This vibrant complex is without doubt one of the most atmospheric places to explore in Qatar. Built on an ancient market site, the area remains the social…
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Qatar
In steeped-in-tradition Qatar, you can learn about the ancient pursuit of falconry, watch camels race across the desert and admire traditional dhows (wooden cargo boats) bobbing on the water. But the country is developing rapidly, with the capital Doha a world-class city in the making, thanks to its spectacular modern skyline, peerless Museum of Islamic Art, a fine and expansive traditional souq, and burgeoning arts and culinary scenes. On any given day you could sample a portfolio of sophisticated restaurants and then watch the sun set over sand dunes that seem to spring from a fairy tale.
As Qatar prepares to host the 2022 World Cup, there's a flurry of activity and controversy in the air – as the nation uses imported labourers for construction of roads, rail routes and stadiums for the future fans. The recent Saudi-led blockade of Qatar makes most onward Gulf travel from this once-popular stopover destination much more difficult.
Explore Qatar
- Souq Waqif
This vibrant complex is without doubt one of the most atmospheric places to explore in Qatar. Built on an ancient market site, the area remains the social…
- Museum of Islamic Art
With the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, drawn from three continents, this fabulous museum is so rich in treasure that it rewards short,…
- Falcon Souq
For a glimpse of Qatari heritage, don't miss the Falcon Souq. You only have to see the scale of the market, afforded its own traditional arcaded building…
- Banana Island Resort
With its opaque waters and 800m golden-sand beach, the crescent-shaped Banana Island is one of the best excursions in Qatar, even if you're not staying at…
- National Museum of Qatar
The much-anticipated opening of the National Museum of Qatar took place in March 2019. French architect Jean Nouvel's sprawling desert-rose-inspired…
- Qatar National Library
One of the best libraries in the world, this incredible, spaceship-like structure contains a literary wonderland of two million books, including ancient…
- MIA Park
One of the best and most beautiful green spaces along the Doha waterfront, Museum of Islamic Art Park is home to Richard Serra's vertical steel sculpture,…
- TaliaMare Beach Club
One of Doha's best hangout spots, TaliaMare is set on a pretty beach, among pastel-coloured houses, and has a chilled-out vibe and music reminiscent of…
- 7 by Richard Serra
Visitors can walk through this sculpture, comprised of seven steel plates – a number with special spiritual significance in Qatari and Islamic culture –…
Latest Stories from Qatar
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Qatar.
See
Souq Waqif
This vibrant complex is without doubt one of the most atmospheric places to explore in Qatar. Built on an ancient market site, the area remains the social…
See
Museum of Islamic Art
With the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, drawn from three continents, this fabulous museum is so rich in treasure that it rewards short,…
See
Falcon Souq
For a glimpse of Qatari heritage, don't miss the Falcon Souq. You only have to see the scale of the market, afforded its own traditional arcaded building…
See
Banana Island Resort
With its opaque waters and 800m golden-sand beach, the crescent-shaped Banana Island is one of the best excursions in Qatar, even if you're not staying at…
See
National Museum of Qatar
The much-anticipated opening of the National Museum of Qatar took place in March 2019. French architect Jean Nouvel's sprawling desert-rose-inspired…
See
Qatar National Library
One of the best libraries in the world, this incredible, spaceship-like structure contains a literary wonderland of two million books, including ancient…
See
MIA Park
One of the best and most beautiful green spaces along the Doha waterfront, Museum of Islamic Art Park is home to Richard Serra's vertical steel sculpture,…
See
TaliaMare Beach Club
One of Doha's best hangout spots, TaliaMare is set on a pretty beach, among pastel-coloured houses, and has a chilled-out vibe and music reminiscent of…
See
7 by Richard Serra
Visitors can walk through this sculpture, comprised of seven steel plates – a number with special spiritual significance in Qatari and Islamic culture –…