Doha tours
On Qatar's eastern coast, Doha faces the Persian Gulf. The city began in the 1820s as a settlement branching off from Al Bidda.
City tours and desert safaris
A full day Doha city tour and desert safari in Qatar lasts 6 hours and 30 minutes. It includes transport with air conditioning, a professional guide for the city section and an expert driver for the desert section. City stops cover a Corniche drive, The Pearl Qatar, Katara Cultural Village and Souq Waqif. Also included are a short camel ride, dune bashing or a scenic desert drive to the Inland Sea, sandboarding and tea at the camel camp.
The full day Qatar desert safari with dune bashing, camel ride and barbecue dinner lasts 7 hours and 30 minutes. It includes a camel ride, dune bashing in a 4x4, sandboarding, an Inland Sea visit, a barbecue meal at the desert camp, an opportunity to swim at the beach, and a professional guide and driver.
Doha in Qatar
Qatar lies on the Qatar Peninsula along the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Doha's Corniche stretches for 7 km, with restaurants and public art along the promenade. The redevelopment of Old Doha Port created the Mina District. Near Doha's West Bay District lies the artificial island of The Pearl Qatar. Within it, Qanat Quartier takes its neighbourhood design inspiration from the Mediterranean.
Things to do in Doha
I. M. Pei, a recipient of the Pritzker Prize, designed the Museum of Islamic Art. Its architecture was inspired by the 13th-century ablution fountain in the courtyard of Cairo's Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun. Inside, art and artefacts from three continents represent 14 centuries of Islamic art. Green lawns surround the museum, with views towards Doha's skyline and the sea. At the National Museum of Qatar, Jean Nouvel's design draws on the desert rose and wraps around a historic palace.
Msheireb Downtown sits at the centre of Doha's cultural district. Four historic houses there explore the city's past. The restored Radwani House has rooms arranged around an open central area. Souq Waqif occupies the site of a trading market dating back a century, beside the Wadi Msheireb. Its stalls sell saffron, za'atar, sumac, dried flowers and dried black lemons. Within Souq Waqif, beside the Falcon Souq, is a hospital for falcons.
Heritage sites in Qatar
In 2013, Al Zubarah joined the UNESCO World Heritage list. About 100 km northwest of Doha, the site extends for 2.5 km between Al Zubarah Fort and the coast. Al Zubarah was established around the middle of the eighteenth century, but the town had been abandoned by the early decades of the twentieth century.
A full day Qatar tour of heritage sites and desert safari lasts 7 hours and 30 minutes. Included are transport in a 4WD vehicle, a professional licensed guide, dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, a visit to the Inland Sea and entry to Al Zubarah Fort.
Getting around
The Metro's Red Line links Terminal 1 at Hamad International Airport with central Doha. The Red, Green and Gold Lines meet at the Msheireb interchange in downtown Doha.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Doha in Qatar?
Doha faces the Persian Gulf on the eastern coast of Qatar.
What does the Museum of Islamic Art display?
Its art and artefacts from three continents represent 14 centuries of Islamic art.
What is sold at Souq Waqif?
Saffron, za'atar, sumac, dried flowers and dried black lemons are sold at its stalls.
How long is the Corniche?
The promenade extends for 7 km and has restaurants and public art.
Does the Metro connect the airport with central Doha?
The Red Line connects Hamad International Airport's Terminal 1 with the city centre.
