Qatar
The Gulf mini-nation that has taken its place on the global stage.
The National Museum of Qatar | SLSK Photography / Shutterstock
Qatar has emerged as one of the Gulf’s most intriguing destinations, the typical blends of traditional cultures and new-money supermalls and skyscrapers vying for tourism dollars. However, the result is something that isn’t quite as glitzy as the UAE, but offers a deeper dive into local heritage.
Get a true taste of Qatar when you arrive at the Souq Waqif in the capital, Doha. This ever-busy market is where you’ll find traditional garments, spices, gold and even falcons being traded. Early evenings offer the best time to explore, with temperatures cooler and restaurants in full flow. Al Terrace is a must for succulent grilled meats and shisha.
Spend a morning at the Museum of Islamic Art, a sprawling structure from the mind of I.M. Pei that has been put together on its own manmade island. Even a look from the outside is worth your time.
While you’re in the area, the National Museum of Qatar offers another opportunity to see Qatar’s real story. The entire museum is shaped like a desert rose and is packed with immersive exhibitions covering Qatar’s natural and cultural evolution.
After you’ve earned your stripes when it comes to Qatari culture, reward yourself with some pretty serious shopping. Qatar, like other Gulf States, has absolutely no shortage of gigantic glittering shopping malls, with the Mall of Qatar being the diamond. Expect all the brands you’re used to in a seriously swish setting.
Away from the city, which makes up a sizeable chunk of the entire nation, you’ll find miles of sprawling, often unspoiled desert. Hop on a desert safari and visit the Khor Al Adaid, or Inland Sea. Here, perfect sand dunes tumble into the water, offering an unmissable opportunity to grab some unique shots for Instagram.
Make sure you book a safari that includes some fun stuff too, like 4WD riding, sandboarding or camel trekking – Arabian Adventures Qatar covers all of those.
If you’d prefer a slower pace, then head to the Al Thakira Mangroves and join a kayaking expedition. This is a great opportunity to watch wild birds in a true desert oasis. Dawn here is unforgettable.
You can’t visit Qatar without seeing the leftovers of the FIFA World Cup that was hosted in Qatar in 2022. Many of the stadiums used to host games are still operating and host both club and exhibition games, and you can join dedicated stadium tours to get a taste of the design and engineering that went into creating these unique venues.
Although you can pack Qatar into a long weekend, the combination of city and desert makes it ideal for a two-part trip over a week. Whether you’re gliding over the skyscraper-reflecting waters in a dhow or clinging to a camel on the dunes, there’s no shortage of adventures in Qatar.
Read Next
