We didn’t plan it, but it happened; we spent a week in Qatar’s capital, Doha. It is located on the east coast of the Qatar Peninsula in the Persian Gulf. More than two-fifths of Qatar’s population lives within the city’s limits. Situated on a shallow bay indented about 5 km, Doha has long been a locally important port. Because of offshore coral reefs and shallow waters, it handled only small vessels until the completion of its deepwater port in the 1970s.
The original quarter of the city, Al-Bidaʿ, was probably founded by members of the Sudan tribe who emigrated from the sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi. A port town that became involved in the 19th-century maritime conflicts of the Persian Gulf, Doha, then a tiny village, was destroyed in 1867 in the war between Bahrain (which was aided by Abu Dhabi) and Qatar. In the following year, the British government installed Muḥammad ibn Thānī Āl Thānī, sheik of Doha, as the premier ruler of Qatar. He agreed to abide by the terms of the Perpetual Maritime Truce of 1853, and maritime warring was significantly reduced. In the late 19th century, the Ottoman Empire sporadically maintained a garrison at Doha as suzerain of much of the Arabian Peninsula. After Qatar became a British-protected state in 1916, a British political agency was held there. In late 1971, Doha became the capital of newly independent Qatar.
Long, a sleepy pearling and fishing village, Doha had about 350 pearling boats at the beginning of the 20th century. The development of Japanese-cultured pearls and the worldwide economic depression of the 1930s severely affected the town. However, the development of Qatar’s considerable oil reserves after World War II led to a complete economic transformation. Old slum sections were razed, and modern commercial and residential quarters were built.
NIghlife in Doha
Doha’s nightlife has grown into a generous offering of live music venues, bars and clubs, although most still tend to be concentrated around the international hotels. If you’re going to a venue that isn’t in the hotel you are staying at, make sure you take ID and check before whether it’s a membership-only venue. Bear in mind that outside of the international hotels, alcohol is almost wholly unavailable.
Famous bars are Irish Hurp, Nobu, and Trader Vic´s. Nightclubs worth a visit are Crystal at W Doha, Illusions, and Qube. Live music can be found at Jazz Club at Oryx Rotana, Madison Piano Bar at La Cigale, and The Club at The St. Regis.
Here are some of the best nightclubs in Doha for picking up ladies – Black Orchid (high-end), Darbar Lounge (more relaxed), The Vogue Club (popular spot), Oxygene Club (lively atmosphere), Krossroads Club, Rockcity Qatar, Pearl Lounge at Marriot, Belgian Cafe at InterContinental, The Terrace at Four Seasons, Dunes at Grand Hyatt, Backyard at Sheraton, Rise at Mondrian. We tried a relatively new Filipino club, Maharlika (Stella beer tower – 199 QAR).
Parking location – Doha: (🚻24/7 – 5 min🚶under Coffee Beanery,🚇Corniche or West Bay – 9 min🚶)