Explore popular attractions of Qatar

Sitting atop a peninsula jutting out into the Persian Gulf, Qatar has transitioned from one of the poorest countries the world to become one of the richest one in few decades. Fuelled by the oil economy, the country has developed at a giant pace. And this development is evident in changing skyline of its cities. As you head from Doha airport to city you will come across a large number of underdevelopment sites, giant skyscrapers and climate controlled shopping malls. Owing to its immense business and tourism potentials people book flights to Qatar where all these things exist for real. If you are someone visiting this country for business or leisure do explore its famous draw cards.

Museums of Islamic Art

Museum of Islamic Art holds a special place for travellers visiting Qatar. The museums are situated atop an island specially built for it. The museum enjoys a stunning location amidst ornamental trees and parks. Designed by the noted architect IM Pei it boasts largest collection of Islamic art in the world. On your visit to this museum you would sample a vast collection of textiles, ceramics, enamel work and glass works. Besides its exhibits the museum also offers some short courses.

Doha Fort

This 19th century fort was built during the Turkish occupation of the country. The fort has served in different capacities like prison and ethnography museum. The fort lost some of its features during its restoration in 1970s. Currently the fort is being used as a backdrop for the events held near Souq Waqif. Travellers can explore this fort which is empty from inside.

Souq Waqif

In the recent decades, Souq Waqif has invented itself as the social heart of Doha. The place is popular among local as well as foreigners who come here to just take a stroll through the market, have diner, hang in its charming cafes or just sit idle and master the art of people watching. The place has been the site of a market for long where Bedu came with their sheep, goats and wool to trade for essentials. Later it grew as a maze of concrete. Recognising its tourism potentials the area was renovated to resemble a 19th-century Souq and now it has become one of the hot destinations for local and foreigners.

Falcon Souq

Falcon Souq which is situated next to Souq Waqif is one of the must visit attractions in the country. The area is a good place to find burkha (hoods) and hubara (feathers). The souq is all about falcons. During the falcon seasons from October to March, the area remains abuzz with falcons with these birds costing thousands of dollars each. The shop owners are more than happy to show birdsto customers.

Al Thakhira Beach

Situated at the northern end of the Al Khor Corniche, the 10km long Al Thakhira Beach is popular among adventure travellers but common travellers too will find this beach interesting given its multiple offerings that include old shoreline, mangroves, outcrops, desert and bird life.