I want to go to Doha, the capital of Qatar! 7 recommended sightseeing spots

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a modern city known as one of the world’s top resort destinations. It boasts a variety of museums and art galleries that blend Arabian charm, along with many attractions for tourists. From artificial islands like The Pearl to parks and shopping centers, Doha is filled with places to explore. Since hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, its appeal has grown even more. Here are some must-visit spots in Doha!

1. Museum of Islamic Art

One of the top recommended attractions in Doha is the Museum of Islamic Art, which opened in 2008. The building’s stunning exterior immediately catches the eye, and for good reason—it was designed by I.M. Pei, the Chinese-American architect famous for the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris. The museum’s white structure, seemingly floating on the blue waters, looks like a piece of art in itself, heightening visitors' expectations for the exhibitions inside.

The bright and open interior showcases Islamic art from the 7th to the 19th centuries, organized chronologically. The collections highlight the global spread of Islamic culture, with items such as ceramics, decorative arts, Persian carpets, and African ivory. The Qur'an manuscript collection is especially valuable and a must-see for visitors. The museum also houses a multipurpose hall, a gift shop, cafes, and restaurants, allowing guests to take breaks and enjoy the masterpieces at their own pace. Starting your tour of Doha with a visit to this iconic museum is a perfect way to experience the city's cultural essence.

2. Souq Waqif

In Arabic, a "souq" refers to a market. Souq Waqif is located near the Museum of Islamic Art and is designed to replicate the traditional markets of old Qatar. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The main street offers a quintessential Arabian market vibe, complete with an exotic gold souq where you’ll find an array of dazzling gold jewelry. Unique Arabic designs make these gold pieces perfect souvenirs.

Venture into the side alleys, and you'll find a diverse mix of stalls selling everything imaginable—colorful spices, nuts, dried dates, frankincense, and even shisha pipes and tobacco. Deeper into the souq, you’ll come across shops selling birds and other pets. The souq's cafes and restaurants have open terraces, providing a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy Arabic coffee, fresh juices, or even try smoking shisha, making for a pleasant cultural experience.

3. City Center Doha

Summers in Doha can reach temperatures of nearly 50°C (122°F), with extremely high humidity, making outdoor activities difficult. For locals and tourists alike, large shopping centers are a great escape from the heat. Doha City Center, which opened in 2001, is the city’s largest shopping mall, offering just about everything you can imagine.

With over 300 shops, the mall includes a cinema complex, a Carrefour hypermarket, electronics stores, jewelry shops, luxury brands, and trendy fast-fashion outlets. There's even a skating rink, which is a hit with kids. For casual dining, head to the food court, where you'll find a variety of cuisines. Given that many workers in Doha come from countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Philippines, you'll find plenty of tasty Indian and Filipino food options. If you're looking for thoughtfully curated souvenirs, this mall is a great place to explore.

4. Katara Cultural Village

Often referred to as Qatar's version of a theme park, Katara Cultural Village is a vibrant center for arts and culture. The pigeon towers near the entrance are an intriguing feature—these towers serve as traditional pigeon houses, commonly found in Arab countries.

Katara features a range of facilities, including an amphitheater, art centers, cinemas, restaurants, and shops. The vast area can be explored on golf carts, and the beautiful mosques within the village provide great photo opportunities. Though not frequently included in standard tourist tours, Katara offers an excellent opportunity to delve into Qatari culture, making it a hidden gem worth visiting.

5. Aspire Park

Aspire Park is one of Doha’s proud landmarks and the largest outdoor park in the Middle East, spanning an area of 88 hectares. The park features two stadiums, jogging tracks, children’s play areas, a hotel, restaurants, cafes, and expansive lawns, making it a popular spot for residents to unwind.

Although it can be quiet during the day due to the heat, the park comes alive in the evenings with locals and tourists enjoying outdoor activities. Close by is the Villaggio Mall, a popular shopping destination in Doha. The mall features a canal inspired by Venice, complete with gondola rides. Combining a visit to Aspire Park and Villaggio Mall makes for an enjoyable sightseeing experience.

6. The Pearl

The Pearl is an artificial island in West Bay and a major national project of Qatar. Named in tribute to the country’s historical pearl diving industry, which flourished before the discovery of oil, The Pearl is now a symbol of Qatar’s modern luxury lifestyle.

With foreign ownership of property now permitted in Qatar, The Pearl attracts significant international investment. The island offers luxury villas, apartments, three five-star hotels, shopping malls, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. The four marinas are filled with luxury yachts, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Doha’s elite. The Pearl is often included in city tours, providing visitors with a firsthand look at the extravagant side of Doha.

7. Camel Race Track

For a unique cultural experience, visit the Camel Racing Track in the Al Shahaniya district, just a 20-minute drive from Doha along the highway. Along the way, you’ll spot camel stables, and at the track, tourists can watch the races free of charge.

In the past, young boys were used as jockeys, but after several accidents, remote-controlled robots (about 30 cm in size) now ride the camels. The camels race along a 10-kilometer course, with the owners following in 4WD vehicles, creating a thrilling spectacle. You can watch from the finish line or ride in a free spectator vehicle to experience the race up close. Camel races are held from October to May, but times are irregular, so it’s best to check online or ask your hotel before visiting.

Conclusion

There are direct flights from Manila to Doha with Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines, making it a convenient destination. If you have a layover of 5 to 12 hours in Doha, take advantage of the free city tours offered during transit. However, outdoor activities are not recommended during summer, as temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F). For a more comfortable experience, plan your visit between December and February.

One of the top activities in Doha is a dune safari, where visitors ride 4WD vehicles or buggies down sand dunes. There’s also the option of spending a night under the stars on a desert camping tour. Compared to other Gulf countries, Qatar offers a more refined and serene atmosphere, making it an up-and-coming tourist destination. Why not get ahead of the trend and explore Doha now?

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I want to go to Doha, the capital of Qatar! 7 recommended sightseeing spots