Destination Doha, Qatar

Standing on the Corniche gazing out on to the Persian Gulf with dhows bobbing up and down on the shimmering water, I was surrounded by glass and steel skyscrapers. It was hard to imagine that Doha, in the 1950s, was a sleepy fishing port.

Its roots may go back thousands of years but today’s Doha has morphed into one of the most stylish cities in the Gulf. And it hasn't stopped as it gears itself up to being host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Regarded as one of the more traditional of the Gulf States, Qatar is now deemed to be the richest country in the world. Not bad for a small nation blanketed in desert that less than a century ago was one of the poorest in the area.

The Pearl
Courtesy of

Qatar Tourism Authority 

In 1939 oil reserves were discovered but could not be produced because of the Second World War. During the 1950s and 1960s the country prospered thanks to liquid gold. Oil soon overtook the pearl and fishing industries as its main source of revenue. The state also has one of the world’s biggest reserves of natural gas and petroleum. A relatively new country – Qatar gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1971 – it goes from strength to strength.

What surprised me was how much there was to do in Doha. I started my day at what is commonly known as the State Grand Mosque (Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque) the largest in Qatar. Named after the 18^th-century Muslim theologian, Imam Abdul Wahhab, it has 90 domes and 18 entrances and can hold up to 30,000 people. 

Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque

Not even 10 years old, it melds conventional Qatari architecture with the contemporary. Crisp, simplistic lines and a touch of extravagance. It is not hard to see why this standout building has become a landmark.

Non-Muslims can go inside the mosque except during prayer times. Women are asked to wear a scarf, tied tightly over their heads, and an abaya (a kind of cloak provided by the mosque). The lady who showed me round was warm and friendly. It was a fascinating experience.

Making carpets at Souq Waqif

Should you feel in need of spiritual guidance, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, near Souq Waqif, is the place to go. You can learn more about Islam and Qatari culture here. The building also works as a good marker so you do not get lost in this city.

Shopping is one of the favourite hobbies of the people of Doha. While you can find plenty of upscale, glitzy malls on a par with those in Dubai, Souq Waqif is the place where you will get a flavour of Qatari life, past and present. 

 Katara Cultural Village
Courtesy of

Qatar Tourism Authority

Qataris from all walks of life come to this place to buy spices, gold and cooking utensils among other things as they have for hundreds of years. The souq has now been given a makeover in keeping with centuries-old design and is still continuing to grow.

You can wander here for ages. The maze of souqs are full of narrow alleys lined with small stalls showcasing a range of goods from gold jewellery to fabrics, handicrafts, scented oils and spices. It is a great place to hone your bartering skills. 

The Corniche

Not to be missed is the Falcon Souq. These birds of prey, I was told, are prized by the Qataris. Falconry is a sport that is ingrained into the country’s history. The majority of men own one of the birds. 

After the souqs have exhausted you, refuel and soak up the atmosphere at one of the many authentic cafés and restaurants dotted around.

Not far from here is the stunning Museum of Islamic Art designed by designed the Chinese American architect, IM Pei, whose works include the Louvre’s glass pyramid.

If trawling round a museum to see what is said to be the world’s largest collection of Islamic art is not your thing, at least treat your eyes to this spectacular white Cubist gem that majestically rises from its own island.

Doha at sunset
(Aerial view)

The most exclusive address in town is the perfectly manicured Pearl-Qatar. Built on a man-made island occupying almost four million square metres, it is in a world of its own. 

This so-called Arabian Riviera is home to stunning apartment blocks, international five-star hotels and superb entertainment venues. Fringed with yacht-lined marinas, waterfront promenades awash with cafés and restaurants and, of course, designer stores, it gives a new meaning to the word luxurious. In case you are tempted to move in, it is the only place in Qatar where foreigners can buy property.

If old Arabic customs, art and theatre fascinate you, Katara Cultural Village should be on your itinerary. Modelled on long-established Qatari style, this impressive complex is a labyrinth of passages aligned with galleries, theatres (the Katara Opera House is here) and a handicraft souq. There is even a beach where you can participate in watersports as well as an array of eateries.

Melding the cutting-edge with heritage, Qatar is a dynamic nirvana in the desert. From dune bashing to camel racing to being a foodie’s heaven and a shoppers’ paradise while dishing up plenty for culture buffs, hospitable Qatar was so much more intriguing than I could have dreamed.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

Fly with Qatar Airways. I flew business class and cannot rate this airline highly enough. For best rates visit qatarairways.com Qatar has flights from Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham as well as Heathrow. There are also flights from Cardiff to Doha

Stay at Shangri-La Hotel Doha (shangri-la.com/doha). Great service and made my short stay memorable

For more information on Qatar visit visitqatar.qa