Tradition and modernity coexist in Qatar. Contemporary skyscrapers, Neolithic rock engravings, and friendly Dugongs in its sparkling waters are all found in this country. You can find the remains of ancient settlements near glittering malls, international sports stadiums, and world-class museums.
So if you are looking to see and do some things in Qatar, fly Qatar Airways, one of the best airlines offering a five-star onboard experience and safety. You can check out the latest deals in Business, Economy, and First Class to make your journey memorable.
Qatar offers beaches, activities, sand dunes, adventure, a wide range of food, and sunshine throughout the year. Here is an overview of the top 8 things you can do in Qatar.
- Go Dune Bashing
Go dune bashing in the desert if you only have time for one thing in Qatar. Driving on the high yet steep sand dunes to the sea is breathtaking. You can make the experience most memorable by spending a night in the desert in an opulent Arabian tent, tasting regional cuisine, and sleeping outside under the stars.
There is nothing like driving quickly across sand dunes to get the adrenaline going. The stunning sand dunes of Khor Al-Adaid, or the Inland Sea, is the best place to experience the dunes at 40 metres high and find the sea entering the desert.
- Take a Walk through Souq Waqif
If you want a taste of the past, go to the Souq Waqif in Doha. Find the “standing market” recreated to get the feel of earlier times. The famous souq is a maze of paths with stores selling textiles, household products, spices, souvenirs, sweets, and artwork.
The vibe of the souq combines classical and modern elements. With several elegant restaurants, you can find a variety of regional and traditional dishes that will tempt any palate.
- Go to the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Museum
The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum’s exhibits are the next best thing to do in Doha, Qatar. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani owned all the intriguing antiques in the museum, which he had been assembling since he was a little boy.
The museum is divided into four areas that display artefacts from the Mesozoic era to the present day, including vintage cars, ancient coins, Islamic art, and Qatari heritage.
- Visit the Al Zubarah Fort to learn about Qatar’s cultural history
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Al Zubarah Fort, was constructed to protect the early settlement’s archaeological artefacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. Al Zubarah developed as a trade centre, exporting valuable products, particularly pearls.
The fort is the pinnacle of traditional Arabian architecture and features walls, which are one metre thick. It contains a well that is 10 metres deep and an open courtyard. You can also find several exhibits of Al Zubarah’s flora and fauna and details of things like the kitchenware, ceramics, and weights that the Qataris used in the past.
- Look at the artwork “East-West/West-East”
The “East-West/West-East Artwork” is a brand-new sculpture by Richard Serra, located outside the Brouq nature reserve. Serra’s most recent work successfully realises his lifelong goal of bringing art to the public.
His four 15-meter-tall steel plates, securely craned in the sand dunes, are his captivating sculptures, which visitors admire in the desert.
- Visit the stunning artificial island, the Pearl
The unnatural island, The Pearl Qatar, is located near Doha’s upscale West Bay neighbourhood. Along with residential villas, buildings, and hotels in the Mediterranean style, the area of Qanat Quartier also offers a lavish shopping experience with high-end showrooms and designer boutiques.
The island is also home to contemporary food establishments, offering everything from the finest dining experiences to delicious ice cream. The other highlights include landscaped gardens and pedestrian-friendly streets, plazas, and squares.
- Stroll down the Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche is a lovely place to stroll in the late afternoon. The promenade extends 7 kilometres to the Museum of Islamic Art from the Sheraton Hotel across the Persian Gulf. Spend time taking a snapshot by the pearl shell, flying a kite, or having coffee. Enjoy a boat ride, devouring the view of the beautiful city while watching the dhows illuminate the Corniche in the evenings.
- Explore the Museum of Islamic Art
An architectural marvel, the Museum of Islamic Art has five levels with exciting exhibitions, a café, a gift store, and fine dining, IDAM by the famous chef Alain Ducasse. You can also find a heritage library with over 21,000 books, including rare English and Arabic editions.
