Joanna James
Over the past few years, Doha has found itself swiftly transforming into a modern-day metropolis. It's a city that is full of excitement with an array of fantastic attractions. So, if you're looking for the perfect vacation destination, here's why Qatar's capital city would make a great choice.
Found off-shore from the city's west bay, the Pearl Qatar – also referred to as the Pearl of the Gulf – is one of Doha's premier attractions. This is a man-made island that is the place to be if you're looking to experience the lap of luxury. Here you'll find a host of villas and restaurants that are ready to cater to your every need. There's also a litany of malls and boutiques for you to browse through while you're here. All in all, a visit to the Pearl is a great way to start off your tour through Doha.
If you want to experience Doha's wild side, consider a trip to the Al Maha Sanctuary which is found just outside the city. This is one of the only places on earth that you'll be able to spot the iconic Arabian oryx – an animal that has become a national symbol for Qatar. A number of other endangered animals also roam about here, including a variety of rare antelope and desert gazelles.
Doha is a city that is bursting with culture and heritage. It has a long and storied past that has shaped both its people and the city itself. Now, if you're looking to immerse yourself in the local culture and atmosphere, there's an amazing assortment of locations to visit. Highlights include the Al-Zubarah Town, the Al-Wajba Fort, and the Katara Cultural Village. Doha Fort, however, is by the best location to visit to understand the true essence of Doha. All these sites are easily accessible if you're staying at some of the centrally-located, best hotels in Doha – for example, the Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli.
While Dubai is often seen as the shopping capital of the Middle East, Qatar definitely gives it a run of its money with all the amazing shopping opportunities Doha has to offer. As mentioned earlier, Pearl is a great stop to make if you're looking to shop but that's just the tip of the iceberg! There's a wide variety of malls scattered all over Doha, and they cater to every taste and whim you can think of. If you're staying in the city, most of these locations are just a quick drive away, so be sure to check out as many as possible.
A great way to round off your trip to Doha would be an exciting desert safari along the vast expanse of sand and heat that surrounds the city. It can be a truly memorable experience to race through the desert on a 4x4, whistling past the sand dunes and the wildlife. You will never forget the desert sunset either, and how the landscape transforms as night settles in.
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