The Making of A Prolific Traveler: Visit to Qatar
Qatar is indeed a small country with variant attractions and fast-growing tourism industry. There’s a rich variety of food, beaches, sand dunes and adventures. Providing tourists with captivating culture, perspective and prominent architecture. Qatar is one of the world’s next big hot spots. I had the opportunity to visit Doha as a transit passengers, usually between East Africa and Europe. I always enjoyed the long (18-24 hours) layover. I it gave me the chance to explore this luxurious culture.
Good news for transit passengers at Doha Airport, they can check out charismatic spots by taking free tour of Doha, the capital city of Qatar. Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Authority started this initiative to ensure transit travelers can experience the charming zones of the city. Passengers with 5-12 hours transit time in Doha are able to book free tour of the city. Booking is done on seat availability, first come first served basis. The duration of the tour is three hours, allowing the passengers journey through Museum of Islamic Art, The Pearl Qatar, Souq Waqif, Heritage Village, Katara Cultural village and West Bay area. Passengers with long layover can opt to reserve hotel room at the airport ahead of time. Or opt into the very comfortable and luxurious lounge room where the food never stop coming.
Things to do at Doha
Doha, capital city of Qatar has a plethora of stunning captivation to enjoy. It is advancing at a very fast pace. Below are a list of things to do in Doha for those wanting to experience adventure, culture or pleasurable relaxation and the buzzing nightlife.
Walk Around the Souq Waqif
The experience here is a blast from the past. You only need to walk down the streets of Souq Waqif and find yourself to be transported into another time. Having a variety of merchant’s products, perfumes and astonishing architecture this is the best place to experience traditions. The ambiance of the Souq is a mix of modern and traditions. You can dine at restaurants serving wide range of traditional and regional dishes cater to everyone’s taste. It’s not only food the Souq has to offer but local art galleries, cultural shows; falconry market and music enrich the atmosphere of this unique space.
Be Amazed By the Pearl Qatar
Pearl Qatar is the perfect example of luxury and man-made island nicknamed the “Arabian Riviera”. If you’re curious in exploring the insight in how upper class lives, then Pearl Qatar offers high-end stores, yachts and villas for you. It has many restaurants, cafes lined along the water fronts proved to be popular dining spots. It’s, more expensive side to enjoy haute cuisine, premium lifestyle and high class entertainment.
Go on a Sand Dune Adventure
If you have every wanted to have, what I call an “Aladdin Experience” then this next adventure is for you: riding a camel in the desert safari. Doha is the perfect place to do this. Enjoy the nature at its finest and expect breathtaking scenery on a roller-coaster drive across the expansive desert. You can enjoy a smooth ride or prefer to drive a fast & bumpy route across the dunes. Expecting lifetime experience, walk through the pearly white beaches and take a dip in clear water of the Khor Al Udaid. Here you will be able to witness the spectacular sunset over Doha.
The Museum of Islamic Art
The museum of Islamic Art is considered to be the most important cultural relic in Qatar. The museum presents Islamic art from three continents spanning 1400 years; including the most treasured artifacts from all over the Middle East. Inside its walls the collections have come from places as charming as Turkey, Egypt, Iran and many more linking all of them to their common Islamic history. Inside the museum you can see different calligraphy, ceramics and a lot more including a variety of local and international artist’s exhibition work.
Katara Cultural Village
Valley of Cultures is the number one place to visit for passionate people interested in learning about traditions. Katara Cultural Village is supposed to imitate the Qatari culture including opera house, art galleries, heritage centers, cafes, green areas and museum facilities. The large space was built not to celebrate just Qatari culture but also other civilizations and customs via concerts, exhibitions and other events.
The Aspire Tower
The 300 meter tall skyscraper hotel, the Aspire Tower known as “The Torch Doha” is the tallest structure and building in Qatar. It is well known symbol of the 15th Asian Games hosted by Qatar in 2006. It has an amazing 360 degree rotating restaurant located at the very top to admire the marvelous view of the city.
Falcon Souq
Long time ago when Qatar was just a vast desert its people trained falcons for hunting prey. Falconry is the essential part of the history and culture. Falconry has been listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list of Middle Eastern culture. If you’re eager to learn about these magnificent creatures, then you can buy a falcon at several shops that specialize in falcons at the Falcon Souq. Surprisingly, you can travel on the plane with Falcons. Just make sure your country of entry will accept this.
If you have time, don’t miss the Barzan Towers built in late 1800s used as watchtowers against the Ottoman invasion. You have to admire the mesmerizing sculptures at “The East-West/West-East Artwork” located in the middle of Qatari desert. For the adrenaline junky, you have the opportunity to skydive above the futuristic, modern city surrounded by vast desert.
Best time to visit Qatar
Qatar experience intensely hot climate during summer with low annual rainfall. It’s best to avoid visit during climate extremities to avoid heat strokes and severe health conditions. Visiting during spring and autumn seasons is the best time to visit Qatar with low temperature. During the months of November and April, the weather is great, allowing peak outdoor activities. In case you’re travelling to Qatar during summer, I recommend wearing very light clothing such as cotton and linens that covers most of your body, while during winter season its advisable to wear warm clothes and rainwear. The least expensive time to visit Doha is in July, but remember it is very hot as well.
