Holiday in Doha

What makes Doha special as a destination?

Doha is the capital of Qatar and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The skyline along the Persian Gulf, reminiscent of Manhattan, reflects in the waters of the Corniche and embodies the transformation from a sleepy pearl diving settlement to a futuristic metropolis. The 2022 World Cup put Doha on the world map, but the city has much more to offer than just stadiums. The Souq Waqif is the cultural heart of the city — a restored traditional market that has preserved authentic Arab flair despite its tourist upgrade. Spice merchants, falcon sellers, perfumed incense stalls, and art galleries line a labyrinth of alleys. In the evening, the Souq transforms into a lively promenade with shisha lounges, restaurants, and live music. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by star architect I.M. Pei, is one of the most significant museums in the Middle East. The building itself — situated on a peninsula overlooking the skyline — is a masterpiece. The collection spans 1,400 years of Islamic art, from ceramics and textiles to calligraphy, jewelry, and weapons. The Corniche, a 7-kilometer-long waterfront promenade, connects the old town with the futuristic West Bay District. In the evening, when the skyscrapers shine in colorful lights and temperatures drop to comfortable levels, a walk along the Corniche is the perfect Doha experience. The Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) — a bay in the desert where the sea meets the sand dunes — is Doha's most spectacular natural wonder. A jeep safari over high sand dunes leads to this UNESCO-protected site, where the border with Saudi Arabia runs. The combination of desert, sea, and absolute nothingness is surreal and photogenic.