Doha, Qatar — Where to Go
Doha Sightseeing Overview
Contrary to the sophisticated capital it is today, Doha was once a poor fishing and pearling village. In 1826, the Ottomans, who controlled most of Arabia, made Sheikh Thani bin Muhammed ruler of Doha, then called Al Bida, and later promoted him to Sheikh of Qatar.
By 1916, the Turks had withdrawn from Doha, and were replaced by the British army. Doha became the capital of the British protectorate of Qatar.
During the 1930s, Doha, along with other Gulf cities, suffered severe economic setbacks due to Japan's cultured pearls industry, ushering in years of dire poverty, in spite of the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in Qatar. Britain's involvement in WWII diverted its attention from Doha's economic health, leaving the country to wallow in poverty for over 10 years.
In 1949, however, oil and gas production began, and by the 1960s, Doha was one of the wealthiest cities in the region, although it remained largely underdeveloped. In 1971, the country gained independence, with Doha as its official capital.
Given that Doha was little more than an oasis in the desert less than a century ago, the city today is a little short on major tourist sites. The location on the balmy shores of the Arabian Gulf is perhaps its greatest attraction, which can best be appreciated by taking a stroll along the Corniche, the sweeping boulevard that skirts the waterfront.
There are a sprinkling of more cerebral tourist attractions including Doha Fort, the Museum of Islamic Art and Qatar National Museum. For sheer relaxation, Palm Tree Island, with its beaches and fun rides, is popular with local families and visiting tourists. More modern attractions include the jungle of impressive skyscrapers that are springing up all over the city as it follows Dubai's blueprint for development.
Outside of Doha, there are a number of day trips, which those visitors staying more than a couple of days tend to opt for. These include dune-bashing trips around the sweeping desert sands or cruises on traditional wooden dhows that take passengers on a trip back through time.
Doha Tourist Information
Qatar Tourist Authority
PO Box 24624
Tel: 441 1555.
Website: www.experienceqatar.com
Key Attractions in Doha, Qatar
Corniche
This exotic 7km (4-mile) walkway is the number one attraction in Doha. This is where business people come to get away from the office for a while, young lovers come to stroll and tourists flock to take in views of the city and enjoy what Arabian Gulf breezes there are on hot sunny days.
Corniche, Doha
Doha Fort
‘Al Koot', as it is often referred to locally, is a sturdy old fort that was built along Moorish design. It is one of Doha's few historical buildings and as such is worth visiting, with a modest display of art and crafts brightening up the interior. The courtyard is also a pleasant venue for relaxing by the fountain on a hot day.
Jasim bin Mohammed Street, Doha
Tel: 441 2742.
Admission charge: N.
Ethnographic Museum
This museum is housed in one of the most attractive structures in Doha, an old wind tower that dates back as far as 1935, an eternity in such a modern city. Designed to self-ventilate, this lovely old building evokes a Doha that existed before the discovery of oil and the rapid development of the emirate and its smattering of exhibits attempt to do the same.
Grand Hamad Street, Doha
Tel: 443 6008.
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.
Qatar National Museum
This recently expanded museum sheds light on the history of Doha and how it got to where it is today. Highlights include traditional costumes, lavish jewelry and the maritime section that includes an old dhow. Oil and its impact on Qatar is also delved into. The palatial building itself is a fine example of Islamic architecture, dating from 1912.
Corniche, Doha
Tel: 444 2191.
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.
Museum of Islamic Art
Designed by architect I M Pei, the much-anticipated Museum of Islamic Art opened its doors to the public in December 2008. It holds one of the Middle East's biggest and most impressive collections of Islamic Art. It also boasts a library and a number of food outlets.
Doha Bay, PO Box 2777 Doha
Tel: 422 4444.
Website: www.mia.org.qa
Opening hours: Mon, Wed and Sun 1000-1400, Thurs and Sat 1000-1400 and 2000-2300.
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.
Souk Waqif
Souk Waqif is a newly renovated market in the heart of Doha, where art galleries and independent restaurants have flourished. Tourists can find Qatari and Yemeni artifacts in charming shops throughout the souk.
Al-Jasra, Doha
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.
Further Distractions
Al Shaqab Stud
For horse lovers this is Doha's number one attraction, a chance to get right up close to Emir Sheik Hamad Bin Ali Al Thani's famed horses. Tours include visits to the training grounds and stables, with often the chance to see one of the ultra expensive horses being taken for a trot around the expansive grounds.
Al Rayyan (on edge of the city)
Tel: 454 6245.
Website: www.alshaqab.com
Admission charge: Y.
Palm Tree Island
This is a great place to relax in Doha, an island given over to leisure just off the coast. Take a boat over and in five minutes modern Doha has been replaced by a relaxed world of beaches, swimming pools and restaurants. As it is also largely pedestrianized, it is very popular as a safe oasis for families, both local and foreign.
Five-minute dhow trip from the jetty near the Sheraton Doha Hotel and Resort on the Corniche
Tel: 486 9151.
Admission charge: Y.
