A small peninsula in the Persian Gulf connected to Saudi Arabia, Qatar is one of the largest oil producers. But this country, which has benefited from a real spotlight thanks to the 2022 football World Cup, is also an increasingly popular tourist destination.
1. The capital of Qatar: Doha
The city of Doha, the capital of Qatar, stands out first for its skyscrapers. But that's not its only asset. Its huge shopping malls and lively souks are also worth a visit.
If you want to walk, stroll along the Corniche, a promenade several kilometers long, and stroll through the alleys of its parks where, even if the country is arid, there is no shortage of vegetation.
2. The Museum of Islamic Art
3. Qatar National Museum
Built on an artificial island, this museum, which opened in 2008, is the largest in Doha. The works exhibited come from all over the world.
You can admire paintings or precious manuscripts as well as ceramic or wrought iron objects.
Another museum of Doha is not to be missed. Built to the plans of the French architect Jean Nouvel and inaugurated in 1975, it reviews the history of Qatar.
Throughout a 1.5-kilometer route, visitors will be able to learn more about the past of a country that, before being independent, was colonized by the Ottomans and then the British.
4. Le Souq Waqif
Restored in 2006, this souk is one of the liveliest markets in the capital. There are handicrafts and typical Middle Eastern products, such as spices or dates.
Art galleries have sprung up in this place with traditional architecture, which hosts many cultural events.
5. Mesaieed
The city of Mesaieed extends to the southeast of Qatar. It is first and foremost a port and an industrial city. But it is also a tourist destination not to be missed.
Indeed, there is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. And, in half an hour by car, you reach the Inland Sea Nature Reserve, classified by Unesco.
6. Al Zubarah
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the eighteenth-century Al Zubarah Fort was tasked with protecting the nearby town.
This monument, very well restored, is one of the best testimonies of the past of a country that did not always live on oil windfall.
7. Ras Abrouq Peninsula
This place is on the west coast of the country. The landscape of this small isolated peninsula is punctuated by reliefs carved by erosion, in the shape of mushrooms. At the top of these eminences, a splendid view of Qatar awaits you.
You can also come across wild deer and swim on one of the many sandy beaches that line the shore.
8. Al Wakrah
If you are a little tired of the futuristic look of Doha, go for a walk on the side of Al Wakrah. It is a small fishing village, about half an hour south of the capital.
The inhabitants still live in traditional houses. But it is not a sleepy town. The streets are lively and you will find many shops. The place also has a beautiful sandy beach.
9. Al Wajbah
Built-in the late nineteenth century, Al Wajbah Fort is one of the oldest in Qatar. It is located west of the capital.
Its four towers are a good testimony to the military architecture of the Middle East. The fort was once a princely residence and the site of a major battle in 1893.
10. Al Thakira
To get an idea of the fauna and flora of Qatar, go for a walk on the side of the mangroves of Al Thakira, in the north of the country.
This natural environment is home to many species of birds, such as flamingos or herons. This is a real ecosystem, which you can discover during a kayak ride.
11. La Perle
Qatar is renowned for its innovative development projects. The artificial island called 'the Pearl', located west of Doha Bay is one of them.
There are large hotel complexes, beautiful beaches, and many shops. The place is also home to three marinas.
12. L'île de Shara'o
It is the perfect place to swim. There are indeed some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. If you like diving, this is also the place. Indeed, the seabed is populated by a very rich fauna.
In winter, this island is an ideal place to observe the evolution of migratory birds.
13. Al Jassasiya's cave gravures
This exceptional site, located in the north-east of Qatar, has more than 870 of these rock carvings called 'petroglyphs'. They are scattered over more than 700 meters in length.
The oldest dates from the Neolithic era. Here, man has carved into the rock animals, such as fish or ostriches, but also boats or oval shapes that may be containers used at the time.
14. Khor Al Adaid
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Khor Al Adaid Reserve, in the south of the country, is one of the most beautiful desert landscapes to contemplate.
This succession of high dunes is even more spectacular at night when these eminences of sand are illuminated by the moon. To get there, you have to borrow an all-terrain vehicle, which will make its way through the sand.
15. Katara Cultural Village
Located north of Doha, this village is a popular attraction for visitors. Inaugurated in 2010, it features about thirty buildings built in the traditional architectural style of Qatar.
Many exhibitions give an insight into the art and traditions of the country. There are also museums and a theatre.
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