19.08.2008
About Doha
As your aircraft descends into Qatar, you are welcomed by the spectacular view of its capital city, Doha. The crescent-shaped Corniche (the landscaped road running around the Bay), the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, and the sandy desert backdrop provide the first glimpse of the experiences that await you.
Doha is situated halfway down the east coast of the peninsula – it is the heart of Qatar, with most of the country's population living in the city.
The beautiful city is filled with plenty of things to do: shopping and clubbing, adventure trips and watersports, relaxing and dining. The city has a laid back atmosphere and is extremely hospitable to visitors.
Things to Do:
History and culture
The new Islamic Museum is close to completion on the Corniche and is set to become the finest museum of its kind in the world. The museum, designed by the renowned architect IM Pei, will showcase Islamic artifacts, provide research facilities for scholars and support education programmes for local schools.
Built in 1901 as the palace of the then ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Qassim Al Thani, the Fariq Al Salatah Palace now houses the Qatar National Museum, housing exhibits of traditional Qatari life.
Qatar has numerous old forts and towers set across the country, often built to protect precious water resources. Best known is the Moorish style Al Koot fort, set in the heart of Doha and dating back to 1880.
Beaches
Qatar is blessed with many sandy and uncrowded beaches. Some are accessible only with a 4WD vehicle – others have beachside cafes and beach-buggies for hire. The beaches are often fringed with palm trees and have a stunning desert dune backdrop. The calm, warm waters of the Gulf make swimming a delight.
Shopping
Shopping is one of the main attractions in Doha. There are several large new malls with many of the usual global brands. Shopping in Qatar is tax-free.
For many visitors, though, a visit to the traditional souq is the genuine Arabian shopping experience. Doha's old market area, with its narrow, spice-scented alleyways, still retains much of its original magic, where bargaining power is what secures the best price. A favourite destination is Doha's Gold Souq, teeming with handmade traditional gold jewellery, where visitors can often walk away with a real bargain.
Watersports
Most hotels in Doha offer sea-based activities, including fishing, paragliding, water-skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing. For a more relaxing experience, take a slow sunset cruise around the bay on one of the traditionally built dhows.
Nature
Qatar is an exotic birdwatchers' paradise. Increasing numbers of migratory birds are attracted to what was once a hostile desert environment. The scarce Little Owl, for example, has recently been added to the list of breeding species in the country. Bird watchers have identified more than 250 species of bird in Qatar.
For an easier view of Qatar's wildlife, Qatar Zoo is home to more than 1,500 species of animal, including many of the regions desert creatures. Outside Doha, at the Oryx Farm in the nature reserve of Al Sheehaniya, visitors can see herds of this now protected animal up close. Horse-lovers can visit the Al Shaqab Stud Farm, home to an unrivalled collection of Arabian show and racehorses.
Dining out
There are many great restaurants and cafés in Doha, catering to all tastes from local fare to international cuisine. Cafés abound, such as the traditional shisha cafés as well as familiar names such as Starbucks.
Desert adventure
A popular activity is to hire a desert guide to drive you in a 4WD vehicle through the Arabian desert sand dunes to the Inland Sea (known locally as Khor Al Adaid). With more time on your hands, this desert adventure can include a camel trek, as well as camping overnight in a Bedouin tent under the stars.
Sports facilities
A round of golf? A spot of tennis? No problem in Doha, which is renowned for having the best sports facilities in the region.
Accommodation
Most of the hotels in Doha are four or five-star, although room rates are not unreasonable. Familiar hotel chains in Doha include the Ritz Carlton, Intercontinental, Four Seasons, Sheraton, Movenpick, Rydges, Grand Regency and the Marriott. There are, however, many more hotels under construction.
Transportation
There is a public transport service in Doha known as Mowasalat, as well as ‘Karwa’ taxis available in all parts of Doha. The taxis are generally new, air-conditioned cars, equipped with a GPS.
