Joanna James
Aside from the main attractions in Doha, don't forego the chance to see some unique attractions that deviate from the traditional tourist trail to experience more of Doha.
Despite Doha being a desert, there is a thriving mangrove forest, which supports an abundant ecosystem of migrating birds, such as flamingos, herons, and marine life, like small fish and crabs.
It is located northward of Doha and 75 minutes away from the capital. The mangrove is best traversed via a kayak, and those who have no experience can easily learn to steer, as the waterways are broad for easy navigation. Guided tours are available with many companies offering full-day and half-day excursions. While there, visit the scenic Purple Island! It is only a quick hike, wading through the shallow water.
Found within Katara Cultural Village, this new attraction is named after a group of seven stars in the Taurus constellation.
It was inaugurated in 2018 and remains the only planetarium in Qatar! The central gallery has a massive screen that replays short films on our solar system in 2D and 3D.
The museum displays outline the beginnings of astronomy in this part of the Islamic world. Some of the best hotels in Doha can be found nearby; the likes of Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli are some of the places to look out for!
Qatar has a long history with falconry, and this is one aspect that shouldn't be missed while there! This special marketplace can be found in Souq Waqif. The birds here are priced possessions and fetch around QR1 million.
The view of regal falcons sitting silently on their frames donning their small leather hoods is something you don't get to see every day!
Under the care of a trainer, you can take your picture with a falcon and see how they are fed! The best time to go there is during the evenings, particularly Thursdays, as customers throng to buy, trade and discuss all things falconry.
Also, go over the road to Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital and see the effort required to keep these impressive creatures healthy.
Located at Education City, Al Shaqab equestrian center sits at a former Bedouin battle encampment, which was established by Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.
At present, Al Shaqab rears and trains over 400 horses. The centre's estate extends 242 acres and is shaped like a horseshoe! Other amenities include an equestrian academy, outdoor and indoor riding arenas and modern training structures like horse Jacuzzies and stables with air-conditioning!
You also get to see the majestic horses in equestrian shows, like show-jumping, endurance races and dressage.
Reminiscent of the black monolith of the Stanley Kubrick classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, these four black columns are laid out on the empty Qatari desert.
This creation is a work of Richard Serra, a prominent American artist, and is located within Brouq Nature Reserve at Zekreet. To reach there is a strenuous trek but worth the effort!
The installation was unveiled in 2014, and visitors scribbled their thoughts onto the enormous plates, which are almost 56 feet in height and 820 feet apart.
Reaching the place requires a 90-minute drive from Doha with a lot of off-roading! However, the journey will be awesome, with the incredible desert landscape and perhaps a few rare sightings of its animal inhabitants.
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.
