TTG advertisement feature Qatar
In the fourth of our series of features on Qatar, find out about some of the top sights to recommend to your clients
sightseeing attractions are in Doha and the surrounding areas, but no part of the country is more than a couple of hours’ drive from the capital’s hotels, where most visitors are likely to be based.
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Doha Corniche This 4.4-mile-long waterfront promenade and park, stretching in a semi-circle around the entire length of Doha Bay, is one of the capital’s showpiece features. It offers not only spectacular vistas of the city – the beautifully lit night skyline is especially dramatic – but also provides a major vehicle-free recreational space in the heart of the city, ideal for a jog in the cool of the morning, a relaxing family picnic or leisurely evening stroll. Combined with the adjacent
parklands of Sheraton Park, Al Bidda Park, Rumeilah Park and the grounds of the Museum of Islamic Art, the Corniche offers an attractive expanse of greenery. Meanwhile, in the waters offshore, traditional wooden dhows can be seen bobbing in the bay, providing a reminder of Qatar’s great seafaring and trading traditions. Many of these vessels are also available for hire.
Souq Waqif For a taste of bustling street life, traditional commerce and local architecture, nothing can beat a wander down the lively alleys of Doha’s main central market, Souq Waqif. Vibrant after sunset, the labyrinth of small shops offers a dazzling array of Middle Eastern merchandise from spices and nuts
26 20.08.2015
s a small country with an excellent road and highway network, Qatar is easy to explore. Many of its main
Treasures of tradition
The immaculately restored Al Zubarah Fort is a Unesco World Heritage site
to perfumes, clothing, utensils, handicrafts and a vast range of souvenirs – all at bargain prices. It is also a great place to relax over a coffee or meal and enjoy an extravaganza of music, art and family entertainment. While the souq’s buildings are new,
the faithful use of traditional building methods and materials during its renovation in 2004, together with their architecture and design, create an authentic atmosphere of old Qatar. The sights, sounds and aromas evoke the flavour of a Bedouin market and visitors are sure to be captivated by the vitality and atmosphere of this special place.
Museum of Islamic Art The museum is a treasure house containing a magnificent collection covering 14 centuries of the finest Islamic art and artefacts from across the Arabian Peninsula, Middle East, Iran, Turkey, Central Asia, the Subcontinent, Far East, North Africa and Spain. It represents one of the high
points in Qatar’s growing reputation as the region’s Capital of Culture. Designed by the celebrated architect I.M. Pei, the museum is housed in a dramatic modern building situated in parkland on the Corniche waterfront. Its displays cover a vast range of subject matter, including artworks, ceramics, manuscripts, textiles,
metalwork and jewellery. Admission to the permanent
galleries is free, but there is an entry charge to any special exhibitions that may be running.
Katara Cultural Village Katara is a purpose-built cultural and recreational district located on the West Bay waterfront to the north of Doha’s city centre. Designed in the traditional architectural style of the region, its facilities include a spectacular amphitheatre, state-of- the-art theatre and opera house, multi-purpose hall, libraries, galleries and academic institutes. In addition to its schedule of cultural
Traditional weaving in the souq
offerings, which includes performances by leading regional and international artists including the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, plays, concerts and film festivals, Katara is a stand-alone entertainment destination in its own right. Its wide range of restaurants and cafes make it a popular dining spot. Among its
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