Places to visit

The Pearl-Qatar is a luxurious, man-made island in Doha, Qatar, known for its upscale residential, retail, and entertainment offerings. It features Mediterranean-inspired architecture, with marinas, high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and beautiful waterfront views. Popular among locals and expatriates, The Pearl is a symbol of modern Qatar, blending luxury with a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Souq Waqif is positioned just beside Wadi Musheireb in the Al Souq district of Doha. Traditional clothing, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs are all sold at the souq. Custom-made essential oils, woven textiles, rugs, wooden furniture, and glass ornaments are just a few of the amazing handcrafted items that are offered here.

Explore kayaking in Qatar at two stunning locations: Al Thakira Natural Reserve and Purple Island. Al Thakira boasts the largest mangrove forest in Qatar, offering a unique chance to paddle through lush, tranquil waters surrounded by rich flora and fauna.

If you're passionate about the ocean economy and marine life, the Hamad Port Visitors Centre is a must-visit. Begin your exploration at the museum, where you'll uncover the rich tapestry of Qatari marine life and maritime history. The exhibits vividly illustrate the port’s operations and the evolution of trade, offering intriguing insights into Qatar’s maritime heritage.

Al Janoub Stadium, located in one of Qatar's historic neighborhoods, features a design inspired by the sails of traditional Qatari dhow boats, which played a crucial role in the nation’s economic history. Opened on May 16, 2019, during the Amir Cup final, this 40,000-seat stadium boasts a distinctive curvilinear roof that pays homage to Al Wakrah’s maritime past. The elegantly arched beams supporting the roof resemble a ship's hull, providing both shade and protection while reflecting the region’s seafaring heritage.
 

A charming and culturally rich marketplace, stands as a testament to Qatar's enduring heritage and tradition. Nestled along the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, this historic souq is a destination that seamlessly marries the old with the new, offering visitors a unique insight into the nation's cultural and architectural past.
 

Qatar offers a host of remarkable experiences, with its desert safari being a standout. As a land renowned for its stunning desert landscapes, Qatar features some of the most spectacular desert terrain in the Gulf region, extending from the Rub' al Khali on the Arabian Peninsula. For travelers, a Desert Safari in Qatar is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, providing the chance to immerse yourself in exhilarating activities and discover the majestic beauty of this unique desert environment.
 

Discover the remarkable Inland Sea at the entrance to the Persian Gulf Sea, a desert landscape where sand dunes spill into the sea's azure waters. It is magical in its colors and vastness, a feast for the eyes. There aren't many places alike in the world, a unique ecosystem that evolved over time, where sea turtles, ospreys, cormorants, flamingos, desert foxes, and oryx stop by.

The Miraculous Journey at Sidra Medical and Research Centre features 14 impressive bronze sculptures that depict the stages of fetal development. Created by Damien Hirst, this installation highlights the profound beauty of the developmental process. Unveiled in 2013 after extensive discussion, the sculptures are not merely decorative but serve to provoke conversation and reflection. Situated at a center focused on the care of women and children, the artwork celebrates childbirth and empowerment, symbolizing the extraordinary journey of human development.

The heart of Qatar National Library, the Heritage Library is a unique contribution to Qatar’s cultural landscape. Its growing collection includes rare and valuable archival documents, books and periodicals in various European languages; early Arabic printed materials, such as books, journals, magazines and newspapers; and Arabic manuscripts, maps, atlases, globes, historical photographs, and instruments and tools related to travel. 

Though it serves as a community mosque for the surrounding Al Rayyan area, the Education City Mosque is a commentary on the compatibility between Islam and modernity. Individuals from all backgrounds are welcome to visit.

The Arab Museum of Modern Art offers visitors a premier collection of modern and contemporary art featuring various styles and genres. The museum's exhibits provide a narrative of the Arab world through the eyes of its artists, showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions, including paintings, mixed media, and sculpture. This extensive collection represents one of the most significant assemblages of Arab art globally, highlighting the rich and evolving artistic heritage of the region.
 

Originally intended for defense purposes, Zekreet Fort was built by tribal leader Rahma bin Jaber Al Jalahmah, entirely of faroush stones, or beach rocks. The fort followed a rectangular plan and towers were added in a later stage to its four corners to further strengthen its structure. Small structures, among which are three madabis (date-pressing rooms), were discovered by archaeologists between the fort and the sea.

Explore the striking desert landscape of Zekreet, renowned for its distinctive mushroom-shaped limestone rock formations. This area, characterized by its surreal and otherworldly appearance, is one of Qatar's most iconic spots. The unique rock formations, resembling white chalk umbrellas, provide a stunning backdrop for photographs. The dramatic shapes have been sculpted by strong winds that have eroded softer sedimentary rocks, revealing the resilient limestone cliffs beneath.

Spanning over a kilometer in the Brouq Nature Reserve, this stunning sculpture features four towering steel plates, each exceeding fourteen meters in height. Serra meticulously studied the land's topography to ensure precise alignment, transforming the expansive, barren desert into a captivating masterpiece. The sculpture harmoniously blends contemporary design with a sense of timeless elegance, creating a striking visual impact in the heart of the desert.

Constructed in the late 19th century and refurbished in 1910 under the guidance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, the Barzan Towers are a distinctive rectangular structure spanning three levels. Featuring an external staircase and unique architectural design, the towers have walls that are one meter thick. These walls were crafted by combining coral with limestone and binding the materials with mud mortar. Once the mixture dried, the walls were finished with a layer of gypsum-based plaster.

Adjacent to the walled coastal town of Al Zubarah, this 20th century fort is the youngest and most prominent feature of the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A pristine example of a typical Arab fort, its one-meter-thick walls warded off invaders and helped keep rooms cool during the hot summer. This important site houses residential palaces, mosques, courtyard houses, fishermen’s huts, streets, double defensive walls, a harbour, a canal, and cemeteries.

The site-specific artwork features twenty circular shelters arranged across the desert, seemingly scattered at random. However, these shelters are meticulously aligned according to a fivefold symmetrical pattern. The central ten shelters create a pentagram, reflecting a sophisticated geometric design. While these patterns were only recently uncovered by Western mathematicians, they may have influenced the intricate designs seen in Islamic art and architecture since medieval times.

Katara Masjid is one of the most beautiful Masjids in Qatar, which is well known as Blue Mosque. The mosque features an outer surface garnished with turquoise and purple mosaic, and a wonderful interior design that adds even more glamour.
 

Established in 2010, the Arab Postal Stamp Museum boasts a diverse collection of stamps from 22 Arab nations. Recently featured in the cultural festival celebrating Doha as the Capital of Arab Culture, the museum offers a rich exploration of postal history and themes across the Arab world, showcasing the intricate and varied designs of stamps from different countries.

Strolling in the Katara Cultural Village, a beacon for cultural exchange, one will come across a three-part sculpture of three heads in military gear depicting one in a gas mask, a soldier, and the other in a hood. Each art piece, which tackles the challenging themes of war and peace, are made up of cooking instruments, used pails, traditional Indian lunch boxes, and glass bowls. Holistically, the public art is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's visual metaphor of the three wise monkeys which represents the proverb 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

A large sculpture crafted from bronze, stainless steel, and aluminium to craft a woman hurling a planet in circles. The Italian contemporary artist, Lorenzo Quinn, made the art piece as a dedication to Mother Nature as well as a reminder of nature's power and humanity’s responsibility to Earth.

At the heart of the cultural village, the Katara Amphitheatre is a stunning blend of classical Greek theatre design and timeless Islamic architectural elements. Situated in Katara, it commands a picturesque view of the shimmering blue sea beneath the expansive sky. Finished in 2008, this 3,275 square meter landmark honors the rich tradition of amphitheatre architecture and is poised to host a range of spectacular, world-class events in Doha.
 

The Golden Masjid was garnished with extremely small golden chips, and it represents Ottoman style. Katara also organizes advanced courses in Quran memorization that are widely attended by a considerable number of children from different age groups. Such courses bear significance because they instill the virtuous values and the good manners of the Holy Quran.

Known as The Pigeon Towers, the intricate design of these structures date back thousands of years and mirror traditional Islamic architecture and creativity.  While the towers provide housing to thousands of pigeons, they have a very practical purpose. 

Souq Waqif Royal Stable is one of the main attractions where the tradition of equestrian excellence has been proudly presented to the general public. Visitors can see well-groomed Arabian horses up close at these stables not far from the Falcon Souq. Visitors can walk around and take photos of the horses in their open pen.

For a glimpse of Qatari heritage, one shouldn't miss the Falcon Souq. One has to see the scale of the market, afforded its own traditional arcaded building off Souq Waqif, to understand the place of falconry in Qatari society.

The building is of traditional architecture already from the exterior. It's well known for its atmosphere and for seeing artists, mainly painters, at work. Naturally it is also a place to go shopping for art.
 

The Porto Arabia precinct embodies a contemporary Mediterranean ambiance, blending indoor and outdoor shopping experiences. It features a diverse array of international brands, a variety of dining options, and plans for a luxurious five-star hotel and resort. This upscale destination caters to both living and leisure needs, offering a range of amenities including climate-controlled shopping areas, an open-air Boardwalk, valet parking, water taxi access, and golf cart transportation. The precinct is designed to provide a seamless and sophisticated experience for visitors.

Medina Centrale precinct is a town square inspired by the charming ambience of the Mediterranean. With a mixture of public plazas, gardens, terraces, canopies and piazza. It is a residential destination that brings together the unique qualities and charm of the island. The precinct regularly comes alive with celebrations and events as it turns into a pedestrian-only area on winter weekends.

Viva Bahriya precinct is architecturally themed to echo the very best of the Arab Maghreb, with Moroccan-styled townhouses and apartments exuding Moorish elegance. Viva Bahriya precinct is perfect for families and those seeking a more relaxed locale. Whilst quieter than neighbouring precincts, there is never a dull moment at this enviable beachfront location.

Katara Plaza is a unique commercial complex located in the heart of Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar. It blends cultural heritage with modern retail experiences, offering a range of high-end shops, dining options, and entertainment facilities. The plaza features beautiful architecture inspired by Qatari culture, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. It serves as a hub for art, culture, and leisure, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The Lusail Promenade is a scenic waterfront walkway in Lusail City, Qatar, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. This well-designed promenade is lined with lush green spaces, modern art installations, and stylish seating areas, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisure. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, bike rides, or dine at the array of restaurants and cafes along the promenade. It serves as a vibrant gathering place for both residents and tourists, blending contemporary urban design with the natural beauty of the seaside, and enhancing the overall experience of Lusail City.

Located in Lusail City, Qatar, it is an iconic architectural marvel set to become a landmark of the region. The twin towers feature a unique, curved design inspired by the traditional Qatari scimitar swords, symbolizing the country's cultural heritage. This mixed-use development will house luxury hotels, high-end residential apartments, office spaces, and exclusive retail outlets. The towers are designed to provide a luxurious lifestyle experience, with world-class amenities and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Katara Towers embody a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting Qatar's vision for the future.

Al Safliya Island is a picturesque and serene destination off the coast of Doha, Qatar. Known for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the island is a popular getaway for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat. Al Safliya offers a range of recreational activities, including swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, and kayaking. The island's natural beauty and tranquil environment make it an ideal spot for picnics, beach outings, and enjoying panoramic views of Doha's skyline. With its pristine surroundings and relaxed atmosphere, Al Safliya Island provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.