to make you feel alive, dune bashing is the thing for you. It is often dubbed as the adrenaline junkie's favourite thing to do in Doha. You need to drive for about an hour to get to the starting point of this adrenaline rushing activity, Mesaieed. From here, all you will be able to see is desert on each and every side. Dune bashing is done on a 4x4 vehicle, but as per the standards of Qatar, this 4x4 is a luxury vehicle. Each ride is accompanied by a local tour guide. A part of his job is to make sure that you are scared out of your wits, so be prepared to hear a lot of horror stories as the 4WD start climbing over the sand dunes. It is a nerve wrecking experience, at times the vehicle being almost vertical. These dune bashing tours often make a stop in the middle of the desert at luxury tents where you can enjoy a meal. This is a harrowing experience, something that must be experienced by everyone, but not really designed for the weak hearted.
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