Joanna James
Qatar is packed with a good assortment of places to visit, from desert escapades, traditional markets, fancy shopping, museums, and historical buildings.
This impressive structure is one of the largest mosques in Qatar. The architecture is spectacular, with so much attention to detail you can get lost in its artistry. There are over 90 domes to explore, and the structure can hold over 30,000 people! Ladies will have to put on an abaya made available at the female entrance. It is recommended gents dress modestly in clothes that cover arms and knees.
The fort was built to protect Souq Waqif from bandits. It is one of the last remaining military encampments in Doha from the 20th century. Inside, you can find a mosque without a wall and Moorish designed war embattlements.
One hour's drive from the city of Doha will take you to the desert and an essential experience when in Qatar. Spend the day with a camel ride across the desert sands and try your hand at dune bashing, another popular activity here. Khor Al Adaid is quite a special place as this is where the sea meets at the Saudi Arabian border, thus the desert with the sea! You can dip your feet and go for a swim. There is always the option of spending a night in the desert as well! It will easily be one of the highlights of your vacation. Tours are the best way to organise such a trip, all refreshments, itinerary and activities will be taken care of.
Named the Arabian Riviera, the island is a man-made structure with expensive real estate and high-end shopping stores. The island built on one of the original pearl diving sites has a unique Arabian and Moorish architectural design. A few resorts such as Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara are within close range to the Pearl.
Katara Village is Doha's focal recreation and cultural centre and a famed tourist spot in the city. Relax in the pretty promenades, browse through the attractive architecture, walk to the beach and end your evening with a nice dinner.
Souq Waif is a marketplace with many open-air stalls decked and lined in traditional bedouin style market architecture. The market atmosphere bursts with incense, spices and shisha. Find unusual shops such as falcon souqs, bird souqs and camel stalls to Middle Eastern lamps, Bedouin blankets, jewellery and more. Many Doha restaurants are situated in this corner as well.
The Museum of Islamic Art at the Doha Corniche is just 20 minutes from the Souq. This museum has the biggest collection of art from the Islamic World. The building structure is of breath-taking design as well. Discover many ancient antiquities, jewellery, pottery and weapons etc. Admission is free here too! There are green open places to relax and a café for a spot of lunch or afternoon pick me up.
The Corniche is a 7 km waterfront walkway and a special place for locals and a part of their daily lives. Surrounded by the breezes of the Arabian Gulf, the Corniche is best visited early morning or evening. There are also several parks to visit for those with kids. A sunset cruise on a traditional wooden boat (known as a dhow) is a pleasant way to end an evening.
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