Attractions in Doha Qatar
Qatar is fast developing as a major Mid-east destination, after opening its doors to tourism since 1989.
Quatar houses major historic forts, modern luxury hotels, impressive seascapes and sandunes and is home to the Al Jazeera headquarters, the Arab world’s answer to CNN.
Doha, the capital of Quatar is located halfway down the east coast of peninsula. Doha is an important commercial and Cultural center and is connected in an excellent manner with the outside world through state-of-the art seaports, airports and telephone links.
Tourists can explore the natural environment of Qatar by taking an exciting desert safari, relaxing at the many beaches and pools or just enjoying their favourite sport, be it bowling alleys, tennis, snookers, billiards, golf courses, or ice skating rinks. There is something for everyone in this wonderful place.
The Kingdom of Aladdin (Entertainment City)
The Kingdom of Aladdin is located at the West Bay area and comprises more than eighteen play features for all age groups. It also has an artificial lagoon, a rest house, a cafeteria and a theatre. It remains open Sunday through Friday, and Mondays and Wednesdays are dedicated for ladies and children under twelve.
The Zoo
Located 20kms from Doha on Salwa Road, it has a wide range of collection of reptiles, animals and birds and the mini amusement park for kids. The zoo remains open from 3pm to 7pm and will be closed on Saturdays.
Al Rumaila Park
The park is located on Doha Corniche with grass areas, restaurants, children rides and shopping facilities. It remains open round the clock.
Dahl El-Hamam Public Park
Located in Khalifa Al-Shamalia, this public park comprises plenty of green lawns, children play area and space for walking.
Khor Al Udaid Beach
This beach is located on the southeastern part of the country, 78km from Doha. The beach is characterized by its excellent sand dunes that are as high as 40meters in certain locations. Other beaches include the Dukhan, Fuwairit and others.
Al Jassasiya
These are a range of rocky hills facing the northeast coast of the country between the two villages Fuwairit and Al Huwailah. They are famous for their stone carvings some of which are dated back to pre-historic times.
Oryx Farm
Visitors to Qatar get to see the Oryx in its natural surroundings at the Oryx Farm, which is located at Shahaniya. Oryx, being the national animal of Quatar, one cannot find them in such large numbers anywhere else in the world. Arabia horses are well-known for their beauty. One gets to catch a glimpse of the Arab show and race horses that are pure-bred at the Al Shaqab Stud Farm. Other attraction is the Qatar Equestrian Club, where visitors come over to view its stables. Races and show-jumping events are held at the Rayyan Racing and Equestrian Club.
Water Sports and Cruises
Being surrounded by the Arabian Gulf on all three sides of the peninsula, there lies plenty of opportunities for cruising and water sporting. Sailing is a good pastime here, and many private firms offer windsurfers and dinghies for rent and there are sailing classes for novice sailors. A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow (Arab sailing ship) provides one with a stunning view of Doha at night, while luxury yachts could be rented for full day fishing trips. Apart from this, there are pedal boats, water cycle, parasailing, and wind-surfing.
Desert Safari
Making a trip to the inland sea, located in the middle of the desert, could be a fabulous way of spending the day. Sand dunes that are 60meters in height could be found along the way. Most air-conditioned vehicles are geared with necessary safety equipments to take one through an exciting, safe, tour to the mysterious desert. While traveling on the sand dunes, one gets to catch a view of the desert, and on listening closely one could hear the sands shift, while descending down the slopes.
Shopping
Eager shoppers can get whatever they wish for in the large shopping complexes or tiny stalls in the market. Doha, with facilities such as the Doha City Center, which is the largest shopping complex in the Middle East, offers brands of world-class reputation, in addition to various other exciting family facilities. In the markets, unlike in all other places, items are not marked with traditional price tags.
Ice Skating/Bowling
The Doha City Center has ice skating rinks, where skates can be rented and two bowling alleys with one exclusively for ladies. The Qatar Bowling Center has the ten-pin bowling in a 32-lane facility.