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Things to see in Doha

Attractions

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

This converted school building features thousands of works collected by Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani and boasts the world’s largest collection of modern and contemporary Arab art spanning from 1849 to the present day.

Address: , Education City, Al Luqta Street, Doha,
Telephone: +974 4402 8855. +974 4402 8830.
Opening times:

Tues-Thurs 1100-1800, Fri 1500-2000, Sat-Sun 1100-1800.

Website: http://www.mathaf.org.qa/en
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Museum of Islamic Art

Architect I.M. Pei's extraordinary Museum of Islamic Art appears to 'float' above the Gulf Sea and has become one of Doha's most iconic buildings. At night, the building is illuminated, giving it an austere beauty. The museum hosts one of the Middle East's most impressive Islamic Art collections; discover everything from ceramics and calligraphy to the world's oldest Korans.

Address: , Doha Bay, Doha,
Telephone: +974 4422 4444.
Opening times:

Sun-Mon 1030-1730, Wed 1030-1730, Thurs 1200-2000, Fri 1400-2000, Sat 1200-2000.

Website: http://www.mia.org.qa
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Katara Cultural Village

This cultural village brings together performance spaces, galleries, restaurants, cafes, offices and a growing number of shops in the Katara Plaza. It's best visited in the evening, when the temperatures cool and exhibitions, plays, art fairs, music concerts and culinary festivals all feature in its programme of events.

Address: , Katara, Doha,
Telephone: +974 4408 0000.
Opening times:

Daily 1000-0000.

Website: http://www.katara.net
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

National Museum of Qatar

Set to open in 2017 or 2018, the architecturally ambitious national museum was designed to resemble a vast desert rose and is intended to become a cultural hub for Doha. The exhibits themselves will focus on Qatar's traditional heritage whilst also celebrating its future. The museum will feature a research centre, restaurant, shops and auditorium.

Address: , Corniche, Doha,
Telephone: +974 4452 5555.
Opening times: Website: http://www.qm.org.qa
Admission Fees: Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Souq Waqif

This sprawling marketplace of open-air stalls and a restored version of the original Souq Waqif is well worth a visit. Shisha and burning incense scent the air in its bustling bazaar, and tourists haggle over Bedouin blankets, twinkling jewellery and Middle Eastern lamps. You'll also find the Waqif Art Center and cafés amongst its alleyways.

Address: , Al Souq Street, Doha,
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1200 and 1600-2200.

Website: http://www.souq-waqif-doha.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Doha Fort

Doha Fort (known locally as Al Koot) is a 20th-century fort originally built to protect Souk Waqif from thieves. It is one of the few remaining military forts in Doha and houses a modest display of arts and crafts. Its main attractions are its wall-less mosque, Qatar-style battlements and distinct Moorish design.

Address: Al Jasra, Jasim bin Mohammed Street, Doha,
Telephone: +974 4452 5555.
Opening times:

Mon-Sun 0900-1200 and Sun-Thurs 1600-1900.

Website: http://www.dohalife.com
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Corniche

This curving 7km (4-mile) waterfront promenade is the focal point of daily life in Doha. Young lovers stroll along the promenade, mixing with workers getting away from the office. The soft Arabian Gulf breeze and views of traditional dhows on the water are fantastic, but best enjoyed in the relative cool of the early morning or evening.

Address: Al Dafna, Corniche, Doha,
Telephone:
Opening times: Website: http://Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar, or ‘Arabian Riviera’, is a man-made island that combines eye-wateringly pricey real estate with designer shopping aimed squarely at the affluent. Built on one of Qatar’s original pearl diving sites, it’s the ideal place to admire the elegant yachts from a waterfront restaurant and admire the Mediterranean, Moorish and Arabian architectural design.

Address: , , Doha,
Telephone: +974 4409 5155.
Opening times:

Daily 24 hours.

Website: http://www.thepearlqatar.com
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Weaponry Museum

Worthy of more visitors than it gets, this delightful museum is only available to visit as part of a tour or by appointment. For those who make the effort, Lawrence of Arabia's khanjar (ceremonial dagger) is usually the highlight, but there are some equally impressive gold swords and 16th century silver armoury.

Address: , Al-Luqta Street, Doha,
Telephone: +974 4486 7473.
Opening times:

By appointment only.

Website:
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Al Shaqab Stud

Discover Qatar's equestrian heritage at Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Ali Al Thani's famed Arabian purebred show and racehorses at Al Shaqab Stud. Tours (by appointment only) take in the training grounds and stables, and if you're lucky, a horse might be using the equine Jacuzzi during your visit. The Riding Academy offers lessons for riders of all standards.

Address: , Ar-Rayyan, Doha,
Telephone: +974 4454 6320.
Opening times:

Sun-Thurs 0730-0330.

Website: http://www.alshaqab.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Gondolania

This Venice-themed entertainment centre is mainly aimed at shoppers and families and features a ferris wheel, bumper cars, a roller coaster and other rides in the Gondolania Theme Park. An onsite bowling centre, go-kart track, ice rink and Gondolania boat ride are some of the other attractions.

Address: Aspire Park Road, Villaggio Mall, Doha,
Telephone: +974 4403 9800.
Opening times:

Sat-Wed 0900-2300; Thurs 0900-0000; Fri 0900-1130, 1230-0000.

Website: http://www.gondolania.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Qatar Tourist Authority

Address: , , Doha, PO Box 24624
Telephone: +974 4499 7499.
Opening times: Website: http://www.qatartourism.gov.qa
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Marsa Malaz Kempinski

A blend of Arabic and European architecture makes for an inviting stay at this chic hotel on The Pearl. It's so vast, guests could spend their whole holiday navigating its numerous restaurants and bars, luxury Clarins spa and beach. Guests will find all the frills in the way of butler and limousine services, if that's what they're looking for. It's also home to some eye-wateringly expensive suites.

W Doha

Those who are familiar with the W brand will know what to expect here – a little bit of Manhattan in the heart of the Middle East. It's well located and could just as feasibly be used by business travellers as well as trend-conscious urban socialites. The décor is sleek and modern and there are some quality dining and nightlife options.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha

The Four Seasons is a solid choice for a fly-and-flop few days, with a gently curving private beach and one of the best spas in Doha – across three storeys, no less. The pool areas are beautifully landscaped and there's a choice of seven restaurants and lounges. It's an upscale hotel with high-class service, opulent marble interiors and a surprisingly relaxed feel. Those with children are well catered for with a kids' club and family activities.

Meliã

Those who want to be in the mix will be more than happy with this Spanish-owned hotel. Guest rooms are contemporary and spacious, and the third-floor swimming pool offers a stylish spot to cool off and relax. The award-winning Signature restaurant by Sanjeev Kapoor is its best highlight. You can also try Aceite for cheery service and sangria on tap. This hotel offers guests special entrance fees for Katara Beach and Banana Island.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

This collection of nine buildings places you in the heart of Souq Waqif, offering a real taste of the Doha's historic side. The hotel has an alluring Arabesque style and boutique vibe and offers access to a range of facilities, including a luxury spa offering Arabic treatments (including a traditional hammam), eight restaurants and a rooftop pool. Other highlights include 11 room categories, valet parking and warm Qatari hospitality.

The Torch Doha

Part of the city's high-tech Aspire Zone, this 300m-high (984ft) tower designed to resemble a vast torch is the currently the tallest hotel in Qatar. Not originally built as a hotel, it offers excellent levels of in-room comfort and some genuinely impressive facilities nonetheless. Expect to rub shoulder with the likes of footballers on warm-weather trips and the Venice-themed Villaggio Mall is close by.