Al Zubara Fort
Al Zubara Fort was built in 1938 and used by the military until the 1980s. The archaeology and pottery exhibits have sadly been neglected, but the fort is still worth visiting for the bleak views from its battlements. The fort is at the intersection of the road from Doha and the ro
Doha Zoo
With more than 1500 animals from all over the world in a pleasant garden setting, the Doha Zoo is one of the better zoos the region has to offer. It also has a good display of local desert animals and birds, making it a worthwhile first stop for those going on desert safari. Its be
Bird Souq
Located behind the colourful spice section of Souq Waqif, this collection of caged birds (as well as occasional cats, rabbits and dogs) has pigeons, parrots, cockatiels and budgerigars. It comes alive with local Qatari families just before the eid holidays; even when its not busy,
Mathaf
This exceptional new exhibition space was opened in 2010 to provide a home for international art with an Arab connection. Housed in an old school off Al Luqta St near Education City, the building was redesigned by French architect Jean-François Bodin. The venue hosts a variety of e
Weaponry Museum
This small museum has an impressive collection of arms and armour, some from the 16th century. However, what makes it worth a visit is the dazzling array of gold and silver swords and daggers, including a khanjar (ceremonial dagger) that belonged to TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)
MIA Park
One of many beautiful green spaces along or just back from the Doha waterfront, MIA Park is home to Richard Serras vertical steel sculpture, known as 7 – the first public piece of art by this celebrated artist in the Middle East. On the first Saturday of every month from October to
Omani Market
This small market offers a curious mishmash of items, such as Saudi dates and hand-woven baskets, Omani dried fish, tobacco and lemons, Iranian honey and pots, camel sticks and incense, and fronds of pollen-bearing date flowers (to fertilise the female date palms). Buying anything
Heritage House
Formerly an ethnographic museum, this restored traditional house (built 1935) offers one of the best opportunities in Doha to see a badghir (wind tower). The square wind tower was commonly used as a form of pre-electric air-conditioning throughout the Gulf, sucking fresh air into t
Qatar National Museum
When it reopens after a massive renovation, the Qatar National Museum, just off Al Corniche, will be one of Dohas standout attractions. No-one seems to know the reopening date, but everyone agrees that architect Jean Nouvels desert rose–inspired structures, which will form the muse
Doha Fort
Built during the 19th-century Turkish occupation, this fort has been used as a prison and as an ethnographic museum. During restoration in the late 1970s, however, many of the structures original features were lost. Its increasingly overshadowed by the redevelopment of the surround
Gold Souq
This pageant of glorious design and spectacular craftsmanship is fun to see even if youve no intention to buy. The souq comes alive later in the evening, especially before a holiday, when men traditionally express the value of their relationships by buying 22-carat gold bangles, or
Al Corniche
More than most other Gulf cities, Doha makes full use of its attractive waterfront promenade, helped by the fact that Doha Bay was carefully constructed with landfill to make an attractive crescent. The best views are from the waters edge close to the Museum of Islamic Art, with dh
Falcon Souq
If you want a glimpse of heritage, dont miss the Falcon Souq. You only have to see the scale of the souq, afforded its own traditional arcaded building off Souq Waqif, to understand the place of falconry in Qatari society. It can be quite unnerving entering a falcon shop: birds, mo
Museum of Islamic Art
Rising from its own purpose-built island, and set in an extensive landscape of lawns and ornamental trees off the corniche, this is a fabulous museum. Its shaped like a postmodern fortress with minimal windows (to reduce energy use) and a ‘virtual’ moat, and the views across the wa
Souq Waqif
Reincarnated in the last decade as the social heart of Doha, Souq Waqif is a wonderful place to explore and an undoubted highlight of the city. There has been a souq on this site for centuries; the Bedu would bring their sheep, goats and wool here to trade for essentials, and the e
Doing business & staying in touch while in Qatar
Qatar: Doing business & staying in touch
Qatar Weather, Climate and Geography
Qatar Weather, climate and geography
Qatar History, Language and Culture
Qatar History, Language and Culture
Qatar Travel Guide and Travel Information
Qatar Travel Guide
