Qatar is one of the fastest growing countries in the field of tourism, and isn’t it just amazing that the upcoming FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be held in Qatar? Absolutely! This will be the first World Cup ever held in the Arab world, and your trip to Qatar could be a mix of enjoying sport and tourism.
If you’re planning to take a trip to this beautiful location for the game, here are 10 things to do in Qatar between the FIFA World Cup matches:
Visit Qatar Museums
Qatar simply loves art. Even though Qatar has many markers that tell a story about the country’s past and present, the museums in Qatar are another attraction you can’t afford to miss.
There are seven museums that make up Qatar’s glory and magnificence. Each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists travel to these museums to wonder at and be impressed by the countless ancient treasures, art collections, and historical items that this wonderland has to offer.
Here are the seven museums;
- Museums of Islamic Art, Doha
- National Museum of Qatar
- Msheireb Museums
- Katara Art Center
- Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
- Anima Gallery
- Fire Station Museum
Explore the Souq Waqif, Doha
Souq Waqif means ‘standing market’. It was referred to as this because, during the early years, merchants and residents would sell their goods standing up due to the overflow of seawater which had poured into the market.
“Not a single shop was built during the pioneering period,” Shams al- Qassabi, the first Qatari woman to open a business in the Souq Waqif, told Al Jazeera in 2004.
The Souq (marketplace) is said to be over 100 years old. It is located in Doha, Qatar’s capital city, and it allows visitors to step back in time to a traditional Arab marketplace.
Here are a few things to do at the Souq Waqif when you visit:
Shop ‘til you drop’
There are a lot of things to buy at the Souq ranging from traditional scarfs to embroidered cloaks. You can also buy some local beauty products, and learn about pearls, which is one of the most ancient gems, dating back to the centuries.
Get a falcon
The falcon is known as the national bird of Qatar. They represent the wealth and standard in Qatar. If you’re a bird lover, it is an opportunity to get one.
Eat at one of the local Arab restaurants
There is a wide range of local restaurants in Qatar where you can have a taste of the Arabian cuisine, such as Machboos, a popular staple dish prepared with rice and a wide range of seafood and meats. It is quite delicious; you shouldn’t visit Qatar without having a taste!
Spice it up
The market also features all kinds of spices if you love to experiment with your cooking skills. Everything you need, right from pure saffron, sweets to honey and sweet lemon, is available too.
While you’re exploring the market, don’t forget to feed your eyes to the max. It would be an unforgettable experience.
Take a trip to the Beach
What would you consider the ideal vacation?
Although it might not come to mind right away when thinking of a popular beach destination, Qatar has gorgeous expanses of sand with fun activities. Over 560km (348 miles) of the country of Qatar’s coastline are lovely beaches, many of which can be found in the capital city of Doha.
The beaches provide a view of the magnificent Doha cityscape, an intriguing sunset, and leisure that is beyond splendor.
These beaches comprise, among others:
- Katara Beach
- Al Thakira Beach
- Simaisma Beach
- Fuwairit Beach
- Al Khor Beach
However, it is crucial to keep in mind that modesty is rigorously observed in this traditional Muslim nation, so ladies should avoid wearing skimpy bikinis and swimwear at public beaches in Qatar (where they are actually illegal). At resorts and hotels, the regulations are still more lax.
Walk along Doha’s Corniche
“Corniche” means “roadway.” The Corniche is one of Doha’s most admired attractions and it is a 7km stretch of beautiful esplanade overlooking the cool waterfront.
It is an entertainment hub of great significance in every way that will leave you amazed by its fascinating glory. The place has served as a spot for many national events and festivals, like the National Sports Day and more.
You can grab a coffee and fly a kite while taking lots and lots of pictures of the pearl monument.
There are also fitness machines installed along the way for public use. This simple walk has inspired many to be admirers of art, nature, and photography.
Relax at the Aspire Park
Aspire Park is the biggest park in the city.
Aside from jogging tracks, football pitches, and a children’s playground, the park has the only artificial lake in the country with exotic marine life.
Aspire Park is part of the Aspire Zone, a purpose-built area that hosted the 2006 Asian Games. The major recreational attraction for the park, which served as a giant torch for the game, is the Aspire Tower, also called Torch Tower.
The Torch Tower has an astonishing height of 300 metres. It resembles a uniquely shaped giant Christmas tree with lots of colourful lights, and it is currently an ultra modern hotel.
This tower is definitely worth a visit. It features a spa, a swimming pool on its 19th floor, and a brilliant 360 rotating restaurant on the rooftop, where you can soak in the breathtaking nightlife views of Doha.
Exciting!
Acquaint yourself with the luxury of Banana Island
Could you pass me some bananas, please? “Banana Island” is an artificial island located a short distance from Doha. It was completed in 2015. It has an 800m golden sand and crescent beach, which makes it one of the best excursion sites in Qatar.
The island resort is one of the perfect places that welcomes travelers to seek the leisure they need. The resort’s redefined luxury and warm hospitality will give your trip more life.
The resort has 141 view rooms and overwater pool villas, which makes it a paradise.
The island generally has six restaurants, from traditional Middle Eastern and American to Italian, keeping guests fueled up for many activities and cuisines. There are also spa facilities to complement your stay and enhance your comfort.
Shop at the City Center Doha Shopping Mall
Doha is a paradise for shoppers. The five floor shopping mall is located in the heart of the capital in West Bay, just as the name implies. It is not just the biggest shopping mall in the city, but it is also the largest in the whole of Qatar.
Featuring five floors, the mall is connected to three international hotels: Marriott Marquis Hotel, City Centre Rotana Hotel, and JW Marriot Hotel. For many years, these hotels have welcomed local and international visitors who have come to eat, shop, and enjoy
You absolutely shouldn’t miss this experience, even if it’s just for sightseeing!
If you’ve decided to check out the mall, below are a few things you should consider doing to create a premium leisure time for yourself.
Take care of your taste buds!
The 38 different types of restaurants offer a wide variety of food. There is “Go-ssip,” one of Doha’s favourite places to get bubble tea, and “The Noodle House,” where you can sample Asian-style ramen. You should also visit “Wok Wok Qatar,” which offers delectable and well-known broccoli beef. Another great location to eat sushi in style is the Sushi Library. Hmm, Delicious!
See a movie.
There is a huge cinema which is a wholesome 14-screen movie theatre with top shows from Bollywood, Hollywood, and the most esteemed Arab nations.
Shop!
This all sounds so exciting because the mall has a shopping collection for home, fashion, and fitness. So, you can pick your choice.
Let’s go play golf!
There is a huge skating rink which has now been converted to a mini-golf course. It adorns the centre of the basement and can be seen from all floors.
Shows and functions are also held from time to time, so even if you’re not buying, you’re seeing.
This is such a good way to enjoy yourself after the match!
Immerse yourself in the Pearl-Qatar
Get me some pearls. We like to refer to the artificial island known as the Pearl-Qatar as the “Beautiful Palace”. It is 13.9 km2 in size and has a population of about 46,000 people.
The Marsa Malaz Kempinski, the best five-star hotel in Qatar’s Pearl, provides warm service along with first-rate recreational amenities like a fitness center and a pool.
Dive in! There are dining establishments where you can enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the “Arabian Riviera.”
The “Medina Centrale,” a town square in the centre of Pearl-Qatar, attracts lots of tourists every day with its alluring setting. The site’s centre is dominated by a large, cool water feature, and palm trees from the Pearl Central Park surround it on all sides.
Visit the Aqua Park
Did you say aqua? Like Water? Water park? Yes.
One of the most significant and popular tourist destinations in Qatar is considered to be Aqua Park Qatar. Given that it is the nation’s first water theme park, it is a location for extreme adventure and fun.
This park’s preservation of its cultural village, with the king’s and queen’s cabins tucked away in the middle, is one of its best features. A sturdy wooden bridge links the village to other areas of the park.
Around this lovely attraction, you can visit and explore a number of locations, including the African village, Jacuzzi cave, space boat, and a variety of picturesque pools.
In addition, the Aqua Park has a mini-market with shops selling goods like sunscreen, toys for the water, and other necessities, as well as equipment for water sports. Swimsuits, shorts, towels, and other beachwear are also available.
The Desert Adventure
How does a desert adventure sound to you? Qatar is one of the few nations in the world that provides unique desert adventures. So, after watching your football match, you have the chance to partake in an exhilarating adventure.
The Doha desert has a lot to offer in terms of exhilarating rides, beautiful excursions, and an all-around unforgettable experience that one must partake in.
Here are a few things you could do:
- Take an adventurous camel ride in the Doha desert.
- Feel the desert’s roughness in a thrilling dune bashing.
- Test your gliding skills by desert sand surfing.
- Photograph some beautiful scenes of sea & sand landscapes.
- Enjoy the ride to the Inland Sea – near the Saudi Arabian border.
Enjoy your football match, but don’t forget to have fun and lots of it!
