Let's explore tourism in Qatar
Qatar has huge potential to be a distinctive tourist destination in the region, and the capital, Doha, gives its visitors an unforgettable impression, thanks to its dazzling and unparalleled skyline, where the glass towers that defy gravity with their wonderful spiral and circular shapes, as well as traditional Arab architecture, combine Qatar between originality and modernity. at the same time.
The capital, Doha, is home to many smart cities and neighborhoods, such as Katara and Msheireb, and the most popular tourist and cultural destinations in Qatar, including the Museum of Islamic Art, the Qatar National Museum, and Souq Waqif. It also includes a number of famous cities and tourist places that must be visited while staying there, including Al Khor City, Al Wakra City, Al Shamal City, Banana Island Resort, in addition to Doha Corniche.
Outside the borders of the capital, the city dissolves into the desert, which is famous for sand boarding and other sports. On a peninsula jutting into the Persian Gulf, Qatar is surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches, many of which are just a short drive from Doha.
Qatar hosts 80 sporting events and regional and international championships annually, in many sports, and the global sports capital was able to write its name in the records of sports history as the first country in the Middle East to host the World Athletics Championships (2019) and the FIFA World Cup (2022). ), as well as the “Vienna” World Swimming Championships (2023).
Qatar enjoys a desert nature that also attracts many, such as the Khor Al Adaid area and the Maseed area, which combines sand dunes and the sea, and in these areas there are many interesting adventures such as riding sand dunes (baiting), swimming, and recreational camps equipped for overnight stays.
Water tourism is also an important part of tourism in Qatar, as there are many islands that can be visited, in addition to interesting cruises. Doha (Corniche) and hosted by the Qatar Marine Sports Federation.
Preliminary information you should know about Qatar
The State of Qatar is a peninsula located in the middle of the western coast of the Arabian Gulf, and its capital is Doha. It is followed by a number of islands, the most important of which are the islands of Halul, Shiraouh, Al-Ashat, and others.
The area of the State of Qatar is (11,437) square kilometers, and it has been divided into 8 regions as follows: Al Shamal, Al Khor, Umm Salal, Al Daayen, Al Rayyan, Doha, Al Wakra, and Al Sheehaniya.
The population of the State of Qatar, according to the latest official statistics, is about 2,657,333 people.
The terrain of Qatar consists of flat rocky surfaces with some plateaus and limestone hills, especially in the Dukhan area in the west and Jabal Fuwairit in the north. This surface is characterized by the abundance of gulfs, bays, basins and depressions called (Riyadh). It is found in the northern and central regions, which in turn are considered among the most fertile sites in which natural vegetation abounds.
- Qatar is one of the high-income countries, and it has the third largest reserves of natural gas in the world, and it ranks 13th in possessing proven reserves of oil.
The United Nations classifies Qatar as a country with very high human development, as it is one of the most advanced Arab countries in this field.
Qatar is a major player in the Middle East and the world, and Doha will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Arab country to do so.
What are the best tourist places in Qatar.. These are 20 destinations that you must visit
1- Doha Corniche
Doha Corniche is one of the most important tourist places in Qatar, and it is a waterfront promenade that extends for several kilometers along the bay of Doha.
The Corniche was a corridor devoid of landmarks until the 21st century AD, when a development process began targeting the region to promote tourism in Qatar, as the region is now full of skyscrapers, in addition to many tourist and entertainment attractions.
Visitors can enjoy walking or cycling along the path, picnicking in the garden, or simply relaxing on one of the many benches. The Corniche is also home to a number of cafes, restaurants and other businesses, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
2- Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is one of the most famous tourist places in Qatar, and it is a carefully restored traditional market, as its establishment dates back more than a century, and it is located near Wadi Musheireb in the capital, Doha.
The market is full of narrow, branching alleys, giving a special impression to visitors, as the market's alleys are lined with stalls selling everything, from souvenirs, to spices, traditional medicines, clothes, and more. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as falconry (falconry) and a horse racing track.
3- Katara neighborhood
No one comes to the Qatari capital, Doha, without having a share of his visit to the cultural neighborhood of Katara, as the neighborhood has become an important tourist landmark, expressing the spirit and originality of Qatar, and bringing together the cultures of the East and the world, through theatre, literature, arts, music, conferences, and exhibitions.
Katara brings together the world's cultures, and contributes to introducing Qatar's heritage and traditions and raising awareness of the importance of other cultures and civilizations, through local, regional and international festivals, exhibitions and events. It is an exceptional project full of hopes and human interactions. This project was realized in 2008, after his vision was laid down by His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar at the time.
The place brings together everything that lovers of art, history, architecture, or even entertainment and shopping are looking for. A visitor to Doha should not miss visiting this wonderful cultural neighborhood, which offers distinctive examples of traditional architecture, theatres, restaurants, markets, various learning centers and picnics on the beach.
The cultural district includes many buildings, including the Roman amphitheater, the Drama Theatre, the Opera House, the multi-purpose hall for public events, and a series of international restaurants.
One of the most prominent landmarks of the neighborhood is Shakespeare Street, which is the most famous street in Katara, in addition to Katara Beach, which is a distinctive waterfront. There is also an open theater, a visual arts center, a drama theatre, the Qatar Music Academy, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Qatar Philharmonic Society. The Qatari sniper, the Cultural Center for Childhood, and do not forget the Arab Museum of Stamps, in addition to the Qatar Museums Authority, the Doha Film Institute, the Qatar Society for Fine Arts, the Voice of the Gulf Radio, the Film Institute, the Forum for International and Arab Relations, and the Katara Grand Mosque.
4- Msheireb Downtown Doha project
The Msheireb Downtown Doha project is the world's first sustainable city renewal project, reviving the old business district in the Qatari capital with a new architectural style that rivals the world's most modern smart cities. "Msheireb Downtown Doha" offers a variety of distinct options for visitors to the State of Qatar who would like to stay in the heart of the capital.
Msheireb Smart City, the world's first fully built smart and sustainable neighborhood, has become the new destination for living, leisure and business, and is characterized by its ideal location for retail, business, housing and community services.
Msheireb Downtown Doha includes modern and fully equipped residential facilities, a number of mixed-use commercial buildings with a variety of options for retail trade, business services, and cultural facilities.
It also includes museum houses that document the economic and social history of Qatar while preserving its traditional architectural style and the old way of life of its residents, such as the Radwani House. Among its most prominent landmarks: Msheireb Museums, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Doha, Al Wadi Hotel - MGallery by Accor, Park Hyatt Hotel, Barahat Msheireb, which is the largest open and covered pedestrian arena in the region, and Msheireb Galleria.
5- Qatar beaches
Qatar's beaches are a great attraction for guests, as they are among the most beautiful beaches in the world, due to their crystal clear waters and soft white sands, so Qatar is ideal for a luxury vacation. There are many beautiful beaches in Qatar that you can visit, namely: Al Thakhira Beach, Al Farkiya Beach, Al Ruwais Beach, Fuwairit Beach, Mesaieed Beach, Sealine Beach, Simaisma Beach, Katara Beach, and others.
6- The Pearl-Qatar Island
The Pearl-Qatar Island is located off the coast of Doha in Qatar, as it extends over an area of 4 square kilometers, and consists of luxury residential, commercial and hospitality units. The Pearl project has a capacity of about thirty thousand people, and it is an area with a privileged location, as it is in the heart of the capital, Doha. The Pearl Qatar includes many shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and other facilities and activities.
7- Qatar Water Park
Qatar Water Park is one of the most important and most visited tourist places in Qatar. The park includes many tourist attractions suitable for children and adults, as well as many activities and sports that can be practiced.
The park initially opened in 2010 AD, then closed for the purpose of expansion, and reopened in 2011 AD in its current new look. Qatar Water Park occupies 50,000 square meters of the Abu Nakhla area in the capital, Doha, and includes many interesting water activities.
8- Kut Castle
Al Koot Fort, also known as Doha Fort, is a historic fortress located in the heart of Doha, Qatar. Built in the year 1927 AD during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah bin Qassim Al Thani, the castle was recently turned into a museum that displays some of the traditional Qatari handicrafts, products and pictures of daily life with illustrations.
Exhibitions of artworks, handicrafts, stucco and wooden ornaments, fishing equipment, boats, historical photographs and paintings, including oil paintings of craftsmen and daily life, are held in Al-Kout Fort.
9- Aspire Park
Aspire Park was established on an area of 88 hectares of the Aspire Zone in Doha, and it is an active haven for city people and family outings. The park is considered one of the most important tourist places in Qatar.
The park includes fun playgrounds for children, places for walking and jogging lovers, and various cafes and restaurants.
10- Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is one of the most important tourist attractions in Qatar. The museum is located on an artificial island opposite the Corniche of Doha, in a vast park bearing its name. The museum is also distinguished by its proximity to the port of Qatar for traditional dhows, and is the first of its kind in displaying 14 centuries of Islamic history.
The museum's collections were collected from Europe and Asia over many years, dating from the seventh century AD to the nineteenth century, and the collection represents the diversity in Islamic art.
The exhibits range from books, manuscripts, ceramic pieces, metals, glass, ivory, textiles, wood, precious stones and coins made of silver, copper and bronze, some of which date back to before Islam and specifically to the Sasanian era, and the most recent dates back to the Safavid era, passing through the Umayyad and Abbasid eras. The museum also includes a research center in addition to a library of Islamic art, along with its holdings.
11- Jungle Zone Qatar
The most important amusement park in Qatar, opened in 2003, and it is a wonderful destination for fans of thrill and suspense games, as it enjoys great attraction from all age groups, due to several reasons, including its strategic location in the Plaza Mall. And the variety of games available in Jungle Zone Qatar, which are suitable for all ages.
12- Al-Asiri market
Al-Asiri market is one of the oldest markets in the capital, Doha, and it is one of the most popular markets in the city. It consists of one floor that includes a number of simple shops that sell fabrics and clothes at competitive prices, unlike other shopping centers in Doha.
The market is located close to the Waqif market in Deira, and the Al-Asiri market is very popular, as you find it crowded with visitors for long hours, and many souvenirs and gifts can be taken from there.
13- Banana Island Resort
Banana Island Resort is one of the best places to explore in the Qatari capital. The resort is located in the shape of a crescent on Banana Island, and it has an ideal beach, 800 meters long, which provides you with enjoyable activities such as wandering along the beach, and access to areas covered with tropical plants and wide green spaces.
You can also dive, surf, play bowling, golf, and tennis. In addition to visiting the cinema, the Anantara Spa Center, taking cruises on boats and ferries, and trying modern restaurants that serve the best meals.
14- Bin Ghanem Island
Bin Ghanem Island, or the Purple Island, is an island located in the municipality of Al Khor on the northeastern coast of Qatar, about 50 km north of the capital, Doha. It is the ideal place for all family members to enjoy a day trip.
Al Khor Island includes the only archaeological site in the country that dates back to the second millennium BC. The island is famous for being the site of the purple dye industry, which was controlled by the Kassites in the second millennium BC.
The island, thanks to its stunning natural beauty, is an ideal destination for bird watching, wandering and enjoying nature, spotting a variety of marine animals, kayaking through mangrove forests, or crossing the wooden bridge that connects the island with small hills and the island's purple beach.
15- Barzan Towers
Barzan Tower, also known as the Umm Slal Fort Towers, is a watchtower built in the late 19th century and renovated in 1910 by Mohammed bin Qassim Al Thani. It is located on the southern side of the defensive system that was established at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century to protect Al-Rawdah, a valley where precious rainwater collects when it flows from above the ground.
Visitors will find in the Barzan Towers wooden windows and doors, and the buildings are dominated by the light clay color that gives the landmark a unique elegance. Thousands of tourists come to visit the castle every year, and a visitor to Qatar should not miss the opportunity to visit and explore it.
16- Mall of Qatar
One of the largest and most famous malls in Qatar, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The Mall of Qatar is located in Al Rayyan Municipality, 20 minutes from the heart of Doha, and was opened in 2016.
The mall includes more than 400 stores and more than 80 restaurants, offering many popular food items. It also has a wide range of entertainment facilities, including the Magic Planet family entertainment center, VOX Cinemas complex, bowling alleys and more.
17- Falcon Market
A visitor to this beautiful country should not miss the opportunity to visit the Falcon Market to have a look at the unique Qatari heritage. The evening is the best time to visit the market, especially on Thursdays, when you can watch visitors and customers examining the birds, which are covered with a black leather headdress, and sit on poles for examination before buying, to ensure that they are free of any disease or defect.
The Falcon Market includes a large number of shops selling falcons and their tools, as well as a hospital for falcon treatment. It is an ideal market, especially for falcon enthusiasts, and a unique experience to explore the Qatari-Arab heritage and culture.
18- Qatar National Museum
The new National Museum of Qatar gives voice to the unique story of Qatar and its people from the beginning to the present day, and beyond into the future. It was designed by the famous French architect Jean Nouvel.
The museum represents an exciting addition to the Doha skyline, with its curved discs, intersections, and jutting angles, inspired by the shape of the local desert rose. It is the second largest museum in Doha, overlooking the Doha Corniche, and consists of a group of palaces dating back to 1901. It was the private home With Ruler Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani.
The museum includes several galleries and a maritime museum, as well as a huge number of artifacts that illustrate the splendor and beauty of the Qatari heritage. The museum extends over an area of more than 1.5 km, and visitors can expect a wonderful mixture of comprehensive environments and storytelling, which will attract all the senses of the visitor.
19- Museum of Illusions
Another nice place for thrill-seekers and entertainers at the same time, the Museum of Illusions is a 21st century museum designed to offer an interactive experience that will delight, amaze and make you question all your senses. And the Museum of Illusions is not static, it allows people to create, play and do many tricks.
All exhibits are based on science, mathematics, biology and psychology allowing visitors to learn a lot about vision, perception and the human mind through engaging and fun displays.
20- Thuraya Planetarium
The Thuraya Planetarium Museum, or Planetarium, is located in the city of Doha, and it is one of its most prominent tourist attractions, with an area of 2240 square meters. The museum offers a rare experience for visitors, as it mixes education and entertainment, especially for students, families and astronomy enthusiasts.
As for the main component of the planetarium, it is a complete digital system that can accommodate 200 people, and features a 22-meter screen equipped with the latest digital projectors that display two- and three-dimensional educational programs. Inside the museum, there is a dedicated place that displays astronomical and historical figures such as the story of the division of the moon during the era of the Prophet. Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace), and a number of models of the planets of the solar system of different sizes, in addition to models of space shuttles and old and modern Astronaut suits.
