Qatar is a small state in the Persian Gulf, which, like most countries in the Middle East, has rich natural resources and global prestige. No one will have a question about what to see in Qatar – everyone on this generous land will find something interesting for themselves: numerous entertainment centers for children and adults, ultra-modern beaches equipped with all amenities, museums, colorful markets and other interesting places. Qatar’s main resort is the capital city of Doha, where all the main attractions of Qatar are concentrated. For example, here you can soak up the snow-white beaches, do exciting shopping in the best shops, outlets and boutiques.
What to see in Qatar first of all
Qatar’s tourist infrastructure has reached the highest level, while the price level for various types of services here is affordable. Therefore, the best attractions are available in Qatar today to anyone, you just have to choose those that will be included in your travel plan. Recommendations on what to see in Qatar in the first place are given in this article.
1. The city of Doha
Panorama of the city of Doha on the Persian Gulf coast
When choosing what to see in Qatar in 1 day, you should first of all go to its capital, Doha. Today it is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and one of the most prosperous cities on the Persian Gulf coast, and for some time now it has been the oil and economic center of Qatar. Huge skyscrapers, high-tech structures, a lot of historical sites in the “old center”, the latest entertainment centers, boutiques, villas, artificial islands – all this attracts millions of tourists to the capital, thanks to which the country’s economy is gaining momentum year by year.
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2. Corniche Embankment (Doha)
The area of skyscrapers at night along the Corniche
One of the main attractions of the capital is the Corniche Embankment, which stretches along the Persian Gulf. Here, right on the coast, the most modern high-rise buildings with amazing architecture are concentrated, symbolizing the economic prosperity of Doha and Qatar as a whole. This is a complex of prestigious facilities that alternate with green parks and recreation areas. In recent years, the embankment has become a calling card, the “face” of the whole of Qatar.
3. Museum of Islamic Art
The facade of the building of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha
The Museum of Islamic Art, the main museum of the country and at the same time the largest museum in the Persian Gulf countries, continues the rating of attractions. Also, like most of Qatar’s attractions, the museum is very young – it opened in 2008. The extraordinary architecture of the structure is impressive: several huge stone blocks of the building are erected one above the other in a harmonious composition in the form of a tower, which looks like a chic sheikh’s villa. Inside, a collection of Islamic art items is on display – samples of ceramics, textiles, manuscripts and other Islamic artifacts.
Official website: https://www.mia.org.qa
4. Espair Tower
Illumination of the 318-meter Aspire Tower
Another landmark of Qatar, worthy of being elevated to the status of a symbol of the country, is located in Doha in the Sports City sports complex and is called the Espair Tower. This is the object that is among the first places to see in Qatar, and it is simply impossible not to notice it – the torch-shaped tower has a height of 318 m, so it rises noticeably above the capital and is viewed from anywhere in the city. A special view of the Empire Tower is created at night – the tower, whose surface is completely framed by several thousand LED bulbs, begins to glow as if it is wrapped in an LED plaid.
5. Fort Al Kut
Camel feeding in front of Fort Al Kut StellarD
Despite the fact that most of Qatar’s attractions are still very “young”, there is something to see in Qatar for lovers of antiquity. Al Kut is a perfect example of this: the fortification was erected at the end of the century before last, when this area of Qatar was still occupied by Turkey. At that time, the fort served as a police station and later as a prison. In the 20s of the last century, Al Kut was completely rebuilt, but for many years the fortress was not used in any way, until in 1978 a museum was opened in it, where national handicrafts, historical photos and art paintings are still exhibited.
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Qatar Attractions: what else to visit in Qatar
Going to Qatar, in addition to the list of the main attractions of Qatar, you should always take into account a couple of other interesting objects, if you have the opportunity to see something else. To do this, below is an overview and description of interesting, attractive, impressive places in Qatar worth visiting.
6. Umm Salal Mohammed Fort
Watchtowers in Umm Salal Mohammed
There is something to visit in Qatar from fortifications similar to Al Kut – for example, the Fort of Umm Salal Mohammed near the capital. It is a relatively small fortress with two towers and a restored small mosque. But the reviews indicate that this landmark of Qatar is impressive not for its size, but for its location and surrounding landscapes: the contrast of the sultry desert, the clear azure sea and the ancient walls of the fort creates a unique atmosphere, breathtaking.
7. Zubara Fort
Fort Zubara – former Coast Guard post
The next example of what to visit in Qatar from the fortifications is the Zubara Fort, built at the beginning of the last century as a coast guard post. This landmark of Qatar is a fortress made in a laconic style, traditional for buildings of this type: massive walls and crenellated towers of sandy color look simple and harmonious against the background of desert landscapes. Once upon a time there was a city on the site of the fort, which flourished as a center of great trade and pearl fishing. Currently, there is a museum within the walls of the fort, where photos from the excavations of the fortress and various archaeological finds are shown.
8. Souk-Wakif Market
The special Arabic flavor of the Souk Waqif market
Where to go in Qatar to experience the very spirit of the East, the local national flavor? Of course, going to the Souk Waqif market is one of the most suitable oriental bazaars for tourism in the Middle East. After all, there is a whole tourist center on the territory of the market, as well as a lot of cafes and restaurants with traditional settings and classic national dishes. In addition, you can buy souvenirs and handmade products here, while the market is organized in such a way that there is no usual hustle and bustle.
Official website: https://www.souq-waqif-doha.com
9. Ethnographic village “Katara” (Doha)
An Oriental-style building in the ethnographic village of Katara
Another colorful attraction of Qatar, which is often included in the trip, is the ethnographic village of Qatar. The main task in creating this facility was to familiarize the indigenous people and guests of the country with the centuries-old culture and traditions of the country. This is an ideal place to see in Qatar for a close acquaintance with the spirit of the country and its customs. Walking through the village, you can visit the art gallery with selected works by Qatari artists, visit a restaurant with national cuisine, visit one of the many pearl shops and even relax on the gentrified beach with various types of water activities.
Official website: https://www.katara.net
10. The pearl of Qatar is an artificial island
Aerial view of the artificial island Pearl of Qatar
Finally, excursions in Qatar should be supplemented with a visit to a small artificial island – the Pearl of Qatar with an area of only 4 sq.km. The island is a rather ambitious project of the Qatari authorities – now the most prestigious housing is being built and put up for sale here, which is mostly bought by foreign citizens. The new coast of the island is completely built up with villas and luxury apartments, the best hotels, boutiques and restaurants. And the name “Pearl” arose for the reason that earlier pearl mining was actively conducted on the island site.
The small state of Qatar, transformed from a desert into a paradise in a few years, has taken its rightful place on the tourist map of the world. Today, the tourism industry is one of the leading areas in the country’s economy. To attract tourists, Qatar hotels offer affordable prices with the highest level of service, and guides in Qatar organize excellent educational trips based on the individual interests of each foreign guest. Also read about the best sights of the UAE and be inspired for your further journey through the countries of the Middle East!
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