Sights in Qatar
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Souq Waqif
Currently enjoying the last phase of a major make-over, Souq Waqif is a wonderful place to explore. There has been a souq on this site for centuries, as this was the spot where the Bedouin would bring their sheep, goats and wool to trade for essentials. It grew into a scruffy warren of concrete alleyways in recent years but now its tourist potential has been recognised and it's been cleverly redeveloped to look like a 19th-century souq, with mud-rendered shops and exposed timber beams.
Despite the slight 'Disneyfication' of the area, the chief business of the souq continues unabated and it remains one of the most traditional market places in Doha. This is the place to…
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B
Museum of Islamic Arts
Rising from its own purpose-built island, the monumental Museum of Islamic Arts, designed by the renowned architect IM Pei, is shaped like a postmodern fortress, with minimal windows and a 'virtual' moat. With an avenue of palm trees extending along the approach road from the corniche, it makes a bold statement about a capital that has matured into one of the most culturally engaged cities in the region.
The museum houses the largest collection of Islamic arts in the world. It also includes exhibition halls, a gallery, library and restaurant.
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Khor Al-Adaid
Understandably promoted as the major attraction in Qatar, this 'inland sea' is actually a huge salt-water inlet jutting into the desert and surrounded by kilometres of towering sand dunes. The best time to visit the dunes is in the late afternoon, but to appreciate the area fully it's best to camp overnight.
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Al-Shahaniya
Al-Shahaniya is a good place to see camels roaming around the desert and camels racing in a purpose-built stadium. If you have a car - a 4WD is not necessary - it's fun to drive alongside the 18km (11mi) racetrack during the race.
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C
Heritage House Museum
Formerly an ethnographic museum, the restored Heritage House Museum was built in 1935 and offers the best view of the badghir (wind tower). The square wind tower was commonly used as a form of pre-electric air-conditioning throughout the Gulf, sucking fresh air into the house and channelling it into the ground-floor rooms. It is closed to visitors but is worth a look from the outside.
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Weaponry Museum
The Weaponry Museum has an impressive collection of arms and armour, some from the 16th century. However, what makes this museum worth a visit is the dazzling array of gold and silver swords and daggers, including a khanjar that belonged to Lawrence of Arabia. The museum is not generally open to the public, except by prior appointment or with a tour guide.
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D
Doha Fort
Built during the Turkish occupation in the 19th century, the Doha Fort has been used as a prison and an ethnographic museum. During restoration in the late 1970s, however, many of the original features of the fort were lost. The fort is now being returned to its former glory, as part of the neighbouring Souq Waqif project, and is closed to visitors.
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Aladdin's Kingdom
Aladdin's Kingdom, an outdoor entertainment park, has a roller coaster, dodgem cars and go-karts (for which you need a driving licence!). Some days are allocated for women or families only, so ring first - or do as the locals do, and listen for the screams. Admission is free but you pay a small fee for each ride.
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Al-Zubara
Al-Zubara occupies an important place in Qatari history as it was formerly a large commercial region in the 18th century. All that remains is a fort, which has been restored and converted into the Al-Zubara Regional Museum. It has some bleak views from the towers.
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E
Qatar Philatelic and Numismatic Club
For those interested in stamps, the active Qatar Philatelic and Numismatic Club offers a café-style venue for enthusiasts, where the national stamp collection can be viewed and philatelic websites accessed.
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Rumeilah (Al-Bidda) Park
Midway along the corniche, the unfenced Rumeilah (Al-Bidda) Park has some fun attractions for children, including a Ferris wheel, boats and the only train in Arabia since Lawrence (albeit a miniature one).
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Jungle Zone
Jungle Zone offers 3500 sq m of animal-themed children's attractions.
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Doha Zoo
With more than 1500 animals from all over the world in a pleasant garden setting, the Doha Zoo is one of the better zoos the region has to offer. It also has a good display of local desert animals and birds, making it a worthwhile 'first stop' for those going on desert safari. It's best to ring first as timings are erratic.
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