CULTURAL + NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Qataris are passionately committed to upholding its heritage and cultural values while forging one of the most advanced societies in the world. Unlike some destinations in the region, Qatar aims to be the archetypal Arabia and maintain that unique visitor experience. Beyond the conference rooms waits an amazing array of authentic Arabian encounters.

AL KOOT FORT

In the middle of the city sits an imposing, Moorish-style fort, a former prison and military base built in 1880. It’s currently undergoing restoration.

AL MAHA SANCTUARY— ORYX FARM

The Oryx is Qatar’s national animal, well adapted to desert life but was almost hunted into extinction in the 1960s. A small herd of Arabian Oryx was successfully bred in captivity and moved to three reserves. The Oryx herd in the country is now over 700 and protected. The farm can be visited by appointment.

AL SHAHANIYA (Camel Racing)

On the outskirts of the CBD, the Al-Shahaniya Race Track showcases the centuries-old Arab sport of camel racing, in 21st-Century style. Exciting competitions as well as huge cash prizes make for a great experience on race days.

AL WAKRA

Just ten minutes from Doha, Al Wakra was a tiny fishing and pearling village, which has evolved into a small town with a bustling harbour. Old houses in typical Gulf architecture, unusual mosques and an old fort housing a museum are among its attractions. Al Wakra is also popular among photographers for its spectacular sunsets.

AL ZUBARA FORT

Located at the very tip of the peninsula, about one hour drive north of Doha, the fort was built in 1938 and used by the military until 1980. Al Zubara used to be a thriving and prosperous settlement, the focus of the region’s trade in the last 18th century. The fortress city was destroyed in a siege in 1878 and on-going archaeological excavations revealed numerous watchtowers, residential dwellings and artefacts.

DHOW Cruises

The traditional wooden dhows of the Gulf can be seen at the Fishing Harbour on the Corniche. Fishing provided food and an income for the coastal families. In addition to the working boats, some of the dhows are equipped by tour operators to accommodate groups for boating leisure trips to nearby islands and evening cruises.

DOHA ZOO

An amazing haven for 1,500 animals comprising 150 species, spread across 42 acres of lush parkland. As with so much in the city, an expansion is underway to increase the landholding to 72 hectares. Already home to oryx, lions, giraffes, zebras and a large collection of birds, the addition will showcase rare animals and pre-historic exhibits.

FALCONRY

Once a means of catching animals for the Bedouins, and the pastime of the rich, falconry is now a hobby. The hunting season is from October to March and the two most popular falcons in Qatar are the Saker and the Peregrine.

Falcon and falconry equipment can be seen in Souq Waqif where the falconers will be happy to talk about the falcons and their training.

GOLD SOUQ

A quaint group of tiny shops specialising in gold jewellery, both modern pieces and traditional Qatari jewellery. Highly sought after silver Bedouin jewellery is also for sale.

Much of the gold (all checked and stamped by the Assay Office in Qatar) has been beautifully handcrafted by second and third-generation skilled craftsmen, who can be called upon to make up a unique piece of jewellery, or repairs.

JABAL AL JASSASIYA

Hundreds of rock carvings (petroglyphs) are scattered over these hills. The age of the carvings reputedly vary between several thousand and several hundred years. The carvings have two main themes: boats with anchors, and cup-shaped depressions in rows and rosettes, thought to have been some early type of ‘board game’.

KHOR AL UDAID (Inland Sea)

A place of ethereal beauty, in nature. The “inland sea” is actually a naturally formed inlet of the Arabian Gulf , which lies in the extreme southeast of Qatar, 78 kilometres from Doha. The scalloped dunes of Khor Al Udaid, formed by the winds blowing across the region, rise up to a height of 40 metres in some places.

Organised tours to Khor Al Udaid feature exhilarating drives along the dunes, riding camels, sand skiing, and overnight camps.

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART

Housing one of the world's most encyclopedic collections of Islamic art, the new Museum of Islamic Art is the cornerstone of a monumental effort by Qatar to transform itself into the arts hub of the Middle East. Its dazzling artefacts span 13 centuries and three continents.

The MIA, with hard, chiseled forms inspired by ancient mosques and stone fortresses, is a masterpiece of world-renowned architect I. M. Pei. Situated on Doha’s seafront, the museum’s exhibition halls, library, educational centre, and exterior cover a total area of 45,000m².
www.mia.org.qa

OMANI SOUQ

Aromas, colours and sights abound in this small souq, situated behind the Central Market. The tangy smell of dried fish combines with the sweet fragrance of ripe dates, the heady scent of oud (agarwood) and frankincense, creating a unique sensory experience for the visitor.

QATAR NATIONAL MUSEUM

Housed in one of the former Al-Thani residences, the museum is a fine example of eastern Arabian architecture. Built in 1901, the home was transformed into a museum in the 1970s.

The museum complex consists of the Old Palace, the archaeological and natural history museum building, lagoon and maritime museum, and aquarium.
www.qma.com.qa

SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL THANI MUSEUM

Owned by the prominent and affluent Sheikh Faisal, the museum houses a magnificent private collection of over 3,000 Islamic artefacts including woodwork, weapons, ceramics, currencies, desert fossils, books and manuscripts. There is also an extensive collection of vintage and classic cars. The museum is open for pre-arranged visits only.
www.fbqmuseum.com

SINGING SAND DUNES

During certain wind conditions, the movement of sand grains can create a low murmur or ‘’singing’’ phenomenon. It is said that Qatar’s ‘’singing dunes’’ can be heard up to ten kilometres away.

SOUQ WAQIF

Recently restored to reflect the old Doha using old plans and maps, the popular souq is not only a trading place, but also a meeting hub for locals and visitors. A large labyrinth of alleyways lined with small shops, Souq Waqif is frequented for its spices, sweets, incense, dried fruits, local honey, essential oils, clothing, textile and garments. Its restaurants and teahouses are also attractions.

Souq Waqif is a spectacular venue for offsite evening functions.
www.soukwaqif.com

WEAPONRY MUSEUM

Spectacular display of weapons and artefacts dating back to the 16th century. The collection includes magnificent ceremonial swords that belonged to members of the Gulf’s ruling families: 18th century gold-encased dagger owned by Sheik Ali Bin Abdullah Al Thani; a sword belonging to the King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia; and a khanjar (traditional curved dagger) carried by the famed Lawrence of Arabia.

ZEKREET VILLAGE

CULTURAL VILLAGE