Experiences worth trying in Qatar - host of World Cup 2022
Qatar, the host of the 2022 World Cup, has countless interesting things for you to discover right now, but if you miss these 10 experiences, you'll be leaving empty-handed.
Conquer the sand desert:Crossing the vast desert is a popular pastime in Qatar, often called dune bashing. The dunes here are so high and steep that driving across them is a truly spectacular challenge. You can stay overnight in luxury Arabian tents, cook your own meals, enjoy local delicacies and gaze at the stars. Photo:Mytraveldubai.com. |
Doha Corniche Walk and Dhow Ride:Strolling along the 7km Doha Corniche along Doha Bay is a great way to spend a late afternoon. You can drink coffee, fly a kite or take photos of the pearl shell statue, a symbol of Qatar’s past. Don’t forget to take a dhow, a traditional form of transport here. Photo:Runnersworld.it,Lonelyplanet.com. |
Visit the ancient market of Souq Waqif in Doha:To feel the atmosphere of a bygone world, nothing is better than this "standing market". Here you can easily get lost in the maze of shops selling fabrics, spices, sweets, household goods, souvenirs, handicrafts... Not only that, you can find a traditional Qatari men's costume and enjoy a cheap Arabic meal. Photo:Asergeev.com. |
Visit the Museum of Islamic Art:Built on an island so that no new buildings will obstruct the view, the museum appears to float on water. The vast collection of art on display here dates from the 7th to 19th centuries. The open-air area on the top floor of the museum offers great views of Doha and the opportunity to enjoy fine dining. Photo:Wtjournal.com. |
Visit Al Zubara Fort and the abandoned village:Qatar's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring Al Zubarah Fort and its surrounding archaeological sites will help you learn about Qatar's history and culture. The fort overlooks the ancient fishing town of Al Zubarah, where traders from China to Britain visited some 200 years ago. Now abandoned, they are still incredibly charming. Photo:Worldtravelguide.net, Myqatalog.com. |
Attend sporting events:As the host of the world's biggest football festival, Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar is ready to welcome you to the 2022 World Cup. In addition to the attraction of the round ball, Qatar also has many other attractive annual sporting events such as ATP World Tour, Qatar Moto Grand Prix, World Superbikes, Qatar Masters Golf Tournament... Don't forget Qatar's traditional sports such as Arabian horse racing, camel racing, and falconry. Photo:Dohanews.co. |
Explore Al Thakira Mangrove Forest:This is a vast mangrove forest with its own ecosystem, lost in the middle of a sandy, hot and dry desert. Coming to this unique place in Qatar, the best way to experience nature here is to kayak through the lush greenery, forgetting that you are in the middle of the desert. Photo:Visitqatar.qa, Timeoutdoha.com. |
Enjoy life at The Pearl:An artificial island off the coast of Doha, The Pearl is built on a land area of nearly 4 million square meters, including the most luxurious residential areas, commercial shops, entertainment... The picturesque Qanat Quartier area here is inspired by the Mediterranean with colorful apartments, canals, bridges, pedestrian squares, restaurants, cafes... Photo:Saakin.com. |
Shop "freely":Qatar has no shortage of places to shop. You can head to Villagio Mall, which has over 200 stores. However, the main attraction here is the indoor canal boat ride inspired by Venice, Italy. You can also visit Doha Festival City, the largest shopping mall in Qatar, or the luxurious Al Hazm, which blends Arabic traditions with European design. Photo:Raredelights.com, Viadirect.com. |
Admire East-West/West-East art:With its passion for culture and art, Qatar has always "reserved space" for world-famous artists to create unique works. In the middle of the sandy desert in the Brouq Nature Reserve is the work "East-West/West-East" by sculptor Richard Serra. Both locals and tourists flock here to admire this unique and impressive scene. Photo:Ambientesdigital.com, Thephotophore.com. |