Doha is one of the major and dynamic economic and cultural centers of the Middle Eastern region. Just a few decades ago this capital was a sleepy and sad place. These days Doha and its impressive architecture, international events, art museums, loads of various sport activities, gorgeous beaches and sunny climate make it one of the amazing precious jewels of the region.
Tourism
Marvel at the largest collection of the masterpieces of Islamic Art at the Museum of Islamic Art. It is located in an amazingly beautiful building made of limestone that is a masterpiece itself. Shop for antiques, jewelry and spices at Souq Waqif market and have a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes. Visit exhibitions at the magnificent National Museum of Quatar. Take a walk around the artificial island Pearl-Quatar and indulge in luxury shopping. Enjoy the seafront views at the beautiful Doha Corniche promenade. Fall in love with contemporary Arabic art at the Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art. Check out the eclectic treasure of the Sheikh Faisal Bin Quassim Thani Museum. Learn about the history of Doha and Quatar at the Msheireb Museum. Be surprised by unexpected mangrove forest at Al Thakira Mangroves. Learn about the history of Arabic astronomy at the amazing Al Thuraya Planetarium in Katara Cultural Village. Learn about the tradition of falconry of Qatar at Falcon Souq. Learn about the history of magnificent Arabian breed horses and watch a show at Al Shaqab Equestrian Center. Visit the striking column installation East West/West East. Have fun at the camel races at Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack. Take a 2hr boat cruise and marvel the legendary Doha skyline. Explore the ancient history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Zubarah fortress. Admire the futuristic architecture of Lusail City Promenade. Explore the beautiful verdant Al Bidda park. Make mighty strikes at the Education City Golf Club.
Doha is famous for its magnificent beaches:
Katara beach offers a variety of watersport activities and is located in Katara Village. Four Seasons beach is a luxurious and ambient place. Palm Tree beach (Umm Bab) is charming and family-friendly. Sealine beach is a very calm place situated near amazing sand dunes. Al Khor Adaid (Inland Sea) is a hidden treasure that offers unearthly views of dunes going down into the sea. Al Thakira beach is a peaceful place situated near mangrove forest and is famous for watersport activities. Rocky Zekreet beach, loved by many windsurfers, offers magnificent marina views and camping sites.
Food and drinks:
Try one of the Qatar cuisine specialties: luqaimat dumplings that are served with honey and syrups, thareed made of bread, onions, carrots, beans and lamb/chicken, and kousa mahshi stuffed zucchinis. Savor the rich taste and aroma of traditional Qatari home cuisine at Shay Al Shoomos. Try the dishes made of the finds of the day at Souq Waquif market by local women at Al Jasra Traditional Food. Try local oven baked fish at Bandar Aden restaurant that serves mostly Yemeni cuisine. Watch the sunset at the elegant Nobu Doha restaurant. Dine at the eccentric fantasy Walima restaurant. Try traditional Indian karak tea at Karak Mquanes. Listen to the good music and try the best cocktails at the Den bar. Sip a sophisticated cocktail while listening to the live music at Vintage bar. Party till the morning lights at St Regis Club. Smoke shisha and relax at Aqua Lounge.
Not that long ago Qatar was a poorly developed region and local people were famous for pearl diving.
An ancient legend has it, that there lived a rich man called Gilan who owned several pearling boats. Once he and his crew were collecting pearls, when they saw another pearling boat, owned by a lady called May. They started racing, but Gilan’s boat was going behind. Then Gilan looked at a grasshopper and invented sails, installed it on his boat and won the race.
Another ancient legend tells about a giant half-amphibian half-human evil jinn Bu Darya, who terrorized fishermen and pearl hunters. Like a siren, he would charm the sailors and sunk the ship.
