What are the must-see highlights and attractions when on holiday in Doha? Here you will find a list of the top 10 attractions in Doha!
Doha, the glittering capital of Qatar, is one of many examples of progress and modernity on the Arabian Peninsula. On Doha's coast, one skyscraper after another rises into the desert sky, with shopping temples and grandiose museums in between. The Souq Waqif is a traditional place, and from an artificial island the view falls on the impressive Corniche, which invites you to take a walk through 1001 Nights.
Table of contents
Doha Corniche
Doha's 7km-long Corniche (seafront) is where the imposing skyline comes into its own. When you look at the enormous skyscrapers, you feel as impressed as you are tiny. Turn around and turquoise blue waves roll onto the beach. Together with green spaces and parks, this makes Doha's crescent-shaped bay one of the most beautiful in the Middle East.
Article: Corniche of Doha
Photo gallery: Corniche of Doha
Museum of Islamic Art
The much-praised Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is located at the end of the Corniche, which is well worth seeing. It was the last masterpiece by star architect Ieoh Ming Pei and the first of its kind to open in the Persian Gulf states. Behind its equally striking and majestic façade are unexpected treasures from Spain to India, most of which come from the private collections of various rulers.
Article: Museum of Islamic Art in Doha
Photo gallery: Museum of Islamic Art in Doha
Great Mosque
In an impressive city like Doha, an impressive mosque is of course a must. The Great Mosque of Doha has hardly any modern architectural features, but instead adheres to the traditional appearance of an Islamic place of worship with its sandstone colour. The interior, characterised by simple elegance, holds 30,000 worshippers and may also be visited by non-Muslims.
Article: Great Mosque in Doha
Photo gallery: Great Mosque in Doha
FANAR (Islamic Cultural Centre)
Those who want to learn something about the culture of Islam on their trip to Doha should definitely visit the FANAR in addition to the Great Mosque. Called the "Lighthouse", the cultural centre with its striking curved minaret is dedicated to bringing Islam and Qatari culture closer to the non-Islamic world.
Article: FANAR (Islamic Cultural Centre) in Doha
Souq Waqif
As Doha's most famous market, Souq Waqif at the southern end of the Corniche is an absolute must-see when on holiday in Qatar. You can buy just about anything, from sweets and incense to clothes and handicrafts to camels and falcons. The unmistakable atmosphere of an oriental market is best inhaled between carpet and spice stalls with coffee and shisha.
Article: Souq Waqif in Doha
Photo gallery: Souq Waqif in Doha
MATHAF - Arab Museum of Modern Art
In addition to the Museum of Islamic Art , the MATHAF, the Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, is also worth a visit. As Qatar's first art museum and the first museum for contemporary art in the entire Arab region, the MATHAF occupies a very special place in the museum history of the Middle East.
Article: MATHAF (Arab Museum of Modern Art) in Doha
City Center Mall
Five floors and over 250 shops make Doha's City Center Mall the largest shopping centre in Qatar. Apart from never-ending shopping pleasures, City Center Mall also offers 62 restaurants, 14 cinema halls, a bowling alley, an ice skating rink and a spa.
Article: City Center Mall of Doha
Rumailah Park
The palm-lined lawns of Rumeilah Park provide a bit of pleasant coolness in Doha's desert heat. With a magnificent view of the Doha skyline, the curved paths invite you to stroll, picnic or play sports completely free of charge.
Article: Rumailah Park in Doha
Msheireb Enrichment Centre
The Msheireb Enrichment Center is located on a small artificial island off the coast of Doha and, together with the Museum of Islamic Art, forms the end of the Corniche. It takes its visitors on a journey through time, recounting Qatar's imposing past, illuminating its rapid rise to modernity in the present and drawing possible scenarios for the future.
Article: Msheireb Enrichment Centre in Doha
Artificial island "The Pearl
Similar to the famous palm island Jumeirah in Dubai, an artificial island was also created off the coast of Doha. "The Pearl" is advertised as "one of the most spectacular addresses in the world". Its private islets, luxury hotels, villas and flat towers are voluntarily aimed at wealthy clientele, but a detour to the million-dollar island is also worthwhile for interested transients. One thing is certain: the magnificent view of Doha!
