Discovering Qatar: Spring/Summer 2023

Discovering Qatar

Founder & Managing Editor

Hilary Bainbridge

Editorial

Sarah Palmer (Editor)

Ola Diab (Deputy Editor)

Terry Sutcliffe

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Howard Bainbridge

Charlotte Wright

Maria Anicas

Retail Sales

Ayen Molina

Online/Digital

Lalaine Turqueza

Weslee Dizon

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Dick Tamayo

Mar Principe

Marhaba endeavours to quote accurate information and updates each of its sections every issue. However, the company accepts no responsibility or liability for any false, inaccurate, inappropriate or incomplete information presented, whether in print, on the website, or on social media channels.

© 2023 Marhaba Information Guide. All Rights Reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without written permission of the publishers.

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Emergency and Important Numbers

Discovering Qatar

In this issue

Catch all the action at the Doha Diamond League! See the Sports Events Calendar for more details.

Emergency and Important Numbers

Map of Qatar

Cultural Awareness

Arabic Phrases

Qatar at a Glance

• Common Courtesies • Geography

• Demography • Climate

• Language and Religion

• The Ruling Family • The Qatari Flag

• Government • History • Economy

• International Relations

• Transport and Communication

Qatar’s Government Structure

DISCOVERING QATAR E-GUIDE © MARHABA

Feature – Doha, Qatar: Topping The Lists

Whether as a country or its capital city, Qatar continues to be recognised as one of the safest and, ultimately, top destinations in the world.

Foreign Embassies

Digital Qatar

Traveller Information

• Visas • eCash Cards • Entry Visas

• Airlines • Travel Agencies

Discovering Qatar

The information contained in this guide has been checked and verified as correct as at the time of compilation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, information is subject to change. Follow

Cultural Awareness

Qatar warmly welcomes visitors from across the world to its beautiful and cultural country. There's much to see and enjoy, but ensure to be mindful of the country's religious and cultural norms.

Please do...

use greetings and formalities as they are particularly important. It is considered impolite to start any conversation or request without at least saying 'Hello' or 'Excuse me'.

be mindful when talking to or asking local or Arab women for information, if you are a man. Respect the fact some women in this region are private people in public places. They are more than willing to help other women, so if you are in a mixed group, let the women do the talking!

dress modestly in Qatar, which is a Muslim country with conservative dress codes for both males and females. Avoid shorts and short skirts, strapless and crop tops and other forms of revealing and transparent clothing especially to work, schools, malls, parks and other family-friendly destinations. Government offices and health centres will turn away people for inappropriate clothing.

avoid public displays of affection (PDA) as any intimacy in public can be considered as an act of obscenity. This can lead to arrest and a potential court case, which can include a fine, a custodial sentence and deportation once the sentence is complete.

bargain with shopkeepers in local souqs. Always counter the original offer with a lower price than you expect to pay and work slowly upwards to what you wish to spend.

look out for separate counters and sections for men and women in banks, ministries and other public service centres.

be aware of the holy month of Ramadan as Muslims fast for a whole month. Most restaurants, cafes, and other eateries as well as all night clubs close. Refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during the fasting hours. It is particularly important to dress modestly during Ramadan.

Please don't...

look or stare at people especially women. This general courtesy is particularly important in a society where modesty in dress and behaviour is the standard.

be offended if your handshake is refused by the opposite sex. Handshakes are often refused to members of the opposite sex. It is a religious and cultural prohibition applicable to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

take photographs or videos without permission of people (including the police or armed forces) or sensitive sites in public or private spaces. Many men and women here are private and strongly object to being photographed or videographed. sit with the soles of your shoes or feet facing towards your hosts; it is considered insulting. Equally, don’t sit with your back to other guests. drink too much alcohol so that your behaviour is affected in public. There are stiff fines for consuming alcohol other than on licensed premises. Alcohol in Qatar is a strictly regulated concession and there is zero tolerance for drink-driving, drunkenness or rowdy behaviour. The country also applies a zero-tolerance policy to drugs.

go barefoot in the sea where stonefish lie camouflaged along the shoreline. Although rare, the poisonous defence mechanism causes excruciating pain and needs a hospital visit. Also be on the lookout for jellyfish, particularly in the summer months.

forget to read about the Public Hygiene Law with violations up to QAR25,000 and jail sentences. Do not throw or leave waste on the streets or public spaces, or hang clothes on balconies overlooking roads or public places. Spitting in public spaces is also prohibited. m

Arabic Phrases

Arabic Phrases

Arabs place great importance on greetings, often greeting each other with a number of phrases and fixed responses enquiring about each other’s health, wellbeing and family. As a courtesy, it is important for visitors to learn the basics of how to say hello and goodbye when in their company. *Indicates if you're speaking as a female or when you're speaking to a female.

Courtesies/Responses

Peace be upon you assalam a'laykum

And upon you be peace wa’alaykum salam

Good morning sabah al khair

May your morning be bright sabah al noor

Good afternoon/evening massa al khair

May your afternoon/evening be bright massa al noor

Welcome marhaba or tafaddal/*tafaddali

Goodbye (Go in peace) ma’a salaamah

May God protect you Allah yehmik/*Allah yehmiki

How are you? kaif halak?/*kaif halik

And you? wa ant?/*wa anti

Thank God al hamdu lillah

Thanks shukran

Welcome (in response to 'thank you') a'fwan

Please min fadlak/*min fadlik

Yes/No na’am or aiwa/la

I'm sorry ana mutaassef/*ana mutaasefa

Congratulations mabrook

Days of the Week

Sunday yum al ahad

Monday yum al ithnain

Tuesday yum al thalatha

Wednesday yum al arba’a

Thursday yum al khamees

Friday yum al jum’a

Saturday yum al sabt

Time

What time is it? a-sa’a kam?

One, two, three a-sa’a wahda, o’clock thintain, etc.

Late mut’akhar

Early badri

Tomorrow bukra

The day after ba’ad bukra

Yesterday ams

What time is the appointment?

as-sa'a kam al maw'idd?

When do you open/close?

mata taftahoon/tosakkiroon?

Look! shuff!/*shuffi

Where? wain?

On your right a'la yameenak

On your left a'la shamalak

Straight on a'la tool

Stop! aqif/*aqifi

Go! imshi

Come! ta’al/ta'ali

Let's go! yalla

Tell me qulli/*qullili

When? mata? or emta?

Bring me/give jeeb/*jeebi

This hatha

That hathaak

There isn’t any mafi

No problem mafi mushkila

There is no time mafi waqt

Impossible mush mumkin

Finished khallas

If God is willing Insh'Allah

For sure

Wallah/akeed

Ramadan blessings Ramadan kareem

Eid blessings Eid mubarak

Essential Foods

Bread khubbuz

Water maa, moya

Tea/Coffee chai/gahwa

Milk haleeb

Fish samak

Meat laham

Chicken dejaj

Cheese jubna

Fruit fawakih

Vegetables khudrawat

Travel

I want a taxi

areed taxi

How much is the taxi?

kam al ijar?

I want to rent a car

ureed astaajer sayyara

Where is the airline office?

wain maktab at tayaran?

Take us to the airport

khuthna ila al matar

Numbers

0 sifr ٠

1 wahad ١

2 ithnain ٢

3 thalatha ٣

4 arba’a ٤

5 khamsa ٥

6 sitta ٦

7 saba’a ٧

8 thamanya ٨

9 tissa’a ٩

10 a'ashara ١٠

50 khamseen

100 mi’a

500 khamsmi'a

1,000 alf

2,000 alfain

10,000 a'asharat alf

100,000 mi’at alf

Shopping/Eating Out

Where is the market? wain al souq?

I want to buy... ureed ashtiri...

Do you have ...? a'ndak…?

Have/Don’t have fi/mafi

How much is it? kam qeemtah?

Cheap/Expensive rakhees/ghali

Newspaper/Book jareeda/kitaab

Map of Doha khareeta al doha

Bank bank

Money Exchange surrafa

Restaurant mata'am

What kind of food? ay ta'am ladaikum?

Toilets al hammam

Emergencies

Please help me sa’idni low samaht

Police station markaz al shortah

I’m feeling ill ana mareedh

I need a doctor ureed tabeeb

I need a hospital ureed mustashfa

Ambulance sayyara is'aaf

Pharmacy saydaliya

There's a fire fi hareeqa

Qatar at a Glance

Qatar at a Glance

Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world and both visitors and residents have the opportunity to experience the courteous and hospitable nature of Arab culture. However, bear in mind that Qatar is a conservative Islamic state – by following a few simple rules in public you will more than repay the warm welcome shown to you.

Common Courtesies

Please dress modestly when out in public. As a show of respect towards the culture and tradition of Qatar, visitors and expatriates (both men and women) should dress conservatively. Avoid exposing the knees, shoulders, cleavage and stomach. Likewise, avoid tight, revealing clothing. Although there are many people who show disregard for the dress code here, it is in your best interest to avoid any unwelcome attention. Be particularly modest during the holy month of Ramadan. Visitors should also be mindful of the conservative dress code which is often required at the beach and by the pool in public. Topless sunbathing is prohibited. Public displays of affection between men and women are discouraged and behaviour that is considered immoral could result in prosecution.

Time

Qatar local time is three hours ahead of GMT, also known as Universal Coordinated Time. It is fixed across the country and throughout the year. There is no summer daylight saving.

Hours of Business

The working week in Qatar is from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday (a sacred day of worship for Muslims) and usually Saturday being days off. Government ministries’ working hours are from 7 am – 2 pm, Sunday to Thursday. Some private businesses follow a one shift workday: 8 am –5 pm, but many have two: roughly 8 am – 1 pm and 4 pm – 8 pm. Daily working hours for people with special needs have been reduced by one hour. Shop times vary but are generally 8:30 am –12:30 pm and 4 pm – 10 pm, although shopping malls tend to be open all day between the hours of 10 am and 11 pm. Some shops do not open on Fridays, while others open for a couple of hours early in the morning and reopen in the late afternoon. Most malls open on Fridays at 1:30 pm, with shopping centres opening at 4 pm.

There are many photographic opportunities in Qatar, but exercise discretion when photographing local residents, even from a distance. It is wise to ask their permission first. Muslim ladies are very modest, so if you are a man, it is best to approach another man when asking for directions or advice. There are stiff fines for consuming alcohol other than on licensed premises or at home (you must have a liquor permit to buy alcohol for use at home). Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence, and could lead to prosecution and deportation. Alcohol is not sold or served during Ramadan, or in the 10 days before Eid Al Adha. The country applies a zero-tolerance attitude to drugs.

Law No 10 of 2016 on the Control of Tobacco and its Derivatives is the principal law governing tobacco control in Qatar. The law prohibits smoking in indoor public places and the sale of e-cigarettes.

Currency

The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which is divided into 100 Dirhams. The exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of USD1 = QAR3.64. See Banking and Finance in the Business and Economy section for details of banks and currency exchange houses.

Public Holidays

The dates of religious public holidays such as the holy month of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha depend on the Hijri or Islamic calendar. The commencement of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are confirmed the night before by the sighting of the new moon. The Islamic calendar uses the phases of the moon to mark the months' start and end dates.

This year, the first day of Ramadan began on 23 March, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on 21 April, and Eid Al Adha on 29 June.

Qatar's National Day is 18 December each year. National Sport Day takes place on the second Tuesday of each February.

Geography

• Qatar is a peninsula of 11,521 sq km located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf.

• The territory encompasses several islands including Halul, Sheraouh, Al Beshairiya, Al Safliya (which is a marine protected area) and Al Aaliya.

• The coastline covers 563 km with shallow coastal waters in most areas and many coves and inlets.

• The terrain is flat and rocky, covered with sand flats and sand dunes. There are some exceptional low-rising limestone outcrops in the north and the west.

• The country is centrally placed among the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which groups it with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.

Demography

• Qatar's population in February 2023 was 2,982,631, according to figures issued by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) in February 2023. For the latest demographic statistics, visit psa.gov.qa

• Other population centres, apart from Doha, include Dukhan on the west coast, Mesaieed City and Al Wakra in the south, and Ras Laffan, Lusail City, The Pearl Island, and Al Khor in the north. Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) is creating a population expansion in Al Khor and the adjoining areas. Projects are underway to provide new housing and amenities in the area.

Climate

• The country has a moderate desert climate with mild winters and hot summers. Winter nights can be cool, but temperatures rarely drop below 7°C.

• Humidity levels can be very high on the coast during the summer months.

• Rainfall is scarce (average 70 mm per year), falling on isolated days mainly between October and March.

Language and Religion

• The official language of the country is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood.

• All official documents (such as visa and resident permit applications) must be completed in Arabic.

• Islam is the official religion of the country, and Shari’a (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation.

The Ruling Family

His Highness

• The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, assumed power on 25 June 2013.

• The ruling Al Thani family was among a tribal group who had settled at the 'Gibrin' oasis in southern Najd, before their arrival in Qatar during the early 18th century. Initially, they settled in Zubara in northern Qatar, moving to Doha in the mid-19th century. The family is a branch of the ancient Arab tribe, the Bani Tamim, whose descent can be traced back to Mudar bin Nizar.

His Highness

• The name Al Thani is derived from that of the family’s ancestor Thani bin Mohamad bin Thani, who was the first sheikh to rule modern Qatar.

The Qatari Flag

His Excellency

• The national flag is maroon with a broad vertical white stripe at the pole, the two colours being separated with a ninepoint serrated line which indicates Qatar as the ninth member of the 'reconciled Amirates' of the Gulf, after the 1916 Qatar-British Treaty.

• White signifies the internationally recognised symbol of peace. Maroon symbolises the blood shed during the several wars that Qatar has undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century.

Government

• The Amir is the ruler of Qatar. Rule is hereditary, with power transferred from father to son. If no son is available, power is transferred to the person whom the Amir chooses within the Al Thani family.

• The Amir is the head of the constitutional authorities, holding both legislative and executive powers. The Amir appoints the prime minister and ministers.

• The Council of Ministers (Cabinet), the supreme executive authority in the country, assists in implementing the general policies of the State.

• The first provisional constitution was issued in 1970, and amended in 1972 upon independence. In April 2003, an overwhelming 96.6% of Qatari voters said 'yes' to a draft permanent constitution, which became effective on 8 June 2005.

• In 1999, free elections were held to form a 29-member Central Municipal Council (CMC) for the first time in Qatar’s history. Women were

allowed to vote and run as candidates. The constitution was amended in 2003 to allow for the direct election of 30 members of the Advisory Council. Held every four years, the elections for the sixth edition of CMC was held in April 2019.

• Qatar held its first-ever Shura Council elections on 2 October 2021. The Council was established in 1972, following the passing of the Amended Provisional Basic Law of Rule in the State of Qatar on 19 April 1972, to assist the Amir of Qatar, and the Council of Ministers in the performance of their duties. One of the two main pillars of Qatar’s legislative body, the Shura Council comprises a total of 45 members, 30 of whom are elected via a general ballot, while the remaining 15 are appointed by the Amir. The term of office of the Shura Council is four years commencing from the date of the first meeting. The Council assumes the following functions in accordance with the constitution: Legislative authority, approving the general budget of the government, and exercising control over the executive authority, as specified in the constitution. shura.qa

Father Amir

Sheikh Hamad bin

Khalifa Al Thani

Amir of the State of Qatar

Sheikh Tamim bin

Hamad Al Thani

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mohammed bin

Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani

Minister of Interior

His Excellency

Sheikh Khalifa bin

Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

History

• Archaeological discoveries, inscriptions and artefacts prove that Qatar was populated as early as 10,000 – 8,000 BCE.

• In the middle of the 1st century CE, Pliny the Elder referred to the nomads of the area as the 'Catharrei' – an apparent reference to their constant search for water.

• One of the world’s earliest maps, The Map of Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE, shows the word 'Catara' at the head of the bay.

• Qatar played an important role in the Islamic civilisation when its inhabitants participated in the formation and provision of the first naval fleet.

• During the 16th century, the Qataris aligned with the Turks to drive out the Portuguese. Subsequently, along with the entire Arabian Peninsula, they fell under the nominal rule of the Ottoman Empire for four successive centuries –with the real power and control remaining in the hands of the sheikhs and amirs of Arab tribes.

International Relations

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strives to establish and develop close direct ties with all peace-loving countries and peoples of the world. It is keen to participate actively in efforts to deal with the concerns and challenges that the Gulf region encounters.

• Qatar was actively involved in the discussions leading to the foundation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has hosted a number of their Supreme Council Summit Meetings.

• Qatar maintains 108 embassies abroad. Doha hosts 106 embassies, and one consulate.

Qatar is a member of:

• European Council (observer member)

• The Arab League

• Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM)

Transport and Communication

Economy

• Qatar, with proved gas reserves of nearly 900 tn standard cubic feet in its North Field, and oil reserves of over 25.2 bn barrels, has one of the fastest growing economies and the highest per capita income in the world.

• In just decades, Qatar has developed into a major global supplier of energy and is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a world leader in gas-to-liquids (GTL) production.

• While developing its huge hydrocarbon reserves, Qatar has also diversified its economy, and emphasis is being placed on private-sector industrial development, education, health, sport and tourism.

• Investment laws allow foreign investment in many sectors including agriculture, industry, leisure, tourism, health, education and the exploitation of natural resources, energy and mining – see Trade and Investment in the Business and Economy section for details.

• The Asian Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

• The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank

• The Organisation of Arab Oil Exporting Countries (OAPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF)

• The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC)

• The United Nations (UN) and its subsidiary global organisations

• The UNESCO World Heritage Committee

• The US officially designated Qatar as a major non-NATO ally in March 2022

• The World Trade Organisation (WTO)

• The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)

• The country is served by Hamad International Airport (HIA). For more on travelling information, see Traveller Information and Hamad International Airport in this section.

• Metered taxis and limousines are easy to find and there is a comprehensive public transport system.

• Qatar has a modern road system linking it with other GCC countries.

• The Doha Metro is fully operational, including three out of the four lines (Red, Gold and Green) and 37 stations. The future phases involve the introduction of an additional line (Blue) and the expansion of the existing ones, with more than 60 additional stations and the first expansion to be completed by 2026. Lusail Tram has started operations into Lusail City – connect at Legtaifiya from Doha Metro to Lusail Tram. See more in Getting Around Qatar in this section.

• The telecommunications system is currently being upgraded to an entirely fibre-optic network.

Qatar's Government Structure

encouragement of women to run as candidates and be involved in public affairs. The Council has members from each of the 29 constituencies and elections are held every four years.

The Amiri Diwan is the sovereign body and administrative office of HH The Amir, overseen by the Chief of the Amiri Diwan, currently HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The Amir is the Head of State and the Commanderin-Chief of the armed forces. The Advisory Council represents the legislative power, while judicial authority is in the hands of the law courts with judgments announced in the name of the Amir. The Amir is assisted by the Council of Ministers (the cabinet), the Prime Minister and Supreme Councils. The Prime Minister and other ministers are directly appointed by the Amir; he will also accept their resignations or relieve them of their appointment, by Amiri Decree.

The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers acts as a link between the ministries, supreme councils and other government bodies. The Minister of State for the Council of Ministers is the Prime Minister, who chairs each session, signs any decisions made, and advise the Amir on how to form the cabinet. The General Secretary is HE Dr Issa bin

Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi.

The Shura Council (Advisory Council) was established in 1972 during the reign of Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. Under the amended Provisional Constitution he was tasked with organising the State's structure and institutions. The Shura Council currently comprises 45 members, 30 directly elected in a secret general ballot, with the remaining 15 appointed by the Amir. The Advisory Council has legislative powers and is able to approve the budget and general state policies, but has no say in setting defence, security, economic and investment policies. Each annual session lasts eight months, opened with an address by the Amir, and sessions are generally open to the public.

The first Central Municipal Council was established in the early 1950s. Free elections to form the Central Municipal Council were held in 1999, the country's first steps towards democracy and the

Qatar’s first (and much delayed) legislative council elections took place in October 2021, with citizens voting for 30 of the 45 seats on the Shura Council. Voters had to be over 18, and the 284 candidates had to be at least 30 years old 'of Qatari origin'. Turnout was 63.5%. HE Ahmed Nasser Ibrahim Al Fadala was appointed Shura Council Secretary General, HE Hassan bin Abdulla Al Ghanim as Speaker and HE Dr Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti as Deputy Speaker.

Recent developments

HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani named a new cabinet the day after becoming the Amir of the State of Qatar on 25 June 2013.

A full reshuffle was made in November 2018, with ministries restructured under a new portfolio.

Amiri Order No 1 of 2020 appointed a new Prime Minister after the previous incumbent's resignation.

The Council of Ministers was again restructured in October 2021 under Amiri Order No 4 of 2021. A number of ministries were split and (re)formed, with a new manifesto for climate change at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Also new are the Ministry for Social Development and Family and the Ministry of Labour, following the restructure of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs.

Amiri Order No 3 of 2023 was issued in March 2023 to again reshuffle the Cabinet following the resignation of the Prime Minister.

Pictured from left:

HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior

The current Council of Ministers:

• Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani – appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 2016 and Deputy Prime Minister in November 2017. In March 2023 he was appointed Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

• Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah – appointed Minister of State for Defence in January 2016 and Deputy Prime Minister in November 2017. He has been a member of the Council of Ministers since 2011 when he was Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; HE Al Attiyah was Minister of Foreign Affairs 2013–16.

• Minister of Commerce and Industry (right) HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani (October 2021).

• Minister of Communications and Information Technology HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai (October 2021 after the Ministry of Transport and Communications was split).

• Minister of Culture HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani (October 2021 when the Ministry of Culture and Sports was split).

• Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi (October 2021).

• Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs HE Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim (October 2021).

• Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani (October 2021).

• Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari (October 2021, following his temporary appointment in May 2021).

• Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (March 2023 after the resignation of HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani).

• Minister of Justice HE Masoud bin Mohammed Al Ameri (June 2021).

• Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh Al Marri (October 2021 after the Ministry was split from the former Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs).

• Minister of Municipality HE Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie (reappointed October 2021 after the Ministry of Municipality and Environment was split).

• Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari (January 2016).

• Minister of Social Development and Family HE Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad (October 2021 when the Ministry of Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs was reformed).

• Minister of Sports and Youth HE Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali (reappointed October 2021 when the Ministry of Culture and Sports was reformed).

• Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs (right) HE Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Yousef Al Sulaiti (October 2021).

• Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad Sherida Al Kaabi (November 2018. At the same time he became Deputy Chairman of Qatar Petroleum, now QatarEnergy, in addition to his role as President and CEO of the national petrochemical company).

• Minister of Transport HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti (the former Minister of Transport and Communications was reappointed October 2021 after the Ministry was reformed).

For more information visit: • Amiri Diwan diwan.gov.qa • Government Communications Office gco.gov.qa

• General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers cm.gov.qa • Shura Council shura.qa

• Hukoomi (Qatar e-Government) portal.www.gov.qa m

Doha, Qatar: Topping The Lists

By Ola Diab

Whether as a country or its capital city, Qatar continues to be recognised as one of the safest and therefore, the top destinations in the world.

Qatar and its capital city Doha continue to rank and make headlines as the safest and best destinations in the world, according to the Crime Index by Country and City 2023 by Numbeo, the world's largest user-contributed database on cities and countries.

Safest city, safest country

Qatar is the safest country in the world, according to Numbeo’s Crime Index by Country 2023. A total of 142 countries were covered by Numbeo’s Crime Index by Country 2023, with Qatar ranking first with a score of 85.2 on the Safety Index and 14.8 on the Crime Index. Among the top 10 countries, Qatar is followed by the UAE, Taiwan (China), Isle of Man, Oman, Hong Kong (China), Armenia, Japan, Switzerland, and Bahrain. Three Arab countries are named among the top 10 safest countries.

Doha is ranked as the second safest city in the world, according to Numbeo’s Crime Index by City 2023. Doha scored 85.5 on the Safety Index and 14.5 on the Crime Index. It followed the same position in the Numbeo’s Crime Index by City 2021 and 2022.

Doha ranked 415 out of 416 cities in the Crime Index by City 2023, attaining second place after Abu Dhabi, UAE. Among the top 10 cities, Doha is followed by Taipei (Taiwan/China), Ajman (UAE), Sharjah (UAE), Quebec City (Canada), Dubai (UAE), San Sebastian (Spain), Bern (Switzerland), and Eskisehir (Turkey). Four Arab cities from two countries were named among the top 10 safest cities in the world.

Numbeo is also a crowd-sourced global database and the world’s biggest database of user-contributed data on countries and cities globally. It includes data of quality of life information including housing indicators, perceived crime rates, and quality of healthcare, among many other statistics. Numbeo has published its annual reports since 2009, based on measurement of the crime rate worldwide.

The level of crime, worries of being attacked, insulted, mugged or robbed, violent crimes, problems with corruption and bribery are rated very low in Qatar, while safety walking alone during the day or night are rated very high.

In recent years, Qatar has continued to retain its global distinction as one of the safest countries in the world. In 2021, Doha was declared the second safest city in the world, according to Numbeo's Crime Index by City 2021 report. In 2020, Qatar was named the world's safest country by Numbeo's mid-year Crime Index by Country. Qatar has taken the title as the world's safest country at least three times on Numbeo – first in 2017, then again in 2019 and 2020. Qatar has been named the safest Arab country since 2015.

To see Numbeo's reports on Qatar, visit numbeo.com

Doha among top 30 World Best Cities

Doha has been named among the top cities to live in the World Best Cities 2023 rankings by Resonance Consultancy, a leading global advisor on placemaking, branding and marketing for the world’s best cities, districts, developments and destinations. The ranking puts Doha as the 27th best city in the world to live, work, invest and visit. Doha placed second in the Middle East and Arab world, behind Dubai (UAE), ranked 5th in the world and ahead of Abu Dhabi (UAE), ranked 28th. Riyadh (KSA) ranks 83rd, making four Arab cities in the top 100 World’s Best Cities.

The top 10 cities are London (UK), Paris (France), New York (US), Tokyo (Japan), Dubai (UAE), Barcelona (Spain), Rome (Italy), Madrid (Spain), Singapore (Singapore) and Amsterdam (Netherlands). The report named Ukraine’s capital Kyiv as the 2023 honourary World’s Best City.

Resonance Consultancy ranks global cities (principal cities of metropolitan areas with populations of more than one million) using a combination of statistical performance and qualitative evaluations by locals and visitors in 24 areas grouped into six core categories. Principal cities are defined as the largest city in each metropolitan statistical area. The categories include Place, Product, Programming, Prosperity, People and Promotion.

According to Resonance Consultancy, Qatar has its sights set on becoming the next tourism hot spot in the Middle East, with Doha as its crown jewel. 'In less than a century, Qatar went from a poor UK colony with a dwindling fishing industry to an independent nation that today is the richest state per capita in the world — with booming infrastructure development to match,' Resonance Consultancy stated.

In addition, Resonance Consultancy stated that Doha is top globally for GDP per capita, employment rate and the overall prosperity

category. With shrewd investment of oil wealth, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is estimated to be worth almost USD450 bn. A flurry of investment means new highways, a metro system, universities, the I M Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), which Resonance Consultancy stated, when it opened, inspired the New York Times to say, 'Skip the Vatican Museum. Go to the National Museum of Qatar instead.'

In addition, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ showcased architectural masterpieces in stadiums such as the iconic Lusail Stadium, which hosted the final game and closing ceremony, and the innovative Stadium 974 and Al Bayt Stadium. In addition, Resonance Consultancy also noted the opening of an astounding number of new hotels in and around the city, including Fairmont Doha, Raffles Doha, and two Waldorf Astoria properties: the new Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha, and the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay.

To see the World Best Cities 2023 ranking, visit worldsbestcities.com/rankings/worlds-best-cities

Doha: Arab Tourism Capital for 2023

The Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism named Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 during its 25th session at the Arab League General Secretariat in December 2022.

According to Salem Mubarak Al Shafi, the permanent representative of Qatar to the Arab League, naming Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 sincerely reflects and proves its prestige as a destination for people from around the world.

He emphasised the tolerance, good treatment, and hospitality of the country’s leadership, government, and people, adding that Qatar has proven its potential for good organisation, management, and hospitality after receiving hundreds of thousands of fans during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. m

Foreign Embassies in Qatar

Foreign Embassies in Qatar

Afghanistan B4

4493 2319

doha.embassy.af

Albania B4

4002 7413

ambasadat.gov.al/qatar

Algeria B4

4483 5880 embalgeria.com.qa

Argentina B4 4417 3601

eqatr.cancilleria.gov.ar/en

Armenia B4

4491 9232

mfa.am/en/embassies/qa

Australia C4 4007 8500 qatar.embassy.gov.au

Austria C4 4033 7300

bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-embassydoha

Azerbaijan B4

4493 2450 doha.mfa.gov.az

Bangladesh D4 4467 1927

bdembassydoha.org

Belarus (Republic of) B4 4469 0989 qatar.mfa.gov.by/en

Belgium B4

4493 1499

qatar.diplomatie.belgium.be

Benin (Republic of) B4

4493 0128

benin-qa.com

Bosnia and Herzegovina B4 4411 3828

en.bhembassyqatar.com

Brazil B3

4483 8227/8812

doha.itamaraty.gov.br

Brunei B4

4483 1956

Bulgaria B4

4412 0023

mfa.bg/embassies/qatar

Burkina Faso B4

4472 8915

See their Facebook page

Canada C4

4419 9000

canadainternational.gc.ca/qatar

Central African Republic B3 4481 7695 ambrcadoha@gmail.com

China (People's Republic of) B3 4493 4203 qa.china-embassy.org

Costa Rica C4 4498 0094

Embassy: embcr-qa@rree.go.cr Consular: concr-qa@rree.go.cr

Cote d'Ivoire (Republic of) B4 4038 1695 ambaci.doha@gmail.com

Croatia B4 4483 5188 mvep.gov.hr/qa/en

Cuba B4 4411 0717 misiones.minrex.gob.cu/qatar

Cyprus (Republic of) B4 4493 4390 mfa.gov.cy/mfa/embassies/ embassy_doha

Djibouti B4 4493 4657/8461 ambdji.sec@gmail.com

Dominican Republic B4 4411 3868 embadomqatar.org

Ecuador B4

4016 1800 cancilleria.gob.ec/catar

Egypt B4 4483 2424

El Salvador B4 4411 0195

embajadaqatar.rree.gob.sv

Eritrea D4

4466 7934

eritreanembassyqa.org

Eswatini (previously Swaziland) B4

4493 3145

Ethiopia B4

4020 7000 doha.mfa.gov.et

Finland B4 sanomat.doh@formin.fi finlandabroad.fi/qatar

France B4

4402 1777 qa.ambafrance.org

Georgia B4

4473 9499 qatar.mfa.gov.ge

Germany C4 4408 2300

doha.diplo.de

Ghana B4 4436 4486

Greece B4 4412 8150

mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/qatar

Hungary B4 4493 2531 doha.mfa.gov.hu

India (Republic of) B4 4425 5777

indianembassyqatar.gov.in

Indonesia (Republic of) C4 4465 7945 kemlu.go.id/doha

Iran (Islamic Republic of) B4 4483 1550 qatar.mfa.gov.ir

Iraq (Republic of) C3 4421 6730 mofa.gov.iq/doha

Italy B3 4483 1828 ambdoha.esteri.it

Japan B4 4440 9000 qa.emb-japan.go.jp

Jordan B4 4040 7333 doha@fm.gov.jo

Kazakhstan B3 4412 8015

See their Facebook page

Kenya (Republic of) B4 4493 1870

kenyaembassydoha.com

Korea (Republic of) B4 4483 2238/9

overseas.mofa.go.kr/qa-en/index.do

Kosovo (Republic of) C4

5509 4791

embassy.qatar@rks-gov.net

Kuwait B4 4483 2111

kuwaitembassy@qatar.net.qa

Kyrgyz Republic B4 4413 1519

mfa.gov.kg

Lebanon B4 4493 3330

lebaneseembassyqatar.com

Liberia (Republic of) B4 4412 5672 libemg.doha@yahoo.com

Libya B4 4483 1231 leinqatar@gmail.com

Malaysia B4

4483 6463 kln.gov.my/web/qat_doha

Mali B4 4451 5970 ambamali.doha@gmail.com

Mauritania (Islamic Republic of) B4

4483 6003

Mexico B4 4450 8000 infoembqatar@sre.gob.mx

Moldova B4

4442 1303 qatar.mfa.gov.md

Morocco B4

4483 1884/85 m.embassydoha@maec.gov.ma

Nepal D3

4467 5681 qa.nepalembassy.gov.np

Niger B4

4421 9045 ambanigerqatar@hotmail.com

Nigeria B4

4448 5000 nigeriaembassydoha.org

North Macedonia (Republic of) B4

4493 1374 mfa.gov.mk6

Oman B4

4493 1514 office.omanembassy@gmail.com

Pakistan B4

4483 2525

mofa.gov.pk/doha-qatar

Palestine B4

4469 2228

palemb-qa.com

Panama B4

4483 7740

embpanamaqatar@mire.gob.pa

Paraguay B4

4493 5218

See their Facebook page

Peru C3

4491 5944 consulado.pe/es/Doha

Philippines B3 4483 1585

dohape.dfa.gov.ph

Poland (Republic of) B4

4411 3230 gov.pl/web/qatar

Portugal B4

4486 4691 doha.embaixadaportugal.mne.pt

Romania B4

4493 4848 doha.mae.ro

Russia B4 4483 6231/6821 qatar.mid.ru/en

Senegal B4

4483 7644/77 embassysenegal@yahoo.com

Serbia (Republic of) B4 4417 5181 doha.mfa.gov.rs

Singapore B4 4412 8082 mfa.gov.sg/doha

Somalia B4 4483 2771 dohaembassy@mfa.gov.so

South Africa B3

4485 7111 dirco.gov.za/doha

Spain B4 4483 8986 exteriores.gob.es/embajadas/doha

Sri Lanka D5 4467 7627

slembassy-qatar.com

Sudan B4

4483 1474 suemdoha2014@gmail.com

Sweden C4 4444 9500 swedenabroad.com/doha

Switzerland B3

4020 3400 eda.admin.ch/doha

Syria B4 4020 8222 syrembassy.com

Tajikistan (Republic of) B3 4412 3906

tajembqatar.tj

Tanzania (Republic of) B4 4036 0860 qa.tzembassy.go.tz

Thailand B4 4493 4426/4432 doha.thaiembassy.org

The Gambia (Republic of) D4 4465 2002

See their Facebook page

The Netherlands (Kingdom of) B4 4495 4700 netherlandsandyou.nl/your-countryand-the-netherlands/qatar

Tunisia (Republic of) B4 4016 2222 embassyoftunisia.com.qa

Türkiye (Republic of) B4 4495 1300 doha.emb.mfa.gov.tr

Uganda B4 4427 7339

Ukraine B4 4414 7297/8 qatar.mfa.gov.ua

United Kingdom B4 4496 2000 gov.uk/world/qatar

United States of America C3 4496 6000 qa.usembassy.gov

Uruguay B4 4411 3833/4493 5739 uruqatar@uruguayembassy.org.qa

Venezuela B4 4493 2730 qatar.embajada.gob.ve

Vietnam B4 4412 8480 vietnamembassy-qatar.org

Yemen

Yemen Interests Section, Embassy of Sudan

Consulates

Chile (Republic of) C4 chile-qatar.com

Representative Offices

Northern Cyprus B4 4483 7693 doha.mfa.gov.ct.tr

Foreign Embassies in Qatar Foreign Embassies in Qatar

Digital Qatar

areas, primary roads and highways, and venues associated with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) is an independent authority regulating the ICT and postal sectors, ensuring fair competition while protecting consumer rights. The CRA urges everyone to be vigilant with online activities. Due to the growing number of cyberattacks, scam calls, and text messages requesting personal and banking information, consumers should verify the identity of the third party before sharing details, use a two-step verification feature online where applicable, and regularly change passwords. cra.gov.qa

Internet use and social media

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology was established in October 2021, superceding the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The ministry has a wide-ranging mandate, overseeing and developing the ICT sector. The ministry also introduces ICT plans, policies, programmes, projects and initiatives; develops e-government programmes; and boosts capacity and digital literacy to foster a technologyfriendly environment. mcit.gov.qa

Ministries have been rolling out digital initiatives to make government services more efficient, accessible, and customer-centric. The Qatar Digital Government programme serves individuals and businesses, with government administration now better serving citizens and residents. Part of this programme was the Qatar Digital Government 2020 Strategy, which was formulated in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy, the National Communications and IT Plan, the National Broadband Plan, and other ICT plans. Qatar has some of the world's most developed ICT infrastructure. Monitoring online security threats is a top priority, and the Cyber Security Division aims to protect sensitive information and user safety. Ooredoo was the first company in the world to launch 5G services on a commercially-available network in 2018, rolling out a live 5G network on the 3.5GHz spectrum band. Ooredoo opened mobile access to its 5G network for compatible smartphone users in 2019 with 100 live 5G base stations. Meanwhile Vodafone Qatar rolled out its 5G network in 2018 and was the first to commercially launch its 5G network.

In 2019 both companies were granted radio spectrum licences to operate 5G commercially from the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), initially assigned 100MHz within the 3500 – 3800MHz frequency band. Both companies rolled out the 5G networks in all densely populated

In November 2022, Qatar's median download speed ranked 1 for mobile and 38 for fixed broadband. Visit speedtest.net/global-index/qatar for full performance details.

According to the 'Digital 2022: Qatar' report by DataReportal, there were 2.93 mn internet users in Qatar in January 2022, reflecting an internet penetration rate of 99.0% of the total population.

The share of web traffic by device showed 66.07% on mobile phone, 32.55% on laptops and desktop computers, 1.34% on tablets, and just 0.03% on other devices. There were 2.95 mn active social media users in Qatar in January 2022 (99.8% of the population), with Facebook the big winner with 2.10 mn users. YouTube had 2.65 mn users, Instagram 1.20 mn, TikTok 1.54 mn, LinkedIn 1.00 mn, Snapchat 735,000, and Twitter 618,000.

Data from GSMA Intelligence shows that there were 4.48 mn cellular mobile connections in Qatar at the start of 2022 (151.8% of the population). reflecting the wide use of more than one mobile connection seen in the country. Visit datareportal. com/reports/digital-2022-qatar for the full report.

Cybercrime

With the high level of internet connectivity in the state comes the increased possibility of cybercrime, leading to the issuance of Law No 14 of 2014 Promulgating the Cybercrime Prevention Law. According to the Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey 2022 by PricewaterhouseCoopers, '46% of surveyed organisations reported experiencing fraud, corruption or other economic crimes in the last 24 months'.

The law imposes sanctions and penalties for offences committed via the internet, IT networks, computers and other sources. Some of these provisions include the following:

• Under the provisions concerning 'content crimes', it is illegal to publish 'false news' –

these terms have not been defined, but there is a duty of care for news agencies, social media users and journalists to verify the source of the news before broadcasting it.

• There is a 10 year jail term and a fine of up to QAR200,000 for forging any official e-document, or a three year jail term and QAR100,000 for unofficial documents.

• A jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to QAR500,000 for the breach of intellectual property rights by using the internet (eg copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks and trade names).

Personal privacy protection

Recognising the need to develop an international regulatory and legal framework to protect the digital sovereignty and data privacy of individuals and businesses in Qatar, Personal Data Privacy Protection Law (PDPPL) No 13 of 2016 was issued. The law includes provisions related to the rights of individuals to protect the privacy of their personal data. Article 2 states that this refers only to personal data that is electronically processed, or obtained, gathered or extracted for use electronically, or when a combination of electronic and traditional processing is used. However, it does not apply to personal data processed by individuals privately or within a family context, or to any personal data gathered for official surveys and statistics, as per Law No 2 of 2011 on Official Statistics.

Under the law, businesses are banned from sending direct marketing messages electronically without obtaining an individual’s prior consent, and that consent is required from individuals before their personal information can be used by another entity.

Organisations must also adhere to basic data protection responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring data handlers receive training and that precautions in place to 'protect personal data from loss, damage, modification, disclosure or being illegally accessed.'

Protection is given to personal data of a private nature, such as information relating to race, religious beliefs, children, health, relationships and criminal records – this may only be processed after obtaining permission from the Ministry.

Additionally, in order to protect the youngest members of society, Article 17 states that the owner or operator of any website related to children must put up a policy about how it manages the information of minors. Website owners/operators must also get the consent of the child’s parent when processing their information.

Entities that operate within the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) are subject to the QFC's own data protection rules and regulations. The Data Protection Office (DPO) is responsible for the administration of the QFC Data Protection Regulations 2021, which came into force in June 2022, supported by the QFC Data Protection Rules 2021.

With the country racing towards total digitalisation by 2030, there is a need for more transparency, awareness and education. Qatar is at the forefront of adopting regulation, moving quicker than others in the region. To this end, the Ministry released the guidelines for the Personal Data Privacy Protection Law on 28 January 2021 to mark Data Privacy Day.

The Ministry's Compliance and Data Protection (CDP) Department has released guidelines to help everyone, whether individuals, regulated entities or stakeholders, to understand their responsibilities, rights and practices under the law. The guidelines also provide clarity on these requirements, and where possible provide checklists and template documents to support controllers with compliance with the PDPPL. Additionally, the guidelines clarify some ambiguities in the PDPPL.

For example, under Article 11 (8), controllers must ensure that processors comply with the law and adopt appropriate precautions to protect personal data. The Controller and Processor Guidelines for Regulated Entities have now clarified that the controller can ensure a processor's compliance with this Article by entering into a formal contract. There is also now clarification over Article 16, which provides that in order to process sensitive personal data, permission must be sought from the CPD Department under the Special Nature Processing Guidelines. These also set out the requirements in order to obtain permission, including a data protection impact assessment to identify processing risks.

Equally, under Article 22 consent must be obtained from individuals before sending any direct marketing electronic communications, clarified under the Electronic Communications for Direct Marketing Guidelines: consent must be explicit and unambiguous, and an affirmative act – consent through pre-ticked boxes and opt-out notices only is not permitted.

Complaints can be lodged at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Business owners may choose to seek legal advice to ensure they fully comply with these laws.

Sources: Unofficial translations of the laws.

Traveller Information

Travelling to or from Qatar requires one to take many things into consideration. All visitors to Qatar require a visa, and certain passengers are eligible for visas on arrival. When travelling from Qatar, some expatriate residents and visitors must have exit permits. For your own convenience and comfort, it’s best to confirm these requirements before starting your journey.

Qatar Airways is Qatar's five-star airline and the state-owned flag carrier. The airline operates a huband-spoke network, flying to 156 international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania from its base at Hamad International Airport (HIA), using a fleet of more than 200 aircraft. HIA is Qatar’s gateway to the world, and the home and hub of Qatar Airways. HIA serves over 360,000 flights and 30 mn passengers every year.

*Though information is updated every issue, details can change. Check with the airline in advance for up to date information. Visit the HIA website, dohahamadairport.com, and the Ministry of Public Health's Qatar Travel and Return Policy website, covid19.moph.gov.qa, to be aware of travel safety measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For details on visas, residence permits and entry requirements, see Day to Day Qatar in the Living in Qatar section or visit hukoomi.gov.qa and dohahamadairport.com

Visas

Citizens from at least 95 countries (see below) are eligible for visa-free entry into Qatar. They can also choose to apply for a pre-approved visa using an online service. Nationals of 243 countries can apply via this online visa service, qatarvisaservice.com, visitqatar.qa

Other visas include business visit, an official visit and a work visa. Eligible Qatari companies may apply for these visas in advance of your visit. Visit the Ministry of Interior (MOI) or the Metrash2 website at moi. gov.qa or the e-Government Hukoomi website at hukoomi.gov.qa for details.

Citizens of the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, can get a one month visa on arrival. Residents requiring a visa are subject to conditions, one being that the applicant's profession is one of those approved by the MOI. The visa will only be issued if your Residence Permit (RP) is valid for at least six months and if your profession (as mentioned on your RP) appears on the approved list.

All expatriates living and working in Qatar must have a residence permit or a visit-to-work visa. Requirements can change, so it is always prudent to check with the Qatari Embassy or airline well in advance of your visit. See Day to Day Qatar in the Living in Qatar section for details on residence permits.

Things to consider

Don't commence your journey before confirming visa requirements and checking the expiry date on your passport. This will help minimise any inconvenience or delays during travel.

In accordance with Law No 22 of 2021 Regulating Healthcare Services in Qatar (Health Insurance Law), visitors are required to have a health insurance policy when applying for a visa to Qatar and when extending a visa. Travellers who have international health insurance must have a policy that covers Qatar, is valid while they are travelling here, and is issued by one of the insurance providers recognised by Qatar. A health insurance policy can be purchased at arrival at HIA at QAR50 per month, covering

only emergency and accident incidents. Visitors may also purchase additional services and/or coverage for additional fees. Citizens of the GCC visiting Qatar are exempted from the requirement of the health insurance policy to enter Qatar.

If you're eligible for a visa on arrival visit the Immigration desk and pay any appropriate fees using your credit or debit card. eCash cards can also be used. If you would like to pay in cash, visit the designated bank counter before approaching Immigration. The bank will charge a fee (QAR25) to process your payment.

If for any reason you’re denied entry into Qatar, then the MOI and your airline will provide assistance.

Entry visas

Tourist entry visa: One month – QAR100 plus QAR50 for each c* (companion registered on the passport).

Tourist entry visa (sponsored): One month – QAR100.

GCC residents visit visa: One month with an extension period of three months – QAR100 plus QAR50 for each c* per month, subject to conditions.

Joint tourist visa for Qatar and Oman: One month costs QAR100 with an extension period of a month.

Business entry visa: For one month and a maximum of three months – QAR200 plus QAR50 for each c* Family visit visa: One month to a maximum of six months – QAR200 plus QAR50 for each c* per month. Expatriates with family status can bring parents and siblings on a visit of up to six months (up to three months for other relatives). A Medical Commission check-up is necessary to extend the visa beyond one month (within 72 hours of arrival).

Conversion of entry visa to visit/work/residence visas: QAR500 (without leaving the country). Visit hukoomi.gov.qa to ensure you get the latest information and fees as they do change from time to time.

Hayya

Fans and other visitors who came to the country during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM in November and December 2022 were required to apply for a Hayya Card. The digital card was the only way that visitors were able to enter the country during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. Hayya Card holders were allowed to stay in Qatar until 23 January 2023.

On 30 January 2023, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced the extension on the validity of Hayya Card for visitors until 24 January 2024, beginning 1 February 2023.

The following conditions must be met:

• Proof of a confirmed hotel reservation, or accomodation with family or friends approved through the Hayya portal.

• A passport must be valid for no less than three months upon arrival in the State of Qatar.

• Obtaining health insurance during the period of stay in the country.

• A return ticket.

Hayya Card holders visiting Qatar will have access to the following:

• The 'Hayya with Me' feature', which allows Hayya Card holders to invite up to three family members or friends.

• A multiple-entry permit to the State of Qatar.

• Use of the e-Gate system for entry and exit via State ports.

• No fees are required.

The digital version of the Hayya ID is available in the Hayya app. To clarify, new Hayya IDs cannot be issued as the application portal is closed. Non-Hayya Card holders wishing to visit Qatar can still visit the country but need a visa. Other visas will remain open for non-Hayya Card holders to apply for.

Transit and transfers

When flying with Qatar Airways, a transit visa is free of cost when you add a short transit or stopover between five and 96 hours in Doha to your itinerary without any additional fare charges. Use the multi-city booking option to include the stop when booking your flight on qatarairways.com or through a travel agent. Please note that it is not required for you to acquire a transit visa if you are not leaving the airport.

Transferring to your connecting flight is easy and simple at HIA. Upon exiting your aircraft, go directly to the Transfer halls located at concourses A, B, C and D.

Priority processing All Al Maha customers, special assistance travellers and unaccompanied minors receive priority processing on arrival at HIA.

Visit one of the transfer desks if you need any assistance with your onward flight, including boarding passes, re-scheduling flights and general queries.

If you have an extended stopover and would like to exit the airport to visit Qatar before boarding your onward flight, the transfer desks can assist you.

Car rental, taxis and limousines See Getting Around Qatar in this section and Useful Numbers in the Motoring section.

Transit Tours

Discover Qatar has introduced Transit Tours for transit times of four hours or more, which serve as a way to introduce visitors from around the world to Qatar as a hotspot for tourism. Transit Tours: Discover the Art of the Airport from QAR36 per person, Discover Squash at the Airport from QAR90 per person, Discover Doha from QAR99 per person, Discover Golf Simulator at the Airport from QAR120 per person, World Cup Stadiums Tour from QAR150 per person, and Discover the Desert and Inland Sea (Private Tour from QAR867 per person). discoverqatar.qa/transit-tours

Airlines (local agency in bold)

Health Cover Mandatory For Visitors

By Sarah Palmer

Travellers entering the State of Qatar for a stay of over 30 days are required to obtain health insurance with any insurance company that is registered with the Ministry of Public Health.

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) implemented the first phase of the health insurance system in February 2023, under the provisions of Law No 22 of 2021 about regulating healthcare services in the State of Qatar, and which states that all visitors shall be covered by the mandatory Health Insurance Scheme.

The Ministry has launched the first phase of the Scheme, including enabling visitors to obtain a health insurance policy from MOPH registered health insurance companies. The insurance policy for visitors covers emergency and accident services only, with a premium of QAR50 a month at the time of initial issuance and upon extension of the visa. The Ministry of Public Health recommends that visitors purchase this insurance prior to travelling to Qatar.

How to obtain visitors’ health insurance

Visitors applying for a visit visa through the Ministry of Interior website or via the Metrash app will be redirected to the Ministry of Public Health website. Here they can select one of the insurance companies registered with the Ministry to purchase the visitors’ policy, after completion of all other relevant visa requirements. It is important to select the policy duration that matches or is in excess of the selected/eligible visa type.

Once the insurance policy is issued by the selected insurance company, the Ministry of Interior will issue the appropriate visit visa. The effective date of coverage is the date of entry of the visitor at any border. If the visitor wishes to extend the stay in the State of Qatar, a new health insurance policy must be purchased.

Visitors eligible for on-arrival visas at any of the border crossings of the State of Qatar (airport, land and seaports) should purchase a visitor insurance policy before arrival, following the same procedures. An insurance policy for multi-entry visas remains valid from the date of entry until the policy expires. For single-entry visas, the insurance policy expires upon leaving the State of Qatar through any border crossing.

Hayya Card holders and their companions are required to obtain visitors’ insurance policies that cover the remaining period of the Hayya card entry permit, ie until 24 January 2024. For example, if a Hayya Card holder is planning to enter the State of Qatar on 1 May 2023, he/she should obtain an insurance policy for 9 months.

The cost of health insurance premium

The premium for the Mandatory Visitors' Health Insurance policy is QAR50 a month. This is the single insurance policy premium for a period of 30 days (the minimum duration). The premium for other visas varies according to the duration and type of visas.

The visitor can purchase additional coverage (topups) for extra premiums. This will be determined by the insurance companies.

What is covered by the policy

• Emergency medical treatment: Up to QAR150,000 for the policy period and within the State of Qatar.

• Emergency medical assistance with a sub-limit of QAR35,000, includes:

• Emergency ambulance transportation within the State of Qatar, and where necessary.

• Medical evacuation to the individual's country of residence.

• COVID-19 and quarantine:

• Sub-limit up to QAR50,000.

• Covid-19 treatment for positive cases.

• Quarantine expenses (for confirmed cases) are up to QAR 300 per day.

• No waiting period is required.

• Repatriation: In the event of the visitor's death within the State of Qatar, the cost of repatriation is covered up to an amount of QAR10,000.

• No copayment/deductibles/excesses are required for any covered services as per the terms and conditions stipulated in the visitor's health insurance policy.

It should be noted that healthcare providers must by law provide emergency services without asking the patient for payment, whether the service provider is included or not in the network list.

International health insurance policies

In addition to the visitor obtaining health insurance policy issued by an insurance company registered with MOPH, a health insurance policy issued by an

MOPH approved international insurance company is also accepted. The visitor must ensure that the international insurance policy fulfils the acceptance criteria defined by the MOPH:

• The geographical coverage must include the State of Qatar.

• The policy is valid and covers the full duration of the visitor’s stay in the country.

• The policy covers emergency and accident healthcare services with a limit of QAR150,000, without copayment/deductibles/excesses.

• The policy covers COVID-19 with a limit of QAR50,000.

• Physical proof of health insurance coverage (paper format of the policy) must be presented to the border authority and healthcare providers on demand.

For more information on visitors' health insurance:

> Visit Ministry of Public Health – Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme at moph.gov.qa or the VisitQatar Health Insurance page at visitqatar.com

> Call the MOPH Helpline on 16000 and choose Extension 1 dedicated to health insurance

> If outside Qatar call +974 4406 9963

Hamad International Airport

HIA (airport code: DOH) is classified as a fivestar airport by Skytrax. Since its opening in May 2014, HIA has welcomed over 200 mn passengers and 13 mn tonnes of cargo. When HIA opened, it replaced Doha International Airport (DIA), which was Qatar's one and only international airport since 1959. HIA is currently undergoing Phase B of its expansion, which will add two new concourses within the existing terminal. Once its expansion is complete in 2023, HIA will be able to serve over 70 mn passengers annually.

In 2022, HIA welcomed over 35 mn passengers and successfully completed over 217,000 aircraft movements.

HIA has been ranked as the second-best airport in the world, along with winning titles for 'World's Best Airport Shopping' and 'Best Airport in the Middle East' for the ninth time in a row at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023. HIA has been steadily rising up the ‘World's Best Airports’ rankings since the start of its operations in 2014. The airport has introduced three new passenger destinations to make the total number of destinations served by the airport at 156, while also partnering with more than 36 airline partners. The architectural masterpiece combines innovation and beauty, and consists of a shopping emporium, five-star hotels and world-class art installations.

Al

Airport Arrivals/Departures

Al Maha Services offers a personalised Meet and Assist Service for customers arriving, departing or transiting through HIA. Bookings for Al Maha Services can be made at their designated desk in the arrivals and departures terminals 24/7 and online. Al Maha can handle the visit visa arrangements for your guests. al-mahaservices.com

e-gate: The MOI has activated free e-gate service for expatriate passengers at the arrivals and departures terminals of HIA, which currently has at least 40 e-gates installed.

Expatriates and their children above 18 years of age can avail the service using their residence cards or passports after registration at the airport.

Self-service kiosks: The self-service kiosks implemented in the terminal by HIA as part of its Smart Airport programme has automated the check-in, bag-drop and pre-immigration security processes, which has allowed departing passengers to be processed even faster. With the use of innovative software solutions that forecast passenger traffic in real-time and measure waiting times, the airport was able to proactively minimise queuing times. HIA recently installed 62 self-checkin and 12 self-bag-drop kiosks, which include biometric technology capability.

Parking: The Short Term Car Park (STCP) is located on either side of the passenger terminal. It offers covered spaces and easy access via dedicated walkways. The East STCP is more convenient for passengers flying with Qatar Airways, while the West STCP is better suited for passengers travelling with other airlines.

The STCP is free for the first 30 minutes (grace period), thereafter charges QAR15 for every 30 minutes in the second hour, QAR25 for every 30 minutes in the third hour, and QAR35 for every 30 minutes in the fourth hour and onwards.

A lost ticket will cost QAR35 in addition to the actual tariff for the duration of parking. Pre-booking is available on the dohahamadairport.com and saves 20% on parking rates.

Taxes: As of 1 April 2022, passengers arriving, leaving, or transiting through HIA have to pay an extra service tax. The fees include the following four additions:

• QAR60 per passenger: Airport development fees for all departing passengers, including those transiting for up to 24 hours.

• QAR60 per passenger: Passenger facilities fee for all departing passengers, including those transiting for up to 24 hours.

• QAR10 per passenger: Passenger safety and security fees for all departing passengers, including those transiting for up to 24 hours.

Babies under the age of two, transiting passengers on the same plane, flight crew on duty, and forced flight redirection due to ‘valid reasons’, are exempted.

• QAR10 per metric ton: All incoming and in-transit cargo shipments, including postage.

Bus: Doha’s bus network connects HIA to various destinations across the city. Your bus fare can only be paid with a Karwa Smartcard. If you don’t already have one, purchase a disposable Karwa Smartcard from the Mowasalat Information Desk near Baggage Claim Belts 5 and 6.

• QAR10 Card: two inner-city trips within a 24 hour period

• QAR20 Card: unlimited trips across Qatar within a 24 hour period

• Regular Karwa Smartcard QAR30: QAR10 for the card with QAR20 value, available to be topped up for future journeys

All buses depart from the Bus Pavilion at the right side on exiting the passenger terminal. Exit the Arrivals hall by following the signs to the Bus Pavilion or ask at an information desk for assistance. Each bus offers a cargo area for stowing your baggage during the journey. The Karwa Bus App is available on iOS and Android. For bus routes, visit dohahamadairport.com

Taxis: Mowasalat (Karwa) is the exclusive taxi operator that has turquoise taxis and white hybrid electric eco-taxis that are a convenient way to get to and from HIA. They are regulated by the government, and are safe and metered. With a base fare of QAR25, taxis accept cash or card payments in Qatari Riyals. Call 4458 8888 or 800 8294. The Karwa Taxi App is avaliable on iOS and Android. Booking a PRM taxi: If you need to book special taxis for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) call Mowasalat directly on 4458 8888, providing as much advance notice as possible.

Limousines: Chauffeur-driven limousines are available to take you from HIA to anywhere in Qatar. To pre-book, call Mowasalat Limousine on 800 5466. Use Exits 2 or 3 to leave the Arrivals

Finding your check-in counter at HIA

area and you will find your limousine parked there. For on-arrival booking simply approach the Mowasalat Limousine kiosk located in the Arrivals hall. For more information, visit mowasalat.com

HIA Metro Station: The Doha Metro’s Red Line station at HIA allows easy access to passengers to and from the airport with a Standard Travel Card, costing QAR10 and you can top-up at just QAR2 per ride. Passengers will be allowed to carry two large luggage items in addition to their small bags, which must not exceed 85 cm x 60 cm x 30 cm in size. Passengers are able to put their luggage in specially allotted areas in the trains. Doha Metro is operational Saturday to Wednesday 6 am –11 pm, Thursday 6 am – 11:59 pm, Friday 2 pm –11:59 pm. 105, qr.com.qa

Arrivals

Up to 360,000 aircraft per year can be handled at HIA. The eastern runway is 4,850 metres long, making it one of the longest commercial runways in the world.

Immigration: Prior to departure from their point of origin, Doha passengers must ensure they have a valid passport, and a Residence Permit (RP), before making their way to Immigration. Citizens and residents may also use the provided eGate facilities. After immigration, passengers will proceed to the baggage reclaim area. Check portal.moi.gov.qa and dohahamadairport.com for specific requirements.

Customs regulations: After you’ve collected your checked baggage, exit the airport by passing through Customs. There are two Customs channels to choose from, depending on whether you have something to declare or not. Personal items are not usually subject to tax though luggage is inspected upon arrival. Travellers coming into Qatar must have prescriptions for medicines carried. The import of firearms, alcohol, e-cigarettes and pork in any form is strictly forbidden. Refer to the IATA website for specific customs regulations, iata.org

For Qatar Airways First or Business Class passengers: Proceed to the Departure hall through Entry Gate 1 and, if required, use the East Short Term Car Park (STCP). For Qatar Airways First Class passengers, proceed to Al Safwa First in Row 1, which offers private seated check-in desks, a concierge, bellhops and other exclusive facilities. If travelling in Qatar Airways Business Class, proceed to Al Mourjan Business in Row 2.

For Qatar Airways Privilege Club members: Check-in counter is located in Row 4 and if required, use the West STCP.

For Qatar Airways Economy Class passengers: Enter the Departure hall through Entry Gates 2 and 3. Check-in counters are located in Rows 4 to 6 and all other airline counters are from Rows 7 to 10. If required, use the West STCP.

For other airlines: Enter the Departure hall through Entry Gate 4, and, if required, use the West STCP.

Departures

Exit permit: Some expatriate residents of Qatar are required to obtain an exit permit from their sponsor when exiting the country. According to Law No 13 of 2018 (Amending Law), most migrant workers are covered by the Labour Law to leave the country without having to obtain an exit permit. Employers in Qatar can still submit names of workers for whom a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) would be required before granting them permission to leave the country, according to justifications based on the nature of the work.

Exit tax: QAR35, HIA's exit tax, will automatically be added to an individual’s ticket price. The tax also applies to transit passengers.

Regulations for hand luggage: When departing from HIA, worldwide regulations apply regarding all liquids, gels, pastes, aerosols and electronic devices.

In 2018, HIA became the first airport in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to accept Electronic Bag Tag (EBT). The programme provides a more seamless travel experience for passengers, including reduced time spent in queues, a simplified baggage drop process and increased relaxation time at the airport, as well as providing greater operating and carbon efficiency.

Check-in: Check-in usually opens three hours before your flight’s departure time, and closes 60 minutes before your flight takes off. Carry all the required travel documents with you, including your ticket, passport, exit permit, Residence Permit (RP), and destination visas. Online checkin is available for most airlines, and on Qatar Airways’ website at qatarairways.com, 36 hours to 90 minutes prior to the flight departure time. Passengers can choose a seat, print a boarding pass or have a bar-coded boarding pass sent to a mobile phone.

Clearing passport control: Present your boarding pass to staff standing just before the passport control area. They will scan it, and fast-track you

(through passport control and security check) if your flight is nearing its departure time. Dedicated lanes are available for First and Business Class passengers.

Lounges

The Oryx Lounge offers a comfortable atmosphere to sit, relax and enjoy the superior hospitality provided by the Oryx Lounge staff. The lounge offers food and beverage services, a smoking room, business centre, lockers, a quiet zone, internet facility and a gaming room for kids. All airlines' premium passengers and select card holders (AMEX, HSBC, QNB, and Dukhan Bank) are eligible for complimentary access to the Oryx Lounge. Available to all passengers at any time for a nominal fee of QAR200 valid for up to six hours stay, regardless of airline and class of travel.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge is open to Qatar Airways and oneworld First Class and Business Class passengers at no additional cost, while Economy Class passengers can purchase lounge access at the check-in counters, preferred travel agents, Qatar Airways' sales offices, or online.

Al Safwa First Lounge is where you can enjoy delicious à la carte dining, luxury spa and treatment facilities, a full business centre, a cinematic media room and an exclusive family area. In addition to Qatar Airways First Class passengers, Privilege Club Platinum members travelling Business Class with Qatar Airways can access Al Safwa First Lounge with up to two guest passes.

Al Maha Lounges are spread across the terminal and are open to customers of Al Maha Services, which is a personalised Meet and Assist Service for customers arriving, departing or transiting through HIA. Facilities include unlimited highspeed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, conference rooms, a smoking room, family rooms, a business centre and a nursery. 4010 5831/32/34/35, al-mahaservices.com

The Shafallah Center Lounge, a special handling lounge by HIA and Shafallah Center for Persons with Disability, is located at concourse C at the airport terminal and is for departing and transferring passengers with special needs, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The lounge features educational, rehabilitative and recreational interactive devices and equipment, and provides passengers with special needs with assistive technologies and solutions. Trained airport staff will be available for on-ground support. Those who want to access this facility can approach the airport staff.

Also available are the Platinum Lounge – South, Gold Lounge – South, Silver Lounge –South, Mariner Lounge (for travelling seafarers and offshore workers), First and Business Class Arrivals Lounges, Unaccompanied Minors Lounge and Special Assistance Travellers’ Lounge.

Oryx Airport Hotel

Located in the South Plaza within HIA's passenger terminal, Oryx Airport Hotel offers guests 5-star hospitality to recharge during a layover. Offering hourly rates, Oryx Airport Hotel offers transiting passengers a choice of six exquisite room types, with a range of convenient packages and attractive rates, to cater to all guests and lengths of stays. Guests are offered complimentary access to the award-winning Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre – massages, treatments, squash courts and a golf simulator. Passengers who are not staying at the hotel can also access the hotel's facilities and services at a nominal fee. To reach Oryx Airport Hotel, guests can use the passenger train connecting the airport’s North and South Plazas. 4010 8100, oryxairporthotel.com

Oryx Garden Hotel

Situated in the North Plaza, Oryx Garden Hotel is the second airport hotel within HIA's terminal where passengers can unwind during a layover. The hotel offers guests 100 rooms ranging from king to twin, as well as suites. The hotel can be booked around the clock for a maximum of 24

hours. In addition to a 25-m swimming pool, gym, spa and squash court, guests will also be able to enjoy Oryx Airport Hotel’s Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre. 4010 8100, oryxairporthotel.com, dohahamadairport.com

ORCHARD

A new wonder at HIA is the tropical masterpiece, ORCHARD, a tropical garden located at the centre of the terminal expansion. Set to truly elevate passengers' experiences and redefine airport travel, the ORCHARD is a 10,000 sq m indoor tropical garden with a beautiful 268 sq m water feature that will be the focal point for visitors at HIA. With a host of different flora, the ORCHARD includes over 300 trees and at least 25,000 plants sourced from sustainable forests from around the world.

The unique design of the area allows trees and plants to easily adapt to the internal conditions and grow throughout the life of the airport – with natural light to create a calming ambience and promote a sense of wellbeing to all who venture inside.

An ambitious and futuristic vision at a truly world-class facility, the ORCHARD is an excellent destination for HIA passengers seeking relaxation and tranquility as part of their journey.

Dining

Throughout the airport, HIA offers passengers a taste of everything, from gourmet to on-the-go!

Enjoy a meal at any of the airport's restaurants such as Eat Street, which includes Camden Food Co, Negroni, Azka, Evergreen Organics, Burger King, Brioche Dorée and more. Grab a hot drink or a quick bite from the Coffeeshop Company, Costa Coffee, Jamocha Café, L'eto Café, Harrods Tea Room, Red Mango and more.

Over 20 cafés and restaurants are on offer at HIA with delicious local and global cuisines for an ultimate dining experience, featuring many world firsts and exclusives, including a Fendi Boutique with the first Fendi Café in an airport, and the first Ralph’s Coffee Shop in an airport. The north node also houses the world’s first Oreo Café in an airport.

Oryx Airport Hotel ORCHARD

Shopping

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) offers passengers an array of selected designer labels, high street fashions, electronics, gourmet foods and much more. Passengers at HIA can shop at boutiques and stores with a lineup of prestigious world-class brands such as Aigner, Bvlgari, Burberry, Cartier, Calvin Klein, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Hermès, Michael Kors, Mont Blanc, Pandora, Rolex, Swarovski, Tag Heuer, Tiffany & Co, and more.

The enhanced retail offer also includes an unrivalled selection of luxury boutiques, including the flagship Louis Vuitton Boutique, the first Dior Boutique at HIA, the only FIFA shop in the world, Thom Brown only store in an airport, and the largest Ray Ban store in an airport. 4010 4167/69, qatardutyfree.com.qa

Connectivity

Free wireless internet: Enjoy free wireless internet access throughout the passenger terminal. Just search for 'Free Internet by HIA' on your device. Free internet kiosks and desks: Equipped with screens, keyboards and mice, the internet kiosks and desks offer you free web browsing. The kiosks are located throughout the passenger terminal (including the boarding gate areas). Meanwhile, the desks are available at each of five activity nodes. Just follow the signs, ask at an information desk or use the airport map to find one nearest you.

Telephone booths: You can call anywhere in the world by purchasing a prepaid calling card from Qatar Duty Free (QDF). Telephone booths are located throughout the passenger terminal (including the boarding gate areas).

Sustainability

With sustainability at the core of HIA’s plans, the airport has managed to have four of the expansion projects achieve a 4-star rating under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) from the Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD). This includes the ORCHARD, Oryx Garden Hotel and north plaza lounges, Al Mourjan Business lounge – the Garden and the Remote Transfer Baggage Facility.

Phase B of the expansion will further increase the capacity of the airport to well over 70 mn passengers and construct two new concourses within the existing terminal.

As HIA continues to transform the industry with innovative experiences and breath-taking features, the award-winning airport looks to a bright, sustainable future where possibilities are endless.

Special assistance

HIA is entirely barrier-free – its network of elevators, escalators, ramps, walkways and a passenger train offer simple access to passengers with reduced mobility. Check-in counters include adapted service desks designed to ease checking-in for passengers with reduced mobility. This service desk is the first counter in each check-in row, with the exception of Qatar Airways’ check-in rows where it is the last counter. The seated check-in desks offered to Qatar Airways First Class passengers are all adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Free wheelchairs are available throughout the passenger terminal – ask at the nearest information desk. If you require assistance with moving around in a wheelchair, inform your airline in advance so that a personal helper can be arranged. Washrooms adapted for passengers with reduced mobility are available across the passenger terminal. Just follow the signs or ask at the nearest information desk.

Relax in one of HIA's dedicated lounges for special assistance travellers, which offers adapted washrooms, comfortable seating, televisions and a trained attendant.

Travelling with animals

The earlier you get in touch with your airline when you’re planning your travels, the smoother the journey will be for both you and your animal. Your airline and vet will advise you on the latest rules and regulations and the necessary documentation. This includes medical certificates, vaccination records and test results. Your airline won’t be able to accept your animal for travel if the required documentation and suitable carriers are not available. See Pets in Day to Day Qatar in the Living in Qatar section.

Medical and fire emergencies

Fully-equipped and well-staffed medical centres are operational 24/7. There are two medical centres serving the passenger terminal. One is located in Arrivals just before the Passport Control area, while the other is in Departures near the Check-in area. Just follow the signs, ask at an information desk or use an airport map to find your way. In case of an emergency, you can also call 4010 9222 to directly contact the medical team.

Art at HIA

Discover Qatar, HIA and Qatar Museums (QM) have recently debuted a one-of-kind collaboration for passengers travelling via HIA. Dubbed as ‘Discover the Art of the Airport’, the offer is a unique walking tour where guests can view impressive sculptures and art installations by leading artists from around the world. The hour-long guided tour costs USD10 (QAR36 per person). Guests will learn about the story of each artwork while being escorted by a Discover Qatar expert guide. Tour participants should have at least four hours of transit time at the airport and arrive at the Discover Qatar desk 30 minutes before their scheduled tour. For more information and to book the tour, visit discoverqatar.qa

The works of art you can see at HIA are a mix of acquired pieces and others created especially for their spaces. The latter include works by local artists – for example, Qatari artist Faraj Duham was commissioned to create large-scale murals, while Qatari artist Ali Hassan produced the Desert Horse sculpture. The most popular art installation at HIA is Lamp Bear by Swiss artist Urs Fischer, which sits prominently at the heart of the airport.

In the Arrivals Hall stand a series of sculptures of the oryx, an antelope native to the Arabian Peninsula, called Oryx created by Dutch artist Tom Claassen. A new piece by Claassen was unveiled in June 2021, called Falcon. The golden bird sits on a ledge at the airport and depicts the national bird of Qatar, with the artist taking inspiration from the soft falcon feathers. The more vivid lines mimic the airline's routes from Qatar to the rest of the world, as well as the curves found in Arabic calligraphy and the folds in the fabric of traditional attire.

Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer

Falcon by Tom Claassen

Oryx by Tom Claassen

Desert Horse by Ali Hassan

Other Worlds by American sculptor Tom Otterness is a series of eight large-scale, interactive, bronze sculptures spread throughout the activity nodes in Concourse C at HIA. With slides and seats for limbs and play-pen-like chambers for torsos, these figures invite both children and adults to engage, interact and find recreational enjoyment in the sculptures.

Marc Quinn’s mesmerising work Arctic Nurseries of El Dorado graces the airport's expansive check-in hall, and is a representation of an almost mythical world. Comprising a number of bronze sculptures, Quinn creates a series of hybrid plants by taking elements from different vegetation and carefully piecing them together, before casting them in bronze.

Arctic Nurseries of El Dorado by Marc Quinn

Other Worlds by Tom Otterness

The Flying Man, two iconic scultptures designed by the renowned Iraqi artist Dia Al Azzawi, have been installed in HIA's passenger terminal. The sculptures are based on the story of Abu Firnas, a historical figure from the Islamic world who was an early pioneer in experimenting with flight.

COSMOS by contemporary French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel represents a colossal celestial globe echoing the trajectories of travellers from around the world. The striking piece resembles bright calligraphy drawn in space when observed side-on or from below, and appears in the shape of a blooming rose when observed from the front.

COSMOS joined the artwork Small Lie which was unveiled along with QM in 2018 at Concourse E. The large-scale figure, which is approximately 30 feet tall, was made by American pop artist and designer KAWS in collaboration with QM.

COSMOS by Jean-Michel Othoniel

Small Lie by KAWS

The Flying Man by Dia Al Azzawi

Italian artist Rudolf Stingel’s work

Untitled is one of his famous large-scale interactive pieces. He covered three surfaces of the piece with reflective, aluminium-faced insulation panels, before inviting the construction team at HIA to draw on the soft walls at the time of the airport’s construction. The walls were then cast in copper and electroplated with gold, before a number of pieces were selected for permanent display at HIA. You can find the piece in the Arrivals Meet and Greet Hall, towards the bus terminal in the West.

A Message of Peace to the World

Designed by Iraqi artist Ahmed Al Bahrani, A Message of Peace to the World is located at the Passenger Train's South Node station. Al Bahrani, who has lived in Doha since 1999, wanted to honour the work of Reach Out to Asia (ROTA), a Qatari non-profit organisation that supports primary and secondary education in underprivileged countries throughout Asia. Al Bahrani created a sculpture in the shape of a cube symbolising ROTA’s logo, with its surfaces representing the iconographic elements that stand for ROTA’s mission, with the sun, symbolising hope and happiness, radiating from the top of the cube.

In this artwork named Mappemondes, Algerian artist Adel Abdessemed creates a world map using old tin cans collected from market places and streets in Dakar. Through this piece, Abdessemedd tries to highlight the consequences of the ‘throwaway culture’ of the modern world. Abdessemed creates artworks which juxtapose situations or actions carried out on everyday objects. It is located in Concourse A, near gate A7.

Untitled by Rudolf Stingel

by Ahmed Al Bahrani

Mappemondes by Adel Abdessemed

Main Urban Centres

Doha City The capital city is situated on a calm bay halfway along the east coast of the Qatar peninsula. Its two municipalities of Doha and Al Rayyan house the majority of the population. The 7-km Doha Corniche links the cultural centres of Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) with the glittering towers of Al Dafna business and residential district and The Pearl Island. Doha is the administrative, commercial and cultural centre of Qatar, providing modern amenities while at the same time preserving its past.

Lusail City is an extension of Doha to the north across an area of 38 sq km and will include four exclusive islands and 19 multi-purpose residential, mixed use, entertainment and commercial districts. The total estimated number of visitors to Lusail will eventually reach 450,000. The city includes numerous residential units, office and government buildings, and more than 20 hotels.

Al Khor and Al Wakra – Former Pearl and Fishing Centres

Al Wakra is notable for its bustling fishing harbour and is just 10 minutes' drive south of the capital on Route 7. It has become a popular commuter suburb and several private schools have relocated there. Numerous mosques, old minarets, forts and wind towers offer some of the finest examples of traditional architecture – see Abu Manaratain Mosque and House of Sheikh Ghanim bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Sightseeing in this section. One of Al Wakra's main attractions is Souq Al Wakra, which is home to a variety of shops and restaurants along the beach. Just inland from the beach is a fenced and beautifully landscaped park, with a children's play area.

QatarEnergy's Industrial Cities

Dukhan Industrial City is the oldest settlement founded after the discovery of oil in the surrounding fields during the 1930s. The centre of onshore operations is undergoing a QAR1.6 bn plan to cover all aspects of urban development.

Mesaieed Industrial City is in the southeast of the country. Mesaieed itself has a port, and adjacent to the north is the hugely impressive Hamad Port, plus a new naval base. Mesaieed is undergoing a QAR14 bn renovation plan by QatarEnergy (QE). The town centre has a striking QE building and, beside it, a group of shops and restaurants, used by visitors to Sealine Beach Resort, Khor Al Adaid and other beaches and dunes before and after their adventures.

Al Khor provides a pleasant weekend break from Doha, and is easily reached on Al Shamal Road (Route 1) and on the upgraded Al Khor Road (Route 6). There are play areas and sun shelters along the Al Corniche, as well as photo opportunities at the old fishing harbour and the nearby mangroves, which are full of bird life. There is a small museum in the old police station, showing early life in this small town, as well as some archaeological discoveries from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Large public gardens to the north of Al Khor (signposted from Al Shamal Road) also attract weekend picnickers. Al Farkiya Beach is another development just outside Al Khor: see Sightseeing in this section for more information. Al Khor Community is home to a large expatriate population working in Ras Laffan Industrial City. m

Ras Laffan Industrial City covers 294 sq km and lies on the east coast 80 km north of Doha. A part of QE's Industrial Cities Directorate, this purposebuilt industrial city has the largest gas exportation seaport and gas liquefaction plants in the Gulf region and is one of the biggest industrial cities in the world. Access is by invitation only.

There are currently 19 Marhaba maps. They include the country map of Qatar, Greater Doha and maps of all provincial towns, including Al Wakra, Al Khor and Mesaieed. Find out more about these cities and Qatar's energy industries in The Hydrocarbon Industry in the Business and Economy section.

Marhaba Pocket Map 2023

The new, updated Marhaba Pocket Map of greater Doha covers the whole area from Lusail in the north, Al Wakra in the south and Al Wajba in the east.

It displays the whole network and stations of the Doha Metro and the eight stadiums of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.TM

The map can be customised and is also available in an extra-large format – every office needs one!

For more details, call 4465 0083

Print/Online Social Media/e-Guides Follow

Getting Around Qatar

Qatar’s public transport includes taxis, buses, limousines, Doha Metro and now the Lusail Tram. The most visible taxis and public buses in Qatar are operated by Mowasalat Co (Karwa), which are comfortable, clean, air-conditioned and safe. Sila: A new app by the Ministry of Transport of Qatar’s integrated public transport system that makes planning a journey and payments a lot easier and smarter. sila.qa

Karwa Taxis and Metro Express Services

Mowasalat Co (Karwa Taxi) is the exclusive taxi operator in Qatar. On arrival at Hamad International Airport (HIA), just follow the signs for the taxi rank and stress-free transportation. Karwa Taxis are always available at prominent locations such as shopping centres, hotels, hospitals, business centres and more. Travellers with special needs can book a minivan via the Karwa Taxi app, suitable for two or three wheelchairs and accompanying passengers. The same tariff applies. Additionally, you can now access the Metro Express service through the Karwa Taxi App. In certain areas, you can request a shared ride to the closest Metro or Tram station. It is a service that is provided free of charge, when combined with a Metro or Tram ride.

Tariff Day: Meter starts at QAR7 (includes the first 1.8 km), then QAR1.6 per km. Minimum fare is QAR7.

Tariff Night: Meter starts at QAR7 (includes the first 1.8 km), then QAR1.9 per km. Minimum fare is QAR7.

Tariff at HIA: Meter starts at QAR25 (includes the first 1.8 km), then Day or Night Tariff will be applied. Waiting charge: QAR8 for every 15 minutes. For bookings, download the Karwa Taxi App, call 4458 8888, or hail from the side of the road.

Doha Limousine (by Karwa) Services

Doha Limousine provides three categories of limousine – Standard, Luxury and Business. All are available at the HIA limousine rank, by booking through the Karwa Taxi App or calling 4458 8888 Doha Limousine can be booked for specific journeys, by the hour, or rented on a short-term or long-term basis. All limousines are metered and tracked by a quality assurance team.

Cost per journey: Prices start from a minimum rate of QAR55 from the airport and QAR40 from within the city. Overall charges depend on the category of vehicle and distance.

VIP Limousines: Available at HIA and all major five-star hotels.

Karwa Public Transportation Buses and Metro Link Services

Mowasalat (Karwa) provides sustainable and eco-friendly Public Transportation Services using a variety of brand-new vehicles including electric buses. Mowasalat’s public transport network offers smart and integrated transport solutions across Qatar with eight modern bus stations connecting public bus services to all other modes of transportation. In addition to the public transportation, Metro Link bus services supplement the general metro services by shuttling passengers to and from metro stations. For more information, download the Karwa Journey Planner app, call 4458 8888 or email customercare@ mowasalat.com

Other Taxi/Limousine Services

Doha Metro

The Doha Metro has opened a new dimension in Doha’s public transport. The Doha Metro Red Line was the first line to open in 2019, extending north to south from Lusail City to Al Wakra with a branch to the airport. The Green Line runs from Al Mansoura district to Al Riffa – Mall of Qatar in the west. The Gold Line runs across town from Ras Bu Abboud to Al Aziziya – leading to Villaggio Mall. Travel cards and credit can be purchased at selfservice Travel Card Vending Machines (TVMs) in all Doha Metro stations. 105, qr.com.qa

Standard Travel Card: A reusable plastic card (valid for five years) costing QAR10, with Travel Credit added by ‘Topping Up’ from a TVM. This Travel Card does not permit travel in the Gold

Club sections. This card is currently available at licensed retailers like LuLu, Jumbo and Carrefour.

goldclub Travel Card: A reusable plastic card (valid for five years) costing QAR100 available from the goldclub offices at Doha Metro stations. This card permits travel in the goldclub sections. Add Travel Credit by ‘Topping Up’ at a TVM at any Doha Metro and Lusail Tram stations.

Purchase a Standard or Gold Travel Card and top up per journey. With a Standard Travel Card, it costs QAR2 per journey, with a goldclub Travel Card, QAR10 per journey. Anyone aged five and above needs a Travel Card. While children aged four and below do not need a Travel Card, they must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. A child must be nine years old or above to travel alone. Younger children should be accompanied by someone at least 16 years of age.

Operating hours: Saturday to Wednesday 6 am –11 pm, Thursday 6 am – 11:59 pm, Friday 2 pm – 11:59 pm.

There are two free feeder bus services, Metro Link and Metro Express, which connect customers to the Doha Metro stations. The bus’s operating hours align with the metro’s.

Metro Link: A feeder bus network providing first and last mile connectivity to Qatar Rail customers within a 2 to 5 km radius of the Doha Metro stations. qr.com.qa/metrolink

Metro Express: A complementary ride-sharing feeder service that connects specific service zones around Metro stations. Metro Express serves a total of six Metro stations on the red line, from West Bay QIC to Qatar University. The service uses a fleet of branded Mercedes Vito vans, seating seven passengers per vehicle. Metro Express service is exclusive for registered Metro passengers and can only be used in conjunction with a metro journey. Customers can book a ride through the Metro Express Doha app. qr.com.qa/metroexpress

Lusail Tram

The Lusail Tram is becoming the main transportation hub for Lusail City, the largest single sustainable development in Qatar. The network includes four lines and 25 stations aboveground and underground. Lusail Tram connects to the Doha Metro through two interchange stations at Lusail and Legtaifiya. Of the 25 stations across four lines that comprise the Tram network, seven Orange Line stations are available for travel initially. The available stations are Legtaifiya, Marina, Marina Promenade, Yacht Club, Esplanade, Lusail Centrall (Place Vendôme) and Energy City South. Legtaifiya station connects Lusail Tram to the Doha Metro. qr.com.qa/metro-tram

Fare: The existing Travel Card is valid on both the Lusail Tram and the Doha Metro with no additional costs. Customers must Tap In & Tap Out using the validator on board the tram to avoid extra charges. Operating hours: The tram’s operating hours align with the metro’s.

Msheireb Tram

With nine stations, the self-powered environmentallyfriendly Msheireb Tram interconnects all of Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), making it easier for visitors to move from one spot to the other. A tram car is on the loop every six minutes with a 400-m hopon/hop-off zone along the single 2 km, closed-loop track system. msheireb.com

Fare: Free

Operating hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 am –noon/4 pm – 9 pm, Friday 4 pm – 9 pm.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

Qatar currently has at least 30 charging stations for electric vehicles, established by Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa), through the National Programme for Conservation & Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed).

EV charging stations: • Alfardan Towers, Al Dafna

• Doha Festival City • Ezdan Mall – Al Wakra

• Fire Station • Hamad Port • Kahramaa Awareness Park • Kahramaa Headquarters • Katara Cultural Village • Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha

• Ministry of Transport • Msheireb Downtown Doha

• Qatar Foundation Headquarters • Qatar National Library • Qatar Science and Technology Park • Qatar Scientific Club • The St. Regis, Doha

Tarsheed Photovoltaic Station for Energy Storage and Charging Electric Vehicles: A row for 24 car spaces at Kahramaa Complex at Mesaimeer that can be charged with electricity produced from solar energy via 216 photovoltaic panels.

As part of the nation’s push towards clean energy, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has begun installing 653 electric chargers and 713 inverters in 41 under-construction sites under the Public Bus Infrastructure Programme. In addition, Ashghal will construct the largest electric charging station in the region, which will be operated by solar energy and will feature high-efficiency solar cell shades, becoming the first bus station in the region working purely on solar energy.

In addition, Qatar Fuel (WOQOD) installed 100 fast EV charging stations in Qatar in 2022. Under the second phase, WOQOD will install a further 150 charging stations in 2023 in WOQOD petrol stations across the country.

Education City (EC)

1. Academic Bridge Program (ABP)

2. Al Shaqab

Al Gharrafa Park

EMBASSY LOCATIONS

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Rep C3

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Macedonia C4

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Burkina Faso B3 Canada C4 C. African Rep B3 Chile C4 China B3 Costa Rica C3 Croatia B3 Cuba B3 Cyprus C4 Djibouti B4

Dom. Rep. B3

B4 El Salvador B4

Eritrea E4

Eswatini B4 Ethiopia B4

France C4

Gambia E4 Georgia C4 Germany C4

Ghana B3 Greece B4

Hungary B3

India C4 Indonesia D3 Iran C4 Iraq C4 Italy C4

Ivory Coast B4 Japan B4

Jordan C4 Kazakhstan B3 Kenya B3

Korea (S) B4

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Africa B3

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Kingdom C4

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The Pearl Island

and Fairmont Hotels are housed in the iconic Katara Towers

Al Fardan Tower Tornado Tower Palm Tower B

B12 Beach Club Doha Sands

Intrepid explorers tackle the daunting dunes in the south of the country

Sand dunes meet the sea! A stupendous, sandy sight and World Heritage site (you must see it at least once while you are in Qatar)

Majd Road to Ras Laffan, Al Khor & Lusail City connecting with Industrial Area, Salwa Road,

The 2023 Marhaba Wall Map of Doha

Our constantly updated Map of Doha is also available in large formats, up to 120 cm x 120 cm and it can be customised with your company or corporate logo.

The map covers the whole area of greater Doha from Lusail in the north, to Al Wakra in the south and across to Al Wajba in the east.

It displays all three lines of Doha Metro and all Metro stations, plus the currently operational first seven stations on the new Lusail Tram Orange line. Also included are the eight stadiums of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. It could be the highlight of your office. Call 4465 0083 to order one now…

Follow us marhaba.qa

For more details, call 4465 0083

Print/Online

Social Media/e-Guides

TOPTRACER RANGE MOBILE sends shot traces and detailed data directly to your phone. Hit a shot and get instant stats like ball speed, launch angle, carry, curve, and more. The app then stores all that data so you can track progress and measure improvement.

FEATURES

DATA-DRIVEN PRACTICE SESSIONS

Dive deeper and work on your game. All club and shot data is stored in the app for further analysis.

SKILL-BASED GAMES

Compete against race buddies and other users within Toptracer Range’s global community. Take aim at virtual targets and score points based on accuracy. After you score big, see how you stack up against other Toptracer Range users on the GLOBAL LEADERBOARD–not only at your range but around the world.

SWING RECORDING

Ever wondered how your swing looks on camera? Activate TV MODE and record a video of your shot alongside stats and a trace. Send it to a coach or share it on social media.

There are more things to do and see in Qatar than you might imagine and so if you only have a short time here, plan your time wisely. Qatar Tourism has a comprehensive online portal on Qatar's diverse attractions, visitqatar.qa or discoverqatar.qa. Check our website at marhaba.qa for what to do at the weekend as well as news, reviews and more! Pick up the Marhaba Pocket Map to help you get around Qatar as efficiently as possible.

Top 10 Things To Do in Qatar

1 One of the first things to do in Qatar is visit the 7 km Doha Corniche C4 for a walk and spectacular views of the Doha skyline. Make sure to go on a short dhow cruise around the bay. Nearby, take a walk around the lush green Al Bidda Park C4!

2 Also on the Corniche are the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) C4 and Al Riwaq C4 showcasing the best of Qatar's exhibits. The MIA Park boasts expansive landscaping. Near MIA are is the Old Doha Port C4, which is home to a Cruise Ship Terminal, the new multi-coloured Mina District C4 and Box Park C4.

3 Across the Corniche is the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) D4, which explores Qatar's rich heritage and culture, and features the NMoQ Park with plants, public artworks, playgrounds, cafés and more.

4 Visit the old and traditional Souq Waqif D4 for garments, spices, handicrafts, souvenirs, restaurants and shisha lounges. The nearby Gold Souq D4 is your jewellery stop. Also close by is Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) D4, the world's first sustainable downtown regeneration project.

5 In Al Wakra, visit Souq Al Wakra F5, a 'heritage village' with markets, shops and restaurants along the seafront. Also nearby is Al Wakra Family Beach and Ezdan Mall – Al Wakra

6 Spend a few hours at Katara Cultural Village B4 and admire the architecture. Nearby is The Pearl Island B4, an artificial island, featuring luxury shopping and dining, Mediterranean-style yachtlined marinas, upmarket residential towers, villas and internationally renowned hotels. Also nearby is Lusail City A3/A4, Qatar's first smart and sustainable city with several tourist and local attractions.

7 Shop at Qatar's largest malls such as Doha Festival City B2 or Mall of Qatar C1. For more traditional shopping, visit local souqs. See Shopping in Qatar in the Shopping section.

8 Play a round of golf at Doha Golf Club B3 or Education City Golf Club C2, or walk around 'Sporty City', Aspire Zone D2, which includes Aspire Park D2, KidZania Doha D2 and Villaggio Mall D2.

9 Explore the dunes at Sealine in Mesaieed or the waters off Qatar's coast. Go scuba diving, snorkelling, paddle boarding, or kayaking through the mangroves. See the Events and Activities section.

10 Transport yourself back in time at the numerous fortresses and ruins throughout Qatar such as Al Zubara Archaeological Site and Zekreet.

Doha Bus: HOP-ON HOP-OFF

On your Doha Bus day or night sightseeing tour, you will pick up a complimentary tour guide that includes a full colour route map. The bus is equipped with an audio device that operates according to the global GPS navigation system; available in multiple languages. A variety of tour packages are available, including desert safaries. Tour map and details at dohabus.com

Doha Metro: TAP IN, TAP OUT

To move around the city easier and faster, use the fully operational Doha Metro, a rapid transit system across Doha and also outside Doha to suburbs such as Al Wakra, Al Wajba and Lusail City. The Doha Metro currently has three lines – Red, Green and Gold – with an approximate overall length of 76 km and 37 stations.

National Cruise: SEE DOHA FROM THE SEA

Step aboard one of the most luxurious traditional dhows in Qatar, approved by Qatar Tourism. The company offers diverse cruise themes and voyages, providing four safe and pleasant premier touristic experiences including food, sightseeing and day cruises as well as special events and private trips.

Use the Metro

Discover the many interesting places Doha has to offer by using the Doha Metro. Enjoy a comfortable journey in a state-of-the-art automated rail network.

HISTORY, HERITAGE & CULTURE

Qatar has its own unique culture, and where better to appreciate this than at the National Museum of Qatar. Designed by the renowned French architect, Jean Nouvel.

SPORTS & LEISURE

Green spaces abound in the city which provides peaceful escapes for all and facilities for active people: running and cycling tracks, human maze, gym and exercise equipment, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, horse and camel rides, barbecue areas and beautiful natural landscapes perfectly suited to family picnics.

National Museum of Qatar National Museum Station

The State Mosque Souq Waqif Station

Souq Waqif

Qatar National Library Station

Qatar National Library

Msheireb Station

Msheireb Museums

Qatar National Library Station

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra

Qatar National Library Station

Education City Mosque Katara Station

Katara Cultural Village

Wakra Station

Souq Al Wakra AL

Museum of Islamic Art Souq Waqif Station

Doha Golf Club Legtaifiya Station

Oxygen Park Qatar National Library Station

Museum of Islamic Art Park Souq Waqif Station

Aspire Park Aziziyah Station AL

Al Bidda Park Bidda & Corniche Stations

Education City Golf Club Education City Station AL

Explore the city

The Legacy of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

CONVENTIONS & EXHIBITIONS

Doha boasts two of the most modern and well-quipped venues in the world of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) has the largest open space hall available in Qatar. The Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) is an iconic and impressive building proudly rooted in Qatar’s culture. The main conference hall holds up to 4,000 delegates & the Al Mayassa Theater is a glorious venue for 2,300 guests.

SHOPPING & FASHION

Qatar constructed an amazing array of eight new stadiums to showcase the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022th. They beautifully reflect Qatari culture and cater for the demands of modern sports tournaments. All are accessible using the Doha Metro network, Al Bayt and Al Thumama stadiums with a special bus link. Have a day trip travelling to see them all!

New malls are regularly appearing on the landscape and are especially popular in summer when temperatures climb. They offer various indoor entertainment and leisure activities and have their own mix of branded shops and restaurants. Most venues are open until 11pm.

Country of the Arts

By Ola Diab

Qatar has transformed into an outdoor art museum with recent installations by Olafur Eliasson, Jeff

Shilpa Gupta, Shua’a Ali, Salman Al Malek and Faraj Daham, among other international, regional and Qatari artists.

As part of Qatar Creates, the year-round national cultural movement that curates, promotes, and celebrates the diversity of cultural activities in Qatar, Qatar Museums (QM) launched a programme in August 2022 of new and commissioned public artworks by celebrated Qatari, regional and international artists, presented throughout Doha and the nation. From the Qatari desert to the bustling Souq Waqif, the nation’s public spaces have transformed into a vast outdoor art museum experience, featuring more than 100 public artworks, which are on view for locals and tourists across the country.

HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa

Al Thani, Chairperson of QM, said, ‘The addition of 40 new, major works of public art is a significant milestone for Qatar’s public art programme. Public art is one of our most prominent demonstrations of cultural exchange, where we present works from artists of all nationalities and backgrounds. From the arrivals at the best airport in the world — Hamad International Airport (HIA) — to every neighbourhood in our nation, public art is there to make your experience unique. These works vary in size and form, and they encompass a wide range of subject matter, but all further our mission to make art more accessible, engage our publics, celebrate

our heritage, and embrace the cultures of others. ‘More importantly, artists from every corner of the world — representing all continents — have been invited to express their artistic creativity with our very own diverse population. Our longstanding commitment to public art is visible across Qatar, and we hope these works will be welcomed by locals and enhance the experiences had by the millions of visitors we expect to welcome to Doha this year.'

QM is working with various entities across the city on Qatar’s public art programme including HIA, the Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy (SC), and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to install artworks in a variety of both highly trafficked and unexpected public spaces, designed to surprise and delight passersby, including parks, shopping areas, educational and athletic facilities, HIA and Doha Metro stations, as well as stadiums that hosted the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ matches.

Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Ishaq, QM’s Director of Public Art, said, ‘Doha is a vibrant destination, and adding more than 40 new public art installations will further transform the city into a dynamic urban canvas that serves to spark conversations and provide sources of inspiration for all. Qatar Museums’ public art programme, more than anything

Koons, KAWS, Peter Fischli and David Weiss,

Shadows travelling on the sea of the day by Olafur Eliasson

else, serves as a reminder that art is all around us, not confined to museums and galleries, and can be enjoyed and celebrated whether you are going to work, or school, or the desert or the beach.’

Qatar is home to one of the world's finest and most diverse collections of contemporary art, and QM is at the centre of it all. Making art a part of everyday life, Qatar became one of the first countries in the Gulf to create a comprehensive contemporary public art programme. To date, the programme has grown to encompass approximately 70 works by more than 60 artists from Qatar, across the MENA region, and around the world.

Qatari and MENA region artists whose work is presented in the public art programme include Adel Abidin, Ahmed Al Bahrani, Shouq Al Mana, Shua’a Al Muftah, Salman Al Malek, Monira Al Qadiri, Simone Fattal, and Faraj Daham.

One of Qatar's new public art is Tom Claassen’s Falcon (2021), which QM unveiled outside the Departures Hall at HIA in July 2021. The large scale golden falcon depicts the national bird of Qatar.

HIA is home to an extensive collection of public

art, including the popular Untitled (Lamp/Bear) by Urs Fischer, Small Lie by KAWS, Flying Man by Dia Al Azzawi, and much more. To learn more about Art at HIA, see Traveller Information in the Discovering section.

Other public art highlights include Richard Serra’s 7 at MIA Park and East/West-West/East in Zekreet, A Blessing in Disguise by Ghada Al Khater at the Fire Station, Bruce Nauman’s Untitled (Trench, Shafts, Pit, Tunnel and Chamber) at M7, Flag of Glory by Ahmed Al Bahrani and Gates to the Sea by Simone Fattal at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), Subodh Gupta's Gandhi’s Three Monkeys at Katara Cultural Village and Spooning at M7 at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), Maman by Louise Bourgeois at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), Smoke by Tony Smith at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), The Miraculous Journey by Damien Hirst at Sidra Medicine, Bench by Saloua Raouda Choucair at MIA Park, and more.

New public artworks

• Olafur Eliasson’s Shadows travelling on the sea of the day (2022) continues the IcelandicDanish artist's longstanding exploration into

The Miraculous Journey by Damien Hirst

East/West-West/East by Richard Serra Falcon by Tom Claassen

Bench by Saloua Raouda

the interplay of human perception and the natural world. The installation comprises 20 mirrored circular shelters, three single rings, and two double rings that are positioned according to the axes of a fivefold symmetrical pattern, with the 10 shelters at the centre forming a pentagram, or fivepointed star. The principles behind such patterns were recently discovered by mathematicians in the West, although they may have informed some of the sophisticated designs found in Islamic cultures since medieval times.

• A collection of temporary sculptures and installations by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama –including Blooms Forever (2019), Flower that Speaks All About My Heart (2018), Dancing Pumpkin (2020), and Narcissus Garden (2022), among others – are in view on the grounds of Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and MIA Park.

• German artist Katharina Fritsch’s newly installed iconic bright blue Hahn (2021) is on view at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.

• Maqam I, Maqam II, Maqam III (2022) by Lebanese artist Simone Fattal, for which she has created three granite sculptures in a blue coloured granite with a manifold shape that can be perceived at once as a dune, a construction or a tent that appear to be geographical landmarks.

• On view at Al Masrah Park is Dugong (2022), a massive, approximately 21 m high and 31 m wide polychromed mirror-polished stainless-steel sculpture by American artist Jeff Koons in the form of a dugong, an endangered marine mammal native to Qatar’s waters that has inhabited the waters of the peninsula for centuries.

• Another artwork also celebrating the dugong is the Dugong Family installation by Qatar-based Iraqi sculptor Ahmed Al Bahrani in Al Ruwais, highlighting the dugong’s significance as part of Qatar’s history and commitment to protecting the species.

• Commissioned works by Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto include an installation in the Qatari desert are titled Slug Turtle, TemplEarth (2022), and CocoonEarth, Our Goal is the Life (2022)

• Al Jassasiya (2022) by Qatari artist Salman Al Malek is an installation that sits in Al Dastour Plaza inspired by Al Jassasiya, which is was a seaport located on the northeast coast of Qatar.

• Toub Toub Ya Bahar (2022) by Qatari artist Salman Al Malek sits on the Doha Corniche and is inspired by an old song from Qatar and the Gulf sung by women in the community as they wait for sailors and divers to return. It translates to 'Oh sea, have mercy on the sailors!'.

• Acacia-Tree Seeds (2022) by Qatari Artist Mohammed Al Atiq, symbolises the good and bad nature of human beings and highlights the duality of humanity and art, by depicting the seeds from the Acacia Tree.

• KAWS’ site-specific commission THE PROMISE (2022), depicting the American artist’s companion figures in a tender gesture suggesting a parent carefully passing the globe to the hands of a child, is a unique piece for the future Dadu, Qatar Children’s Museum, and is on view at its park.

• Doha Mountains (2022) by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, on view along Ras Bu Abboud Beach near Stadium 974, echoes the colours of the five Olympic rings that encircle the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.

Hahn by Katharina Fritsch

Toub Toub Ya Bahar by Salman Al Malek

AL Jassasiya by Salman Al Malek

• A mosaic installation titled Qatari Walls 'Village of the Sun' (2022) by American artist Rashid Johnson comprises four walls.

• On view at Al Masrah Park is Doha Modern Playground (2022), a site-responsive playground by Shezad Dawood inspired by a group of four key modernist buildings in Doha.

• Located along the West Bay North Beach is Kuwaiti artist Monira Al Qadiri’s Zephyr (2022), a large-scale recreation of a microscopic organism seen in fossilised marine algae found in the Arabian Peninsula.

• Peter Fischli & David Weiss’s sculpture Rock on Top of Another Rock (2022) is made up of two nearly 30-ton boulders that are stacked and balanced without aid. On view at the Qatar National Theatre, the installation is the last work created by the Swiss artist duo.

• A series of sculptures by Korean artist Suki Seokyeong Kang titled Here We Hear (2022) on the Doha Corniche encourages spectators to congregate and interact with one another.

• I Live Under Your Sky Too (2022) is a light installation by Shilpa Gupta in the form of an animated sentence in which the Indian artist’s handwriting rises and shines from lines of a ruled book to read 'I Live Under Your Sky To' in three interwoven languages, at Stadium 974.

• American conceptual artist Lawrence Weiner’s All the Stars in the Sky Have the Same Face (2011/20) is a large banner in red, white and blue that extends across Stadium 974.

• Inspired by construction debris and location marks or neshan found in both urban and desert environments, Qatari artist Shua’a Ali’s Tawazun (2022) in Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) and Milestones (2022) in Old Al Ghanim explore the relationship between past and present day Doha using symbolic stacking of materials to create visionary, balanced and agglomerative sculptural forms.

• The site-specific work Us, Her, Him (2022) by Lebanese artist Najla El Zein is on view at the Flag Plaza along the Corniche. It explores the relationship between form, use, space and emotion through themes relating to abstract conceptions of the body.

• Located around the Qatar National Theatre is American artist Faye Toogood’s Clay Court (2022), an immersive display of 17 hand-shaped sculptures

• The enormous Gekröse (2011) is one of the late Austrian artist Franz West’s largest works, presenting a monumental, wielded aluminium sculpture that is as imposing as it is whimsical, in bright pink hues, that may concurrently attract and shock viewers at Al Masrah Park.

• Iraqi artist Adel Abidin’s light installation They Asked Me to Change It, and I Agreed (2022) on the façade of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, which explores contemporary art as a means of dialogue and change and adds to the existing works Al Safina (The Ship) by Egyptian artist Adam Henein and The Guardian of the Fertile Crescent (2001–2010) by the late Iraqi painter and sculptor Ismail Fattah.

• Qatari artist Shouq Al Mana’s Egal (2022) is installed along the Lusail Marina Promenade, and serves as a tribute to Qatar’s history and traditions.

Explore the wonderful and extensive world of public art in Qatar as the country boasts a dynamic art and cultural scene. From striking sculptures and specially commissioned artwork and photography, Qatar's public art pieces are immersive, informal and interactive.

m

For more information on art in Qatar, visit the Qatar Creates website qacreates.com and the Qatar Museums website qm.org.qa

Egal by Shouq Al Mana

Milestones by Shua'a Ali

Photo credit: Iwan Baan Courtesy of Qatar Museums

Archaeological Sites, Forts and Ruins

If you want an insight into Qatar’s history, culture and heritage, visit one of the archaeological sites or old forts. Some of these heritage sites have been partially restored, while others exist as ruins or excavation sites. The location of forts can be found on the Marhaba map of Qatar. For more information, visit the Qatar Museums (QM) website,

Ain Hleetan well

Ain Hleetan well is on the west coast of Al Khor. Cylindrical and built of gravel, clay and plaster, it led to the settlement of the Al Mahanda tribe in the city. Local legend has it that around 150 years ago, a group of hunters discovered the water source accidentally while chasing a hare. Ancient sources describe the salubrious features of its water, reputed to cure illnesses, to the extent that local residents would call it 'the doctor'. In the past, the well used to be closed to stop water flow for regular cleaning and maintenance. Today, this water source is maintained and monitored by an architectural conservation team.

Al Ghuwair Castle

The ruins of this 19th century rectangular fort lie 85 km northwest of Doha. Although it carries a historical significance in Qatar's architectural stands, Al Ghuwair Castle is now almost all debris.

Al Huwaila Fort

Prior to the development of Al Zubara (also written as Al Zubarah) and Doha, Al Huwaila was Qatar’s principal town and is 29 km north of Al Khor. The fort was built during the early Islamic period and was occupied by Al Musallam members of the Bani Khalid family in the 18th century.

Al Jassasiya Petroglyphs or Rock Carvings

Al Jassasiya is one of a dozen rock-carving sites in Qatar. Rock carvings, so called ‘petroglyphs’, can be found around the coasts of Qatar as well as on Bahrain's Al Hawar Island. But the greatest number of carvings can be found at this major petroglyph site, north of Doha, on low limestone hills (jebel).

First discovered in 1957, the site was systematically studied in 1974 when 874 carved single figures and compositions were catalogued. These rock carvings consist mainly of cup marks in various arrangements, including rows, rosettes and stars, but also of carvings, such as boats, footprints and enigmatic symbols and signs. It is believed that the cup marks are used for playing ancient board games. One of these board games may have been mancala. The game was known in Qatar as Al Haloosa or Al Huwaila. While it has previously been suggested that the earliest might date back to the Neolithic period, new evidence makes it likely that they are not more than a few hundred years old. To get there, you will need a four-wheel-drive, or arrange a tour with a local tour operator (see Local Tour Companies in this section).

Al Jumail Village

On the northwest coast of Qatar lies the small traditional but ruined village of Al Jumail. It was inhabited by the Al Kubaisi family. It is a favourite weekend destination for local families, since it represents their heritage, history, roots and origin of their ancestors.

The village comprises a set of important traditional buildings, including a small mosque with its minaret still intact. This village dates back to the second half of the 19th century and was inhabited until the beginning of the 20th century.

Al Khor Tower and Museum (pictured)

The tower can be seen overlooking the corniche at Al Khor. It was built in 1900. Nearby is the museum –learn about the myth of Ghilan and Mae, the region’s first female pirate, and see the displays of marine life.

qm.org.qa, or the Visit Qatar website, visitqatar.qa

Al Koot Fort D4

Al Koot means both fort and jail. The building is on Jassim bin Mohammed Street. It was built in 1880 as a police station, became a jail in 1906, and is now a museum. It was renovated in the 1970s and now reflects its original shape.

Al Khulaifi Heritage House D4

Al Khulaifi Heritage House is located within Muglina Unit Park. It has been recently restored by Qatar Museums and enlisted on the ISESCO Islamic World Heritage List in June 2021.

Al Rakayat Fort

A one-hour drive northwest of Doha, you'll discover the newly restored Al Rakayat Fort. Qatar Museums’ Department of Architectural Conservation completed the restoration project of the historic fort in February 2022. Historical sources place the origins of the fort between the 17th and 19th century. Following its initial restoration in 1988, the archaeological site suffered environmental damage that took a toll on the structural components of the historic building. Restoration works focused on the main structural components of the building, including plaster, flooring, installation of a wooden ceiling, doors, and treatment against pests. Its unique, local building style and historic integration into the country’s landscape have made Al Rakayat one of the oldest and most important desert forts in Qatar. Named after the Arabic word for ‘well’, Rakayat Fort contains a 5 km-deep freshwater well, from which villagers painstakingly pulled up water. The fort is unusual for its low height (only 3 m). Each corner of the central courtyard features a staircase leading up to one of three rectangular and one cylindrical watchtower, with expansive views of the rocky landscape juxtaposed against the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Al Thaqab Fort (pictured)

Al Thaqab Fort lies about 10 km from Al Zubara, on the eastern side of the road. With finds such as fragments of pottery and Indian glass bangles, the fort could possibly date back to the 19th century. However the houses that surround it may indicate an earlier date. Thaqab means the 'water in the bottom of the valley after rain'. Al Thaqab is one of the forts that was renovated in the 1980s but unfortunately, not authentically and carefully enough. In proximity to the fort, towards the west, there is a deep well that has been in use since 1911. The water is pumped out rather than hauled up in buckets, the latter representing an old and traditional custom still in practice today. Al Thaqab is a desert fort built of rough limestone blocks or flat slabs of beach-rocks (faroush), with three round corner towers and one rectangular tower. The inside of the fort, typically, was used by villagers to store food and water in case they were besieged.

Al

Wajbah Fort C1

One of Qatar’s oldest forts; it was the site of a famous battle in 1893 when Sheikh Qassim bin Mohammed Al Thani defeated the Ottomans.

Al Zubara and Al Zubara Archaeological Site

A historic coastal town that is now abandoned, Al Zubara is situated approximately 100 km northwest of Doha. Founded in the mid-18th century, the town developed into a centre for pearling and international trade, and rose to become the country’s largest and most important settlement. The success of Al Zubara attracted the attention of other Gulf powers, and after several attacks the town was eventually burned to the ground in 1811. It never fully recovered and was abandoned by the mid-20th century.

Al Zubara is home to the new stunning public installation 'Shadows Travelling on the Sea of the Day' by Icelandic–Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, which comprises 20 mirrored circular shelters, three single rings, and two double rings, with the 10 shelters at the centre forming a pentagram. It is an invitation to resync with the planet. It is a celebration of everything being in and moving through the desert site north of Doha – animals, plants, and human beings; stories, traditions, and cultural artefacts; wind, sunlight, air and shimmering heat.

Al Zubara Archaeological Site is Qatar’s largest heritage site. It has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of an 18–19th century merchant town in the Gulf region. Al Zubara Archaeological Site covers an area of 60 hectares with remains of houses, mosques, large fortified buildings and a market. Open to the public, daily 9 am – 5 pm.

Abraj Barzan (Barzan Towers) or Umm Slal Mohammed Fort, and Al Sharqi

Two towers built in Umm Slal Mohammed. Burj Barzan (burj meaning tower, abraj towers) was built during the late 19th century in a unique 'T' shape, a rectangular construction with three levels and an external staircase. Both towers have been completely restored. 20 km north of Doha and built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the fort was designed to combine civilian and military functions.

Jazirat bin Ghannam (Purple Island) (pictured)

Excavations at this site 40 km north of Doha in the Al Khor area have brought to light several hearths and rectangular structures. Layers of shells have also been found – the shellfish (thais savigny) lives under rocks and produces a bright dye when in contact with an enzyme and light. The site may have been used during the Bronze Age to produce dye. If true, it is the only documented dye production site in the Arabian Gulf, and the only one outside of the Mediterranean, where it was usually produced.

The island is also known for the mangrove trees, tolerant tropical trees that survive in salty, inter-tidal, shallow lagoons where other plants rarely grow. There are almost 50 species of mangroves, but in Qatar there is only one, known as Grey Mangrove. Jazirat bin Ghannam is perfect for birdwatching, as a large number of migratory birds stay in the area during the winter. This is an open site with off-road access, approximately 5 km from the main road. Find it on the map of Al Khor.

Murwab archaeological site

Murwab is the only sizeable Islamic settlement in Qatar not located on the coast. Dating back to the 9–11th century, Murwab used to be a settlement of some 250 houses, constructed in groups, a residence and two mosques. Excavations have revealed also a group of tombs scattered around the groups of houses. The Murwab palatial residence is known to be the oldest discovered Islamic palace in Qatar. The excavated foundation walls overlaying each other show clearly that the structure was rebuilt in the same place by reducing its size. This is a closed site.

Ras Abrouq (Bir Zekreet)

Ras Abrouq, which is also known as Bir Zekreet, is on the west coast, north of Dukhan, and is fascinating with its unusual landscape of white cliffs sculpted into strange shapes. This formation is known as hofuf, fine-grained to pebbly coarse-grained fluvial sandstones of the Late Miocene to Pliocene eras.

This area of Qatar never experienced permanent erected housing, however one proof of life is the fort at Bir Zekreet, which is also one of the only forts in the west. It is thought to have been built between 1809 and 1812. Around the remains of the fort is a settlement of small houses and archaeologists have discovered the remains of a building between the fort and the sea, housing three date-presses. Here you will also find Richard Serra’s public art installation 'East-West/West-East'

Beaches

Qatar is a peninsula; the coastline is over 560 km long, so there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Mesaieed is the most popular beach destination because it is the only place in Qatar where the sand dunes meet the water. Some, like the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) can only be reached by a four‑wheel‑drive while others, such as Al Wakra, are only a short drive away and suitable for all cars. Swimming in the Gulf waters is a relaxing experience, but beware of jellyfish in the summer!

Visitors to the busier public family beaches should be aware that they need to wear appropriate, modest clothing. Many of Qatar's public beaches are isolated with no facilities. Bring everything you need with you: food and plenty of water, sunscreen, towels and a first aid kit – and please take away all your rubbish.

Al Farkiah

A family beach with a 1,350 m seafront just outside Al Khor. See our maps for Al Khor and Al Thakhira. It's a well maintained beach with clear waters and serene views of the mangroves. There are play areas, wooden sheds, watchtowers, and other facilities. Opening times: Daily 7 am – midnight. Sundays and Wednesdays are open only for women and children under the age of 10, 7 am – 10 pm. Admission: Free.

Al Ghariya

Located 80 km from central Doha, just 4.5 km beyond Fuwairit (see entry on next page), is Al Ghariya Beach, which is also known as Al Ghariya Island. Part of a series of alluring islands situated just off the coast of mainland Qatar, Al Ghariya is a popular weekend destination for locals and visitors. It's after Al Ghariya Beach Resort. Drive 1.5 km until you reach an abandoned village. The best spot is further north beyond the old Scout Camp.

Al Jassasiya

Near the Al Jassasiya Petroglyphs are the beautiful turquoise waters and soft sand of Al Jassasiya beach, perfect for camping or barbecuing. The water is shallow and may not be suitable for swimming.

Al Kharaij

Located near Umm Bab, a public beach with facilities. The only way to get there involves driving over 6 km on a dirt road and it does get pretty bumpy at times. Nearby is a beach for single men and labourers.

Al Mafjar

Located in the historic and abandoned village of Al Mafjar on the northern tip of Qatar is Al Mafjar Beach, which is surrounded by abandoned historic ruins. It is a good beach for watersports, swimming, snorkelling and hiking. Al Mafjar Beach is close to Umm Tais National Park, an important protected habitat for birds and other animals.

Al Mamlha (pictured)

It's the second women's only beach in Qatar. The beach is around 15,000 sq m and can be accessed through the main entrance from the north side. At night, the beach is lit up using eco friendly solar energy. It is completely fenced and provides all basic facilities like toilets, guard rooms, umbrellas, barbecue places, rubbish bins, and rope barriers along the beach to prevent the entry of water bikes. Female guards provide protection for all visitors at the beach. Opening times: Daily 9 am – 10 pm.

Admission: QAR25 for adults and QAR5 for children.

Al Maroona

Situated on the northern tip of Qatar, just before Fuwairit, Al Maroona is known as '42 km Beach' or 'French Beach'. The sand is soft and golden and the water is crystal clear with fascinating sea life to explore. You may see starfish, turtles, tiny hermit crabs, jellyfish and plenty of other fish.

Al Ruwais

At the northern tip of Qatar, at the end of Al Shamal (North) Road and about 110 km from Doha, are some quiet beach areas with coves and inlets, and picnic and shaded spots. The rock formations are very different in this region and wildlife such as dugongs (an aquatic animal) can be seen. Al Shamal Municipality has started implementing a project to provide the beach with shades and solar energy-run lights.

Al Safliya Island C5 (pictured)

The small uninhabited island lies off the coast of Doha, south of The Pearl Island. The natural paradise is for nature lovers to enjoy the sun, swim and admire the mesmerising views of the Doha skyline. On the southern part of the island, there are wooden umbrellas; however, there are almost no other facilities such as restrooms. To get there, you can take a dhow boat from either The Pearl Island or Doha Cornich, or arrange a trip with a local tour operator (see Local Tour Companies in this section) to enjoy watersports on the island such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, paddle boarding and many more.

Al Sultan Beach Resort

Located on Al Khor beach, Al Sultan Beach Resort is just a short drive from Doha, about 35 km. With its own private beach, swimming pool and jacuzzi, the resort is wonderful for water activities and just relaxing away. The resort features 181 rooms including suites with a unique modern and open design providing guests with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, a gym and spa, a restaurant and more. Opening times: Daily 9 am – 7 pm. Admission: QAR125 adults, QAR75 children at the ages of 4 to 10, children under the age of 4 enter for free. Contact: 4041 7111, alsultanbeachhotel.qa

Al Thakhira

The largest and oldest dense mangroves reserves can be found around Al Thakhira and Al Khor – about 35–40 km from Doha. The beach offers serene views with the lush green mangroves, which are inhabited by a variety of small birds. A great way to explore the mangroves is by kayak, available from several tour operators and specialist companies. All of these can be booked in advance, and many companies offer both morning and afternoon kayaking trips. It is also an ideal location for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and barbecuing. Remember to keep it clean and protect the mangroves. At high tide, the salt marsh can turn treacherous, so park near the small wadi (desert depression) unless you're using a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Al Wakra

The old fishing town of Al Wakra is undergoing continuous redevelopment. The 4 km coastline stretches from the hills to the fishing harbour. The beachfront traditional village called Souq Al Wakra is a replica of life 200 years ago. Al Wakra family beach in the Al Jabal area has volleyball and football areas, sun shades, showers and toilets. The water is shallow but with lots of rocks, and children should be supervised. Solar power is being utilised to provide lighting.

Azerbaijani

One of the best and most popular beaches in Qatar, the public beach comes right before Al Jassasiya beach with beautiful turquoise waters and soft sand, perfect for a camp or barbecue.

B12 Beach Club Doha C4

The new family-friendly beach club by Ayla Oasis, in partnership with Qatar Airways, has an indoor restaurant and a laid-back beach deck for all-day dining, loungers, sunbeds and a VIP area. It also features water and beach entertainment activities including a Doha-shaped floating obstacle course. B12 Beach Club Doha offers an exclusive experience to visitors through lively beachy vibes, bohemian interiors featuring graffiti art by Qatari artists, and various entertainment elements for all age groups for a day-to-night experience.

B12 Beach Club Doha also houses The Bistro, an indoor restaurant with a versatile gourmet menu that offers brunches at weekends with entry at QAR400 per person. Next door are Doha Sands and West Bay Beach. Opening times: 10 am – sunset. Admission: QAR150 per person – redeemable with food and beverages; free entry for children under the age of 12. Contact: 5999 6122, Instagram @b12beachclubdoha

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara C5

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara feels a world away from bustling Doha but is only a 25-minute journey by luxury ferry from Al Shyoukh Terminal located on the Doha Corniche or a 10-minute helicopter ride directly from the airport with bird’s eye views of the spectacular coastline. Bask on their private 800 m beach, refresh yourself at the 100 m long lagoon pool, or master the waves in their surf pool and enjoy a wide range of watersports. You can also sign up for snorkelling and scuba diving adventures. Opening times: Daily 10 am – 7 pm. Admission: Weekdays: QAR350 per adult or child (5 years and above), QAR100 (for boat transfers) for children between 2 and 4, children under 2 enter for free. Weekends and public holidays: QAR500 per adult or child (5 years and above), QAR100 (for boat transfers) for children between 2 and 4, children under 2 enter for free. Contact: 4040 5050, doha.anantara.com

Doha Sands C4

Neighbouring B12 Beach Club Doha and West Bay Beach, Doha Sands is a beach where you can eat, dance, chill, swim and play. Select your snack from the various food kiosks, pick your sunbed and listen to music by various DJs. Visitors also have access to B12's Doha-shaped floating obstacle course. Opening times: 10 am – sunset. Admission: Sunday – Thursday: QAR75 per person – redeemable with food and beverages; Friday and Saturday: QAR100 with QAR75 redeemable with food and beverages; free entry for children under the age of 18. Contact: 5999 6122, Twitter and Instagram @dohasandsbeach

Dukhan

Dukhan is one of the most popular destinations for public beaches. Once you arrive at the gates to Dukhan, turn left and follow the coast road for 9 km until you reach Dukhan Water Sports. The tarred road ends here, but to the south there are plenty of places to stop. The beaches are sandy but watch out for sharp rocks under the water.

Fuwairit

80 km from Landmark mall on the Al Shamal (North) Road, look out for interchange exit number 79, as the signpost for Fuwairit is just before the bridge. Come off the road, turn right at this sign and follow the surfaced road leading to a small village. Upon reaching the outskirts of the village, turn left onto a rough track running parallel to the coast. Drive for about a kilometre to get to the beach. From here turn right for the main beach and watch the kitesurfers, or turn left to see the unusual formations of eroded jebel that run down to the water’s edge. Watch out for rocks in the water.

Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB) (pictured)

A new resort on Qatar's northern coast, designed around the kitesurfing lifestyle. In addition to kitesurfing, the beach destination is a place to stay, dine and enjoy activities such as volleyball, football, paddling, yoga and more. By Alya Oasis and part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, FKB comprises 40 beach rooms (32 king rooms and eight twin rooms connecting to the king rooms). Opening times: 8 am – 6 pm. Admission: Day pass and kitesurfing packages range from QAR110 to QAR2,238 per person. Contact: 3990 2420, fkb.qa

B12 Beach Club Doha

Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB)

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas

Located on the sunny southwest coast of Qatar and spanning 3.5 km of private beach, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas hideaway features a luxury spa, a marina, and a water and adventure park with slides, rides, and family-friendly attractions (see Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park in Leisure Activities and Sports Activities in the Events and Activities section). More than 20 restaurants showcase global flavours, including an underwater dining experience. Savour garden vistas and views of the sparkling Gulf from their collection of 361 rooms, suites, and exclusive villas with a pool, indoor to outdoor living spaces, and direct beach access. Opening times: Daily 8 am – sunset. Admission: Daily QAR150; purchase at q-tickets.com (access to Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, gym and Kids Club is not included in the purchase, however access to the Kids Club is available at the rate of QAR75 per child, per hour). Contact: 4423 6666, salwabeachresort.qa

Located at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort is the Kaia Beach Club. Nestled on 3.5 km of private island, from your sun lounger, you can order sushi, poke bowls, burgers and desserts, as well as mixed drinks. The beach club also regularly hosts DJs over the weekend. Take advantage of complimentary transport offered to daycationers by booking in advance. Opening times: Wednesday 10 am – 8 pm, Thursday and Friday 11 am – 10 pm, Saturday 10 am – 8 pm. Admission: QAR150 per person. Contact: 5572 2235, kaiabeachclub.com

Jazirat bin Ghannam (Purple Island)

Also known as Al Khor Island, Purple Island is one of the most popular destinations for kayaking, stand up paddling and other water sports with lush mangroves and rich bird life including flamingos. 'Purple' Island gets its name from the dye extracted from the sea snail (shellfish called thais savigny), evidence of which can be found all over this coastal stretch of land. The 'island' is surrounded by mangroves and is accessed via a causeway (broken away in parts). Climb to the top of the jebel for a 360° view of Al Khor.

Katara Beach B4

Katara Beach is a 1.5 km long public beach at Katara Cultural Village. A play area is located by the beach where children can enjoy a variety of activities, games and rides as well as child friendly watersports. The beach also includes the luxurious 4,600 sq m Katara Beach Club by LivNordic Spa & Wellness, which features two gender separated floors of Scandinavian-inspired health and wellness principles of health. Opening times: Beach opening and closing timings vary according to season. Call for up to date opening times. Admission: QAR10 for those at the age of 18 and above; separate fees apply for watersports and lessons. Contact: 4408 1017/1985, 7002 9360, katara.net

Mesaieed (Sealine) (pictured)

Mesaieed is the industrial town at the original centre of the petrochemical industry, 40 km south of Doha. There are some good beaches to the south of the town and this is where the barchans (crescent-shaped) sand dunes begin. Mesaieed is home to Qatar's most popular sand dunes and the luxurious Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort. Dune buggies and quad bikes can be hired here near the resort. It is busiest at the weekend – cars, buggies and quad bikes will be driving in all directions on the beach, so exercise caution. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are necessary if veering away from the main beach area – don’t forget to select your vehicle's lowest gear when approaching the softer sand.

Nammos Beach Club A4

Al Maha Island, which is linked to the mainland via a causeway, plays host to the world-famous Mykonos beachside restaurant Nammos Beach Club frequented by global superstars such as Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Qatar, Nammos Beach Club offers up super fresh seafood plus world-class sushi, as well as an extensive mixed drinks and bubbly menu. The original

branch is also known for its shisha lounge. There are Nammos beach clubs in Cannes, France; London, the UK; and Dubai, the UAE. Opening times: Daily 11 am – 8 pm. Admission: QAR300 per person (with sunbed), QAR150 per person (with umbrella), free entry for children under the age of six. Contact: 5100 0077, 3154 9249, nammos.com/qatar

Ras Abrouq (Bir Zekreet)

The bay is at the tip of a peninsula northeast of Dukhan and is a popular spot for weekend campers and watersports enthusiasts. Full of interesting coves and bays, you may see flamingos in the half-moon bay. If you turn right, you will go past the SCENR reserve for gazelles and ostriches.

If travelling up to Bir Zekreet, it's worth taking some time going inland and finding the 'film set' built into the rock faces of the jebels with small, rough stone buildings where a film was produced several years ago. From here drive up the jebel face – if in a suitable vehicle – and in the distance you will see a small fort. This was used as the location for a TV series, and is open to the public.

Ras Bu Abboud Beach 974 D4 (pictured)

Also known as Beach 974, the new tourist and family destination is a 260,000 sq m and 1.2 km long recreational destination with relaxing sands, live music and DJs, water sports and beach activities, food and retail outlets and more. It also includes walking and cycling paths with a length of 2.6 km; 11,500 sq m of landscaping and 500 trees; service booths such as restaurants, cafés, toilets and more in four separate areas; 73 seating areas, 216 umbrellas, 286 beach chairs and beach showers; and 255 parking spaces. The beach is next to the only waterfront venue of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Stadium 974, and is home to the colourful public art installation 'Doha Mountains' by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, next to Tche Tche Cafe. Opening times: 10 am – sunset. Admission: QAR35 per person; QAR15 for children below the age of 12. Contact: ra974beach.com, Instagram @974.beach

Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort

Rising majestically from the sands, where the blue waves of the Arabian Sea meet the dunes, lies Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort, a haven of comfort, luxury, and leisure. Qatar’s first leisure destination, Sealine Beach Resort is the perfect place to get away from the thriving urban life. With 58 luxurious villas equipped with modern facilities and opening on to a rear patio leading directly to the beach, Sealine Beach Resort offers a wide range of fine cuisines as well as recreational activities such as water sports, desert safari, football, basketball, beach volleyball, etc. Opening times: Daily 8 am –5 pm. Admission: QAR300 per adult, children above 5 can visit at half price, children 5 and below enter for free. Contact: 4021 4000, sealinebeachqatar.com

Semaisma North Beach

Just 30 km north of Doha is the village of Semaisma. The Semaisma North Beach is a 7 km guarded and fenced family beach, which has been developed to include shades, open areas for barbecues, lighting, and bathrooms and shower rooms. The last 3 km of the beach is reserved for women only. Opening times: Daily 8 am – 8 pm. Admission: QAR50 per car. Nearby is the Semaisma public beach, which stretches out from a natural jetty, skirts around a small cluster of mangroves and continues around the bend. On the south end is a small hill with a derelict building; a nice silhouette at dusk. Enjoy the mangroves, which play a vital role in land preservation. Try to avoid crushing the mangrove roots. The beach also boasts palm and sidra trees, and a variety of seasonal plants.

Simaisma, A Murwab Resort

Simaisma, A Murwab Resort is a luxurious retreat on Simaisma Beach. The property features 52 villas, and facilities include a private beach area and watersports. The resort has a year-round outdoor pool and barbecue area. The resort is also home to Six Senses Spa, which is arranged over two floors with dedicated male and female areas. Spa goers can enjoy a selection of signature massages, facials by Subtle Energies, locally-inspired treatments and beauty services. Opening times: Daily 10 am – 7 pm.

Admission: QAR250 per adult, QAR125 per child. Contact: 4479 9555, simaisma.com

Umm Bab

There’s a small cluster of palm trees beside the breakwater that earned the beach its nickname ‘Palm Tree Beach’. People can enjoy camping or barbecuing at the beach, which is located in close proximity to the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve where you can find many different plants and animals. One may even find an Arabian Oryx roaming freely around the area.

Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha (pictured)

The new Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha features 461 rooms and suites, a destination resort with private beach, waterpark and other amenities and international restaurants. Another major international brand SUSHISAMBA – which is in cities across the globe including London, Las Vegas and most recently, Dubai – comes to Doha at Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha. SUSHISAMBA Doha is home to the brand’s first ever beach club. Expect sharing plates like sushi, Peruvian ceviches and Brazilian moqueca, plus mixed drinks. Opening times: Beach Club: Friday and Saturday 11 am – 8 pm; Restaurant: Daily 6 pm – midnight. Admission: QAR500 per person (with sunbeds); QAR250 (without sunbeds). Only adults at the age of 21 and above are allowed entry. ID/passport required for entry. Contact: 4456 5774, sushisamba.com

West Bay Beach C4

Neighbouring Doha Sands and B12 Beach Club Doha, the new West Bay Beach is a premium beachfront in the West Bay business district with relaxing sunbeds, food trucks offering delicious snacks, kids' playgrounds and sporting courts. Opening times: Daily 8 am – 2 am. Admission: QAR50 per person; free entry for children below the age of 12.

In addition, there are many beach hotels and resorts such as InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa; Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha; The St Regis, Doha; Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas; Four Seasons Hotel Doha; Hilton Doha; Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel; Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel; Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som; Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha; and more.

Mosques

There are numerous mosques in Qatar, some of which are very old, that are still used for daily prayer by local Muslims. There are over 2,000 mosques across Qatar, managed by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, which was created in 1993. Non-Muslims are able to enter most mosques, except for the Shioukh Mosque next to the Amiri Diwan on the corner of Al Rayyan Road and Jassim bin Mohammed Street. Entry to all mosques is free of cost. It is best to visit mosques outside of prayer times.

Mosque etiquette

Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar) organises tours of its own mosque near Souq Waqif, and those at Katara Cultural Village and Education City. Visitors must remember to dress appropriately: no shorts, short skirts or dresses, sleeveless tops or other revealing garments. Women will be asked to wear an abaya and to cover their hair. In some mosques, abayas and scarves are provided.

Abu Manaratain Mosque

Even though manaratain means ‘two minarets’ in Arabic, this mosque only has one tall, slender tower. Restored in 2004, this unusual mosque in Al Wakra lacks the high walls typical of Qatari mosques. The mosque can only be visited externally.

Al Qubib Masjid

Located in Al Souq Area in central Doha, Al Qubib Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in the region. The mosque was built to resemble and replace an older mosque demolished in 1950, and said to be a unique example of multi-dome mosques in the Gulf region. The mosque has now been restored as part of Al Qubib Masjid Plaza development project by the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places. The new layout of the mosque closely follows the older mosque, but with modern amenities such as technical rooms, offices, and ablution facilities. The new concrete mosque can receive up to 800 worshippers.

Aspire Mosque D2

With 1,460 sq m, accommodating 700 men and 150 women for prayer, Aspire Mosque incorporates the most appropriate form and architectural finishes, falling into harmony with the adjacent buildings.

Education City Mosque C2

The mosque, a large white cavernous structure with Quranic verses embossed into its large ceiling, is dotted with small lights, and has the capacity to hold approximately 1,800 people in its indoor prayer halls and outdoor courtyard. The main (male) prayer room on the first floor features an in-house library, and a large gilded mehrab, a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca and hence the direction that Muslims should face when praying), in a Quran verse-lined alcove. Upstairs, a female gallery room complete with a separate seating area is sectioned off from the main prayer room by a high wall. The mosque rests on five structural pillars and is decorated with verses. Underneath, water flows from four streams originating from a garden that lines the perimeter of the building. Two tall, slim minarets jutt out of one side of the structure, rising some 90 m in the air in the direction of Mecca. Islamic calligraphy forms the heart of the building, inscribed on almost every element of the structure’s surface, from roofs to ceramic tiles to glass windows. Contact: 4454 6600, qf.org.qa/community/education-city-mosque

Hamad International Airport (HIA) mosque D5

The public mosque is located just outside the passenger terminal, within walking distance of the Departures hall. The shape of a water droplet inspires the mosque’s architecture, and it offers spectacular views of the lagoon and Amiri Terminal.

Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque (The State Mosque) C3 (pictured)

Located on Khalifa Street/Onaiza Street, the renamed State Mosque is the largest in Qatar and can accommodate 10,000 worshippers inside and 30,000 outside. Traditional-style lighting illuminates

the outer courtyard, where there is granite seating. The main prayer hall has 28 large domes and a single minaret 65 m high. Structurally inspired by the 'Bo Al Qabib' mosque designed by Sheikh Jasim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of modern Qatar. While it is not open to the public, it is a very impressive yet understated piece of architecture and spectacular at night.

Katara Masjid (Blue Mosque) B4

Located in Katara Cultural Village, the Katara Masjid is one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. Designed by globally-known Turkish mosque designer, Zeynep Fadillioglu, and a team of restoration specialists from Dolma Palace in Istanbul, the interior and exterior architectural designs, together with the minaret, the dome, and the prayer niche (mihrab) are all inspired by several famous mosques found in various cities and capitals of the Islamic world.

Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar) D4

The distinctive curled minaret makes Fanar one of Qatar's most iconic buildings. Opposite Souq Waqif on Grand Hamad Street, the centre offers non-Muslims the opportunity to learn more about Islam through various activities, including attending Friday prayers, taking a tour of the mosque, learning Arabic or downloading publications from the website. Check their Facebook page for events and schedules.

Contact: 4444 7444, binzaid.gov.qa

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Abdulrahman Al Thani Mosque D2

Also known as Al Rayyan Mosque, the Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Abdulrahman Al Thani Mosque is located opposite the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club. The mosque is one of the largest mosques in Qatar with sky high minarets of up to 60 m and domes of 39 m, covering an area of over 9,000 sq m. As many as 2,500 worshippers are able to pray in the mosque, with a separate prayer area for women. The mosque also includes small libraries within the walls and pillars of the prayer hall consisting of a large collection of Qurans, and with at least 100 books and religious reading material in various langauges.

Simaisma Mosque

North of Doha on Al Khor Coastal Road (Route 6) is Simaisma, a 19th century fishing and pearling town, where the mosque is open from sunrise to late afternoon. Dating back to 1938, it used to house a madrassa (school) teaching the holy Quran to children as well as being a place of prayer. Visitors are advised not to enter the mosque or to take photographs during prayer time. Snacks and refreshments can be bought near the mosque, and if you wander south along the coast when the tide is low, you can see the traditional hadra (inter-tidal fishing traps).

The Golden Mosque B4 (pictured)

Located in Katara Cultural Village, The Golden Masjid is garnished with extremely small golden chips, and it represents Ottoman style. Katara offers, in masjids, several religious programmes and a series of religious lectures delivered by a group of prominent and esteemed religious scholars. Katara also organises advanced courses in Quran memorisation that are widely attended by a considerable number of children from different age groups. Such courses bear significance because they instil the virtuous values and the good manners of the holy Quran.

The Grand Mosque (Al Shouyoukh Mosque) D4

Situated on the Corniche next to the Amiri Diwan, and alongside the clocktower, the Grand Mosque features some striking architecture, with numerous domes and a distinctive green and white colour combination. Although not open to the public, it still presents a photo opportunity.

Museums and Art Galleries

Qatar Museums (QM) C4, formerly known as Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), is a government entity that oversees museums across Qatar including National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf, QM Gallery at Katara, Al Riwaq and more. In addition, it oversees archaeological sites throughout Qatar such as the Al Zubara World Heritage Site Visitor Centre qm.org.qa

3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum B2 (pictured)

Designed by Spanish architect Joan Sibina, the museum is approximately 19,000 sq m, making it one of the largest of its kind, and is built onto Khalifa International Stadium. 3-2-1 is one of the world's most innovative and technologically advanced museums dedicated to sports. It's also one of the world's most comprehensive sports museums, offering an interactive journey through the history and legacy of sports around the globe and the Olympic Games. Inside the museum there are fresh, healthy gourmet choices including 3-2-1 Cafe and Naua Restaurant by Michelin-star chef Tom Aikens. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm; Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm. Admission: Free admission for Qatar residents (with Qatar ID); free admission for children at the age of 16 and below; QAR50 for non-residents; QAR25 for students (with student IDs). Contact: 4452 5555, 321qosm.org.qa

al markhiya gallery Building 5, Katara Cultural Village B4 Fire Station C3

Promotes emerging and established Arab artists. There are two exhibition spaces for al markhiya gallery – Katara Art Center, Building 5 and Fire Station. Opening times: Exhibition space, daily 10 am – 9 pm.

Admission: Free. Contact: 6609 9687, 6600 8750, almarkhiyagallery.com

Anima Gallery 30 La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl Island B4

The gallery focuses on local, regional and international contemporary art; there is also a restaurant. Opening times: Gallery: Sunday to Thursday 10 am – 7 pm, closed Friday and Saturday. Lounge: Daily 9 am – midnight. Admission: Free. Contact: 4402 7437, animagallery.com

Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar

Under development by QM, Dadu is a museum in the making and is already engaging the community in Qatar, from family events with allied organisations to Museums in Residence programmes in schools around Doha. Meaning 'play' in Arabic, the museum is the nation’s first institution to offer children and their families a dedicated place for learning and growth through inclusive, open-ended play, exploration, and experimentation. Contact: linktr.ee/daduqa, Instagram @daduqatar

Doha Design District D4

The new Doha Design District is set to enhance Msheireb Downtown Doha’s position as a district of art and creativity, and serve as a state-of-the-art centre for local designers. Doha Design District will be home to galleries, showrooms, creative services, stores, and even eateries and cafes. Some of the most exciting names, classics, and trendsetters, can be found in the district. Centred around innovation and creativity, Doha Design District aims to be a world-class destination that prioritises the needs of creatives. It will be a landmark in Qatar and the region, and attract local and regional designers to interact with their global peers. Contact: 4000 4000, dohadesigndistrict.com

Fire Station C3

Also known as Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Fire Station is an interactive artistic platform that brings together talent from various disciplines in one creative and open space. The station was built in 1982 as a Civil Defence building, and was occupied by the fire brigade until late 2012 when it was transformed into an artistic hub. Today, the Fire Station is a space to allow artists to come together, produce artwork and allow for collaborations and interactions with the local, regional and international art scene. The Fire Station hosts several art residency programmes including Artists in Residence programme, New York Art and Residency and Paris Art Residency. It is also the home of Cass Art, an art supplies shop, and Café #999. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm; Friday 1:30 pm –7 pm. Admission: Free; fees apply for temporary exhibitions. Contact: 4422 4222, firestation.org.qa

Katara Art Center Katara Cultural Village B4

The centre is devoted to the support of local and regional art and design. The centre’s mission is reflected in a rich range of workshops, events and temporary projects. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 10 am – 10 pm, Friday 2 pm – 9 pm. Contact: 4408 0244, dohakac.com

M7 Msheireb Downtown Doha D4

M7 is a new epicentre for design, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the heart of Msheireb. It is dedicated to empowering Qatari designers to explore, collaborate, and grow into successful entrepreneurs. M7 provides Qatari designers with all the necessary tools and expertise to enable them to take their ideas from concept to market. It houses an incubator, co-working and learning space with experts offering training and workshops for emerging talents and other offerings catering to the needs of designers. M7 includes a state-of-the-art cinema space and world-class exhibitions. Contact: 4402 8779, m7.org.qa

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art C2 (pictured)

A member of Qatar Foundation (QF), Mathaf is situated in Education City in a renovated former school building. QF is led by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, while Mathaf is part of QM, led by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. An initial group of works, gathered by HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani, was transferred to the public institution. Now holding over 9,000 works collected over the past 30 years, the collection emphasises artistic trends and sites of production of modern art. Mathaf organises major exhibitions, both historical and experimental, and large-scale education programmes, performing an important role as a centre for dialogue, research, and as a resource for fostering creativity. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm; Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm. Admission: Free admission for Qatar residents (with Qatar ID); QAR50 for non-residents; QAR25 for students (with student IDs). Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Tickets must be booked/purchased online in advance of your visit. Fees apply for temporary exhibitions. The library and café are open during museum hours. Contact: 4402 8855, mathaf.org.qa

Msheireb Museums D4

Msheireb Museums celebrate the history of four historic heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD). Located within the oldest part of the capital, they form an important part of Qatar’s national history. They reveal unique aspects of Qatar’s cultural and social development, inspiring to create trusted environments in which the people of Qatar will engage, converse and exchange thoughts about both their past and their future. Msheireb Museums are an integral aspect of the inner city’s regeneration of the old commercial centre with its traditional community-based lifestyle. The restoration of the four heritage houses, Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House and Radwani House, into world-class museums forms a vital part of the Msheireb Downtown Doha development. Msheireb Museums is open for guided tours by appointment. Opening times: Monday to Thursday 9 am – 5 pm, Friday 3 pm – 9 pm, Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, closed Sunday. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Admission: Free. Contact: 4006 5555, museums@msheireb.com

Guided tour: msheirebmuseums.com

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and Al Riwaq C4

Representing the full scope of Islamic art, the MIA collection includes manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood and precious stones. Collected from three continents, including countries across the Middle East, and reaching as far as Spain and China, the museum’s artworks date from the 7th through to the 20th century. The pieces represent the diversity of the Islamic world, and are of the highest quality. Designed by noted architect I M Pei, the museum building rises from the sea at the end of Doha’s Corniche. Inspired by classic Islamic architecture, the building further glorifies the pieces contained within it. The MIA

is the flagship project of Qatar Museums (QM). There is access to the MIA Park through the museum (see Parks). Adjacent to the MIA is the QM Gallery – Al Riwaq, a spacious, contemporary venue, covering a total area of 5,000 sq m, featuring temporary exhibitions by QM with a rotating schedule of exhibits of art and cultural artefacts. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm; Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm; closed Sunday.

Admission: Free admission for Qatar residents (with Qatar ID), and children at the age of 16 and below; QAR50 for non-residents; QAR25 for students (with student IDs). Last entry 30 minutes prior to closing. Book your tickets online in advance. Fees apply for temporary exhibitions. Contact: 4422 4444, mia.org.qa

National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) D4 (pictured)

Designed by world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, the 40,000 sq m NMoQ building is forged using an interlocking disc design inspired by the desert rose. The museum is one of the most significant cultural projects and most recognisable landmarks in the country. The NMoQ tells the story of Qatar and its people from more than 700 mn years ago to present day. Serving as a monument to a historic way of life in Qatar, the museum officially opened in March 2019. Seemingly growing organically out of the ground, NMoQ’s structure surrounds the Old Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani – his family home and seat of the government for 25 years. The museum is organised in three 'chapters' –Beginnings, Life in Qatar, and Building the Nation – presented in 11 galleries. The visitor’s chronological journey, which extends through more than 2.7 km of experiences, starts in the geological period long before the peninsula was inhabited by humans and continues to the present day. Oral histories, archival images, artworks, music and storytelling contextualise the impressive array of archaeological and heritage objects as well as manuscripts, documents, photographs, jewellery and costumes. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm; Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm; closed Sunday. Admission: Free admission for Qatar residents (with Qatar ID), and children at the age of 16 and below; QAR50 for nonresidents; QAR25 for students (with student IDs). Last entry 30 minutes prior to closing. Book your tickets online in advance. Fees apply for temporary exhibitions. Contact: 4452 5555, nmoq.org.qa

OliOli® Doha Children's Mall, Katara Cultural Village B4

The present-shaped recreation centre is an experiential children’s play museum, and a spacious indoor sanctuary with hands-on activities to inspire positive play where children are free to wander, wonder and discover in six spaces – Kinetic Gallery, Water Gallery, Fitness Gallery, teamLab Future Park, Creative Lab, and WonderSphere – designed to foster their creativity, curiosity and imagination. Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 1 pm – 9 pm; closed Sunday and Monday. Admission: QAR140 for children 2 – 16 years of age; QAR70 for children 12 to 13 months); two hours access with one free adult included. Contact: 4408 1266, olioli.qa

Qatar Photographic Society (QPS) Building 18, Katara Cultural Village B4

Photographic courses in English and Arabic, call for current schedule. Also ad hoc exhibitions. Opening times: Daily 8 am – noon/4 pm – 8 pm. Admission: Free; call or visit for details of course fees. Contact: 4408 1812, katara.net

QM Gallery Katara Building 10, Katara Cultural Village B4

The gallery is a temporary space allowing the museums in Qatar to present their upcoming collections and host Qatari and international artists. A wide range of exhibitions take place, such as photography, archaeology, art, sports, architecture and sculpture. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm, closed Sunday. Admission: Free. Contact: 182, katara.net, qm.org.qa

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (FBQ Museum) (pictured)

At his farm near Al Sheehaniya, 20 km west of Doha, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani has built his own private museum of more than 15,000 pieces collected from his travels around the world. The museum has a huge and varied collection of artefacts in its different halls including fossils, manuscripts, textiles, weapons, ceramics, woodwork, contemporary art, pre-Islamic coins and foreign currency, as well as a special section devoted to Qatari and Bedouin heritage, including fishing boats and traditional Qatari houses. An extension of FBQ Museum is the new Car Museum, which houses 300 stunning classic cars from legendary 1908 Studebaker and 1924 Ford T Roadster models to a 1958 Cadillac and 1968 Ford Mustang. The museums are part of Al Samriya Estate, which also houses Al Samriya Farm, home to a herd of more than 1,000 Arabian oryx and gazelles, and wandering peacocks as well as the new Al Samriya Autograph Collection Hotel. The Estate also includes Al Samriya Riding School, a horse riding school at Al Samariyah Equestrian Center, which is an indoor/outdoor riding arena with horse stables for boarding and riding lessons for children and adults. Opening times: Monday to Thursday 9 am – 5 pm; Friday 2 pm – 7 pm; Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; closed on Sunday. Admission: QAR50 for adult residents and non-residents/tourists; QAR30 for students and young adults (ages 13 – 22), seniors (age 65 and above), teachers and museum professionals; free entry for children age 12 and under, people with disabilities/caretakers, press and tour guides; QAR30 for groups (over 10 or more); QAR25 per person for tour guide. Last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing time. Contact: 4490 2340, 6687 4177 (museum), 4490 2359 (Al Samriya), fbqmuseum.org, alsamriyaestate.com

Souq Waqif Art Center Souq Waqif D4

An art gallery in Souq Waqif with exhibitions of local and international artists and art such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, calligraphy, pottery, scrap art and more. The centre also hosts art workshops. Opening times: Daily 8 am – 2 pm/4 pm – 10 pm. Admission: Free. Contact: 4417 6204, see their Facebook page for more details.

The Gallery at VCUarts Qatar Education City C2

The art gallery at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a centre of excellence for education and research in art and design. There are also exhibitions of work by international artists, staff and students. Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 9 am – 5 pm. Admission: Free. Contact: 4402 0555, gallery.qatar.vcu.edu

The Media Majlis Education City C2

The Media Majlis at Northwestern University in Qatar is dedicated to the exploration of journalism, communication, and media in the Arab region. The Media Majlis features a multi-screen façade, as well as space where exhibition content and technology converge. The technology elevates a visitor’s experience by inviting them to participate in a global conversation on a continually changing media landscape. Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 9 am – 5 pm. Admission: Free. Contact: 4454 5000, mediamajlis.northwestern.edu

Virtual Tours of Qatar's Museums

Through Google Arts & Culture, you can now visit some of Qatar's museums virtually, including NMoQ, MIA and Mathaf, where an array of collections and exhibitions are on show. Explore Qatar's thriving network of museums, galleries, archaeology sites, public art installations and more. See the Events Calendar in the Events and Activities section for details of exhibitions. For up to date information on museums and art galleries, visit marhaba.qa

Natural World and Nature Reserves

According to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, nature reserves in Qatar stretch across an area of 3,464 sq km, which is 23.6% of the country’s total land area. Qatar has nine wildlife reserves, including two marine reserves and a coastal reserve, housing 1,626 Arabian oryx in addition to other wildlife. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, represented by the Department of Nature Reserves, has opened registration for visiting nine nature reserves for the consveration of wildlife especially rare species such as Arabian oryx, gazelles, rabbits and hedgehogs. Any interested group or entity can make a request to the public relations department specifying the time and purpose of the visit, and number of visitors in order for the ministry to make the necessary arrangements for the visit mecc.gov.qa

For more information on Qatar's nature reserves and natural world, visit enature.qa

Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve

Also known as Al Dosari Zoo and Nature Reserve, the private park in Al Khuraib is owned by Mohamed Al Dosari, a Qatari. Spread over 100,000 sq m, the zoo houses various kinds of animals, birds and reptiles, and a heritage centre. Every visitor is taken on a guided tour of the animal reserve, and offered tea and Arabic coffee. Open-air barbecues are permitted. There are umbrellas and Arabian huts, and many available spaces to sit under trees. Twelve housing units and 11 cottages have been added to the park for overnight visitors. Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday 7 am – 7 pm; Thursday to Saturday 9 am – 5:30 pm. Admission: Free.

Al Karaana Lagoon

Situated 60 km southwest of Doha along Salwa Road, the lagoon is among the environmental projects of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to increase the number of birds and wildlife in the country. One of the most important components of the project are the three artificial lagoons, which were designed to store about 2.4 mn cubic metres of treated sewage effluent coming from Al Karaana treatment plant. The lagoon has emerged as a new, healthy and major habitat for wildlife especially a diverse number of birds and fish species. It also serves as a green rest stop with accessible clean water for migratory birds such as osprey, water pipit, purple heron, kestrel and more.

Al Shu'aa Nature Reserve (pictured)

Located in Al Khor, the 13,000 sq m family-friendly park is designed to be eco-friendly with solar energy lighting. The nature reserve boasts different kinds of trees and animals including Arabian oryx, deer, ostriches, goats, ducks, tortoises, geese, rabbits, birds and more. The family park also has lots of benches, shaded sitting areas, children's play areas and green spaces.

Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP)

AWWP is an associated member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), the only member in Qatar. This is a quality stamp acknowledging that AWWP works towards the highest standards in the captive care of wild animals. AWWP is an internationally reputed research and conservation centre collaborating with several government and non-government organisations across the world. Close to the town of Al Sheehaniya, Lubara farm accommodates AWWP. This private breeding and research centre is home to a collection of wild and exotic animal species either rare in captivity or threatened in the wild. The preservation is non-commercial and not open to the public. Admission: Closed to the public. awwp.alwabra.com

Arabian Oryx Sanctuary

Located in Al Sheehaniya on the Dukhan Highway, the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, also known as Al Maha Sanctuary, is the only breeding place in Qatar for the Oryx, a small antelope considered the country’s national emblem – such as the symbol of the national airline, Qatar Airways, and the mascot of the 2006 Asian Games. These creatures were once on the verge of extinction, but now the sanctuary breeds the Arabian Oryx in captivity, producing 75-100 calves each year. A visit to this sanctuary will let you appreciate these milky-white furred antelopes, with their curved horns and large hooves for treading across the desert. At this sanctuary you can also see small gazelles. The sanctuary is about a half-hour drive west of Doha. Admission: Free. Visitors are welcome at the sanctuary if they just want to see the oryx, but must make arrangements to visit through a tour company should they wish to explore the grounds.

Bird Watching

Several species breed in Qatar before escaping the summer heat. Ornithologists have identified over 280 species, of which 25 are year-round residents. On the Al Khor coast there are gulls, cormorants and waders, geese, mallard and teal in the ponds and reeds. At Bir Zekreet, you can see flamingos. Other popular places to spot birds are Doha Golf Club, Khor Al Adaid, Al Ruwais and Sealine Beach Resort.

Dahl Al Misfir Cave (pictured)

Located off Salwa Road near Rawdat Rashed, Dahl Al Misfir Cave is regarded as one of Qatar’s best-kept secrets and vividly exciting destinations. The 40 m deep cave can sometimes give off an ethereal faint, moon-like phosphorescent glow. The glow is the result of fibrous gypsum deposits, which are found in the centre of the peninsula and have given rise to the geological phenomena known as ‘desert roses’ (clusters of roughly rose-shaped gypsum crystals).

Desert Safaris

A desert safari is a must. Most local tour companies offer package tours, which vary in price depending on the size of the group, with half and full-day trips, overnight camps and sunrise desert safaris available. Go dune-bashing with a professional guide. The overnight tour is at a desert camp with traditional Bedouin tents, filled with Persian carpets and plush cushions.

Heenat Salma Farm

Heenat Salma is an eco-farm and camp in Al Sheehaniya. It is a multidisciplinary project that has successfully transformed from a local conventional farm into an organic permaculture centre that grows desert-friendly plants and vegetables, diversifies local food production, and contributes to a renewable, home-grown food supply in Qatar and more. In addition to agriculture, the farm is a place for hospitality, vocational training, education, craftsmanship, master classes, and a wellness spa. Admission: Farm tours range from QAR50 to QAR570 per person with additional costs for wellness sessions, creative workshops, dining and lodges. Contact: 5096 0007, heenatsalma.earth

Irkaya Farm

Located about 50 km west of Doha in the south central plain of Qatar, Irkaya is home to many resident species and lies on the flight path of migratory birds and insects passing through Qatar. It can even be seen from space on satellite maps. The fields consist of sandy and loamy topsoil on a flat, sandy plain with water-worn pebbles. The rest of the terrain is low, rocky limestone upland with scattered boulders and sparse vegetation. All native species of plant at Irkaya benefit from the absence of grazing animals.

Khor Al Adaid Reserve (The Inland Sea)

The Inland Sea is one of Qatar’s finest treasures and a tourist hotspot. Best undertaken in a four-wheel-drive to reach the country’s southernmost point. Enjoy the crescent-shaped sand dunes that rise above the shallow tidal lake. Local tour companies organise day trips and overnight camps and provide drives along the dunes, as well as picnics, barbecues, folkloric entertainment and occasionally, camel riding and sandboarding. If driving yourself, download the Inland Sea app, available for iOS and Android.

Mangroves (pictured)

A large area of vegetation attracting varied bird life, including flamingos and herons, mangroves – the largest and the oldest – can be found just north of the seaside city of Al Khor and Al Thakhira, and present a large expanse of natural greenery in sharp contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. Located in northeast Qatar, 64 km from Doha, Al Thakhira Reserve’s marine section includes the small

island of Um Far and natural mangroves, while the land part consists of gravel pits (hammad), sabkhas (salt and calcareous) and valleys. The reserve has rich marine biodiversity and is home to the Avicennia Marina, also known as the grey or white mangrove tree, communities of which form several forests around Qatar's shores. It is almost the only place where trees grow naturally. A great way to explore the mangroves is by kayak, available from several tour operators and specialist companies. All of these can be booked in advance, and many companies offer both morning and afternoon trips. For further information, contact one of the local tour companies

North Sedra Farm

Located in Ghashamiyya, north of Qatar, the family-friendly educational and entertaining farm is where visitors can pick strawberries, harvest vegetables, feed animals, take a stroll around the lush greenery, learn about Qatari heritage and more. Opening times: Friday and Saturday 12:30 pm – 8 pm. Admission: QAR20 per person; free for children under the age of two. Contact: 6665 0388, northsedra.qa

Sealine Protectorate

Also known as the Sealine Nature Reserve, the Sealine Protectorate is a fenced off reserve with 50 Arabian oryx. As part of the strategic plans to maintain biodiversity in the country and nurture wildlife, the Department of Natural Reserves at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is keen to maintain varied geographical distribution of Arabian oryx in the different reserves and protectorates across the country to decrease the chances of animals contracting diseases. In addition, this will avoid inbreeding among the same herd. With long spear-like horns, sharp and contrasting markings, the Arabian oryx is one of four species of antelope that lives in the harsh desert environment and is native to the Arabian Peninsula. Free tours to the Sealine Protectorate and other protectorates can be organised via the Department of Natural Reserves at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

Scuba Diving (pictured)

Given the clear and warm waters surrounding the country, scuba diving allow you to get up close and personal with the local marine life. Qatar is making strenuous efforts to protect the marine ecosystem. Vehicles, tyres and old building materials have been deposited on the sea bed to draw back marine life and over the last 20 years these man-made reefs have seen a resurgence in sea life. Various species can be seen, including bottlenose dolphin, dugong (or sea cow), Hawksbill turtle, blue angelfish, long-spined sea urchin, sea squirt, surgeonfish, blue-spotted stingray, and ghost crabs. For further information, contact one of the local tour companies.

Singing Sand Dunes

Stories of strange, low-pitched sounds in the sand have intrigued people for generations in Qatar and it's one of the few places in the world it can be heard. The sound is caused by the friction when a thin layer of sand blows down the leeward side of the dune. The eerie resonant humming can be heard from up to 10 km away as it is amplified by the crescent shape of the barchan (derived from Kazakh) dunes. The ‘Singing Sand Dunes’ are 40 km southwest of Doha. Although the ‘singing’ occurs naturally, you can trigger it by sliding down the dune or running along its crest.

Umm Tais National Park

There is a national park on the northeastern tip of Qatar on the uninhabited island of Umm Tais. The mangrove forests, beaches and varied geological structures, changing water levels and sea currents, provide a varied habitat that is teeming with marine and bird life. It also nurtures an important turtle-nesting beach. For further information, contact one of the local tour companies Admission: Free.

Nature Reserves

In addition to Khor Al Adaid Reserve, Irkaya Farm and Al Thakhira Reserve, Qatar is home to many other nature reserves, which are maintained, preserved and protected by the State of Qatar, including:

Al Mashabiya

Al Rafa

Al Reem • Al Sheehaniya

Umm Qarn. enature.qa/nature-reserves

Al Wusil

Umm

Amad

Parks and Recreation Areas

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Public Parks Department is responsible for the design, development and maintenance of public parks in Qatar. The number of public parks in Qatar reached 148 in 2022, up from 56 in 2010, recording 164% growth. Green spaces in the country also increased to more than 43 mn sq m in 2022, from about 2.5 mn sq m in 2010. The per capita share of the green areas rose to 16 sq m from less than one square metre in 2010, with an increase of sixteen-fold. The millionth tree was planted recently as part of Plant One Million Trees initiative which was launched in 2019. mecc.gov.qa

5/6 Park C4 (pictured)

Located in Onaiza, the 5/6 Park contains open green space of about 107,000 sq m, including about 11,800 sq m of small shrubs and tree fences, in addition to 1,500 trees. In the heart of the park is a plant maze spread across 6,500 sq m shaped as the map of Qatar. Next to the maze is a 3,000 sq m hill about 5 m above ground level. The park includes many facilities, including toilets and prayer areas, garden furniture, lighting poles, shaded areas for families, play areas for children and games suitable for different ages, designated areas for celebrations and spaces to display artwork. The park also includes exercise areas, 1.3 km pedestrian path, 1.3 km jogging path and an 880 m cycle path, in addition to bicycle parking slots. The park hosts a collection of artwork including ‘Al Somoud’ designed by Qatari artist Faisal Al Hajri, and two others from the collection of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art – 'Poem' (1963–65) and 'Poem in Three Verses' (1963–65) by Lebanese artist Saloua Raouda Choucair.

Al Abraj Park C4

Located on Al Bidda Street, opposite Palm Towers, Al Abraj Park, which means towers, offers a variety of activities, including a green central events area, an exercise area and a walking track built with recycled rubber and local Qatari materials. The park also includes a cafeteria, toilets, tree-shaded seats and wooden pergolas. The 5,800 sq m park houses 130 different and distinctive types of trees, 240 sq m of bushes, 3,500 sq m of grass, 76 km of pedestrian and cycle paths, and more

Al Bayt Stadium Park

Adjacent to Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor is Al Bayt Stadium Park, which has a total area of around 1,331,900 sq m. It includes a park, a water body, 56,000 sq m of pedestrian walkways, a 4,415 m-long running track, a 3,444 m-long cycling track, and a car parking area that can accommodate up to 6,000 vehicles and 300 buses, among other facilities. The park itself occupies a space of 944,000 sq m and has 369,585 sq m of green areas, including playgrounds. The park has 1,050 trees and six restaurants in addition to 10 locations for mobile cafés and fast food joints. It has 54 light columns powered by solar energy and a number of kids' play areas and games besides other facilities such as toilets and playgrounds. Located near the entrance is the barbecue kiosk, where diners will find a delicious selection of grills on the menu. Guests can also purchase raw marinated grills and use one of the three equipped outdoor grill stations. Kiosks open from Tuesday to Saturday 12:30 pm – 10 pm.

Al Bidda Park C4

Bordering Al Corniche Street, Al Bidda Park is Qatar’s biggest green space and the first pet-friendly park in the country. For those more active, there are opportunities galore: running and cycling tracks, a human maze, gymnasiums, outdoor exercise equipment, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, an open theatre that seats 850 people, as well as playgrounds, barbecue areas and beautiful landscaping. A variety of bike rentals are available at the park bike rental shop, Saikl Bike (5028 0404, saiklqtr.com). There are also buggies to help visitors move around the park comfortably. The park is approximately 1.25 mn sq m and has underground parking spaces for 6,000 cars. In addition to the already available Barkers & Mittens Pet Boutique

(5000 7330/31, barkersandmittens.com), pet owners are free to use the park, but should ensure their pet is kept on a lead at all times. Dog poop bags and dispensers are available in the park. Opening times: Open daily from 4 am. Park closing times are at midnight during the week and at 2 am on weekends. Barbecue stands are available for rental at QAR50 per four hour. Admission: Free. Contact: 4428 7709/77

Al Khor Corniche

Comprising three zones, Al Khor Corniche covers an area of about 28,000 sq m with a beachfront, 6,000 sq m of green spaces, play areas, 116 parking spaces, and 256 seats with many shaded benches.

Al Khor Hill Park

Adjacent to Al Khor Corniche is Al Khor Hill Park, which is a small green hilly park, dotted with little coloured houses, coloured benches, and a tower on the top of the hill.

Al Khor Park (Al Khor Park and Zoo)

The 240,000 sq m park features a zoo, battery-operated train, restaurant, mosque, museum, mini golf area, wall mural, skating area, children’s play area, basketball court, food kiosks, drinking fountains, and an amphitheatre. One of the park's main attractions is the mini zoo, which includes seven new sections with a large number of different birds and animals. There are 290 new animals, bringing the total number of animals to 315 (49 different species). There's also an aviary, which contains a waterfall and a lake, which is home to different birds. Opening times: Daily 8 am – 10 pm (Tuesdays: women and children only). Admission: QAR15 for adults; QAR10 for children under the age of 10 and persons with special needs. QAR50 to feedanimals. Train ride: QAR5 per person, free for persons with special needs. Contact: 4426 5050

The new Panda House Park at Al Khor Park is home to two giant pandas Suhail and Thuraya. The pair arrived in Qatar in October 2022 as a gift from China to mark the strengthening relationship between the two countries. Visiting hours are from. Opening times: Daily 9 am – 5 pm. Admission: QAR50 for adults; QAR25 for children under the age of 14. Tickets can only be booked online through the Oun application.

Al

Legtaifiya Park B4

Al Legtaifiya Park is an inclusive playground and the latest breakthrough for Accessible Qatar, a Sasol initiative designed to support inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in the local community. Sasol wanted to provide a solution for children with disabilities unable to play on playgrounds to be able to play with their friends. They found the right solution through the inclusive playground equipment. Information about accessibility of venues in Qatar is available through the Accessible Qatar App.

Al Masrah Park C4 (pictured)

Also known as Theatre Park, named after the Qatar National Theater (Al Masrah) adjacent to it on Corniche Street, the park has an area of 108,000 sq m. It also includes 16 types of different local and international trees – up to 850 trees. The park represents a point of connection between the eastern side of Corniche Street through the tunnel and the Corniche Metro Station in the heart of the park as well as Council Street. The park includes seating areas, restaurants, food kiosks, walking, jogging and cycle paths, children's play areas, and green areas with shaded and non-shaded spaces. New additions at the park include the 21 m high and 31 m wide shiny steel sculpture 'Dugong' by American artist Jeff Koons; and the 'Doha Modern Playground' by British artist Shezad Dawood, which features miniatures of six buildings in the country such as Qatar Post, Qatar University, and Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.

Al Qamra Beach Park

Al Qamra Beach Park in Al Khor spreads over an area of 10,500 sq m with a green sheet of grass covering an area of 650 sq m alongside a 3-km-long beach. The family-friendly beachfront park is only for ladies and children under 10 years old. Barbecues and playing football are not allowed nor are pets. However, there are various diverse plant and tree species, children's play areas, benches, huts, seating areas covered with wooden umbrellas offering shade, walking paths and solar-powered lighting.

Al Qubib Masjid Plaza D4

Located in Al Souq Area in central Doha, Al Qubib Masjid Plaza covers a total area of about 9,200 sq m of open green space, extending over an area of up to 1,518 sq m. It includes Qatar's oldest mosque and recently restored Al Qubib Masjid, water fountains, trees, seating areas, and walking, biking and running tracks. The plaza has entrances from three sides through the surrounding pedestrian paths on Ali Bin Abdulla Street, Al Jabr Street and Al Ahmad Street. It is also easily accessible from the mosque.

Al Tawasul Traditional Park

The park is a miniature version of Al Khor Family Park. The 28,500 sq m park is home to a number of animals and birds. This family-only park has a train, a children’s play area, a basketball court, amphitheatre and skating area, among other offerings. Electronic ticketing gates have been installed to facilitate visitor access to the park. Opening times: Daily 4 am – 10 pm. Admission: Free. Contact: 4426 5050

Al Wakra Park (Al Wakra Public Garden) F5

A large landscaped park with different ornamental plants, as well as palm and olive trees, at the end of Al Aurouba Street and near Al Wakra Beach. There are plenty of trees providing shaded sitting areas, a children's play zone and a large pool next to the cafeteria.

Aspire Park D2 (pictured)

One of Qatar’s biggest parks is behind Hyatt Plaza with a vast expanse of green lawn and baobab trees, a large lake with ducks and geese, football fields, a multi-surface 3 km walking/jogging track and fitness equipment. There is plenty of parking and free Wi-Fi. Aspire Play Park has two sandy areas, fitness stations and paved areas for cycling, roller-skating and skateboarding, which can still be used at nighttime, thanks to solar-powered lighting. The 'smart park' has introduced the first smart benches, which use renewable energy and advanced technology, providing wireless chargers, USB ports, and Wi-Fi access point. Opening times: Park: daily 24 hours; restaurants and restrooms: 8 am – 10 pm; lifeguard: 6 am – 10 pm. Admission: Free. Contact: 4413 8188

Barzan Olympic Park

Located in Umm Salal Ali, Barzan Olympic Park was established in 2012 as the first Olympic park in Qatar, offering expanisive green laws, walking, jogging and cycling tracks, covered seating areas, children's play areas, table tennis table, football pitch, volleyball, tennis courts, floor chess and more. It also offers a range of activities such as a train ride and a leaping water fountain, which is a part of the play equipment. Opening times: Daily 4 am – 9 am and 4 pm – 10 pm. Admission: QAR5 per person (summer season from April) QAR10 per person (winter season from September); free for people with special needs, people above the age of 60, and children below the age of 3.

Crescent Park A3

Spreading over an area of 275,000 sq m, the park features a unique design to provide an exceptional experience of Lusail City's sustainable parks with the use of recycled water to irrigate green areas. The park has old waterways, bicycle and pedestrian tracks, and shaded areas, as well as public squares, seating areas, a forest and children’s play areas. Sports facilities include a large football field, two acrylic basketball courts, two beach volleyball courts, three acrylic tennis courts and other facilities. The park has two large

restaurants, 530 parking spaces, direct access to Lusail Tram system, and easy access to the park directly from all areas of the city. Opening times: Open 24/7. Admission: Free. Contact: 4497 7770, lusail.com

Dadu Gardens C4

The new Dadu Gardens (under rennovation at the time of going to press) are the outdoor gallery and ‘living classrooms’ of Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar. Spanning 14,500 sq m, they wrap around the eastern façade of the museum building. A dense hedge separates the gardens from neighbouring Al Bidda Park, providing a secure perimeter and peace of mind to families. The Dadu Gardens use the power of authentic play and engagement with nature to support children’s development. The garden uses nature-driven interactive play to nurture children’s physical, social and emotional development.

Dahl Al Hamam Park C3

Close to Landmark mall, on the corner of Jassim bin Hamad and Al Markhiya Streets, this large families-only park has a subtle modern design, calm ambience and more than 50 varieties of trees. The gardens have an extensive children's play area, a bicycle track, a football ground and basketball court. The park also boasts a cave and a newly-constructed maze, representing the streets of old Doha to discover traditional Qatari games. Amenities include cafeterias and toilets. The park is currently closed for maintenance and renovations.

Doha Corniche C4

The 7 km-long curved Doha Corniche is the most iconic destination with its many grassed areas and views across the turquoise water of Doha Bay from the Old Doha Port to the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel. In addition to it being a popular destination for strollers and joggers, there are bicycles available for rent, a children's play area, fitness stations, café and restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. Traditional dhow boats dock along the Corniche for visitors to enjoy a ride on the sea.

Hotel Park C4

Situated adjacent to Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, Hotel Park provides over 34,500 sq m of green space to enjoy picnics, play areas and family-friendly playgrounds with 17 activities and fitness zones with 12 challenges. Hotel Park has food and beverage outlets offering a diverse palette of authentic cuisine and desserts. There's also paid parking with over 2,500 spaces spread over four levels of underground parking with access to Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), Al Corniche Street, Al Funduq Street and Al Majlis Street. Opening times: Open 24/7. Admission: Free. Contact: 4456 7665, 5597 8387, hotelparkdoha.com

Katara Hills B4 (pictured)

Set over 361,500 sq m of green spaces, Katara Hills is divided into Northern and Southern Hills with at least 3,300 plants and 225 trees from different countries, featuring gardens and green meadows with manmade rolling hills, valleys, peaks, water features, play areas, exercise and jogging tracks, art installations, lighting, outdoor furniture. Also known as Katara Gardens, the Hills has 32,700 sq m of flowers, plants and lawns in geometric shapes and styles. Katara Hills is also home to the new fivestar Katara Hills Doha, Lxr Hotels & Resorts, featuring 15 grandeur villas, each with a private pool, in addition to luxury facilities such as a spa and an Indian restaurant. Opening times: Open 24/7. Admission: Free. Contact: 182, 4408 0000, katara.net

Linear Park D4

Located in Al Hilal along E Ring Road, the 1.5 km park covers 75,000 sq m and is surrounded by lush greenery and colourful flowers. The neighbourhood park is for residents to participate in outdoor activities with fitness trails for walking, jogging, cycling and more.

Lusail City, Marina Promenade A3

The promenades along the Marina District and South Qetaifan Islands form the urban waterfront edges. Seating is planned along the water with views out to the sea, in addition to walkways, restaurants and access to marinas. The promenade also features various musical water and light fountains as well as oversized outdoor chess sets Opening times: Open 24/7. Admission: Free. Contact: 4497 7770, lusail.com

MIA Park C4

The MIA Park can be accessed through the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) or from the Port Road entrance on Al Corniche Street. Designed by PEI Partnership Architects of New York, it features '7', a vertical steel sculpture by internationally acclaimed American artist Richard Serra. Plants indigenous to Qatar have been used and pedestrian pathways are shaded by the use of hills and 'swails' (sail shading). There are playground areas for children, and consideration for those with special needs or requiring wheelchair accessibility. Cafés and kiosks sell snacks and souvenirs. Bicycle rentals are available.

Adjacent to MIA Park is the Flag Plaza, also known as MIA Flag Plaza, which is a community space inaugurated in October 2022 as part of the Years of Culture programme to encourage dialogue and deepen understanding between nations. The site houses 119 flags representing nations with diplomatic missions in Qatar, as well as the European, the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) flags; it also plays host to festivals, celebrations and other community events. Located at its entrance is Najla El Zein’s 'Us, Her, Him', an installation composed of a series of benches made of hand-sculpted limestone, illustrating various modes of interaction: acquaintance, friendship, love, introversion, confidence, familiarity, fluidity and obstruction. Opening times: The park’s cafés are open daily 3 pm – midnight, while the children’s play areas are open 24/7. Admission: Free. Contact: 4422 4444/4402 8634, mia.org.qa

Muglina Unit Park D4

A small green park, next to Sharq Village & Spa located right at the intersection of Al Corniche Street and Ras Bu Abboud Expressway. It is home to Al Khulaifi Heritage House, a watchtower, an arch and a pillar monument, a curved bridge, stone walkways and more. Located inside the Al Khulaifi Heritage House is the new traditional and authentic Qatari restaurant, Bayt Sharq, which feels like a time capsule to a previous era. There are signs at the park prohibiting barbecues, cycling, playing sports and pets.

Old Doha Port (Box Park and the Mina District) C4 (pictured)

As part of the Old Doha Port Redevelopment project, the port has been transformed into a new tourist destination with a containers yard, Mina District, cruise terminal, fisher's slipway, garden district, the old marina and more. Overlooking scenic views of the sea and surrounded by lush gardens, the multicoloured containers yard, Box Park, comprises dozens of multi-layered recycled shipping containers with cafés, shops, toilets, sitting areas, exercise equipment, a prayer room and a shower area. There are also ample parking spaces available. The colourful 800,000 sq m Mina District houses a cruise terminal, 50 cafés and restaurants, 100 shops, the 5-star Mina Hotel and Residences, and more.

Oxygen Park D2

Located in Education City, Oxygen Park features running tracks, equestrian facilities, underground pitches, recreation areas and soundscape-filled, refreshing folly spheres. The running tracks are embedded creating an exciting training ground with looping tracks, cooled tunnel sections and steep hills. Located within Oxygen Park, the Qur’anic Botanic Garden is the first of its kind in the world, home to at least 60 plant species mentioned in the Holy Quran, and those in the Hadith and Sunnah, the sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The display gives an explanation of the significance of every plant's mention in the Holy Quran, as well as their scientific explanations. Date palm, olive, fig, citron, senna, ginger, aloe, camphor and other plants have been included. Opening times: 6 am – 10 pm.

Admission: Free. Contact: 4454 0284, qf.org.qa, qbg.org.qa

Post Office Plaza C4

Inspired by Qatari postage stamps, the plaza pays homage to the nearby Qatar Post headquarters. The plaza will consist of three interconnected postal stamps forming harmonious lines and open spaces for events and festivals. It includes 14,400 sq m of open green spaces with at least 200 trees, dedicated areas for family leisure and sport areas such as 450 m of jogging tracks, 500 m of cycling paths, as well as walkways. In addition to the public art installation 'Acacia-Tree Seed' by Qatari artist Mohammed Al Ateeq, there are also two marvellous murals created as part of the JEDARIART initiative by Qatar Museums (QM).

Rawdat Al Khail Park D4

Also known as Al Muntazah Park, Rawdat Al Khail Park is one of the oldest parks in Qatar. It has recently reopened to the public after closing for renovation for a few years. Located along C Ring Road and Rawdat Al Khail Street, the park has ample green spaces and a number of facilities, featuring an 'open plan' –without fences. It is spread over an area of about 140,000 sq m and includes about 105,000 sq m of green spaces with 1,250 new trees including wild ghaf, samar and sidr, and 1,300 m of pedestrian and bicycle paths, in addition to 401 parking spaces. There are children's play areas and sports equipment, and is suitable for physically challenged individuals. There are also food kiosks and stalls to serve visitors.

Shura Plaza D3

The Shura Plaza opened on the eve of Qatar's historic Shura Council elections on 1 October 2021. The project includes an electronic game-themed wall art of Qatari people inspired by the concept of 'Shura' among people, which was created by Qatari artist Buthayna Al Zamman in cooperation with Qatar Museums (QM). The plaza sits in an area that connects the B Ring and C Ring Roads from each side. The Shura Plaza Project covers an area reaching up to 15,000 sq m with green areas covering 80% of the space or about 12,000 sq m. It also has a 500 m pedestrian path.

Simaisma Park

The park first opened in 1991 with an area of 5,099 sq m and then reopened in 2013, after maintenance and rehabilitation, covering 9,477 sq m. The park includes water coolers, toilets, a shaded children's play area, and pergolas with shaded seating. The park's highlight is its botanical garden, which contains distinctive canary palm trees, date palm trees, Sidr trees, Parkinsonia trees, tecoma shrubs, perennial plants and seasonal flowers.

The Desert Park

The family park opened in April 2019 in Al Sheehaniya. The 13,804 sq m park is distinctive as it is designed in the form of a desert tree. It has 62 different types of wild trees and a 400 m walkway. The park also has a mini zoo with a number of different animals such as oryx and gazelles. There are also 12 designated pergolas for barbecues, a shaded children's play area, sitting areas, two exercise areas and restrooms.

Umm Al Seneem Park (pictured)

Openned in Umm Al Seneem in Al Rayyan Municipality in November 2022, Umm Al Seneem Park is nestled between Ain Khaled and Mesaimeer on an area of approximately 130,105 sq m of vast greenery. The park is home to the world's longest air-conditioned outdoor walking track. The 1,143-m airconditioned outdoor jogging and walking path is the fifth project of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to obtain a Guinness World Record. The park also includes a 1,135-m cushioned bike lane and is inclusive (handicapped/disabled ADD compliant). The park also offers three fitness areas with exercise equipment, a children's play area with zip lines, food kiosks, a bike rental stall, and other facilties.

Sightseeing

Souqs

Since ancient times, traders and merchants have congregated in traditional markets to both socialise and provide for the daily needs of the local community. These souqs are still very much part of modern life in Qatar. Some specialise in a particular product area such as fish, fruit and vegetables, or spices. Others cover a vast and varied range of different items such as clothing and fabric, gold and jewellery, spices or kitchen wares.

Souq Waqif D4 (pictured)

A cultural hotspot, Souq Waqif includes a covered labyrinth lined with shops and stalls selling spices, dried fruit, nuts, textiles, Arabic oud and incense, pots and pans, and much more. Getting lost and enjoying the atmosphere is a fun way to spend a morning or an evening. Remember to haggle with the shopkeepers! Follow up your shopping by dining at one of Souq Waqif's many restaurants.

For more information, see Souq Waqif in the Discovering Qatar section, which includes a map of the souq area and a detailed description of what the souq has to offer. Opening times: 10 am – noon/4 pm – 10 pm; restaurants generally remain open all day until late.

Gold Souq D4

In Souq Al Najada on Ali bin Abdulla Street, in front of Al Najada Doha Hotel, is the new Gold Souq, a block of over 40 shops that specialise in quality 18- and 22-carat jewellery. Gold is often beautifully handcrafted by second and third generation skilled craftsmen, many of whom will be happy to make up a piece of jewellery to your own unique design, as well as resize, repair or buy gold from you. To sell gold you need a purchase receipt or authorisation from the police.

Traditional 'bridal jewellery' is on display in many of the shops – solid gold belts, headdresses, necklaces and hair ornaments, given to Qatari girls by their future husbands prior to the wedding. Gold is priced according to the weight of the gold on the day’s market, whether it is hand or machine crafted. Prices are significantly lower here than in most other parts of the world, and with skilled bartering you can walk away with a really good bargain. Look out for pearls, which used to be Qatar’s economic backbone.

The older, second gold market is located behind Souq Al Faraj D4 near the old Karwa bus station around Ali bin Abdulla Street and Al Ashat Street.

Souq Al Wakra F5

Built to look old and traditional, Souq Al Wakra (Heritage Village) gives one a feeling of having stepped into the past. The small shops in the complex resemble conventional Qatari buildings featuring walls with a mud coating and classic big wooden doors and lanterns. The ceilings of the roofs are made of palm leaves. The souq also houses a mosque with gates and a walkway made of wood and a well symbolising the old lifestyle in Qatar. Its ample parking space and fresh sea air make a welcome difference. Souq Al Wakra welcomes visitors to swim or just relax on its beach from 10 am – 6 pm under the supervision of lifeguards. While travelling from Doha to Mesaieed, it’s located to the left. For more information, see Souq Al Wakra in the Discovering Qatar section.

Other souqs

There are dozens of souqs across Qatar. It depends on what you're looking for. For affordable ready made clothing, fabric, tailoring, electronics, carpets and more, visit Souq Al Ali D4, Souq Al Asiery D4, Souq Al Dira D4, Souq Al Jabor D4, Souq Al Madina (Central Souq) D4 or Souq Najada D4

For more information on souqs in Qatar, see Shopping in Qatar in the Shopping section.

© Aflah P Hussain

Tradition and Tours

the State, a lagoon and a very popular marine aquarium. In 1980, the building won the Agha Khan award for restoration and rehabilitation of Islamic architecture. The Old Palace is now fully restored and is at the heart of the new National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel

Wind Tower House D4

Heritage Sites

Qatar Museums (QM) has been actively restoring many of the old buildings in Qatar. So far these include: Al Wajba Castle, dating back to the famous battle when the Qataris defeated the Ottomans in 1893 under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani; the Al Nejada Houses in one of old Doha's streets date back more than 60 years and were built of traditional materials; and the houses at Al Mufair Village in Al Shamal were restored in 1988 to be used as a set for a Qatari television series. QM has a number of ongoing projects – visit qm.org.qa for details.

House of Nasser bin Abdullah Al Missned

Located in Al Khor and currently under restoration. The Father Amir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa

Al Thani’s consort, HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser was born and raised in this house. Designed to look like a traditional Qatari private residence it was built in the second half of the 20th century by her father, the late Nasser bin Abdullah Al Missned. Qatari authorities are developing a master plan that will best preserve this site as a remembrance of Her Highness for future generations.

House of Sheikh Ghanim bin Abdulrahman

Al Thani F5

Built by pearl merchant Majid bin Saed Al Saed at the beginning of the 20th century on the beach at Al Wakra, Sheikh Ghanim bin Abdulrahman Al Thani bought the house in 1960. Debis, a traditional date‑based food, was once produced, stored and later sold from the ground floor of the house. It was restored in 2004.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Jassim Al Thani Palace

(The Old Palace) D4

The Old Palace was originally built in the early 20th century by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, the father of modern Qatar. For approximately 25 years, the palace served as residence of the Royal Family and seat of government.

In 1975, the palace was converted into the Qatar National Museum, which included a Museum of

Before the introduction of electricity, the square wind tower, known as a badghir, provided an effective form of natural air‑conditioning. The last remaining building of its kind in Doha, the Wind Tower House, just off Grand Hamad Street in the former Najada Shopping Plaza, used to be an ethnographic museum. Built in the early 20th century and first restored in 1982, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture took the building over and made it a Gulf Architectural Heritage Centre. Although closed to the public, the Wind Tower House provides a unique photo opportunity.

The Amiri Diwan and Qasr Al Hukum Visitor Centre D4

The Amiri Diwan is the seat of rule of the State of Qatar. It is the sovereign body and the administrative office of HH The Amir. It acts as a nexus between HH The Amir, and all governmental and non governmental bodies internally and externally. It keeps HH The Amir informed of the most important local and international developments, submits draft and other legislative laws to HH The Amir, and delivers his instructions to the concerned authorities. The Amiri Diwan was known as Al Bidda Fort, which was originally a fortress built and fortified by watchtowers in the 18th century.

The visitor centre offers tours that introduce you to many significant historical monuments of Qatar, including Al Shioukh Mosque, Al Bidda Fort, the Clocktower and Qasr Al Hukum (Amiri Diwan), giving you an overview about the stages of development of Doha and Qatar. The tour starts from Qasr Al Hukum Visitor Centre in Msheireb with a tour supervisor. Contact: 3996 9432, 4438 8888, diwan.gov.qaal

Cultural Sports

AL SHAQAB C2

AL SHAQAB was established in 1992 to build on Qatar’s Arabian horse heritage and be a leading equine centre of excellence while providing an engaging experience for the community. Originally started as a stud farm, it has now developed into a multi dimensional equestrian centre that not only breeds pure Arabian horses but also educates children on the art of horsemanship and equestrianism, as well as train riders and horses for long distance endurance races. An equine veterinary medical centre has also opened.

Old Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani at NMoQ

In 2004, AL SHAQAB became a member of Qatar Foundation. AL SHAQAB’s impressive facilities, which are distinctively designed in the shape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000 sq m. With a state-of-theart main arena comprising both an indoor and outdoor venue capable of holding over 5,000 spectators, AL SHAQAB is part of Qatar’s growing reputation on the world stage that showcases its ability to host major international sports events at the highest level. Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 9 am – 3:30 pm. Visit alshaqab.com to register for tours (Sunday to Thursday 7:30 am and 3:30 pm).

Admission: Free. Contact: 4454 7361, alshaqab.com

Camel Races

Camels have been synonymous with this region since the Bedouin started using them for transportation, as well as for food and milk. The camel is still a prized animal. A 30-minute drive west of Doha on the Dukhan road will take you to the camel racetrack in Al Sheehaniya, where you can

see camels in one of the Middle East’s most popular sports. The racing season is from October to May, with several prestigious events held in March and April. Behind the racetrack is a ‘camel city’, where thousands of men and camels live all year round, increasing in numbers when there is a big event. Colourful camel trains can be seen, with traditionallydressed riders and camels adorned with bright colours. See local tour companies to arrange a trip. Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) D2 QREC has been the centre of equestrian activity for generations. Horse racing is a popular sport in Qatar, with around 40 race meetings a year. See purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred horses in action when they take part in prestigious events such as the Amir’s Sword and the Qatar International Trophy races. Opening times: Races are usually on Wednesday and Thursday 4 pm – 7:30 pm, October to April. Admission: Free. Contact: 4419 7722, qrec.gov.qa

Tours

If you want to explore off-road, it is often easier and safer to go as part of an organised tour. Tour companies offer half and full days, including overnight camping trips to the Inland Sea. Heritage sites are popular destinations. Other ideas include:

• Activities, such as diving trips, deep-sea fishing, sandboarding, and more.

• A boat cruise along Doha’s Corniche or out to Al Safliya Island.

• Local knowledge: an experienced guide will provide commentary while touring around the camel market, Doha’s Corniche, the dhow-building yard, the falconry market, malls, parks, souqs and mosques (appropriate clothing required).

• A desert tour, with bedouin-style camping at places like Khor Al Adaid and Bir Zekreet, including traditional cuisine and music, sand-boarding and watersports.

LOCAL TOUR COMPANIES

Embrace Doha F5 is a cultural house in Souq Al Wakra and the only licensed cultural consultancy in the country. It showcases Qatari culture and heritage to non-locals who are new to the country and culture. Bridging the gap between the Qataris and expats, it is a perfect resource for integrating into Qatari society, taking you into a traditional Qatari household where you get the chance to ask locals questions and get their perspective on several issues surrounding Qatar’s culture. It is a pioneer in preserving and celebrating Qatari heritage by curating public sessions and workshops. Contact: 5006 4472, embracedoha.com

Sightseeing Hotspots

Msheireb Downtown Doha

Cultural Village

Lusail City

The Pearl Island

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MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER

Souq Waqif Souq Al Wakra

The information contained in this guide has been checked and verified as correct as at the time of compilation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, information is subject to change. Follow marhaba.qa for the latest updates.

Msheireb Downtown Doha

Comprising more than 100 buildings, MDD is becoming a new social and civic hub in the city centre – a place where it is enjoyable to live, work, shop, visit, and spend time with family and friends. Utilising the latest in sustainable technologies, MDD adheres to the highest standards in green building. The strategic objective of MDD is to reverse the pattern of development in Doha, which has tended towards isolated land use, reliance on car transportation and energy hungry structures.

An emerging leader in sustainable development, Msheireb Properties is a real estate development company and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation (QF). MDD is its signature project, employing a new approach to urban planning by combining traditional methods and modern technology aimed at preserving the environment as well as the cultural identity of Qatar. The company was established in 2010 as a commercial venture to support QF's aims, as well as the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

A premier art gallery based in Doha founded in 2008, AlHosh Gallery is a pop-up art gallery, enriching the Qatari art scene and bringing something new to the market. It hosts art exhibitions by local artists such as Ahmed

Al Maadeed, Ali Hassan, Al Johara (AJ)

Al Thani, Dimitrije Bugarski, Othman Khunji, Bachir Mohamad, Mohammed Faraj Al Suwaidi, Nasser Al Kubaisi, Rashid Al Kuwari, Shua’a Ali and more. alhoshgallery.com

Doha Design District aims to enhance MDD’s position as a district of art and creativity, and serve as a centre for local designers. Doha Design District will be home to galleries, showrooms, creative services, stores, and even eateries and cafes. Some of the most exciting names, classics,

and trendsetters can be found in the district. Centred around innovation and creativity, Doha Design District aims to be a world-class creative landmark in Qatar and the region, and attract local and regional designers to interact with their global peers. 4000 4000, dohadesigndistrict.com

Established by Qatar Museums (QM) in November 2021, M7 is Qatar’s epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and technology. The startup hub is dedicated to empowering Qatari designers to grow into successful entrepreneurs. M7 provides Qatari designers with all the necessary tools and expertise to enable them to take their ideas from concept to market. It houses an incubator, co-working and learning space with experts offering training and workshops for emerging talents, and other offerings catering to the needs of designers. It also includes a cinema space and exhibitions. 4402 8779, m7.org.qa

Established by QM in early 2022, Liwan, Design Studios and Labs offers creatives a multifunctional co-working space and learning environment to experiment, collaborate and network. It also includes the Liwan Library, which is an archive of vintage children's books dating back to the 1950s that once belonged to the first allgirls school in Qatar. liwan.org.qa

Msheireb Museums celebrate the history of four historic heritage houses in the heart of MDD. Located within the oldest part of the capital, they form an important part of Qatar’s national history. They reveal unique aspects of Qatar’s cultural and social development in inspiring to create trusted environments in which the people of Qatar will engage, converse and exchange thoughts

Msheireb

Transforming the centre of the capital city, Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) D4 is the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project that is reviving the old commercial district with a new architectural language that is modern, yet inspired by traditional Qatari heritage and architecture –its proportion, simplicity, space, light, layering, ornament and response to climate.

about both their past and their future. Msheireb Museums are an integral aspect of the inner city’s regeneration of the old commercial centre with its traditional community-based lifestyle. The restoration of the four heritage houses, Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House and Radwani House, into worldclass museums forms a vital part of MDD.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9 am – 5 pm; Friday 3 pm – 9 pm; Saturday 9 am – 5 pm; closed on Sunday Contact: 4006 5555, msheirebmuseums.com

Msheireb Galleria is the epitome of shopping, dining, leisure and art, customised to meet the needs of the local community and visitors. Situated in one of the oldest trading areas in Doha, it embodies a place where old meets new. Galleria offers a new shopping experience with 30 pop-up stores spread across the ground floor of the mall. It's expected to have more than 100 stores spread across four levels of shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment, including a luxury cinema and a children’s edutainment centre. In addition, Galleria's west wing offers residences and offices above the shops.

Monoprix Msheireb is the first Monoprix in Qatar with the SMART Retail Solution and the first in the region with one of the most advanced retail software solutions for an enhanced customer service. In addition, the store provides the Concierge and Shop & Go concepts. Monoprix Msheireb offers an extensive organic range of 12,000 items sourced internationally.

Whether you're driving, walking, using private or public transport, getting to Msheireb Galleria is easy. The nearest parking is Galleria West Heritage Quarter/Sahat Wadi Msheireb and the nearest tram stop is Galleria Station. The Msheireb Metro Station (Red/Gold/Green Line) is the largest station in Qatar and is situated at the corner of MDD where Wadi Msheireb and Al Diwan Streets meet. msheirebgalleria.com

Operating hours:

Retail: Saturday to Wednesday 10 am – 10 pm; Thursday 10 am – 11 pm; Friday 10 am –11:30 am/1 pm – 11 pm

Cafés: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – midnight; Friday 9 am – 11:30 am/1 pm – midnight

Smart Msheireb Monoprix: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – midnight; Friday 9 am – 11:30 am/ 12:30 pm – midnight

And more...

MDD is becoming a gastronomic destination with a range of dining choices such as A’Selham (Moroccan), BAO (Asian fusion), Nourlaya (Sri Lankan), Ramen (Korean/Japanese), Reberu (Japanese), Trapani (Italian) and more. Cafés and dessert shops include % Arabica (Japanese), Café Kitsuné (Japanese), Cloud & Co (Italian), EL&N London (British), Gelato (Italian), Santa Nata (Portuguese) and more.

MDD is also a hospitality destination, home to some of Qatar's leading five-star hotels, including Alwadi Hotel Doha - MGallery alwadihoteldoha. com, Mandarin Oriental, Doha mandarinoriental. com/en/doha/msheireb, and Park Hyatt Doha parkhyattdoha.com

Make sure to walk the almost 7,000 sq m piazzastyle square, Barahat Msheireb, which is the largest open-air covered square in the Middle East, featuring the biggest retractable roof in the region. In addition to housing iconic cafes and restaurants such as Harrods Tearoom (British), Saasna (Qatari), Sumosan (Japanese), Fiko (Turkish), Hoppers (Sri Lankan) and more, it is designed to host lively events in collaboration with private and public organisations. With nine stations, the self-powered environmentally friendly Msheireb Tram interconnects all of MDD, making it easier for visitors to move from one spot to the other. Visitors, residents, and tenants can find a tram car on the loop every six minutes with a 400-m hop-on/hop-off zone along the single 2 km, closed-loop track system. Fare: Free Operating hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – noon/4 pm –9 pm; Friday 4 pm – 9 pm m

800 DOHA (800 3642) or 4000 4000, msheireb.com

The Msheireb and Msheireb Museums apps are available on iOS and Android

Msheireb Tram

Msheireb Museums

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif, the oldest souq (market) in the country, dating back around 250 years, is situated in the heart of the city and is the most iconic spot in Qatar.

It was originally a weekend market used by the Bedouins when they came to town to trade their meat, wool, weaving materials and milk for staple goods. Souq Waqif is named 'the standing souq' because it is believed that water from the sea would rise, swamping the souq. However, shop owners would continue selling their products while standing in the midst of the water. It still is a bustling business area, popular among both locals and tourists.

The souq underwent a complete restoration in 2006–2008 and provides the perfect setting to shop for traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs, or dine at one of its wide range of cafés and restaurants or boutique hotels. In addition, Souq Waqif now has an underpass that leads to Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD). The maze of narrow alleyways is lined with small shops, displaying their wares piled high and spilling out onto the walkway. This maze of small shops offer an array of Middle Eastern merchandise from spices and seasonal delicacies such as fresh dates and nuts, to perfumes, ornate jewellery, clothing, handicrafts and souvenirs.

Fitting all price brackets, Souq Waqif is also home to many restaurants and coffee shops, offering traditional Qatari food as well as dishes and treats from Asia and North Africa – Indian, Syrian, Iraqi, Moroccan, Turkish, Thai, Persian, Malaysian, Egyptian and more! For a lighter choice, there are also cafés serving small bites, sweets or just coffee or tea.

Souq Waqif is the ideal destination for those wanting to collect memories of Qatar with fridge magnets, shisha bottles, intricately designed

plates, lanterns, keychains, mugs, jewellery and more. Other souvenirs include dhow boat miniatures, traditional Arab dallah (coffee pots) and brass-studded wooden chests in many sizes. Woven items include bedouin weaving, traditional floor cushions, kilims and carpets as well as colourful baskets. Silver jewellery, misbah (prayer beads) and traditional gypsum carvings make attractive mementoes.

Traditional clothing includes richly decorated items or the plain and practical. Shayla and abaya are ladies' embroidered headscarves and black cloaks worn in public. The shayla make pretty evening scarves. Sirwal are baggy trousers with highly embroidered, tight ankle cuffs and are great casual wear around the home. Menswear includes bisht, embroidered cloaks worn at ceremonial occasions. You may get the opportunity to watch the embroiderers working freehand on old treadle machines, or beating the gold edging once it has been stitched. Thobes are the long white cotton robes worn by men.

Traditional robes, swords, blown-glass and brass lanterns that are made in Qatar can be found in the handicrafts area. This part of the souq gives a glimpse of Qatari tradition, with stalls that show how these hand-crafted items are carefully

Souq Waqif

One of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, Souq Waqif is a lively traditional market. Take a stroll down the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif to explore the authentic taste of traditional commerce, architecture and culture.

assembled by artisans working in the shops. Souq Waqif is also an excellent source of great value jewellery, precious metals and stones.

Upon entering the souq, visitors are greeted by the aroma of spices like cardamom, rose buds, cinnamon sticks, saffron and more. The spice and coffee traders lend their part of the souq a unique aroma, with displays of whole and ground spices and coffee. Spices are either purchased by package or weight. You can also purchase sweets, rice, nuts, dried fruits and honey.

In addition to shops, restaurants and cafés, the souq is also home to an art gallery and hotels. Traditional music, art and cultural shows add to the ambience of the souq. At the heart of Souq Waqif, Qatar Museums (QM) has installed a public art piece in the shape of a giant gold thumb called Le Pouce – it translates to 'The Thumb' in English –by acclaimed French artist César Baldaccini.

At the souq is an Oud Souq where perfume vendors sell everything, from well-known international brands to blends of essential oils as well as oud, the aromatic agarwood burnt as a sign of hospitality.

The popular Falcon Souq is one of the most exciting places to visit at the souq where visitors can admire the majestic birds up close, and photograph the birds and often shopkeepers also allow tourists to hold the perched bird on their arm under close supervision. Falcons and falconry supplies are available for sale at the souq, and a Falcon Hospital is also available. Falconry is prevalent in Qatar and the region. Today, falcons can be worth up to millions of Qatari riyals. One way of knowing the value is through their feathers. It takes a lot of risks to catch a falcon and to tame one. Qatar is the only country to have a hospital for falcons.

Next to the falcon souq are the Horses Stables that showcases the beauty of Arabian horses. Equipped with all the facilities to ensure the wellness of these animals, it also has a majlis for caretakers. Souq Waqif is also home to camels that sit together in a camel pen next to the Falcon Souq.

Souq Waqif Art Center is a hub for artists in Qatar and a venue for art exhibitions, workshops and for finding art materials. The traditionally decorated centre enhances the mood, encouraging visitors to not only appreciate the artwork but also the interior. swacqatar.com

Novo Cinemas opened in Souq Waqif in 2018 with five screens in 2D and 7-star luxury cinema. The cinema is in parallel with the style of Souq Waqif, decorated in traditional Qatari style.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

What better way to get immersed in this 'mysterious' place than to stay in one of the hotels inside Souq Waqif. Each room at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels is decorated Arabian style, a chance for guests to experience the full pleasure of being in Doha's most iconic place. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels offers a variety of local experiences tailored to your tastes.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels include:

• Al Bidda Boutique Hotel • Al Najada Boutique Hotel • Al Jomrok Boutique Hotel • Al Jasra Boutique Hotel • Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel

• Arumaila Boutique Hotel • Bismillah Boutique Hotel

• Musheireb Boutique Hotel • Najd Boutique Hotel. For more information, visit tivolihotels.com m

There is ample parking in Souq Waqif with three separate air-conditioned underground parking spaces:

• Underground under the Souq Waqif park. Entry can be found along the Corniche.

• Inside Souq Waqif near Al Koot Fort.

• Adjacent to Shioukh Mosque and the Amiri Diwan, off Al Rayyan Road, with an underground walkway connecting to Souq Waqif. See the map for precise locations.

Access to cash is available at the Doha Bank ATM, a branch of QNB, and Doha Exchange.

Opening times: Most shops operate 10 am – noon and reopen 4 pm – 10 pm. On Fridays, stores will close for the afternoon prayers. Most restaurants open all day from 8 am – midnight. Some are open 24 hours.

Souq Waqif

Gold Souq

In the very origin and centre of Doha, the souq, or market, has an atmosphere redolent of the East with the smell of spices, coffee and exotic local delicacies. Wander around and you will see falcons, Arab dress and artefacts, gifts, spices, local sweets, nuts, honey and coffee. Souq Waqif is a great place to enjoy with family and friends in its many restaurants and coffee shops with great international cuisine.

Places of Interest

A Abdul Aziz Nasser/ Al Rayyan Theatre

B Al Koot Fort

C Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre

D Camel Pen

E Clock Tower

F Embrace Doha

G Falcon Souq

H Gold Souq

I Horse Area/Stable

J Le Pouce by César Baldaccini

K Novo Cinema

L Police Post

M Souq Waqif Art Center

N Tourist Information Centre

O Traditional Majlis

P Toilets (F & M)

Q Ladies Waiting & Prayer Room

R Oud & Arabic Perfumes

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

1 Musheireb Hotel

2 Al Jomrok Hotel

3 Al Bidda Hotel

4 Al Jasra Hotel

5 Bismillah Hotel

6 Al Mirqab Hotel

7 Najd Hotel

8 Al Najada Hotel

9 Arumaila Hotel

Souq Waqif

Restaurants

1 Usta Turkish Kebab & Doner

2 The Rice & The Noodle

3 Saida (Lebanese)

4 Little Sailor

5 Al Mourjan

6 Al Adhamiyah (Iraqi)

7 Layali Al Qahira (Egyptian)

8 Le Gourmet

9 Al Bandar Fish Market

10 La Boca (Argentinian)

11 Zaatar W Zeit (Lebanese)

12 Tajeen (Moroccan)

13 The Village

14 Abdel Kader Alhallab Sweets

15 Damasca One (Syrian)

16 Khariss Caffe (Lebanese)

17 Parisa (Persian)

18 Al Koot Cafe (Qatari)

19 Asherg Coffee (Qatari)

20 Desert Rose (Ukrainian)

21 Bandar Aden (Yemeni)

22 Shay Al Shoomos (Qatari)

23 La Piazza (Italian)

24 Argan (Moroccan)

25 Basta (Middle Eastern)

26 Al Matbakh

Rooftop Grill (Middle Eastern)

27 Jasmine Thai (Thai)

28 Al Terrace (Georgian)

29 Al Jasra Trad. Food (Qatari)

30 Falafel Karim (Middle Eastern)

31 Abo Shariha (Middle Eastern)

32 Missan (Middle Eastern)

Museum of Islamic Art

Katara Cultural Village

Founded in 2010 under the direction of the Father Amir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Cultural Village Foundation's (Katara) aim is to position Qatar on the international, regional and local stage for art, music, theatre, photography and more.

Some form of the name 'Katara' has long been used to represent Qatar. The country was first known as 'Catara', according to the map drawn by the geographer Claudius Ptolemaeus in 150 CE, published in 882 CE – 1477 CE and afterwards the Historical Atlas of Islam. It also gave the geographical location of the Qatar peninsula under the name of Catara, North West of Gerra or near it, and to the west of the town of Cadara.

'Catara' became 'Katara' after it appeared on the geographical and historical maps of the early 18th century, first depicted in a French map of the Arabian peninsula coastline, sea and gulf. It was decided to revive Qatar's old name to maintain the connection to the country's heritage.

Today, the multidimensional project brings together all the cultures of the world, with festivals, exhibitions and art galleries, and other cultural events. Adhering to the goals laid out in Qatar National Vision 2030, Katara preserves the heritage and traditions of the country while also embracing those of other nations.

When in Katara, you cannot miss the Pigeon Towers. Three are located near the Katara Masjid and the others are near Tasty Street. Pigeons and other birds can rest within the holes of the towers, which can house up to 14,000 birds. Katara also provides water and food to the pigeons. Constructed of unfired mud brick, lime plaster and gypsum, the towers range from 10 to 22 m in diameter and stand at least 18 m high.

Situated prominently in the middle of the cultural village, the Katara Amphitheatre is an architectural masterpiece based on the classical Greek theatre and Islamic features with seating for 5,000

spectators, who over the years have been treated to many open-air concerts and film screenings.

In addition to its exquisite architecture and captivating graffiti, Katara is home many visual masterpiece. Just outside the ampitheatre stands Lorenzo Quinn's The Force of Nature II. The bronze, stainless steel and aluminium sculpture also appears in London and New York and is a piece created in the wake of the 2009 tsunami in the Pacific Ocean. Look out for Gandhi’s Three Monkeys by Subodh Gupta. Three sculptures show heads wearing military gear. Each piece is made up of cooking appliances, buckets and glass bowls, and are based on Gandhi’s famous visual metaphor – the three wise monkeys that ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’.

For music fans, the Katara Opera House at Building 16 is home to the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), as well as hosting other concerts. The orchestra performs and promotes Western and Arabic music with several performances a year at the opulent Opera House, which blends modern architecture with traditional Islamic design. qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

Building 16 also houses Katara's Drama Theatre, with traditional Arabic architecture bringing a sense of being out in the open air to the stage. It is used for plays and film screenings, with separate space for receptions and functions before and after performances. There are also a number of halls and galleries available to use for conferences, seminars and exhibitions.

Designed by globally-known Turkish mosque designer, Zeynep Fadillioglu, the Katara Masjid, which is also known as the Blue Mosque, is one of the most beautiful in Qatar. The decorations of the Masjid (which means 'mosque') were designed by a team of restoration specialists from Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul. The outer surface is lavishly adorned

Sitting on the waterfront, just a few kilometres north of Al Dafna, Katara Cultural Village is one of Doha's premier attractions, with something to entertain both residents and visitors alike.

Katara Cultural Village

with turquoise and purple mosaic. The interior and exterior architecture, together with the minaret, the dome, and the prayer niche (mihrab) are inspired by famous mosques in cities of the Muslim world. Meanwhile the Golden Masjid is inlaid with tiny golden chips, representing the Ottoman style. Visitors are welcome to walk in and see for themselves the architectural wonder of these mosques. Both offer religious programmes and lectures delivered by prominent religious scholars, as well as courses in Quran memorisation for children of all ages.

The Katara Publishing House promotes culture, knowledge and literature in Qatar. To date, Katara Publishing House has published over 100 books, including 60 novels in Arabic, English and French. Katara Publishing House can be found next to Building No 15, near the Amphitheatre Boulevard. kataraph.com

The 1.5 km Katara Beach is perfect for relaxing and to partake in one of the many beach activities, such as parasailing or kneeboarding. Admission prices changes per season. Separate fees apply for watersports and lessons. In addition, Katara Beach Club by LivNordic Spa & Wellness is gender separated over two floors with a gym, fitness studios and treatment rooms including their signature snow room, saunas and salt rooms. Inspired by the Aurora Borealis, the relaxation areas have a fireplace.

Katara has a 38,000 sq m outdoor luxury shopping complex, 21 High Street (Katara Plaza), which is home to Galeries Lafayette Doha, and the upcoming first Evian Spa in the Middle East. 21highst.net

In the first dedicated children's mall is the new and unique present-shaped OliOli® Doha is an experiential children’s play museum where hands-on activities inspire positive play with six spaces: Kinetic Gallery, Water Gallery, Fitness Gallery, teamLab Future Park, Creative Lab, and WonderSphere. olioli.qa

The 361,500 sq m Katara Hills is divided into Northern and Southern Hills with at least 3,300 plants and trees, featuring gardens and green meadows with manmade rolling hills, valleys, peaks, water features, play areas, exercise and jogging tracks, with bespoke urban art installations, lighting, outdoor furniture, and signages. There is also an outdoor Padel Garden where the public can register to play the unique racket sport. Katara Hills also houses the new and opulent Katara Hills Doha, Lxr Hotels & Resorts, which includes 15 grandeur villas, each with a private pool, in addition to luxury facilities such as a spa and an Indian restaurant.

And more...

Katara continues to grow in both size and amenities. Phase IV, also known as the Southern Expansion Project and which began in 2016, has been recently completed. The unique mixed-use development consists of a wide range of facilities to complement those already offered at Katara, with 12 buildings and further parking spaces. The buildings house a chain of restaurants and cafes, libraries, exhibition hall, cinema and other cultural centres such as the first planetarium and astronomical observatory in Qatar, Al Thuraya Planetarium

The new Katara Cinema opened in August 2022 in Building 49. Dubbed as Qatar’s most luxurious cinema, it features four theatres, including platinum for two people, and a lounge for four people with high-tech amenities with ticket prices starting at QAR185 per person.

Also new to Katara is The Chedi Hotel & Resorts, which is a luxurious boutique hotel with 59 rooms and suites, and 32 villas and chalets, featuring terraces with views over the city’s skyline. The villas offer private pools, landscaped gardens and between one and five bedrooms. Facilities include a swimming pool alongside the beachfront promenade, a stunning infinity pool at the resort’s family-friendly beach club, and an expansive spa and fitness centre. m

182 or 4408 0000, katara.net

The Katara app is available on iOS and Android

Katara Cultural Village

Al Gassar Interchange

Al Qassar Station Metro Red

Cultural Foundation

Katara provides cultural, gastronomic and leisure activities. See the stunning amphitheatre, a luxurious opera house, cinema and theatre. Savour first-class menus, international cuisine and attentive service at many fine restaurants for unique Arab and

RESTAURANT/CAFES

Lusail City

Lusail City

Lusail City will be home to more than 200,000 residents its scenic surroundings, 170,000 professionals in 19 districts, and 80,000 visitors to entertainment, recreation, and retail and hospitality facilities – a population of nearly 450,000 people.

Each of Lusail’s districts features an array of residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail destinations, integrating communal living in a self-contained model, complete with schools, mosques and medical facilities, as well as sport, entertainment and shopping centres. Lusail’s vibrant, multicultural mixed-use destination promises a boon for hospitality, tourism and investments in Qatar.

Al Kharayej district is designed to accommodate 42 residential towers. The area includes spacious open pavements, a landscaped neighbourhood golf course and private spaces blended with contemporary international design. In addition, it will be in close proximity to beaches and crystalclear waters in a picturesque setting.

Al Tarfa is Lusail’s hub for landmark attractions, as well as for leisure and recreation activities and venues, integrated seamlessly into a sustainable, sophisticated urban environment. The city will feature a host of retail and fine dining experiences, residential and office spaces, hotels, theme parks, theatres, and fitness centres, as well as a cinema multiplex. Plans are underway to develop a major museum, park and luxury hotels with public and private beaches. The jewel of Al Tarfa district, Place Vendôme, stretches over 1,000,000 sq m. The Parisianinspired development pays ode to the famous high-end shopping street in Paris, Rue de la Paix, where Place Vendôme originated. The destination is home to a new luxurious mall, featuring up to 600 different retail outlets with an exclusively luxurious wing dedicated to top designer labels, two 5-star luxury hotels – Le Royal Méridien Doha and Agora, Doha, Autograph Collection – and a central entertainment hub of landmark attractions and experiences.

Led by IHG and Qatar Tourism (QT) to boost tourism in the country, Al Maha Island opened in November 2022. The entertainment centre is expected to attract over 1.5 mn visitors per year. Located in the heart of Al Maha Island, Lusail Winter Wonderland comprises over 50 rides and attractions as well as food and drinks, and live entertainment. lusailwinterwonderland.com, almahaisland.com

Al Wessil is a hub built exclusively for the commercial, technical and human resource requirements of the region and adjacent industries, as well as a number of other sectors. Professionals and businesses in Al Wessil will be privy to the best and latest technologies in high-quality, worldclass facilities; the epitome of sustainability.

Fox Hills North and South was built and designed as a refined and elegant medium density, inner-city residential area, featuring mixed-use buildings. The district is split by Lusail’s main commercial street, running from north to south, and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped, naturally green parks for walkable streets and pedestrian mobility.

Marina District is the lively hub of the city, overlooking the marinas, and featuring mixeduse residential, commercial and hotel waterfront properties and spaces with large open areas leading to the seaside boardwalk. The Marina District is serviced by the Lusail Tram, connecting to the rest of Lusail City and the Doha Metro.

Lusail Marina is a modern home for more than 1,200 berths for boats and yachts that have direct access to the serene Arabian gulf with marina facilities and services. Lusail Marina Promenade, along the Marina District and South Qetaifan Islands, form the urban waterfront edges. Seating is planned along the water with views out to the sea, in addition to walkways, restaurants and access to marinas. The promenade also features various musical water and light fountains as well as oversized outdoor chess sets. Marina District is also home to the Marina Food Arena, a vibrant place where you can

An extension of Doha to the north across an area of 38 sq km, Lusail City A3/4 is a model for the city of the future, a beacon of smart living, and a blueprint for Qatar’s urban transformation.

find more than 65 popular local street eateries and coffee shops in the style of a typical food truck park. Waterfront Residential district epitomises the pinnacle of seaside living. Comprising a slew of middle-to-high-rise residential towers and hotels, it stands as one of the most exclusive districts in Lusail City, where residents can enjoy the luxury of privacy, beaches and crystal-clear waters

Downtown Lusail is the magnetic epicentre of Lusail and home to the city’s hustle and bustle. A paragon for uniquely modern, integrated lifestyle experiences, Downtown Lusail captivates the energy and vibrant spirit of Doha’s cosmopolitan urbanism in three flagship destinations. Lusail Boulevard, Al Sa'ad Plaza and The Seef come together to create a melting pot of cultures, people and businesses. downtownlusail.com

Modelled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Lusail Boulevard is Downtown Lusail’s iconic shopping, commercial and residential destination, pulsating throughout its 1.3-km length. It comprises a range of mixed-use, upscale retail, offices, and premium residential units. The 250,000 sq m boulevard is designed as a lifestyle high-street with 2,000 underground car parking spaces. Lusail Boulevard was one of the main attractions during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

The crown jewels of Lusail, Qetaifan Islands enjoy unique panoramic sea views, located just off the coast. The four offshore islands form an exclusive district and privacy haven for residents, with only two entry/access points – the first of which crosses through Qetaifan Island North, and the second, through Qetaifan Island South 1.

Privacy is an integral part of the Qetaifan Islands lifestyle, green living and design. Green spaces and leisure facilities on the islands will stretch alongside a range of luxury boutiques, parks, highend restaurants and cafés. The islands will also feature a multitude of docks, with a capacity to host

over 400 boats and yachts. Offering unprecedented access to freehold projects on the islands, nonQataris will be able to own a range of exclusive residential properties, connected to a wide array of commercial projects via the pedestrian bridge, as well as to facilities and attractions.

qetaifanislands.qa, qetaifanprojects.com

And more...

Lusail City is home to the iconic Lusail Stadium, which hosted the final match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The stadium is the biggest in Qatar with a seating capacity of up to 80,000 spectators.

In addition to Lusail Winter Wonderland, the 207,015 sq m Meryal waterpark will open at Qetaifan Island North. It will comprise 36 waterslides and the Icon Tower – up to 85 m high with 12 waterslides, already leading as the world’s tallest waterslide in the Guinness World Records. The waterpark will also include a discovery game with 3D display and augmented reality technology that takes visitors on a historic journey back in time to learn more about the history of oil and gas discovery in Qatar.

Lusail Tram is a light-rail transit (LRT) network for convenient travel within Lusail City, connecting all 19 districts. The network will include four lines and 25 stations across 38 km of rail aboveground and underground. Looking to reduce vehicular emission and saving energy, it is designed to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. The partially open Lusail Tram connects to the Doha Metro through two interchange stations, at Lusail and Legtaifiya. qr.com.qa/metro-tram

Three-wheeler electric rickshaws have become the latest mode of transportation in Lusail City, transporting people between Place Vendôme, Marina Food Arena and Katara Towers.

Lush greenery parks such as Crescent Park flourish across Lusail’s residential and commercial areas, bringing to life Lusail City’s green, sustainable living ambitions.

m

4497 7770/72, lusail.com

The Lusail City app is available on iOS and Android

Lusail City

Al Maha Island

STAY LONGER ON US

Delectable cuisines. Limitless shopping. Longer stay. Le Royal Méridien Doha has it all.

Spend more time whilst spending less when you discover Lusail, Qatar’s future city with our Stay Longer On Us package. Book 3 nights or longer at Le Royal Méridien Doha and enjoy 15% savings o our room rate. For reservations, call +974 4141 6000 or email dohmd.reservations@lemeridien.com.

The Pearl Island

The Pearl Island

The Pearl Island B4 is an innovative urban development in Qatar. With Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, state-of-the-art residential towers, luxury villas, 5-star hotels and residences, chic shopping at top brand name boutiques, a host of world-renowned restaurants, and leisure and entertainment facilities, The Pearl Island is the perfect destination for tourists and residents alike.

Abraj Quartier consists of seven towers, five of 36 storeys and two of 42 storeys, the latter straddling the access road to the mainland and forming the 'gateway' to The Pearl Island. Also known as the Avenue of Towers, the Abraj Quartier is considered the ideal location of choice for many businesses, with the two highly prestigious 42 storey towers standing at 201 m, each housing a panoramic floor of breathtaking views towards the mainland across the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Costa Malaz is an oasis of calm and quiet luxury. Both architecture and landscaping evoke the atmosphere of a tropical island with 2,000 sq m of luxury beachfront villa plots. The luxurious Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha is situated on an islet in the central bay of this precinct. Fringed by pristine sand, this hotel provides an elegant sanctuary with delightful views, privacy and seclusion. Located east of Viva Bahriya, Floresta Gardens is one of the most prized locations at The Pearl Island. Floresta Gardens offers a variety of community living options, characterised by a Mediterranean-style architecture. Floresta Gardens spans an area of 145,967 sq m and will be home to 5,000 residents, 10 mid-rise residential towers and 115 villas within three-gated villa compounds, and a 3,500 sq m shopping centre.

The exclusive Giardino Village is located in a tranquil enclave with close proximity to the vibrant retail hubs of Medina Centrale and Porto Arabia, making it perfect for those wanting a discreet residence in a more sheltered locale. Giardino Village offers a variety of investment options for individual investors or property developers as it embraces a mixture of properties, ranging from 470 to 2,427 sq m and including completed villas, villa plots and low-rise building plots with a ground floor and three or five additional storeys. The

village is home to the new Giardino Mall, which houses the 20th Lulu store.

The jewel in The Pearl Island’s crown, Isola Dana comprises nine independent islands and is the largest, most private residential precinct in the island. Named after the world’s rarest and most valuable pearl, Dana, and the Spanish word for ‘island’, Isola Dana is accessed via a private causeway. These private islands enable investors to style their own residences. Palatial homes adorn the exquisite 18,000 sq m islands. Each island has its own expansive beach and protected harbour for yachts and motor cruisers. The complex is served by an access channel 4 m deep to facilitate passage to larger private vessels.

The popular Medina Centrale is a town square inspired by the charming ambience of the Mediterranean. With a mixture of public plazas, gardens, terraces, canopies and piazza, it is a residential destination that brings together the unique qualities and charm of the island. The precinct regularly comes alive with celebrations and events as it turns into a pedestrian-only area. It provides its residents with a wide variety of lifestyle activities, all within walking distance. A number of play areas are provided for kids to enjoy themselves while parents sit back and enjoy a selection of sidewalk cafés. It's home to more than 500 residential units, 130 retail shops, the indoor Megapolis Entertainment Center, a popular entertainment centre for high-end arcade games, from car racing simulators, to bowling, billiards, and karaoke, and Novo Cinemas

Perlita Gardens is a mixed villa and townhouse development in a secluded environment located immediately to the south of Medina Centrale. Characterised by lush landscaping, seclusion is the defining feature of Perlita Gardens.

Qanat Quartier

Porto Arabia represents a modern Mediterranean district with a mix of indoor and outdoor retail outlets. With a wealth of popular international brands, a broad range of F&B options and the upcoming five-star hotel and resort Corinthia Doha, Porto Arabia is a complete upscale living, leisure and recreational destination. The precinct offers friendly services and amenities ranging from climate-controlled shopping arcades, open-air boardwalk with access to valet parking facilities, water taxi drop-offs and golf cart transportation. A range of residential options is available including one to four-bedroom apartments, penthouses and one to three-bedroom townhouses with unit sizes from 116 to 900 sq m. Porto Arabia is also home to the new Corinthia Yacht Club and The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl - Qatar

Qanat Quartier (QQ) is a private and picturesque community where Venetian charm meets Arabian chic. With pastel-coloured low-rise buildings, intricate canals, pedestrian-friendly piazzas, Qanat Quartier is Qatar’s very own little Venice. Each waterway is spanned by stylish bridges further evoking Italian romantic living. A wide choice of boutiques and outlets offer a great shopping experience. Residents and visitors can pick from a variety of F&B outlets. The district boasts a world-class beach front with outstanding views, and a visitor parking space for over 1,000 cars. Water taxis are also available at Qanat Quartier who can take you on a fun trip

around the district for a minimum of 20 minutes. Don't miss stepping on the Music Steps, linking QQ7 boardwalk with the mezzanine level.

Viva Bahriya

Viva Bahriya is architecturally themed to echo the very best of the Arab Maghreb with Moroccan-styled townhouses and apartments exuding Moorish elegance. Viva Bahriya is perfect for families and those seeking a more relaxed locale. A range of residential options is available including one to four-bedroom apartments and penthouses located in elegant tower residences, with unit sizes ranging from 107 to 623 sq m. Townhouses and low-rise towers offer innovative design and features with direct beach views. Among the most significant residential features in Viva Bahriya are Al Mutahidah Towers. Comprising two connected towers of 24 floors each, the high-rise structure features 480 residential units of various dimensions including studios, lofts, luxury apartments, and townhouses as well as high-level penthouses.

In a nutshell...

The Pearl Island is a relaxed luxury waterfront project of residential apartments, villas, cafés and restaurants, and retail outlets. There is an unlimited superb selection of restaurants, and some of the top brands in the world, offering everything from couture fashion to exquisite jewellery and home décor.

6222, thepearlqatar.com,

The Pearl Island

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The Pearl-Qatar app is available on iOS and Android

Medina Centrale

Porto Arabia

Lagoona Mall

Treve Tower

Qanat Quartier

Fitness, Health, Spa

Entertainment, Music Centre

Pharmacy, Veterinary Clinic

Sports, Fashion, Flowers Nursery

Gewan Island

Corinthia Golf Club

Crystal Residences

Kabab

Chocolate Coffee Lounge

Build It Burger

Eden Cafe

Karaki

Turqouise Café and Gallery

Baladna

Al Majles Diyafa

Hasan Kolcuoglu

Shater Abbas Triangle

Il Gelato di Bruno

Maia Coffee and Chocolate

Texas Chicken

Meat Smith

Jwala

UDC Tower

Iksha 360 (UDC Tower, 42nd Floor)

Gourmet District Food Court (Ground Floor)

Medina Centrale

Hypermarket

Furniture, Fashion, Flowers

Banks, Telecoms

Fitness, Spa and Accessories

Entertainment

Sports Shop

Laundry

Pharmacy

Car Rental

Beach

Sedra Arjaan by Rotana (Tower

The Pearl Boulevard

The Pearl Island

One of Doha’s premier shopping districts, The Pearl Island’s Mediterranean-style marinas are lined with stylish cafés, restaurants and elegant boutiques featuring many of the world’s top luxury brands

Souq Al Wakra

Souq Al Wakra

Following Doha, Al Wakra is the second largest city in Qatar. Located in eastern Qatar, just south of Doha, the city is believed to have a history of its own, independent from that of the capital.

In the charming, ancient city of Al Wakra is an enchanting, thriving souq that is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Qatari heritage and culture, and seeing Qatar outside of the bright lights of its capital city. Al Wakra's own thriving market – Souq Al Wakra – is full of popular restaurants and coffee shops.

Setting off southward from Doha, stop for a visit at Souq Al Wakra with its maze of courtyards and alleyways, leading to a promenade of traditional shops, restaurants, and a beach, which is the souq's charm.

Souq Al Wakra, also known as Souq Waqif, Al Wakra or Heritage Village, officially opened on Al Wakra seafront in late 2014. The souq stretches for approximately 3 km along the town’s coast, with a promenade or corniche for people to walk along.

The souq is divided into 10 zones of markets, restaurants, shops, stables, and a kids playground, as well as the Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar and ample parking.

The souq or Heritage Village is designed to resemble old Qatari homes and villages. The alleyways take you to individual 'homes' that are developing into designated markets:

• Women's Accessories and Perfumes

• Men's Accessories

Relax and soak up the vitality and atmosphere at one of its eclectic mix of great restaurants and cafés, which offer traditional Qatari, Yemeni and other regional cuisines. The souq is home to many local restaurants and coffee shops with modern twists such as E'asair Cafe, Al Baranda, Al Noukhaza Restaurant and more. Restaurants serving dishes from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Asia are also on offer. Popular dining options are Al Aker Sweets (Arabic), Royal Tandoor (Indian), Danat Al Bahar (barbecue fish), Barahat Al Wakra (Indian), and Bennigan's (American) to name a few. The souq is a popular destination for barbecue and grill restaurants. For a lighter choice, there are also cafés serving only sweets or snacks or just plain coffee. Try Gharissa for local ice cream or dessert.

Collect memories of Qatar with Arab male and female salt and pepper shakers or cups, fridge magnets, shisha bottles, intricately designed plates, lanterns, keychains, mugs and more. Other souvenirs include dhow boat miniatures, traditional Arab dallah (coffee pots) as well as brass-studded wooden chests in many sizes. Woven items include bedouin weaving, traditional floor cushions, kilims and carpets as well as colourful baskets. Silver jewellery, misbah (prayer beads) and traditional gypsum carvings make attractive mementoes.

• Perfumes

• Nuts • Flowers and Sweets

• Gold

• Honey

• Cheese • Fish • Birds

• Swords • Souvenirs • Carpets

• Handicrafts • Hawks/Falcons

• Wood and more.

Qatar's second Souq Waqif stands in Al Wakra and is becoming a top destination for residents and tourists alike.

Souq Al Wakra stands out with its promenade, allowing visitors easy access to the sandy beach where old wrecked dhows rest. The Souq Al Wakra Beach is a family-friendly beach so keep in mind the conservative culture of Qatar. Swimsuits are required to access the water. All basic amenities are available including lifeguards and changing rooms for both men and women.

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar has an idyllic setting, woven into the fabric of the souq on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The hotel comprises two buildings with a total of 101 guest rooms. Both buildings are former heritage houses, which have been preserved with the architecture mirroring a traditional Qatari house.

In keeping with local heritage, each of the guest rooms and suites features classic thatched roofs, reflecting traditional basket weaving elements. The guest rooms have been designed with colourful motifs reflecting the jubilant blues of the sea and the sandy tones of the desert, inspired by Al Wakra’s history as a pearl diving and fishing village.

Open walkways and maze-like paths lead to courtyards where multiple guest rooms can be blocked off to create private areas for groups. Large groups will be able to stay together in guest rooms grouped around shaded majlis, perfect for celebrations or family gatherings.

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar has five restaurants and lounges. Jarnen offers Mediterranean all-day dining

with fresh seafood sourced daily from Al Wakra Market and barbecue grilled to order at live cooking stations. Markhan, an Arabic fusion lounge, offers the ideal place to enjoy the sunset from the terrace overlooking the gulf. Emshoot invites guests to discover the culinary delights of Asia’s diverse flavours with dishes ranging from sushi to tandoori kebabs. Serving a selection of light international dishes, guests can dine upstairs and embrace the sights and sounds of the nearby souq at Mahaadeg’s terrace. Guests can grab a quick bite for breakfast or an afternoon snack at the Lobby Lounge. In addition, majlis are situated across the property offering an authentic Bedouin-style evening of live barbecue and other social gatherings.

Tivoli Spa offers separate treatment rooms for men and women as well as a hydro pool, steam room, Vichy Shower and Jacuzzi. A multi-functional gym in each building is also available for guests.

The hotel is only a 15-minute drive to Hamad International Airport (HIA). It also has direct access to the adjacent Al Wakra Family Beach. For more information, visit tivolihotels.com

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Parking at Souq Al Wakra is ample, right off Al Wakra Main Street as you access the souq. The extensive parking is still free at the moment. Convenient golf carts are available in the evenings to take you from the parking lot to your destination.

Access to cash is available at the Doha Bank ATM. Opening times: Most shops operate 10 am –noon and reopen 4 pm – 10 pm. On Fridays, stores will close for the afternoon prayers. However, only a few shops and restaurants are open during the day so it's best to plan your visit to the souq after 4 pm.

Souq Al Wakra

Souq Al Wakra

Only a few minutes from Hamad International Airport, you can revisit the life that Qataris used to lead. Souq Al Wakra is calm and has great old world charm.

Today’s visitors require modern standards and the restroom facilities are first class and well maintained. The many cafes and restaurants serve delicious fare – choose your favourite cuisine from around the world.

The family-friendly beach and beachfront promenade are especially attractive in the cool evenings when walkers and joggers benefit from clean air and absence of big-city bustle.

Restaurants/Cafes

1 Al Nouhkaza Restaurant - Arabic

2 Bennigan’s - American, Burgers

3 Danat Al Bahar - BBQ Fish, Seafood

4 Royal Tandoor - North Indian

5 Al Aker Sweets - Arabic Desserts

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar

6 LalQila - Pakistani, Indian

7 Al Koufa - Arabic

8 Al Fanar - Arabic

9 Mercato Antico - Italian

10 Barahat Al Wakra - Arabic

The ultimate relaxation may be found in the souq’s five-star Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar which combines an undisturbed village ambience with world class catering and spa health facilities.

1 Emshoot - Asian food inspired by the Silk Road

2 Jarnen - Mediterranean

3 Mahaadeg - International

4 Markhan - Arabic