9 fantastic things every tourist must try in Qatar!

Qatar is warm place welcoming visitors and residents alike. Its allure and charm extends to the malls to the museums and out to the sand dunes.  There is a lot more to explore out in the sand and sun of this vast land. First impressions are the last, so make the most of your experience while you are visiting Qatar. Here are 9 fantastic places and things every tourist must experience to get the authentic taste of Qatar.

1 - Dune bashing

The truth is out there! Just head over to the dunes surrounding Qatar and discover for yourself what mysteries they hold in their rugged terrain. Dune bashing is a must-have exhilarating experience that will leave the flavor of Qatar embedded in your mind forever.

Photo by Stewart Lacey

2 - Walk on corniche

Another absolute must is a trip to the beautiful Corniche cascading along a palm-dotted stretch of the boulevard in Qatar. Your eyes will be pleased with the visual treat of Dhows bobbing peacefully over the water at regular intervals along the Corniche, beckoning you to sail in them. There is a track running the whole length of the Corniche for joggers, runners, or for just casual walking. Take in the scenery and breathe in your surroundings. With the water on one side, overlooking the Museum of Islamic Art and the iconic Fanar, and West Bay cityscape on the other side, your walk will be nothing short of a marvel; every time.

Photo by Lohit Mohanta

3 - Museum of Islamic Art

A visit to the most beautiful museum in Qatar is a definite go-to place in your itinerary list. A history enthusiast or not, you will enjoy everything MIA has to offer. Its ambience is luxurious and elegant, imbued with a sense of knowledge and culture within its walls. Take your time to explore each floor and learn more about the history of the rich culture of Qatar and Islamic traditions.

Photo by Time Hatton

4 - Mathaf Museum of Modern Art

Mathaf houses the largest collection of Arab art, both modern and contemporary. Mark it on your list to visit and prepare to be amazed by all forms of art. It is bound to pique your curiosity and make you wonder over the multifaceted themes artists have poured their hearts and souls into.

Photo by Michel

5 - Inland sea

Qatar boasts of a number of beautiful beaches, all with their distinctive features. Some beaches are mellower and safer for families to take their little kids to. Other beaches have waves roaring in and retreating with a crescendo that is exciting to witness. South of Qatar lies the Inland Sea, also known as Khor Al Adaid. It is a popular tourist attraction for visitors. Arrange a four wheel vehicle to navigate you there, and go in groups as it is an uninhabited area far from the city. With its versatile terrain and flora and fauna, don’t be surprised to see turtles and gazelles on your way.

Photo by Mohamad Nuski

6 - Serra in desert

A fascinating installation of art is mounted in the middle of the desert, called East-West/West-East by artist Richard Serra. Be sure to include the extraordinary artwork in your to-do list. Serra believes art has its place on the street. As it is with art, the interpretation is up to the viewer. Ponder over the huge installations in the desert and let your imagination run wild.

Photo by Avi Viljoen

7 - Singing sand dunes

Yes, sand dunes of Qatar actually sing to you! Take the time out to visit them, sit with them and try to decipher the message they are singing out. Or better yet, just listen to the singing dunes and enjoy! Just 40km from Doha the desert is shaped naturally in this fascinating phenomenon. Wind blowing through the sand dunes creates low-pitched whistling sounds that change their hum and volume according to the speed of the wind.

Photo by Ziggy Wellens

8 - Camel Racetrack at Shahaniya

Horse racing?

Check.

Camel racing?

What?

There are some things you can enjoy only in Qatar, and what better way to spend your time than to witness an exciting race of camels on the racetrack! Enroute to Dukhan city from Doha lies the Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack. Check for the racing schedule before planning to watch this spectacular event. Even if racing is not scheduled you can watch the camels in training.

Photo by Gary McGovern

9 - Rock carvings at Jabal Jassassiya

Get a taste of history hands-on outside of museums in Qatar. Return to the days of yore by observing rock carvings dating to the fifteenth century in the northwest region of Qatar. The rock carvings appear on the limestone hills and show geometric patterns, and shapes of animals and ships. Some relics of pottery and domestic utensils are also found along with these petroglyphs.

Last but not the least, here is bonus number 10 to enjoy a truly remarkable experience in Qatar.

Rock carvings

10 - Kayaking among mangroves

Treat your adventurous souls with a kayaking experience among the sprawing mangroves at Al Thakhira. Discover Arabia – Entalek offers various kayaking packages with barbecue. Packages include sunset, sunrise and moonlight kayaking for an unforgettable experience paddling among water and watching the ownders of nature . Al Thakhira coast stretches across the beach on the northern side Al Khor Corniche. The defining features of Al Thakhira are mangroves and varieties of birds. The mangroves provide an experience of oasis in the middle of the desert.

Photo by Raja Raman

Cover photo by Aamir Md.Naeem