Majestic Qatar - the most European country in the Middle East

Qatar impresses with its diversity and uniqueness. Modern skyscrapers, beaches and luxurious hotels coexist with traditional markets and mosques, while the National Museum, made in the form of a Desert Rose crystal, sits next to a replica of Venetian bridges and canals. Qatar also hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and amazed the world with its technology, wealth and openness. In this article we will tell you what is worth seeing in this diverse country.

Doha

The capital of Qatar, Doha, despite its "young" age by European standards - almost 200 years - attracts travelers from all over the world not only because of the nearby major international airport and the title of the largest transport hub. Skyscrapers, beaches, Arabian exotics, luxurious five-star hotels, artificial islands, embankments and modern museums offer a deep dive into the spirit and culture of this eastern country. We recommend that you start your acquaintance with the city from the National Museum, created by Jean Nouvel. Here you can "dive" for pearls, the country's main wealth before the discovery of oil, and take part in archaeological excavations using video displays and 3D technology. Prepare to spend at least a couple of hours exploring all 11 interactive galleries.

After visiting the museum, take a walk along the Corniche, an eight-kilometer promenade where traditional wooden dhows blend harmoniously with palm trees and skyscrapers on the horizon. To your right is the Museum of Islamic Art, and to your left is the old Souq Waqif market, where you can get lost among the many shops selling spices, perfumes, pearls, gold, souvenirs, local clothes and even hunting falcons. Nearby are the camel stalls, where you can see the main transport of the medieval desert.

Doha's West Bay business district promenade leads straight to the 238-meter skyscraper - the Doha Tower, which looks like a steel cucumber. In general, in Qatar there are many buildings of a unique form: here you can see towers resembling sabers, torches, flying saucers and the one and only  Tornado Tower.

Next, head to the area of the ethnographic cultural village, located near the city center. The village combines traditional Arabic architecture, modern installations and street art. For example, the walls and minaret of the Golden Mosque are decorated with metal, which is so valued in the East, and the Turquoise Mosque, created by Turkish designer Zeynab Fadil Oglu, impresses with its turquoise-purple mosaics and ornaments. The majestic amphitheater, inspired by the Roman Colosseum, is impossible to miss - it often hosts performances by world celebrities. After your walk, you can relax in one of the local restaurants or visit the nearby Qatar Beach.

The Pearl of Qatar is a real gem in Doha's collection of attractions. This man-made island with luxurious palace-like hotels, sparkling white yachts, private beaches, as well as restaurants and boutiques, attracts all tourists. The most interesting places are the shopping center, stylized in Italian style with canals and gondolas, and the Qanat Cartier area, the so-called Arabian mini Venice with an exact replica of the Rialto Bridge, European architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Khor al-Adaid

Located 80 km from Doha on the border with Saudi Arabia, Khor al-Adaid is called the inland sea - in this place, endless dunes meet the waters of the Persian Gulf. This nature reserve is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The winding coastline and turquoise waters create incredible landscapes, and the dunes reach 50 meters in height. You can explore the sand dunes by camel, jeep or buggy, and to fully experience the power of the desert, we recommend you spend the night here or book a two-day tour. You can swim, look at the stars and watch the numerous flamingos and Arabian oryx - antelopes that live in the desert.

Umm Said

45 km from the capital Doha there is Umm Said or Mesaid - a seaside resort and a significant tourist hub, ideal for a family holiday. The best time to get there – spring and autumn, as it is neither hot nor cold there. Umm Said is a picturesque oasis in the middle of the desert, bright and clean, with green boulevards. In the south of the city is a beach resort with sand dunes, which is a popular holiday destination among locals, especially on weekends. Due to the high level of security, tourists can safely walk around the city at any time of the day. In addition to beach holidays, the resort can offer many activities, including diving, desert safaris and barbecuing on the bay.

Al Wakrah

In the last century Al-Wakrah Harbor was famous for its pearl industry, which today is reminiscent of the majestic Pearl Monument by the sea near the Old Bazaar, made in the shape of a seashell. Authentic shopping arcades, camels and domestic falcons, Arabic coffee, aroma of spices and traditional architecture will take you to the magical atmosphere of the Thousand- and One-Nights fairy tales.

Located just 15 km from Doha, this family resort is known for its majestic 20th-century fort that can be viewed from the outside, shallow water beaches ideal for young children, and excellent fishing opportunities. You can rent a boat and go fishing while enjoying the views of the Persian Gulf. There are also simpler options - you can go fishing from the pier or just buy fresh fish at the local fish market.

Qatar is one of the most open, safe and authentic countries in the Middle East. This small state attracts tourists with its architectural wonders, oriental flavor, warm sea and amazing food. And yet, Qatar is not as “hackneyed” as its famous neighbor, so here you can really plunge into the culture and the country itself. Search for the wonders of Arabia with fedafone rates for Qatar and explore it to the fullest!