Doha
This beautiful landscaped area on the corniche between the Ministry of Interior and the National Theatre. It has an art gallery, open air theatre, water features, shops and a cafeteria as well as children's rides and attractions which include boats, a ferris wheel, miniature train and skateboarding half-pipe. The park is very busy in the evenings and at weekends when it is popular with picnickers.
Popular with walkers, joggers, roller-bladers and picnickers, Doha's 7 km landscaped corniche is a beautiful place to relax. Recent work has extended the paved and parking areas still further, and it is now possible to walk along the shoreline almost the whole way from the Ras Abu Aboud flyover to the pyramid-shaped Sheraton hotel. Palm Tree Island can be reached by dhow from the jetty on the corniche near the Sheraton.
The weaponry museum in Al Luqta is not normally open to the general public but can be visited by arrangement or with a tour group. It houses an amazing display of gold and silver swords and daggers from the region as well as weapons and armour dating back to the 16th century. Each exhibit is labeled in English and Arabic, and some of the displays include relevant photographs or paintings
The Qatar Museum of Islamic art, under the umbrella of QMA is the flagship project of His Highness, the Emir of Qatar. Situated on a man-made island on the corniche, it was designed by I.M.Pei - world renowned architect and designer of Louvre Pyramid in Paris. The Museum of Islamic Art is dedicated to being the foremost museum of Islamic art in the world, and as well a centre of education and information in the field of the arts of the Islamic world. Timings: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs -10.30am to 5.30 pm, Fridays -2.00 pm to 8.00 pm and Tuesdays are closed. Tel.: 44224444
It is ideally located behind the central markets just off the Salwa Rd, the animal markets trade in camels and sheep as well as in chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, caged birds and domestic pets. Fodder and grain are also sold here, the huge cylindrical bales of straw mostly imported by trailer from Saudi Arabia. Hunting falcons are sold prior to and during the season (October to March) although the most valuable birds usually change hands privately. Shops selling falconry equipment are also located in the Thursday & Friday market complex nearby.
Aqua Park is the only water themed amusement park in Doha offering fun and excitement to one and all, whatever the age. The Park located in the Abu Nakhla area of Doha, is spread over an area of 50,000 square meters and holds the capacity of accommodating over 3,000 visitors. This is the only water themed amusement park in Doha and offers fun and excitement for all ages. The park extends to an area of 50,000 square meters and has a capacity of accommodating over 3,000 visitors. The park features an enormous wave pool, an activity pool, a lazy river, a lagoon pool, a jacuzzi cave, apart from multiple speed slides and other amusement water rides. There are restaurants and kiosks to cater to your appetite. There are specific days designated for ladies and family too. The park is one of the popular family getaways to cool off in the hot weather.
Aspire Park is located in the Aspire Zone, behind the Villagio Mall & Hyatt Plaza Mall in Qatar. This large park is one of the favorite outing destinations of people in Qatar, may it be for a brisk walk or to be part of an event organized there or to enjoy a fun picnic with friends and family. The vast park is the chosen venue of numerous health event, happening there at regular intervals, inspiring & supporting people to keep healthy & fit. The park has beautiful fountains, eateries, playgrounds for children, jogging tracks & smooth paths where children can safely ride bicycles or scooties. It is home to various trees, many of which are unique & of uncommon shapes. A perfect place to have an active & fun filled day!
The Barzan towers emerges into the sky, giving you a stunning view of the Arabian sea. Built in a ‘T’ Shape, the Barzan tower was built in early 20th century by the then Qatari Emir to act as a watch tower. It is erected in the Umm Salal Mohammed municipality.
The Corniche is a stunning waterfront which extends in horseshoe shape, lined with palm trees and abundant greenery. The corniche road which is parallel to the waterfront corniche connects Doha’s West Bay – the business face of Doha to the main city and the Doha international airport. The corniche is a favorite among walkers and joggers and people out for a leisurely walk enjoying the magnificent view of the skyline on one side and the busy road on the other side. Doha Corniche is lined with tall skyscrapers including magnificent hotels, cafes, unique government buildings; an array of parks with children’s play area, vast green lawns and other unusual landmarks, such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the Qatar National Theater, thus offering a stunning view of Doha with its remarkable architectural buildings.
The Falcon bird enjoys a privileged spot in the Qatari society. Falcon Souq near to Souq Waqif, houses falcons, most of them hooded in black leather, perched on top of open railings. The Falcon Souq is dedicated to falconry, where one can buy these trained birds and related equipment such as hoods and jesses.
The Film City is a contemporary recreation of an antique Arabic village nestled behind a canyon in the desert of the Zekreet peninsula. The Film City is located in one of Qatar’s entirely deserted site. An element of adventure and suspense can be felt when visiting this area in the middle of the Arabian Desert.
Katara symbolizes the culture & tradition of Qatar, in the form a diverse cultural village. It depicts a global culture where people are able to witness the Country’s cultural and architectural heritage. Katara is home to beautiful theatres, an open amphitheatre, concert halls, a beach and a souq among other attractions for the general public. It is a haven for art lovers as many art & photographic exhibitions are regularly held there, apart from the Doha Tribeca Film Festival hosted there every year. Katara also hosts International & regional festivals, art forms, performances by gifted artists & attractive theme based exhibitions thus promoting cultural & traditional values.
Katara symbolizes the culture & tradition of Qatar, in the form a diverse cultural village. It depicts a global culture where people are able to witness the Country’s cultural and architectural heritage. Katara is home to beautiful theatres, an open amphitheatre, concert halls, a beach and a souq among other attractions for the general public. It is a haven for art lovers as many art & photographic exhibitions are regularly held there, apart from the Doha Tribeca Film Festival hosted there every year. Katara also hosts International & regional festivals, art forms, performances by gifted artists & attractive theme based exhibitions thus promoting cultural & traditional values.
The Katara Mosque is situated in the center of the Katara Cultural Village site. The design of the Katara Mosque is distinct and not like the usual mosques in Qatar. The building is an assortment of predominantly blue tiles, mixed with hints of red and yellow. The intricate designs and the equally complex interior is spectacular. Accompanying the mosque are three spiked pillars built tall into the sky.
Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art co-owned by Qatar Museums and Qatar Foundation is located in Education City in Qatar Foundation. In 2010, a former school building was renovated to house the Mathaf collection which now has a unique world-class collection of modern and contemporary art from the Arab world signifying its rich historical & cultural traditions. Mathaf organises major exhibitions, both historical and experimental, and large-scale education programs apart from hosting solo and group exhibitions by artists from the region and events related to unravelling modern and contemporary art. The unique collection, regular array of temporary exhibitions and associated activities make Mathaf an interesting experience for all ages. Apart from stimulation to one’s artistic self, there is also other avenues to enjoy which include a cafe, gift shop and library. The Museum is open on all days except Mondays.
The National Museum of Qatar has been newly built with a view to showcase the story of Qatar from early times to the present day and beyond. Organised in three “chapters†- Beginnings, Life in Qatar, and The Modern History of Qatar, each theme is presented across eleven highly individual galleries. Spread over 1.5 km, the museum has an interesting architecture inspired by the local desert rose with its curved disks, intersections, and cantilevered angles. The museum encompases a 220-seat auditorium; dedicated research centre, eating avenues, including a splendid rooftop restaurant and a landscaped park, thus offering a new destination to relax and learn more about Qatar. Museum opening hours: Saturday-Thursday: 9am-7pm Friday: 1.30pm-7pm Please note that last entry is one one hour before closing.
Qatar National Library (QNL) is a public library housed in a 45,000 square meters state-of-the-art building, designed to encourage library visitors to explore the progression of knowledge from the past to the present including collecting, preserving and making available the country’s recorded history. In addition to full-text online resources, QNL currently has more than one million books in its collections and more than 500,000 eBooks, periodicals and newspapers, and special collections. The Library offers many events, programs, and activities for the local community to do, learn, and discover. The building also has facilities for individual and group study and research, including assistive technology area with all equipment and specialized software applications to enhance the experience of users with special needs, dedicated area for children and young adults, individual and group study rooms, multimedia rooms, auditorium etc. The library building also houses a specially designed restaurant, a café, and a special events area to enhance the social and recreational aspect of visitors’ experience. This grand library with its unique architecture is a heaven for book lovers and a must see.
Souq means the traditional Arabic market and at Souq Waqif once can witness that to perfection! It offers a great opportunity to explore a traditional Qatari Market as it has been beautifully designed to give us a glimpse of how Qatar was in the days before the oils & gas discovery, surviving on trade in spices, perfumes, animals, wool etc. The souq has been redeveloped to look like a 19th century souq with shops made of mud walls & wood. Some of the old buildings are salvaged whereas the new ones constructed are also in line with the old architecture. There are traditional art galleries for art lovers. There are a number of antique shops so if you are looking for souvenirs, this is the ideal place to look for it. It is a great place to shop for honey & spices like turmeric, cumin, fenugreek & dry ginger. There are a number of pet shops with variety of birds, rabbits, puppies & cats. Traditional Arabic dress and jewelry can also be purchased here. An array of traditional coffee shops and eateries offer one a chance to try the local cuisine and have a feel of the place. Souq Waqif with its unique concept has turned into a major tourist attraction. Shops in the souq generally close at noon and reopen at 4 pm though cafes and restaurants are open throughout.
The Linear Park, also called Najma Street Park, is a lovely green park by the side of the road in the Mathar Qadeem Area near to the Mall roundabout. In winter, the park comes alive with many multi-coloured flower beds. It is popular with families and the health conscious as it has long walking paths and a dedicated cycling path. There are a few exercise equipment too. The park is long but narrow, hence the name "Linear Park".