Just arrived in Qatar? Check out these must-see sights.
Just relocated to Qatar for work? After settling in, you’ll probably be curious about this nation’s must-see sights. In this post, we’ll share our favourites.
(1) Museum of Islamic Art (Doha)
Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of sights in Qatar are located in the city of Doha. This is where most of the population lives, so it follows that cultural gems like the Museum of Islamic Art found be found here.
Designed by world famous architect, I.M. Pei, this building combines modern architectural themes with traditional Islamic design, creating lines and shapes that makes the building a work of art in itself. As for the collection, you’ll find tapestries, jewellery, examples of metalworking, and other artistic pieces sourced from every corner of the Islamic world.
With thousands of pieces that date back as far as 1,400 years, you’ll be kept busy for much of the day. After you return to your Doha condo, you’ll likely be too tired to head out for the evening. Instead, stay in and do some gaming.
While authorities in Qatar frown on this practice, there are many sites on the web that allow players to engage in anynomous gambling. Thanks to the properties in cryptocurrencies like Monero, there’s no way anyone in power will know that you are engaged in the ‘terrible sin’ of playing games like roulette, blackjack, or slots.
(2) The Msheireb Museums (Doha)
Before the city of Doha became rich with oil money, it was little more than a humble pearling town on the shores of the Persian Gulf. While many of the old buildings have since been cleared away for modern office towers and condos, a collection of structures called the Msheireb Museums has been preserved.
There are four in total. Bin Jelmood House recounts the dark history of Qatar’s slave trade, Mohammed Bin Jassim House was once the residence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, the son of the founder of Qatar, Company House tells the story of Qatar’s oil industry, and Radwani House is one of the oldest homes in Doha.
(3) Al Wakrah Souk (Al Wakrah)
A short drive outside Doha will take you to the Al Wakrah Souk, one of Qatar’s liveliest markets. A clean place with hundreds of shops and restaurants, it is an excellent place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Set along the ocean, it is also possible to combine a day at the beach with this attraction. With services close at hand, it is an attractive spot for many expats and native Qataris.
(4) Sealine Beach (Mesaieed)
Want to get away from anything resembling the city while in Qatar? Head further south from Al Wakrah, and you’ll eventually reach the resort area of Sealine Beach. Located a short distance from the small town of Mesaieed, it is far enough away from the urban influence of Doha to allow you to relax and unwind.
While there are luxury hotels in the area, you can also head down from Doha for the day. Many families do this on weekends, bringing plenty of food to BBQ on the beach. If it is true solitude you are after, head further down the beach, or come during the week.
