Qatar’s neighbourhoods boast waterfront views, sandy beaches, retail, exhibition spaces and eateries, reflecting the rich diversity of this compact state.
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The Pearl-Qatar
The Pearl, Qatar is a man-made island offshore Doha’s prestigious West Bay District, featuring Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, villas, and hotels, as well as introducing a luxurious shopping experience with premium designer boutiques and showrooms. The Island is also home to modern dining spots- from refreshing ice creams to five-star culinary experiences, while it stands out for its pedestrian-friendly squares and plazas and the wide range of landscaped gardens.
The Pearl is a popular visitor attraction by virtue of its chic elegance, inviting descriptions such as the ‘Arabian Riviera’.
Qatar National Library
Designed by Rem Koolhaas, the diamond shaped exterior of the library belies its spacious interior, which prioritizes light and visibility. The bookshelves themselves are an integral part of the building, rising out of the floor and blending into the architecture. Innovative technologies are seamlessly integrated throughout the building, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
World-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas designed the 45,000-square-meter building to resemble two pieces of paper that are pulled apart and folded diagonally at the corners to create a shell-like structure, enclosing the open-plan interior.
The main interior space is designed to allow a precise amount of daylight to enter and maintain a connection to the world outside. Daylight filters through the glass façade, providing natural light that is conducive to reading and socializing. The bookshelves themselves are an integral part of the building itself, rising out of the floor and highlighting the value of books in Qatari culture.
Souq Waqif
Built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market, on the banks of the Wadi Musheireb, Souq Waqif feels like an anachronism, particularly against the backdrop of Doha’s dramatic modernist skyline. With its mud-daubed buildings, the market harkens to a bygone era while remaining a hub of activity, where commerce and gossip collide. Souq Waqif’s winding alleys offer a tableau of traditional street life.
Falcon Souq
Located within the confines of Souq Waqif, the Falcon Souq is one of the most exciting places to visit in Doha. Visitors can admire the majestic birds from up close; take photographs and, under the shopkeeper’s watchful eye, pose with a falcon perched on an arm.
Al Shaqab
Al Shaqab, a Qatar Foundation member since 2004, is Qatar’s state-of-the-art equestrian centre, dating back to 1992. It aims to preserve the historical traditions and legacy of the Arabian horses; animals that are highly respected in the country. Home to more than 700 of them, Al Shaqab introduces one of the world’s leading and most advanced equestrian programmes based on three main principles – excellence, education and heritage.
Katara Cultural Village
Combining art galleries and workshops, theatres and performances venues, and exceptional restaurants choices, Katara Cultural Village is Doha’s destination for culture and entertainment. A central amphitheatre stands against a backdrop of traditional architecture and cobbled streets, and is the site of many cultural performances. Adjoining the main development, a spacious public beach offers water sports and equipment rentals.
Msheireb Downtown Doha
The world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, Msheireb Downtown revives Doha’s old commercial district with a new architectural language. While modern, the architecture of Msheireb is inspired by Qatar’s heritage – its proportion, simplicity, space, light, layering, and response to the country’s climate.
Qanat Quartier
A feast for the eyes, this Venice-inspired neighbourhood brings a piece of the Mediterranean to Doha. Boasting turquoise canals flanked by candy-coloured buildings and gracefully arched bridges, Qanat Quartier abounds with Instagram-worthy vistas. Play a tune on the musical staircase, or take a leisurely stroll down broad avenues as you wander in and out of the neighbourhood’s many boutiques and cafés. Grab a coffee, stick your toes in the sand, and take in stunning views of the Arabian Gulf from Qanat Quartier’s beachfront promenade.
Doha Quest
Qatar’s first-ever theme park, Quest, located in Msheireb is a 32,000 sqm. novel indoor entertainment destination which caters to an audience of all ages. Facilitating over 30 rides and attractions this entertainment hub features adrenaline-heavy thrill rides, media-controlled simulators, virtual reality experiences and more.
Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque
As the largest mosque in Qatar, Imam Abdul Wahhab, also known as the Qatar State Grand Mosque, was inaugurated in 2011. Its simple lines and graceful arches are nonetheless eye-catching, and characteristic of Islamic architectural tradition. The mosque houses three libraries, separate prayer and ablution halls for men and women, and special halls for Quran memorisation, and can hold over 30,000 worshippers.
