Joanna James
The nation of Qatar offers intrepid travellers much to explore and its rich history, desert landscapes and ancient souqs all add to its charm. While there's plenty to see, you do find some rather unusual attractions that may not be well known but are worth a visit.
Camel racing is not something new and it has been a traditional sport in the region for centuries. However, what makes camel racing in Qatar so unique is that jockeys have been replaced by robots! If you don't believe it, just visit the Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack in Ash-Shahaniya and witness this amazing sight for yourself. The robots are not human-like in case you are wondering and are small and relatively lightweight; their owners or herders control them via remote control and it is not uncommon for the robots to be dressed up too.
Designed by Jean Nouvel, a renowned French architect, the National Museum of Qatar features a series of interlocking discs at various angles that give it a decidedly futuristic feel; apart from being visually arresting, this unique formation is in fact, inspired by the desert rose which is not a flower but a kind of mineral formation that is found in the desert. Easily accessible from hotels in Doha, Qatar, this well-known site at the southern end of the Corniche features 11 galleries where one can learn more about the country's history and heritage.
A "souq" is the name for a traditional market and in Qatar, you will find one that specialises in falcons! Of course, this should not be too surprising given that falconry is very much a part of the local culture and it is a traditional sport. This captivating attraction is part of the famed Souq Waqif, located next to properties like Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli. At the Falcon Souq, you can see all manner of falcons for sale and observe customers examining them; sometimes, a shopkeeper may let you hold a falcon too.
About an hour away from Doha you will come across what looks like a deserted quarry; though that may not sound particularly exciting, if you explore this site, you will come across fascinating petroglyphs or rock carvings; in fact, there are said to be over 900 petroglyphs at Al Jassasiya! There is no agreement as to when these carvings date back to, though suffice to say they are ancient; apart from round holes, you can see petroglyphs depicting everything from ostriches and fish to scorpions and dhows.
Another of the unusual attractions in Qatar is the Musfur Sinkhole which is believed to have been formed thousands of year ago. The country's largest sinkhole, it is a little less than an hour from Doha and offers some adventure-filled exploration. It is said that the sinkhole drops down more than 300 feet and those planning to visit should be mindful of the rocks and boulders. As you explore the area, you have a chance to see layers of gypsum and limestone and migratory birds that build nests here.
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