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Destinations In Qatar
Qatar is peppered with numerous small cities and towns, some of which are port towns, while others are more prominent due to the thriving oil and gas industry in these locations. Visitors will see damaged and abandoned villages, archaeological sites that provide a glimpse into the history of the region, inlets, islands, natural mangroves, golden sands, blue-green waterways, and much more.
Doha
Doha, located in the east of the country, is home to around 646,000 international residents. It is the fastest-growing metropolis in the nation and its economic hub.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Doha was an important pearling and fishing community with approximately 350 pearling boats. It underwent a thorough economic metamorphosis and is now a modern and successful metropolis.
Over the years, Doha’s tourism industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, with prominent attractions and a number of significant museums gaining prominence.
Doha, a city renowned for its exceptional hospitality, delicious cuisine, one-of-a-kind shopping opportunities, and historic souks, as well as a myriad of adventures and activities, is expanding rapidly and provides something for every traveler.
Numerous mosques, futuristic towers, and other ultramodern architectural structures in Doha are influenced by old Islamic architecture. In addition, there are many museums, art galleries, and souks.
You will be shocked to discover that Doha is one of the world’s most advanced, high-tech, and cutting-edge capitals.
Despite its position in Arabia, Doha is one of the greenest cities in the area, with large parks full with picnicking families and children enjoying trampolines and other recreational facilities.
Doha is worthy of a vacation. Qatar is one of the most technologically advanced and safest countries in the Middle East, and according to the United Nations, Doha is the second safest city in the world. The country provides travelers an abundance of dining, shopping, sightseeing, and sporting opportunities.
Al Khor
Al Khor is a city in Qatar’s northern parts. It is the municipal center of Al Khor and Al Thakira and one of Qatar’s major oil and gas hubs. The city was founded in 1972, and pearl selling was one of Qatar’s main sources of income at the time. Al Khor began as a small and isolated hamlet that relied on fishing and pearl diving for a living, but it has grown to be one of Qatar’s largest cities after Doha.
One would imagine that Al Khor is all about oil and gas because the majority of its 250,000 residents are industry employees with families who live here due to its proximity to Ras Laffan Industrial City and North Oil. Al Khor, on the other hand, is a veritable treasure trove of intriguing things to do and see.
This area is home to some of Qatar’s most vibrant natural wonders, including the ancient Ain Hleetan Well and the Al Khor Towers, the Thakira Mangroves, Purple Island, Al Farkiah Beach, and, last but not least, the Al Khor Park and Zoo and the Al Bayt Stadium, which will host the first FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match.
Al Bayt Stadium is modeled after a traditional Bedouin Arabic tent – bayt al sha’ar. Tents in Bedouin times had characteristic black stripes and crimson sadu patterns, which have been reproduced within the stadium. The design of Al Bayt Stadium represents desert hospitality, where guests from all over the world are welcomed in a tradition that has been a part of the Arab civilization for ages.
To save energy and water, the stadium uses green building materials and cutting-edge technologies. Following the World Cup, the upper tier of the Al Bayt Stadium’s modular seating will be donated to poor countries in need of sporting infrastructure, in line with the tournament’s overall sustainability goals. Even the McDonald’s here has an intriguing traditional Bedouin tent style. A must-see if you’re in the region.
Treasures from the past can be found in Al Khor, such as the Al Khor Towers, where guards once kept guard over the Persian Gulf to keep pirates at bay. The Ain Hleetan Well is located on the western flank of the Al Khor Tower and was guarded by the tower’s soldiers. It was created on a small hill around 1900, and when the Al Mahanda tribe settled nearby, the well became known as ‘the doctor.’ The water in the well was said to have medical powers and could treat a variety of ailments.
Al Farkiah Beach, located in Al Khor, is a tranquil stretch of golden sand and turquoise waves that provides guests with a classic beach experience that is both peaceful and exhilarating. This beach is ideal for a family getaway because it is surrounded by a fence and has only one entry and exit point.
Children can swim and use the play area as their own adventure land, while adults can rest under the pergolas, cook a BBQ, swim, or play fun beach activities. This beach is unique in that it has a café where you can purchase delicious light snacks and drinks, as well as public bathrooms and showers. It’s a perfect spot for some sun and being one with the water and sand.
Well-kept grass, fresh flowers, shady trees, and a plethora of exciting activities to enjoy in a fresh and green setting. It’s a terrific family attraction because there’s something for everyone. A new and interesting addition to the park is a zoo, a museum, a skating area, and two different children’s play areas; one for older children and one for toddlers. Not only that, but The park features a large aviary with peacocks and other birds, an Amphitheatre, a battery-operated train that is popular with youngsters, and much more.
The Al Thakira Mangroves are Qatar’s oldest and largest mangrove reserve. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot to visit; the beach area is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply laying back and resting. It’s an excellent spot for kayaking and bird watching.
Purple Island, also known as Bin Ghannam Island, is a must-see natural beauty in the Al Khor area and is not far from the Al Thakira Mangroves. The name of the island stems from the second millennium BC, when the area was the major site of the Kassite-controlled purple dye industry. Visitors can now kayak or stroll around the island, and camping is permitted, providing a primitive experience surrounded by natural beauty and unusual flora and animals.
The greatest time to visit Al Thakira Mangroves and Purple Island is between November and February, when the temperature in Qatar is cooler.
Dukhan
Dukhan is an industrial city in Qatar’s western area that gained prominence after oil was discovered there. Almost everyone who lives there works for Qatar Petroleum. Others are not permitted to enter the city, and photography is not permitted.
The area near Dukhan, on the other hand, is quite popular with travelers because there are many interesting sights and attractions to see in the vicinity.
Dukhan Beach boasts rugged cliffs that provide an Instagram-worthy landscape. This is an excellent location for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and exploring the surrounding reef. Dukhan Beach is a gorgeous beach that is both calm and tranquil; excellent for some family fun.
Then there’s Zekreet, a little hamlet near Dukhan known for its crescent-shaped Bay of Zekreet and a massive landscape featuring the unusual Umbrella Rock Mountain. The historic and abandoned Zekreet Fort, located north of town, was possibly erected by pirates two centuries ago. Though it is now in ruins, its single square turret and three circular turrets may still be seen. Kite surfing and stargazing are popular activities in the area.
There are prehistoric burials cut from bedrock on the little hill next to the town, and there are relics of burial grounds from the Dilmun culture that previously inhabited the area on other hilltops that surround this difficult landscape. These cemeteries and burial grounds are breathtaking, leaving you wondering who these people were, what they did, why they lived here, and how they became one with the earth.
A spectacular art work made by critically regarded American Artist Richard Serra rises over the area just outside of Zekreet amidst the Ras Abrouq rock formations. This project is made up of four tall 14-metre-long steel plates that span over one kilometer. As you marvel at it, consider how you might interpret this massive work of art. Serra examined the area’s landscape land and used his art to beautify the harsh desert area to ensure the four steel plates were correctly matched. The finished sculpture is amazing, and while being a modern art installation, it is timeless and ageless.
The Film City has an air of mystique about it. It’s a modest mud-roofed Bedouin-style town with a desert backdrop. Nobody knows why it is there. Some claim it was built as a set for a Hollywood or Arabic film, while others claim it was used for a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 promotional video. Whatever the reason, it’s a terrific spot to visit and learn about how people in the area used to live in simplicity.
Madinat Ash Shamal
Madinat Al Shamal is located in the northernmost part of Qatar, just near the tip, and though it is probably Qatar’s least populated area today, it is surrounded by dilapidated and abandoned fishing villages, and a range of beaches to relax, soak in the sun, and enjoy the experience, and visitors flock to the area year round to enjoy all that Madinat Ash Shamal has to offer.
Fuwairit Beach is the nesting site for Hawksbill sea turtles, and it is closed from April to July every year to ensure that the turtles are not disturbed and can feel free in their natural habitat.
Fuwairit Beach, Shamal Beach, Maroona Beach, Azerbaijani Beach, and Al Ghariyah Beach are all located in the Shamal area, and each beach is distinct in its own way, with sandy beaches, beautiful waters, and a tranquil environment where you may be one with nature.
Al Ruwais
Al Ruwais is a tiny beach village to the east of Madinat Ash Shamal with some interesting monuments.
A must-see if you want to see the sun rise or set in all its splendor. The green-blue water on this beach is clean and shallow, so letting the water run over your feet and walking barefoot in the sand will have you falling in love with this lovely pure beach, which is a perfect spot to spend the day with your family.
Abu Dhalouf
Abu Dhalouf is west of Madinat Ash Shamal and appears to be a part of it. It’s a tranquil village with one of Qatar’s most beautiful parks.
Abu Dhalouf Park is one of Qatar’s most beautiful parks. There is something for everyone, from toddlers to adults. The park is lush and verdant, with trees, fences, and colorful flowers. There are two play areas where the kids may have a good time and play games while the grownups set up a picnic. It’s a nice spot that opens onto a beach with shallow waters, allowing small children to enjoy the water as well. The views are spectacular, and if you’re in Madinat Ash Shamal, don’t miss this park.
Mesaieed
Mesaieed, another oil and gas hub in Qatar, was recognized as a critical sector during the twentieth century. Because of the deep waters that surrounding the location, as well as its proximity to Doha, it became Qatar Petroleum’s tanker terminal in 1949, in order to expand Qatar’s oil production.
It is located in the southeast of Qatar and houses Qatar Petroleum personnel, but that is not its only claim to fame. Mesaieed is surrounded by golden sand dunes and magnificent beaches.
The Sealine Beach is one of Mesaieed’s most popular beaches. It’s perfect for families and groups of friends because it offers a wide range of activities such as swimming, camel riding, safari trips, camping, dune bashing, and all terrain vehicles that race across the dunes. It’s a beautiful beach in Qatar to watch the dawn or sunset, and camping is a must-do activity in the vicinity.
In this location, you can also locate the Singing Sand Dunes, which, as the name implies, generate music or singing-like noises in a collection of crescent-shaped sand dunes. This’singing’ is caused by friction or wind generated while running, walking, or sliding down the dunes.
Lusail City
Lusail City is not only firmly entrenched on the map, but also in the hearts and minds of Qataris, expatriates, and tourists. Lusail City may justifiably claim to be the smartest, most technologically advanced smart city in the region, if not the world, with its famous stadium that will host the World Cup and a population of approximately 200,000.
Lusail’s high-speed fiber technology network provides an advantage for businesses, while people enjoy a great quality of life in a sustainable environment.
However, Lusail is much more than just technology. It’s one of the most fascinating cities to live, work, and play in. Each area has a diverse range of residential, business, hospitality, and retail options, as well as schools, mosques, hotels, medical facilities, sports arenas, entertainment, and shopping malls.
Al Wakrah
Al Wakrah is exactly what you could think about when imagining a typical Arabian village. Despite its proximity to Doha, it’s a great place to get away from the shadows cast by the capital’s soaring towers. Near the dock is the Al Wakrah Heritage Village, where you may experience medieval life in Qatar.
As you travel through the maze of alleyways and courtyards of Al Wakrah Souq, you’ll get a taste of the fishing and pearl farming traditions that helped transform the little village into a huge port town. Check out the rebuilt 17th-century mosque and the Al Wakrah Fort. On the beach, you can see Sheikh Ghanim Bin Abdulrahman Al-residence, Thani’s a historical structure.
Al Zubarah
Al Zubarah is one of Qatar’s most spectacular walled cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013. It thrived as a trading center in the 18th and 19th centuries before being abandoned in the early 19th century as the pearl trade declined. Fortunately, desert sand has preserved the ruins of old structures like as palaces, courtyard dwellings, fisherman’s huts, and mosques.
Visit the nearby fort of Qal’at Murair while at Al Zubarah to view Islamic architecture at its finest and learn about how the desert’s water supplies were secured and maintained.
Al Rayyan
Al Rayyan features a historical center that includes fortifications and mosques from the 18th and 19th centuries. Qatar’s second most populated city boasts a great shopping environment, with designer products available at Wathnan Mall and the Mall of Qatar.
The Qatar National Convention Center, which is part of the Qatar Foundation, is frequently used for international performances and conferences. Sidra Hospital and Qatar Science & Technology Park are located within the 2,500-acre property. For exhibits of contemporary art in Al Rayyan, go to Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Al Shaqab, also founded by the Qatar Foundation, is an equestrian center where you may take guided tours to learn about Arabian horse training.
Khawr al Udayd
Khawr al Udayd is located near the Saudi Arabian border. The town, dubbed the “Inland Sea,” is one of the few sites on the planet where the sea extends far into the desert. This Qatari nature reserve has no roads, but it’s worth traveling over the dunes to relax close to the serene stretch of water.
Khawr al Udayd is mostly unoccupied, allowing its own environment to flourish. Keep an eye out for endangered animal species such as turtles and dugongs while dune bashing, swimming, and sunbathing. If you’re lucky, you might see an endangered osprey breeding on an islet.
Umm Salal Muhammed
Umm Salal Muhammed, located barely 10 kilometers north of Doha, is a fortified town with three protected environmental areas. The Sunai, Wadi Sultan, and Umm Al Amad reserves encompass roughly 10 square kilometers of rich biodiversity and expansive desert scrub environments. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that the world’s largest man-made forest is planned for the area.
If history is more important to you than nature, don’t miss the 19th-century Barzan watchtowers or the Umm Salal Fortress. Prehistoric burial grounds dating back over 5,000 years can be found near Umm Salal Ali.
Al Jumail
Al Jumail is an abandoned settlement in Qatar’s Al Shamal municipality, located between Al Arish and Al Ruwais. Prior to its economic boom, Qatar was heavily reliant on the pearl farming and fishing industries. When such trades became outdated, coastal communities like Al Jamail were abandoned, leaving a goldmine of historical structures for travelers to explore.
The walls and doorways of the town’s dwellings are mostly gone, but the grounds are littered with fragments of pottery, beads, and housewares. Aside from the forts, the most notable structure in Al Jumail is the mosque’s still-standing tower. When you’re tired of visiting the town’s ruins, head over to the white sandy beach for some private leisure.
Qatar Travel guide
Things To Know About Qatar
Qatar is a developed nation with a high-income economy and the world’s third-largest natural gas and oil reserves. The nation boasts the world’s highest per capita income.
Qatar Travel guide
Entry Requirements For Qatar
Qatar is currently the most accessible country in the Middle East, thanks to a slew of visa-easing initiatives. Visitors from all around the world may now visit Qatar visa-free…
Qatar Travel guide
How To Travel To Qatar
In the past ten years, air travel into Qatar has greatly increased. Most tourists will arrive at Hamad International Airport (DOH IATA), which is close to Doha.
Qatar Travel guide
How To Travel Around Qatar
There are three types of public transport in Qatar: buses, taxis and limousines, all owned by the state-owned company Mowasalat (Karwa)…
Qatar Travel guide
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Unlike past FIFA World Cups, which have been held in June and July, the 2022 World Cup will be held in November and December to escape the extreme summer heat in Qatar.
Qatar Travel guide
Things To See in Qatar
For a relatively small peninsula in the Middle East, there is a lot to see in Qatar. The history buff will not be disappointed, with a selection of ruins, rock art and museums…
Qatar Travel guide
Things To Do in Qatar
Visitors have a wide variety of options, including museums and art galleries, marketplaces, sports, safaris in the desert beside the stunning Inland Sea or the UNESCO-listed Al Zubarah Fort.
Qatar Travel guide
Food & Drinks in Qatar
Qatar has a seemingly unlimited choice of food, many of which are excellent. If you want to try European cuisine in a refined setting, go to a hotel like the Ramada or Marriott…
Qatar Travel guide
Money & Shopping in Qatar
Although the goods are typically of lower quality than those found in malls, the souqs in the heart of Doha also have a lot to offer. Practice your negotiating abilities because prices…
Qatar Travel guide
Beaches in Qatar
Qatar is a perfect destination for amazing beach vacations, with approximately 560 kilometers of coastline and beautiful beach weather for much of the year.
Qatar Travel guide
Nightlife in Qatar
Nightlife in Qatar may not appear as exciting to tourists as it does in the Western world. In Qatar, as in other Arabian countries, there are limitations and prohibitions at night.
Qatar Travel guide
Festivals & Events in Qatar
Qatar provides a wide variety of fun festivals and events.While some events highlight the nation’s rich cultural legacy, others highlight its slick modernity and global perspective.
Qatar Travel guide
Traditions & Customs in Qatar
Qataris are Bedouin descendants who have retained a culture of gracious hospitality. Qatari society is generally conservative and largely influenced by Islamic norms.
Qatar Travel guide
Culture Of Qatar
Qatar’s culture is similar to that of other eastern Arab countries and is strongly influenced by Islam.Prominent members of the Al Thani family, which rules Qatar, are major…
Qatar Travel guide
Stay Safe & Healthy in Qatar
Qatar stands out clearly from the surrounding region, there is no war, no conflicts and hardly any crime.Driving on the roads is probably the biggest danger to your well-being.