Middle East Brochure 2024

Things to do

64 Qatar

65 Qatar

72 HOURS IN QATAR

With glittering cities and a timeless desert, Qatar is a captivating destination and a gateway to the world. Here’s how to make the most of a 72-hour stopover.

DAY 1

After a 15-minute journey from Hamad International Airport, dive into Doha by heading straight to the pastel-coloured buildings of the Old Port. Grab a bite at any of the Mina District’s 50 cafés and restaurants or a seafood treat from the daily fish market. Learn stories of your host nation through interactive exhibits at the strikingly designed National Museum of Qatar. Cross MIA Park to the serene galleries of the Museum of Islamic Art and wander among artefacts from every corner of the Muslim world. As daylight fades, travel to the vibrant social hub of Souq Waqif. Browse stalls selling jewels, spices, silks, and falcons. Sample warm drinks and tasty snacks, or sit down to a sumptuous celebratory meal.

EXPLORE THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR Immerse yourself in Qatar’s fascinating heritage and culture with a visit to Doha’s National Museum of Qatar. The building’s exterior, an architectural masterpiece inspired by the desert rose, is just the beginning. Step inside the museum’s vibrant space, and you’ll be greeted by a wealth of galleries, shops, and dining options.

GO TREASURE-HUNTING AT SOUQ WAQIF Also nestled in Qatar’s capital city of Doha is an enchanting bazaar, Souq Waqif. This bustling market is a treasure trove of experiences, with aisles of stalls selling everything from traditional clothing to flavoursome Arabic dishes, arts, crafts, and souvenirs while the air is filled with the scent of saffron and exotic spices.

DAY 2

After breakfast, play a round of golf, take an architectural tour, enjoy watersports in the bay, or visit the Venetian-inspired Villaggio Mall beneath the 300-metre Aspire Tower. When afternoon arrives, leave the skyscrapers behind and join a safari into the endless Qatari desert. Bounce around giant dunes in a 4x4, then slide down them on a sandboard. Cross to the Inland Sea and look over its clear waters to Saudi Arabia beyond. Arrive at a luxurious Bedouin Camp where a gourmet barbecue is served at sunset. Spend the night beneath the stars, gazing at the constellations before sleeping under canvas to soothing desert sounds.

VISIT THE STATE GRAND MOSQUE

DISCOVER QATAR’S PARKS

Perched on a hill in Doha is the country’s largest mosque, the Imam Abdul Wahhab. This grand structure, steeped in Islamic cultural tradition, is a sight to behold. It showcases a unique blend of Arabic and traditional architecture with its sandstone facades and majestic domes, making it a must-visit.

Jaw-dropping landscapes are one of Qatar’s main draws, so how about exploring some of the country’s parks? From Aspire Park’s 88 hectares of formidable natural beauty and Al Bidda Park’s array of activities to Souq Waqif Park’s festivals and vibrant flower beds - there’s a park to inspire every nature lover.

DAY 3

Return to Doha for your final day in Qatar. Refresh in the comfort of your room and enjoy the facilities of your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely lunch by the pool or pampering at the spa until you’re rested, revived and ready to go. Make your way slowly along the Doha Corniche. Enjoy the gentle breeze, look out for iconic structures, pause for snacks, and maybe get active in Al Bidda Park. As evening approaches, call into Katara Cultural Village, where you’ll find the Katara Mosque, the Gold Mosque, the Al Thuraya Planetarium, and a classic Greek amphitheatre among galleries, shops, cafés and theatres. Continue to the manufactured island of The Pearl, where you can shop for souvenirs and take a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow before choosing a waterside restaurant for your farewell meal.

ENJOY A DESERT SAFARI

RELAX ON BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with a desert safari, a thrilling journey over the rolling dunes. Alternatively, feel the adrenaline rush as you ride a camel, go sandboarding, quad biking, or kitesurfing. And for those who prefer a bird’s eye view, paragliding through the skies is a popular pastime.

Golden sands meet sapphire waters on Qatar’s abundant beaches, including Sealine Beach, Khor Al Adaid Beach (next to Qatar’s Inland Sea), Al Maroona Beach, and more. Whether you fancy sunbathing, watersports, or strolling along the corniche, Doha’s iconic waterfront promenade, a blissful day by the sea awaits.

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