Joanna James
Doha recently captured the imagination of many after it was chosen as the host of 2022 World Cup. The grandiosity of the city permitted by oil and gas is unmistakable, and tourists are tempted by it.
The Pearl', a name chose on account of the site previously being a pearl diving site, is an artificial island designed by A-list architects. Qanat Quartier, the area that looks like a stolen piece of Venice, is packed with shops featuring familiar international brands, and canals that offer boat rides. The residential area is composed of villas with private beaches, and swanky restaurants and shops that sell a variety of things. A car enthusiast will experience their fascination piqued by the car showrooms found on the island, and shopaholics will find themselves enthralled. Avenues planted with palm trees call for leisurely strolls, and restaurants that offer Arabian, Moroccan, Western and Asian cuisine indulge your gastronomic goals.
Previously nothing more than a dreary walkway with only one building occupying the vicinity, the Doha Corniche is a promenade built alongside Doha Bay. With towering buildings that dominate the sight, and the boats moored up in the pale blue water, the corniche makes for a leisurely stroll: though better enjoyed at night when the corniche is in its most magical form.
The I.M Pei creation, the Museum of Islamic Art is an emblem of Islamic culture. With a collection of artefacts that unravels Islamic craftsmanship, the museum attracts many visitors from all over the world. The design of the building is an example of fine architecture, and the palm-tree fringed walkway and the fountain in front prepare you for the artistry inside.
A fitness fanatic doesn't have time to go idle in Doha. World-class golf courses in the city exalt one's love for the sport: 5 star hotels in Doha offer deals to get their visitors a round on one of these courses. Though there are only a few public beaches, you find all the usual watersports, not to mention the fishing trips that will reward you with a good bounty of hamour and red snapper.
The 100-year-old souk has hundreds of shops selling ceramics, fabric, spices, gift items, ornaments, perfumes etc. Should you want to buy something to remind yourself of your trip or a gift for your friends, this traditional marketplace has whatever it is that you are looking for. A café with an alfresco setting is perfect for you to collapse after the ramble that's exhausted you. Or else, you can join the shisha smoking crowds for a quintessential Doha experience.
This is another milestone of Qatar becoming one of the top tourist destinations. The village is dedicated to promoting Islamic culture and, in doing so, has an amphitheatre, a museum, and galleries. The frequent events and festivities held by the village give cause for thousands to visit the place, and the maritime museum is one of the main highlights.
Doha has some of the best spa centres and salons inside the hotels. Whether you want to pamper yourself with a pedicure or a spa treatment, all things related to a sedentary lifestyle are on the cards in Doha. Hotels like Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli spoil their visitors with creature comforts and suchlike.
The richest city in the world has the swankiest shopping malls imaginable. Villagio Mall takes precedence when it comes to shopping in Doha; with a canal that flows right through and the buildings lining the canal banks, the mall resembles Venice. Whether you want to buy a jewelled clutch bag, a sparkly dress, a branded watch or a perfume, in boasting some of the familiar international brands, shopping malls in Doha offer everything a shopaholic dreams of; the prices are competitive too.
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.
