By Ahmed Abdul Wasey
My two-day visit of this burgeoning tourist destination
Across the border, and rising from the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf, is a gem of a city that has recently captured a spot on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2022. With its captivating landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique heritage sites, Doha, Qatar stands out as one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the Middle East.
Learning about what it has to offer, I knew I had to visit Doha myself and witness first-hand the city’s renowned museums, cutting-edge architecture and pristine beaches.
A short stop away from my base in Riyadh, I landed at Hamad International Airport, voted ‘Best Airport in the World’ by SKYTRAX over two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), to begin my stay at this warm, hospitable country which exceptionally balances modernity with authenticity.
Day 1 – a whirlwind of adventure, arts and culture
Upon checking in at the luxurious Mondrian Doha hotel and admiring some of the grounds’ contemporary and striking designs, I began my first day in the coastal city with a journey to the Inland Sea. This UNESCO-recognized site presents visitors with a dreamy view of grand sand dunes rolling into the endless, blue waters. To make the most of the view, I hopped on a paratrike and took off in the air, looking below at the magnificent landscape and the sweeping sands.
My second stop was at the National Museum of Qatar – a stunning infrastructure that draws inspiration from the naturally occurring crystal formations found in the region, known as the desert rose. In this iconic building, I explored the rich heritage of Qatar by strolling through galleries which provide a multi-sensory journey through time and present the peninsular nation’s changing fortunes over the years. Through music, film, archival images and even aromas evoking particular times and places, I learned of the country’s deep history and celebrated modernity. To power my trip, I refueled at Jiwan restaurant and enjoyed an exquisite meal featuring modern, Qatari fusion cuisine.
Next was the impressive Msheireb Downtown Doha, one of the world’s first smart and sustainable city districts. With shaded paths lined with local eateries and beautiful architectural designs infused at every corner, Msheireb Downtown Doha manages to retain it cultural heritage and historic significance with regenerated and sustainably-built buildings and streets.
Around the corner from this tranquil district is Souq Waqif, a traditional market and popular tourist destination, where you can find everything from spices to handicrafts, souvenirs to garments, while stopping for an authentic bite to eat at one of the many culinary offerings around. Hungry after a full day of sightseeing, I nestled into a table at Damasca One and relished in a delectable spread while taking in the Arabesque interior.
Day 2 – leisurely walks, shopping and dining
On my second day in Doha, I rose and headed to Katara Culture Village – a scenic area with a promenade enjoyed by families and a host of multi-cultural facilities including a beautiful outdoor amphitheater, concert halls and exhibition galleries. Together, these offer a bustling calendar of international and local festivals and performances throughout the year, meaning there’s always something to check out if you’re in the area.
Standing in the middle of the expansive amphitheater, I observed the unique blend of Islamic features in this classical Greek theatre concept. Juxtaposing this modern building are the lush landscapes of Katara Hills, where residents run, cycle and enjoy a nature break right in the middle of the city.
Also in the neighborhood are The Golden Mosque, with its shining exterior and the Katara Opera House, which presents world-class performances by Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra throughout the year. Not to miss is walking down 21 High Street and exploring Galleries Lafayette, a multi-level shopping destination with global brand favorites.
Next, and within close proximity, I visited The Pearl-Qatar, a stunning island with open sea views of Doha’s twinkling West Bay skyscrapers. Featuring Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, and hotels, this destination offers its residents and visitors an integrated leisure experience. The fascinating island is also home to a plethora of dining spots with spectacular views, from fine dining to family-friendly restaurants and eclectic cafes, treating food lovers to a delightful experience.
Reflecting on my exhilarating stay, I discovered a country which is steeped in its Arabian culture and proudly holds on to its authentic roots. With only two days in Doha and a world of adventure and sights, I was left wanting to come back for more to explore further pockets of this country’s compelling escapes. Qatar presents an incredible destination for GCC residents looking for a finely tuned mix of nature, shopping, dining, arts and culture.