What to see and do in Qatar

In the run-up to the 2022 World Cup, here’s our pick of things to do

Coastal developments to equal Dubai’s skyline are emerging from the sands (Getty/iStock)

Tourism is still in its infancy in Qatar but, in the space of a few years, this little Middle Eastern Arab state has gone from a near-wilderness that registered on few travellers’ radars, to evoking greater awareness following the decision for it to host the 2022 World Cup.

An explosion of mega-development projects have been emerging from the sands that are giving Dubai a real run for its money. The latest of these is the new massive and striking structure that is the National Museum of Qatar, which opened at the end of March.

Other new developments include luxury hotels and resorts, huge shopping malls and newly constructed islands. Here’s a guide to what to see.

National Museum of Qatar, Doha

Even if this building, designed by celebrated French architect Jean Nouvel, contained no exhibits, its architectural magnificence would still make it worthy of a visit. Taking 18 years to build – and with nearly a mile of galleries under its 539 interlocking discs, ranging from 14 to 87 metres across – the museum traces the country’s growth from earliest times to now, where it’s the world’s wealthiest country per capita, courtesy of its transformational discovery of oil and natural gas. Archaeology, wildlife, geology, its pearl divers and nomadic bedouins, cultural traditions and the lineage of its sheiks are all comprehensively covered. As well as thousands of artefacts, there are specially commissioned site-specific artworks from artists from Iraq, Syria, France and Qatar.

The National Museum of Qatar (Iwan Baan)

The Doha Corniche

A walk along part of this 7-kilometre crescent-shaped waterfront strip, which stretches from the Sheraton Hotel to the Museum of Islamic Art is another priority on the must-do list. Qatar’s seamless merging of old and new is encapsulated here, with its traditional dhows on the waters of Doha Bay with a stunning modern skyscraper skyline beyond. There are a few green spaces dotted along the Corniche for kids to play or pause for an ice cream. Tip: take your stroll at sunrise or sunset as you’ll frazzle faster than a frying egg in the middle of the day.

Doha's Corniche boasts plenty of skyscrapers (Qatar)

Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

This spectacular building, designed by celebrated Chinese-American architect IM Pei of The Louvre fame, houses priceless artworks from a host of countries around the Islamic world, from medieval Spain to Mughal India and Central Asia, spanning 14 centuries. English descriptions are insightful, and galleries display ivory, ceramics, manuscripts, metalwork, jewellery, glass, woodwork and more. I was surprised at how entranced I was by its beautiful displays. Conspicuously located on the capital’s Corniche, it’s impossible to miss.

The Museum of Islamic Art (Qatar)

Dhow boat cruise, Doha

Spend a delightful day, half-day or evening sightseeing aboard a traditional wooden Qatari dhow, used by pearl divers and fishermen in days gone by. Most set off from the dock by the Museum of Islamic Art. The relaxing cruises help you really get a feel for the scale of the place.

Take a traditional dhow cruise (Qatar)

Souq Waqif, Doha

Wander the bustling alleyways of the traditional souq for an authentic taste of Arab street life. Shops and stalls sell gold, spices, antiques, perfumes, textiles and traditional crafts and there are shisha lounges and art galleries too. It’s a welcome respite from the skyscrapers and modernity of much of Doha and also a popular spot for dining, people-watching and entertainment, especially after sunset.

Get lost in labyrinthine Souq Waqif (Ahmed A Alkhulaifi)

Dune Experiences

Qatar’s huge expanses of desert and high dunes are ideal for a jeep safari, plunging down the dunes in a 4X4 or self-driving a dune buggy. Try an Arabian feast and stay overnight in a desert camp, enjoying the spectacular landscapes, the sunset and sunrise, and the clear night skies that are bliss for stargazers. If you head for the impressive Khor-Al-Udaid, a Unesco-recognised natural reserve, it features extensive inland waters, often referred to as an inland sea. Numerous tour operators offer various desert activity options.

Embrace the desert (Qatar)

The Pearl-Qatar, Doha

This artificial island and home to villas, residential towers and Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas is located just off the West Bay coast. It’s a popular visitor attraction, having nearly 30 restaurants, nearly 20 cafes and bakeries and lots of upmarket shops.

The Pearl is formed of man-made islands (Qatar)

Al Zubarah

Located on the north-west coast, this settlement – mostly destroyed in 1811 and abandoned in the last century – is the only remaining complete urban plan of an Arabian pearl-merchant town. As well as architectural ruins, Qatar’s one Unesco World Heritage site has a splendid fort to explore – built in 1938.

Al Zubarah fort (Qatar)

Al Thakira Mangroves

In striking contrast to the surrounding desert, this large expanse of natural greenery – north of the city of Al Khor – attracts a wide variety of birdlife, including herons and flamingos. It’s ideal for exploring by kayak.

Explore Al Thakira Mangroves by kayak (Qatar)

Camel Racing, Al Shahaniya

This thrilling spectacle, held during the racing season (October-April) is a long-held Qatari tradition for celebrating special occasions. Today, the sport has a bizarre twist, as remote-controlled toddler-sized humanoid robot camel jockeys in colourful racing silks are used, speeding their (real) camels across the sands at the track in the small town of Al Shahaniya, a 45-minute drive from Doha. +974 44 87 2028

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha

This is an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art from the Arab world, with both permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are also works from Africa, Asia and Europe that are historically connected to Qatar.

Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque, Doha

This, the Qatar State Mosque, which opened in 2011, is big enough to accommodate 12,200 worshippers. A contemporary design with traditional Qatari flourishes, it has 93 domes, many intricate doorways and carvings, and its interiors are adorned with chandeliers.

Qatar State Mosque (Qatar)

Travel essentials

Getting there

Qatar Airways flies to Doha from the UK from £458.