In steeped-in-tradition Qatar, you can learn about the ancient pursuit of falconry, watch camels race across the desert, and admire traditional dhows bobbing on the water. But the country is developing rapidly, with the capital Doha, a world-class city in the making, thanks to its spectacular modern skyline, peerless Museum of Islamic Art, a nuanced and expansive traditional souq, and burgeoning arts and culinary scenes. On any given day, you could sample a portfolio of sophisticated restaurants and then watch the sunset over dunes that seem to spring from a fairy tale.
We were undecided about which route we had to choose for our drive from Qatar to Jordan. As usual, Google offered us the route via Riyadh and Hail, but we experienced that highway several times and did not want to drive it again (very bad tarma and high traffic). Also, we did not believe...
We spent one day off-roading around the Broog Peninsula. Qatar has little altitude, which only exaggerates the tiny limestone escarpment of Bir Zekreet, on the northwestern coast of the peninsula, near Dukhan. The wind has carved away softer sedimentary rock, exposing pillars and a giant...
Our next stop today was Qatar’s first and only Unesco World Heritage site, which appeared in the desert as if out of nowhere. The impressive structure, built in 1938, has four striking towers and stands alone in a sea of sand. Inside are cabinets of artifacts containing pearl...
We made a short stop in the city just 50 kilometers north of Doha to see its fish market. Once famous as a center for the pearling industry, Al Khor is a pleasant, sleepy town with an attractive corniche, a small dhow yard, and a little fish market. In November 2022, all 20 outlets from...
After nearly a week’s stay in Doha, we finally hit the road again toward Al Samriya. On the way, we stopped at our favorite hypermarket, LuLu, and bought a few goodies for our fridge. (we still feel it’s the most expensive country in the Gulf). After a 30-minute drive, we...
We spent several afternoons and evenings in this vibrant complex, undoubtedly one of Qatar’s most atmospheric places to explore. Built on an ancient market site, the area remains the social heart of Doha. Centuries ago, Bedouins would bring their sheep, goats, and wool here to trade...
Behind the colorful spice section of Souq Waqif is a collection of caged birds, and sometimes cats, rabbits, tortoises, and dogs, kept outside in all weather. But you will also find horse stables here, where we saw well-groomed Arabian horses. Next to it, we took photos of grazing camels...
We were so tired of exploring Souq Waqif that we took a Golden Line metro to a Venetian-themed mall for our great dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. In the Villagio Mall, you can shop under a ‘sky’ of fluffy white clouds, eat pizza at Paul, ride a gondola (QR10 per person)...
We spent the late afternoon in The Pearl, an artificial island with colorful architecture, lovely marina walks, cafes, and restaurants at every corner. It´s Qatar’s answer to Dubai’s The Palm Jumeirah. The Pearl is a luxurious artificial island development on Doha’s northern fringe that...
Another metro ride took us from Doha to Lusail, Qatar’s shiny new sister city. It is the second-largest city in Qatar, just 20 kilometers north of downtown Doha. It feels like an extension of the capital. But this coastal metropolis-in-the-making is actually a city in its own right...