Discover the best of Qatar
Qatar’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, bustling atmosphere and incredibly diverse population make it a world beyond your imagination. Therefore, there is no excuse for you not to visit this incredible country. In cooperation with Visit Qatar, we will help you discover the best of Qatar and all you can do in this wonderful country.
One of the main reasons to visit Qatar is its impressive nature. From the sand dunes to the beautiful mangroves at Al Thakira beach, there are many outdoor activities you can do in these amazing places like dune bashing, camel riding, scuba diving, rock climbing, etc.
The 5 natural wonders of Qatar
Khor Al Adaid: also known as the ‘inland sea’, it is located in the southeast of the State of Qatar. Khor Al Adaid has features that create a diverse landscape of outstanding undeveloped natural beauty, in what remains a “wild area”. This place is truly marvelous as it is dominated by the sea at one end and the sand at the other. The two main activities to do in Khor Al Adaid are safaris which include dune bashing, quad biking and camel riding to see the scenery, or you can observe the nature around you from marine life to rare animals of Qatar and migratory life. arriving
Ras Abrouq (Zekreet) Rock Formation: 70 km west of Doha, lies the Ras Abrouq rock formation. This place is famous for its pristine sandy beaches, wild deer preserve, and landscape of mushroom-shaped rock formations. The main activities to do here are trekking, for the adventurous, but also family picnics and overnight camping, where you can watch the sunset and sunrise from the top of a rock.
Al Thakira Mangroves: About 5 miles from Al Khor town, you can reach the Thakira Mangrove Forest by car. What makes this place so special is that these plants can survive for so long in the harsh environment of Qatar. Mangroves are a unique ecosystem both above and below the water. Underwater, tree branches are covered in salt, algae, and seashells. For those who enjoy kayaking, the Thakira Mangrove Forest is perfect! You can enjoy a kayak ride while admiring the flora and fauna.
Dahl Al Misfir Cave – Located in western Doha, Dahl Al Misfir Cave is one of Qatar’s most exciting natural wonders. This cave is the largest and deepest accessible cave in Qatar, at 40 meters deep. This attraction is perfect for hikers, but be careful as you will need warm clothes as the temperature drops the further you go. But Dahl Al Misfir Cave is also perfect for bird watchers, as you can look for nightjars, wagtails, bee-eaters, Eurasian hoopoes, and more.
Qatar Dunes – The rolling sand dunes of the Qatar desert offer unparalleled beauty. Qatar’s desert is a representation of its history and culture, as Bedouin tribes moved through the desert, setting up camps while grazing their animals and engaging in trade. Today, the desert is visited to relax in a tent, go dune-diving or parasailing, making this desert anything but grey.
Throughout history, Qatar has always tried to keep its culture alive and prosperous, making it one of the most important cultural countries both internationally and locally, and its capital, Doha, was chosen in 2010 as the Arab Capital of Culture by the Arab League under UNESCO Cultural Capitals Program. Qatar is full of traditions and cultural events with the aim of sharing its culture with the world.
Qatari traditions
Majlis: The majlis is one of the most important spaces in Qatari life. It consists of a room inside the house, which would be the most decorated room and traditionally it was the only room with windows facing the street. Only men are allowed in this room and its purpose is to allow visitors to gather in a more private space in the house. Guests at the majlis are offered dates and served Arabic coffee in a teapot (called a dallah) in tiny cups without handles.
Ramadan Traditions: Ramadan lasts for a full month, which is the ninth month of the year, and the most important month in the Islamic lunar calendar. During this time, all Muslims around the world stop eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. This time is also a time of reflection and spirituality, since it brings people together in the common act of fasting.
Eid Traditions: The two Eid holidays are the most festive holidays in the Islamic calendar. Immediately after Ramadan comes Eid Al-Fitr, which translates as “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, where Muslims around the world celebrate the end of Ramadan. But this two-day festival also commemorates all the virtues that unify the Islamic faith. About two months later is Eid Al-Adha, which means “Festival of Sacrifice.” This festival lasts for four days and honors Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah, as the story goes, Allah told Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail to see if he would be obedient. And to show his devotion, Ibrahim grabbed a knife and was ready to sacrifice his son, but then Allah stopped him and told him to sacrifice a sheep instead, as Ibrahim had shown that he was obedient to Allah. But these two holidays are also a time for community, to gather with family and friends, share food and give Eid money to children.
Museum of Islamic Art – Designed by Prizker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art is one of the most famous landmarks in Qatar. This museum displays ancient artifacts from around the world, all connected by Islam. It also holds multiple exhibitions throughout the year.
Katara Cultural Village: Katara, “where the grace of the past meets the splendor of the future.” Katara Cultural Village was built to represent Qatar’s cultural and architectural heritage. Multiple events and exhibitions are held here, but it is also home to the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, it houses galleries, art societies, an opera house, an amphitheatre, a wide beach and last but not least, a host of restaurants. and cafes.
Qatar International Art Festival – Held over 6 days in Doha, the Qatar International Art Festival provides an opportunity for artists from around the world to exhibit their art and engage in creative exchange. With the participation of more than 200 artists, the festival includes live painting exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, a fashion show and exhibits.
Qatari cuisine: all the main flavors of the world
Arabic coffee and dates are the main products used in Qatar, as said before, this is what Qatari households offer to their guests or in the majlis. But Qatar has become a hotspot for international cuisine, hosting the Qatar International Food Festival every year. But still, when you visit Qatar, you must try their local food, such as Saloona, machboos or Luqaimat.
Qatari cuisine is a combination of Indian, Persian, Lebanese and North African influences, which continues to evolve over time. In Qatar, breakfast is generally light and usually includes yoghurt, cheese, olives and coffee, while lunch is the heaviest meal of the day, with mezze as a starter, followed by the main course with chicken or lamb stews. And dinner, like breakfast, is a light snack. But this changes during Ramadan, as they fast from sunrise to sunset, dinner is the only meal they eat, making it heavier than what they normally eat.
From upscale malls to souks (a market in an Arab city), you can find everything you need in Qatar. Qatar’s shopping malls are a must-see, even if you don’t need to buy anything, they are world-class malls, including restaurants and cafes, supermarkets, cinemas, arcades, indoor play areas, ski slopes, and live entertainment. . Doha Festival City is Qatar’s largest entertainment, fashion and gastronomy destination. On the other hand, in the souks, you can experience the traditional markets of Qatar, where merchants and merchants exchange products, services, and information. They reflect the true traditions and art of their people. Here you can find a bit of everything, from knick-knacks to fancy decor, food like Arabian spices and sweets, to jewelry and clothing.
Experience the warm hospitality of Qatar like no other
Hospitality for Qatar is really important as Qatar wants to become a top destination in the region. That is why, for 6 consecutive years, Qatar has hosted Hospitality Qatar, a trade fair that targets the latest developments and perspectives in hospitality.
In other words, Qatar’s hospitality aims to be the best, which means that going to Qatar just to stay in its hotels would be a good option to go. You can even go to Qatar as a stopover and enjoy their incredible hospitality for a couple of days.
