Travel to Qatar without any tourist traps: Here you will find the top 10 sights in Qatar. Read which highlights and attractions you should not miss on your holiday in Qatar!
The small country of Qatar on the Arabian Peninsula is still rather little known as a holiday destination. At first glance, this is not surprising, as it consists almost entirely of desert. Only at second glance does the fascination of this peninsula in the Persian Gulf reveal itself.
There are massive fortresses in the desert sand, one of the largest private museums in the world, white sand dunes and racing camels worth millions. Not to forget the dazzling capital Doha, with imposing skyscrapers and world-famous art exhibitions. Its ultra-modern architecture has been spectacularly combined with the old Arab building tradition - absolutely worth seeing!
Table of contents
Souq Waqif in Doha
Souq Waqif in Doha is centrally located near Doha's famous Corniche. The souq dates from 2004, but with its cobblestone alleys, mud walls and wooden beams, it looks as if there has been brisk trade here for centuries. Just opposite the Souq Waqif is the FANAR, the Islamic cultural centre.
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Museum of Islamic Art in Doha
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha was opened in 2008. It is one of the most important art museums on the Arabian Peninsula. The Museum of Islamic Art is majestically situated on Doha Bay. Its spectacular architecture is the latest masterpiece of the famous Chinese-American star architect Ieoh Ming Pei. Equally spectacular are the exhibits inside the museum.
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Doha Corniche
Doha's 7km-long Corniche stretches along the city's crescent-shaped bay from the striking Museum of Islamic Art in the south to the pyramid-shaped Sheraton Hotel in the north. It is considered one of the most beautiful promenades in the Middle East. Huge skyscrapers, gigantic luxury hotels, sprawling parks, excellent eateries and fantastically shaped buildings characterise the backdrop of the palm-fringed promenade.
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Katara Cultural Village
The Katara Cultural Village is one of Qatar's main attractions. It offers its visitors 100 hectares of beautiful traditional architecture and numerous leisure activities, including: Art galleries, a modern amphitheatre, an opera house, the Katara Art Center, a cinema, a handicraft souq and numerous international cafés and restaurants.
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Zubara Fortress
Near the historic trading town of Al Zubara in northwest Qatar lies the colossal Zubara Fort. The fortress from the early 20th century is freely accessible. The fort was completed in 1938 and was mainly intended to protect Qatar's coast against hostile attacks from Bahrain, whose ruling family Al Khalifa laid claim to the ruins of Al Zubara.
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Sheikh Faisal Museum
The Sheikh Faisal Museum in the west of Doha is one of the largest private museums in the world. Its owner, Sheikh Faisal, is happy to welcome visitors to his amazing collection with free admission. In three buildings in traditional architectural style, one gets insights into the life and past of the Qataris and the Arab Bedouins in the middle of the desert.
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"The Pearl in Doha
"The Pearl" is an artificially raised island located about 11 kilometres northeast of the city centre off the coast of Qatar's capital Doha. The island is virtually the counterpart to Dubai's famous artificial island "The Palm Jumeirah". The name "The Pearl" was chosen because the island was built on one of the last large pearl diving sites.
Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea)
Khor Al Adaid, also known as the Inland Sea, is one of Qatar's greatest scenic treasures. Here, the Persian Gulf has cut into Qatar's southern landmass, separating Qatar from Saudi Arabia. The vast expanse of water far from any civilisation is a true paradise for flamingos, cormorants, wading birds, terns and gulls. On the coast, crescent-shaped, dazzling white sand dunes reach for the sky.
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Great Mosque of Doha
The Grand Mosque of Doha was opened in December 2011, has a total of 93 domes and holds 30,000 worshippers. Its full name is Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque. Its traditional exterior goes hand in hand with the modern, spacious interior design. The Great Mosque of Doha is hard to miss with its elegant 65m-high minaret.
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Camel racecourse in Al Sheehaniya
The Qatar Camel Racecourse is located west of Doha in the village of Al Sheehaniya. Al Sheehaniya is the centre of camel racing in Qatar. The stables, paddocks and breeding houses are located around the racecourse. The racing spectacles take place from October to May and can be visited free of charge. The Sheikh Faisal Museum is also located near the camel racecourse.
