Discover Qatar: A Vibrant Layover Destination
The small peninsula country of Qatar has earned its place on the tourist map, having positioned itself as a vibrant and welcoming layover destination for those transiting between the east and the west. Occupying a prime position in the heart of the Middle East, there are a growing number of interesting reasons why you should plan a stopover in Qatar.
Doha’s Incredible Architecture, Museums & Skyline
As you travel from the airport into Qatar’s capital toward the sweeping coastline road that runs along the Corniche, you can’t fail to miss the National Museum of Qatar. This unusual white building, shaped in a series of sprawling interlocking disks, was designed by award-winning French architect Jean Nouvel, who took inspiration from the native desert rose. The newly opened museum celebrates Qatar’s rich heritage and showcases the country’s future endeavors on the world stage. Before wandering around inside, take some time to walk around the exterior of the building, which is poised to become known as one of the world’s architectural masterpieces.
Another architectural wonder not to be missed on your exploration of Qatar is the iconic Museum of Islamic Art. Occupying its own island protruding into the waters of the Gulf and designed by renowned architect IM Pei, the building and its surroundings are a sight to behold. Inside, an impressive treasure trove of historic Islamic artifacts sourced from across the globe makes for an interesting visit. Outside, you can stroll through the palm-lined park and settle into one of the cozy armchairs at the Museum of Islamic Art Park Café, enjoying a light lunch of traditional karak chai (spiced milky black tea) and chapati (flatbread) with awe-inspiring views across the Gulf towards the Doha skyline.
The Pearl & Shopping in Souq Waqif
Next, take a ride through Doha to the manmade island of The Pearl, which consists of two interlinked horseshoe-shaped pieces of land spanning almost 4 million sq meters. A popular area for expat residences, the bustling “Porto Arabia” encircles an impressive marina of yachts and is a great place for a peaceful stroll along the promenade. You can stop at one of the numerous cafes for coffee and a bite to eat. A water taxi, priced reasonably at QR25 for a return trip, takes you from Tower 1 to Qanat Quartier, where pastel houses border a Venetian-inspired network of canals, or to Medina Centrale, the central shopping zone with over 55,000 sq meters of retail and restaurants.
Wind down for the evening at Souq Waqif, the bustling ancient Bedouin “standing market,” which was completely renovated and restored in 2004 using wood and stone to recreate traditional Qatari architectural techniques. Haggle for traditional Middle Eastern items and quirky souvenirs while exploring the winding alleyways of stores.
Adrenaline-Inducing Adventures in the Desert
The untouched, undulating dunes and diverse landscapes of the Qatari desert outside of Doha are fascinating to explore. This tranquil environment possesses unique beauty, particularly at sunrise and sunset, when the sunlight reflects off the pale sand. Juxtaposing the serenity with an adrenaline-pumping off-road drive in a 4WD results in a truly exhilarating experience. Khor Al Adaid, an inland sea south of Doha, is the most popular place for these adventures. Numerous tour operators provide full-day trips that include a pick-up from your hotel, a thrilling drive across the dunes, sandboarding, camel riding, and even a night under the stars in a traditional Bedouin camp.
Neolithic Rock Art and the Al Zubarah Fort
Consider renting a car (preferably with reliable navigation) and traveling north of Doha, past Al Khor, for a hike around the area known as Al Jassasiya. This site features almost 900 Neolithic rock carvings depicting boats, fish, scorpions, and intriguing patterns. Although there is speculation regarding the precise meaning of these petroglyphs, they are fascinating to see, making it a great family activity to seek them out among the rocky outcrops. As there are no restaurants or facilities nearby, it is advisable to pack a picnic.
At the northern tip of the peninsula, you’ll find Al Zubarah Fort, Qatar’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive structure, built in 1934 at the center of a large fishing and pearling port, stands as a monument to Qatar’s history, featuring a small museum dedicated to the historic pearling industry.
