On my recent visit to Doha, the capital city of Qatar, I discovered one of the Middle East’s most up-and-coming destinations. Home to some of the region’s most glamorous luxury hotels as well as a cultural identity that prides itself on authentic Qatari heritage, Doha presents a charming contrast between new and old, making it a perfect destination for travellers seeking culture and history.
During a whirlwind three days en route to Sri Lanka, I explored as much of this modern city as I could and came away awed by the sheer amount Doha has to offer the modern traveller. Easy to navigate and brimming with attractions, Doha is an ideal place as a main destination, as a stopover or as part of a multi-centre holiday.
At a Glimpse
The capital of Qatar, Doha is a modern metropolis whose skyscraper-clustered cityscape shimmers beneath the Arabian sun, home to masterpieces of contemporary architecture such as the sci-fi-worthy Tornado Tower and the curiously modelled Doha Tower. Emerging from relative obscurity onto the global stage, this ever-developing city is a place where Qatari heritage and the modern world converge, opening a portal between the old world and the new.
Doha sits on the eastern flank of Qatar, a monarchic peninsular country which resembles a thumb jutting into the glistening waters of the Arabian Gulf. A financial powerhouse of the Middle East, the city has flourished from its humble origins as a sleepy pearling and fishing hub to become a key economic player in the Arab world as oil-rich Qatar has blossomed over the past decades.
Best Time to Visit Doha
The best time to visit the Qatari capital for cooler, more bearable temperatures is between the winter months of December and February, when you may even require a jumper in the evenings. In the summer, the thermometer climbs to scorching heights, making it difficult to be out of the shade for long periods of time. During Ramadan, the city becomes something of a ghost town during the day as locals adhere to strict fasting, though after sundown the city comes alive as people emerge onto the streets to celebrate together and indulge in iftars (elaborate fast-breaking feasts) across Doha’s restaurants.
Getting to Doha
For my visit to Doha, I flew with Qatar Airways, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest airlines because of its exceptional service, top-notch business suite and supreme onboard comfort. Travellers can fly with Qatar Airways to Doha from London Heathrow, with the flight duration averaging at around seven hours. Other airlines that fly to Doha from the United Kingdom include British Airways, who also fly direct from London Heathrow, and Emirates, who stopover in Dubai from London Heathrow on the way to Doha.
Where to Stay in Doha
As a city that caters to the luxury travel market, visitors to Doha will be spoilt for choice in terms of accommodation, with the Qatari capital housing a stunning variety of luxury properties. Many of these hotels have access to Doha’s beautiful beaches, meaning you can combine a classic city break with a relaxing beach escape under the sizzling Arabian sun. Some of our favourites include the Rixos Gulf Hotel, which boasts a fabulous all-inclusive package as well as access to a pristine private beach; the Fairmont Doha, which sits within the iconic scimitar-shaped Katara Towers in nearby Lusail; and the Sharq Village and Spa, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, whose beautiful architecture evokes the nostalgic charm of old-world Arabia.
You can check out some of the other luxurious Doha hotels and incredible deals we offer by visiting our Qatar webpage.
Souq Waqif
A place where the nostalgic charm of Middle Eastern heritage comes to the fore, Souq Waqif is a bustling bazaar laden with all manner of exotic goods, from rich textiles to aromatic spices to lustrous jewellery. You can also experience some of Qatar’s proudest traditions such as falconry and horse riding here. At the nearby Falcon Souq, you can admire these graceful birds, which have been used for sport in Qatar for centuries having been introduced by Bedouin tribes.
Learn about their training, their significance in Qatari culture and even hold one. Then wander over to the Emiri Stables where you can see beautiful Arabian horses between their rounds of patrolling the streets with Doha’s traditionally uniformed police atop them.
The Museum of Islamic Art
Not only does the Museum of Islamic Art offer a fascinating journey through more than a millennium of Islamic art, but it is also a stunning example of modern architecture that resembles a traditional Qatari fort. Set on one end of Doha’s seven-kilometre-long Corniche, the museum overlooks a harbour dotted with traditional dhows. Inside, an extensive collection includes metal work, ceramics, woodwork, jewellery and textiles which span the 7th century to the 20th century and whose origins are as far-reaching as Spain and Central Asia. Also within the hotel is page of the Blue Quran, a thousand-year-old manuscript that is one of the most sacred and elaborately decorated Qurans in the world.
The National Museum of Qatar
Resembling a desert rose, the National Museum of Qatar traces the entirety of Qatar’s storied past, from its Bedouin roots to its oil-rich present. The museum houses exhibitions which showcase an intriguing collection of more than 8,000 objects, which range from ancient archaeological artefacts, textiles, costumes, jewellery, books and important historical documents. You can also learn about the pearl diving industry’s crucial role in Qatar’s development.
Katara Cultural Village
For anyone wanting to learn more about the arts and culture of Qatar, the Katara Cultural Village is a must-visit attraction. This vast complex houses theatres, galleries and performance venues that host a range of events throughout the year, from concerts and film screenings to art exhibitions and cultural festivals. The architecture of the Katara Cultural Village is a sight in itself, blending traditional and modern aesthetics adorned with beautiful Islamic motifs – a stand-out feature is the village’s stunning amphitheatre, which hosts world-class events and concerts. If you want to discover the creativity of the Qataris and the vibrant culture permeating this peninsular nation, the Katara Cultural Village is the place to go.
The Pearl Island
The Pearl Island is an emblem of Qatar and Doha’s wealth and progress. A manmade island to rival Dubai’s World Islands, this visionary undertaking is home to some of Doha’s most lavish residential areas as well as upscale hotels, luxury boutiques and a picturesque marina that lies speckled with glamorous yachts. Come here to enjoy the refined atmosphere, dine at some of the city’s best restaurants and take in the pinnacle of Qatari opulence.
Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche is a long strip of waterfront promenade that stretches for seven kilometres, bordering the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf. An epicentre of local activity, Doha’s residents flock here for leisurely evening strolls, jogging and bike rides, and to enjoy the panoramic views of both city and sea. At night, the Corniche comes alive as the lights of the surrounding buildings twinkle against the dark night sky and locals and tourists alike come here to enjoy the balmy evening and the pleasant breeze.
Desert Safaris
Qatar is a desert nation, with the country’s interior comprising stunning swathes of rolling dunes that undulate towards the horizon. Known as Khawr al Udayd, or “Inland Sea,” this vast area of desert lies to the south of Doha and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to wildlife including Arabian oryx, camels and, where the desert meets the sea, flamingoes, turtles and dugongs. From Doha, you can experience the magic of the Arabian desert while embarking on a variety of thrilling desert adventures, from dune bashing to camel riding to sandboarding. As the sun sets, you can embrace Qatari heritage and enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner beneath a canopy of stars, with cultural performances and authentic Qatari music adding to the enchanting ambience.
With its blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, Doha delivers a unique experience for travellers seeking cultural enrichment. Whether you’re wandering through the spice-tinged bustle of Souq Waqif, admiring the architectural splendour of the Museum of Islamic Art of the city’s cluster of skyscrapers, or exploring the cultural richness of Katara Cultural Village, Doha will be sure to captivate you with its sheer diversity and unique character.
Plan a tailor-made visit to this dynamic Qatari city by browsing some of the luxurious Qatar holidays we offer and discover one of the Middle East’s most vibrant destinations for yourself.