From sightseeing to shopping to desert adventures, Qatar offers a variety of activities that will certainly satisfy everyone’s interests and keep you busy.
Visit the Mathaf (Arab Museum of Modern Art)
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art (opening December 2010) is poised to become the leading voice on Arab modern and contemporary art and houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Arab modernism in the world.
Of Qatar, for the world, and of the 21st century, Mathaf will create a welcoming environment for discussion and exchange through art both locally and globally. Located in a former school outside Doha’s Education City, Mathaf’s building has been re-designed by French architect Jean-François Bodin to house Mathaf’s collection, exhibition galleries, education wing, research library, museum shop and cafe.
Hosting a variety of events and programs beginning December 30, 2010, Mathaf invites you to visit and take part in our exhibition tours, symposia, film screenings, workshops, internships and a range of hands-on activities for everyone.
Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
Set on the Corniche overlooking the arabian Gulf, the cubist-style Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is an architectural masterpiece designed by world-renowned I.M. Pei, who has called it the last major cultural building he would design.
The MIA, opened in November 2008, houses a magnificent collection of artworks dating from the 7th to the 19th centuries, representing the full scope of Islamic art, including precious manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood objects and precious stones from three continents. It is open every day except Tuesday between 10:30am-5:30pm.
Be Amazed in Souq Waqif
At Souq Waqif, Doha's most traditional and atmospheric market, you can quite literally lose yourself in the maze of alleyways, filled with small shops selling everything imaginable from kitchenware to clothing, exotic spices, intricate baskets and lingering Arabian fragrances.
Beaching It
Water, water everywhere so why not head to the best seaside spots to enjoy a swim? Choose five-star hotels that have both beach and pool, delicious haute cuisine as well as great poolside snacks and top of the range spa facilities:
- Sharq Village & Spa Ras Abu Aboud Street (425 6666)
- Sheraton Hotel Doha Al Corniche St (4854444)
- Doha Marriot Hotel Ras Abu Aboud Street (4298499)
- Intercontinental Doha Al Astiqlal Road (484 444)
- Grand Hyatt Doha West Bay Lagoon (448 1234)
- Ritz Carlton Doha West Bay Lagoon (484 8000)
In the heart of Doha, practically everywhere you stand you’re surrounded by awesome glittering skyscrapers with a backdrop of beautiful azure sea. There are a host of fun activities you can enjoy in the warm, salty waters surrounding the Qatari capital...
Inland Sea - Drive south towards Saudi Arabia and you'll reach a stunning sand formation - a vast pool of water separating Qatar from Saudi Arabia. It is surrounded by white dunes that spill directly into the water and many locals and visitors travel there to swim and enjoy barbecue.
Sailing - Doha Sailing Club provides a variety of boats, dinghies and windsurfs, suitable for all ages (443 9840).
Power-Boating - The elegant Diplomatic Club rents out powerboats to non-members from Sunday to Thursday for water-skiing, wake-boarding (with instruction), and day trips (484 7450).
The Qatar Marine Sports Federation - Organizes jet ski and power-boat racing (437 9744).
Kite-Surfing - Kitesurf Qatar (665 9440) and Qatar Kite Surfing Club (535 0336).
Scuba-Diving - If you prefer to be underwater, go to the Doha Sub-Aqua Club (583 6240).
Be Pampered in Style
One of the greatest joys of visiting Doha's designer-chic 5 Star hotels is trying the superb spa services they provide. World-acclaimed options in the city include New York's Bliss at the W Hotel, and the spa at The Four Seasons Hotel.Bliss pairs luxury ambiance with a 'no-attitude' atmosphere, and also offers a trademark rhythm and blues soundtrack and brownie buffet. The Four Seasons features private spas and a range of treatments including massages in the comfort of your own room.
Shop'til You Drop
Modern malls such as Villagio (pictured), City Center and Landmark give shoppers plenty of opportunities to part with their hard-earned cash. Villagio, modeled to look like Venice, has the widest selection of stores, including popular international clothing and food chains.
During or after shopping, there’s no end to the variety of cafes, restaurants and cinemas that you can relax in. At City Center you can even go ice-skating - although beware you'll have an audience of shoppers!
If you’re in the mood for some serious spending, head to the Doha Pearl, where you’ll find the world’s most glamorous designer boutiques lined up and waiting for your gold card.
Conquer the Corniche
The seven-kilometer-long promenade that stretches a long the shoreline in a horseshoe-shape is arguably one of the most picturesque and lively hotspots. From dusk till dawn, this is a popular destination for walkers and joggers, and there are many places to sit back and look at the impressive Doha skyline.
Restaurants such as Al Majlis on Al Sadd Street and Balhambar on the Corniche offer visitors a quality local dining experience. Try some authentic dishes while soaking up the unique atmosphere.
Dinner on a Dhow
This is a beautiful way to see Doha from the water. Take an evening cruise on a large, traditional-style boat to relish in the atmospheric sunset and take in the city’s glittering skyline by night, while enjoying dinner and drinks.
Desert Fun
You can't come to Qatar and miss out on the desert experience. Just a one hour drive from Doha, Sealine Beach Resort offers the most popular destination for those in search of fun in the giant sand dunes.
This Persian Gulf inlet offers one of the most beautiful natural sights in Qatar – plus tons of fun during the heat-stopping ride over the dunes.
Go Blokarting - wind-powered go-karts that use sails for propulsion (523 6579); straddle a desert quad at Sealine Beach Resort - driver’s license required (476 5299).
Unwind in Al Rumeilah Park
Still sometimes known by its old name of Al Bidda, this public park opposite the Corniche is especially popular in the evening and during weekends. It has lots of green spaces, cafes and facilities, as well as a heritage village built in the traditional style.
Smoke Shisha
Smoking shisha, a water-pipe with flavored tobacco, is a favorite pastime for locals. Many cafes offer a series of flavors for you to try as you sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Apple and grape are among the most popular, or for something completely different you can even try a cappuccino or grape and mint shisha!
Art & Architecture
Al Hosh Al Qatari Lil Funoon Gallery in the Souq Waqif exhibits the works of local and regional artists and also offers courses in ceramics and drawing.
Also in the Souq you’ll find the Waqif Art Center,Third Line Gallery which houses Doha’s eminent , funky design store Fanak and Zari clothes boutique.
The Qatar Islamic Cultural Center Offers an ever-changing program of exhibitions, lectures, workshops and prayer explanations.