7 Stunning Landmarks in Qatar - Top Landmarks to Visit during a Trip to Qatar

As one of Qatar's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, no trip to the country would be complete without touring the Al Zubara Fort. Built by none other than Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani in 1938, the fortress is easily identifiable from its 3 large round towers and single square tower. Although it was originally built to serve as a coast guard facility, it is now a functioning museum where exhibitions of a historical nature take place regularly. Situated 105km away from Doha, the nation's capital, the best time to visit the fort is during the morning hours when the heat and humidity are bearable.

Occupying pride of place on Doha's West Bay, the Doha Tower is an easy-to-access landmark for those based at Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli and other rests in the area. In fact, some of the best hotels in Doha are located within a stone's throw of this mammoth structure, which is also called the Burj Doha. Boasting a height of 238m, the building is divided into 46 storeys and is neither the tallest nor largest in the city. What makes the structure unique is its design which belongs to the Islamic Mashrabiya architectural school.

Situated opposite the Sidra Medical and Research Center, this landmark is a public art installation that's worthy of note. Created by Damien Hirst, a British artist, the work is named "The Miraculous Journey" and is made up of 14 massive bronze sculptures which follow man's journey from conception to being born. Each sculpture is 5 to 11m in height and the miracle of birth is depicted in extraordinary detail in this sometimes shocking and alarming installation which also highlights the complications of breech births.

Offering visitors panoramic views of the city of Doha in daylight and by night, the Aspire Tower is rightly called The Torch Doha due to its staggering height. As the tallest structure in the Qatari capital, the 300m tall building is home to several popular attractions in Doha including the Khalifa International Stadium and the Villaggio Mall Shopping Center.

Built in the 18th century, Al Wajbah Fort is one of the oldest heritage hotspots in Qatar. Having served as the battleground for many epic battles between the Ottoman colonizers and Qatari forces, the fort inspires a great deal of pride in the local populace.

While it may function as an event venue of truly impressive proportions, the Qatar National Convention Center is also a landmark in its own right. Sculptures by Louise Bourgeois and other world-renowned artists decorate the foyer of this venue which contains theatres, conference rooms and other spaces used for events large and small.

Although it is both a public library and a research centre, the venue which hosts more than 75 free events each year is a community hub where visitors can gather to explore Education City in all its splendour.