Sights

As the capital city of Qatar and a beautiful waterfront destination for travelers, Doha has many wonderful sights to behold.

The Corniche

Some of the best views in the city can be seen from the Corniche, a promenade that curves around the bay. The curved crescent moon of the bay assures that from various vantage points you can see wonderful views of the Arabian Gulf and the city itself. You can also check out a number of sights built along the Corniche, including the Pearl Monument, a statute representing Doha's original main export, and the Emiri Diwan, Doha's presidential palace. Also keep an eye out for the statue of Orry the Oryx, the mascot of the 2006 Asian Games.

Museum of Art

Near Doha Port, across from the eastern end of the Corniche, you'll find the Museum of Islamic Art. The Museum was designed by I. M. Pei, a famous Chinese-born American architect, who is commonly regarded as the last master of the high modernist style of architecture. A beautiful building to behold, the Museum of Islamic Art offers many sights both inside its walls and out.

The Shopping District

Once you have soaked up all the sights of the Corniche and the Museum of Islamic Art, head south down Grand Hammad Street to find Doha's famous shopping districts. Known as 'Souqs', the Arabic word for market or shopping center, these marketplaces offer a wealth of excellent shopping and a chance to soak up the sights and smells of Qatar. Be sure to check out the Souq Waqif, one of the larger marketplaces. Although the Souq Waqif has been in Doha for a long time, it was recently knocked down and rebuilt by the government to be a modern and clean version of an old Doha marketplace. Famous for its spices, you can also relax with a Turkish coffee or find real falcons for sale in one of the many shops. On the Southwestern edge of the Souq Waqif keep an eye out for the Al Koot Fort. The white Moorish-style fort makes a great photo-op.

The Singing Sand Dunes

If you are feeling the need to get away from the hectic routine of the city for a while, head out into the desert. There a variety of tour companies that will take you out on day trips into the sand dunes, perfect for getting away for a while. Some tour companies will also arrange historical tours or overnight camping trips. Ask about the Singing Sand Dunes, located 40 km southwest of Doha. One of approximately thirty locations worldwide, when conditions are right, the Singing Sand Dunes emit an eerie sound.