While in Qatar, take some time and visit some of the many beautiful and fascinating worders of the Middle East. Qatar’s official website of the National Tourism Council is https://www.visitqatar.qa/. Below are some of the highlights you should venture to visit.

 

 

The Corniche

 

The waterfront promenade encircling Doha Bay, the Doha Corniche is a major thoroughfare and entertainment area of Qatar. Every morning joggers get their exercise, and every evening the Corniche and its connecting park fill with families enjoying the magical downtown lights. Cafes and coffee shops can be found alongside the traditional fishing dhows along the seven-kilometer stretch.

 

Museum of Islamic Art

 

 

Photo credit: Qatarchronicle.com

Nestled on a man made island in the middle of Doha harbor, the stunning I.M. Pei designed museum is a unique storehouse dedicated to all facets of Islamic art. The finest examples of manuscripts, ceramics, and textiles from every Muslim country in the world fill the galleries. Included in the free admission is access to the extensive libraries, along with the best view of the West Bay and the Corniche.

 

Souq Waqif

 

 

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Recently restored to its former glory, this major outdoor market is the place to go for tourists and locals alike for spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Along the narrow alleys filled with varied shops and art galleries and a collection of restaurants representing cuisines from all over the world. The nearby Fanir Islamic Center and its piercing spiral mosque is a great place to learn about Islam and the Arabic people.

 

Katara

 

 

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An innovative interpretation of the region’s architectural heritage, this purpose-built development’s impressive theatres, galleries and performance venues stage a lively year-round programme of concerts, shows and exhibitions.

Visitors can also find other recreational attractions, including top class restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, and a spacious, well-maintained public beach with water sports. Visitors will also find much to enjoy over a nighttime stroll along the promenade, with its expansive views of Doha’s skyline, as well as a rich array of seaside food stalls and markets.

National Museum of Qatar

 

 

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The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is dedicated to bringing to life the story of Qatar and its people. It actively gives voice to the nation’s rich heritage and culture and demonstrates Qatar’s extensive network of ties with other nations and people around the world. Designed to be vibrant and immersive, the museum is a space where diverse communities can come together and experience Qatar’s past, present and future.

The Pearl

 

 

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Over 32 new kilometers of coastline was created when Qatar began building its first artificial island residential area. The Pearl features a large range of luxury villas, apartments, five-star hotels and over two million square meters of international retail, restaurants, cafes and entertainment. Eight other private islands will be for sale to private owners. The Pearl is home to the finest shopping and dining in all of Qatar.

 

Inland Sea

 

 

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Locally called Khor Al Adaid, this massive inland sea is connected to the Arabian Gulf by a narrow inlet that shares the southern border with Saudi Arabia. Located over an hour’s drive south of Qatar, an additional half-hour dune bashing through the entrance of the Empty Quarter is required to reach the shallow blue sea. Filled with hammour, small sharks, and porpoises, it is one of the most popular weekend getaways in Qatar.

 

Al Zubarah Fort

 

 

Photo credit: visitqatar.qa

Located on Qatar’s north-west coast and comprising the immaculately restored Al Zubarah Fort and surrounding 60-hectare archaeological works, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most extensive and best preserved examples of an 18th–19th century settlement in the region. It covers the remains of a walled coastal town that once ranked as one of the Gulf’s most important pearl diving and trading centers with links extending to the Indian Ocean. The fort houses a visitor’s center. According to UNESCO, Al Zubarah was one of a long line of prosperous trading towns around the coast in what is present day Qatar.