Soaking in the Image of Strange Western Uniqueness – The Land of Qatar

Once the Western travelers of 19th century to the Middle East were hunting for an imagined Arabia and on its failure, they explained an Orient as a preference their readers give.

Such stereotypes are still captivating and are discovered too in Qatar in form of rock carvings giving a testimony of human stamina against natural dangers and historic forts tracing the lost charm of mighty kingdoms.

A fusion of Western uniqueness with Arabic style, Qatar has much more offers for the visitors.

Qatar Tourist Attractions

Doha

This is a grand city that is in the phase of many new developments and whose growth and vision capture you as you roam around ancient souqs and modern malls. Here, we visited the following sights.

• Aladdin’s Kingdom:
  This is an entertainment park offering a roller coaster, dodgem cars, and go-karts allowed only if you possess a driving license. Bear in mind that some days are only for women or families; therefore, you must always give a call ring first before reaching here just like the locals and heed the shouts. There is no entrance fee, but each ride will cost you a small amount.
• Doha Fort:
  Constructed at the time of the Turkish occupation in the 19th century, the fort is now in its rejuvenation phase as a part of the Souq Waqif project. Previously been used as a prison and an ethnographic museum, the renovation of the late 1970s has taken away its many original aspects.

• Doha Zoo:
  This is a worth visiting zoo in the city, which is the home of over 1500 animals from the different parts of the world in a cool garden location. In addition, you can spot a variety of local desert animals and birds that is the ideal initial choice before going for a desert safari. I suggest to first call and then come here due to unreliable timings.

• Heritage House Museum:
  Constructed in 1935 A.D., this museum was an ethnographic museum. You can come here to have the ideal view of the badghir (wind tower), which was mostly used as a pre-electric air-conditioner in the Gulf giving fresh air even to the ground-floor rooms. However, visitors are not allowed to enter, but an outside look is not worth missing.
• Jungle Zone:
  This is a 3500 sq.m land offering animal-themed draws for children.
• Museum of Islamic Arts:
  This museum deserves a must visit. Planned by the famous architect IM Pei, it looks as an ultramodern citadel with minimum windows and an implicit moat.

• Qatar Philatelic and Numismatic Club:
  This is an active club that offers a good collection of national stamps in a cafe-style mansion and philatelic Web sites.
• Rumeilah (Al-Bidda) Park:
  Located half way along the corniche, the park offers several fun items such as a Ferris wheel, boats, and the one and only train in Arabia.
• Souq Waqif:
  Dwelling in the last phase of a key development, this is a beautiful sight to discover where there was a souq since centuries, the meeting and trading hub of the Bedouin for sheep, goats, and wool along with other requisites. Now, it been modernly remade to give it a style of a 19th century souq with mud shops.

• Eshairiq Coffeehouse:
  Situated on the eastern border of the souq facing the sea, this is a traditional roof-top home to some cool beverages. Inviting all types of visitors, lie down on a settee below the stars, sip a mint tea, and heed the muezzin call prayers in the evening with sparkling lights around the house. This is a real and typical Arabic know-how.
• Weaponry Museum:
  This offers an imposing items of arms and armor out of which a few belong to the 16th century. The main feature of this museum is the series of gold and silver swords and daggers – the most worth looking is the khanjar of Lawrence of Arabia. To visit this museum, you need an appointment or come along a tour guide. Otherwise, the museum is not open for the tourists.
• Doha Players Theatre:
  Maintaining its pride since 50 years, this cultural theatre houses staged plays of the Doha Players even after the suicide attack in 2005 killing one person and wounding several of them. Currently, to rebuild its structure, it is in hunt for funds.
• Gold Souq:
  Even if you do not want to buy, do come here to just watch its wonderful style and stunning craftsmanship. As the name suggest, this is precisely the place from where the men buy 22kt gold bangles, a set of earrings, a beautiful necklace, or bracelet for the women in their family. This is crowded in the evening before a holiday making it live and full of life.

Best Time to Visit Qatar

October to April

Qatar Accommodation

• Ritz-Carlton – 5 star at West Bay Lagoon – $247
• Ayana Golden Coast Hotel – 3 star – $105
• Shezan Hotel – 2 star – $152
• Le Grand Hotel – $174