With the title of host for the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar has opened its way into the world’s radar. With this assignment, new stadiums, hotels and other infrastructure projects have a appeared in the peninsula, creating and interesting clash between the country’s past traditions and the future that awaits after this world-class event.

 

A clash between the old traditions and the new, Qatar offers visitors a range of things to do in every area: museums, desert safaris, markets, heritage sites… the peninsula offers something for everyone. Below, find ten things you can do in the peninsula in between soccer matches.

 

An afternoon at the Doha Corniche

The seven-kilometer promenade that stretches from the Sheraton Hotel Park to the Museum of Islamic Art and overlooks the water is the perfect way to spend an enjoyable afternoon in the capital. With multiple five-star hotels, inspiring architecture, clubs, restaurants with varied cuisine, parks, children’s play areas, and traditional wooden dhows, this area offers much more than just the best view of the city’s contemporary skyline. It embodies the vibrancy of progressive Qatar. Take some time to walk around. In the evening, you can observe the dhows lighting up the Corniche, and you can even take a boat to see the city from another perspective.

 

Visits to the Museums

Located at the end of the Corniche, The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) offers permanent and temporary exhibitions across its four floors. The building itself is an awe-inspiring architectural marvel designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect I.M. Pei (best known for his design of the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris), and houses IDAM, an haute cuisine restaurant by chef Alain Ducasse. Although it is currently closed for renovation, it will be reopened in Fall 2022 ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

 

The National Museum of Qatar, designed by another Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, was built around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s (1880-1957; son of the founder of modern Qatar) original palace. Open in March 2019, it celebrates Qatar’s heritage with exhibitions that talk about the country’s history, while also celebrating and inspiring ambitions for the future.

Sunday to Monday 9AM–7PM

 

Mathaf: Museum of Modern Art houses in its permanent collection more than 9,000 artworks from artists connected to the Arab Peninsula spanning from the 20th and 21st century, and gives insight into the Arab perspective on contemporary art.

Saturday-Thursday 9AM–7PM

Friday 1:30–7PM

 

 

A visit to Souq Waqif

Definitely a must when in Doha, Souq Waqif bursts with shops that offer all sorts of treasures: from spices pouring out of jute sacks, sweets, fabrics, local beauty products, art and antiques. With multiple eateries offering a variety of foods, you can also enjoy a true Arabic meal, such as Makhboos (a traditional rice dish), fasha (slowcoocked meat stew), and for dessert kunafas and baklavas, in between negotiating for a bargain, all while listening to aspiring musicians playing their drums or flutes. The Souq Waqif Art Centre is a space worth visiting to see works of art of local and visiting artists. 

 

 

Dune Bashing

A popular activity when in Doha, you can book a tour to go dune bashing at Khor Al Adaid. Not only is it extremely fun, but the views of where desert meets sea alone will make it worth your while. 

 

Visit Al Zubarah Archeological Site

Pearling was a core of the Qatari economy until the 1930’s, and a key factor in the modern development of the territory. The coastal town of Al Zubarah was a key trading center and the became the country’s most important settlement. It is Qatar’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest, and you can see remains of residential palaces, mosques, fishermen’s huts, etc. Adjacent you can find the fort used to protect from invaders. 

Saturday-Thursday: 9AM–4PM

Friday: 9AM–6PM

 

Go Shopping

Qatar offers an unmatched shopping experience, from the traditional souqs to world-class malls. The Mall of Qatar, with 500 retail and dining options, with an Oasis, an atrium 30-metres high decorated with plants and surrounded by multiple restaurants and cafés. It offers year-round live shows and performances in its 360o rotating stage. In this 500,000 sq mt you will find something for everyone in the family.

Saturday-Wednesday: 10AM-10Pm

Thursday-Friday: 10AM-12AM

 

Galeries Lafayette on 21 Hght St., located at Katara Cultural Village (see below), offers shoppers a 14,500 sq mt open shopping experience, making it a go-to for locals for all things fashion and beauty.

Saturday-Wednesday: 10AM-10PM

Thursday: 10AM-12AM

Friday: 3PM-12AM

 

Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings

Comprising 874 rock carvings dating back to Neolithic times, Al Jassasiya is one of a dozen rock-carving sites, albeit the most impressive. Carvings of dhows, which are still used today, fish, ostriches, and other shapes offer a glimpse into the past of this country.

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