Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.
A Journey Through Tradition and Modernity:
Qatar, officially known as the State of Qatar, is the place of origin for Bedouin tribes. Home to merely 3 million people, this country boasts a GDP of upwards of $ 200 Billion. Adding to these high standards of living is the culture dating back centuries. This has created a country with rich heritage and modernization giving them a unique identity. It is a young destination as far as Middle Eastern countries are concerned and therefore it has many destinations which are yet to be discovered by the international community. So let us explore a few of the hidden gems of Qatar that you can add to your bucket list.
Museum of Islamic Art:
The Museum of Islamic Art is an architectural gem set on the Doha waterfront overlooking the beautiful city. It is a place of cultural importance that showcases the history of Islamic art, jewellery, ceramics, and metalwork. This place should be part of your next visit, as it will help you understand the history and rich culture of the place. In short, it is tranquil, of historical importance, and a must-visit for Indians when in Qatar.
Note: Currently, if you visit Qatar, do explore the museum showcasing Morocco’s rich legacy with different artworks, which will be live until March 2025.
Al Shahaniya Racetrack:
If you are travelling to Qatar, do check out Al Shahaniya Racetrack, a racetrack used for Camel racing. This is a traditional and culturally important activity for locals. Remote-controlled jockeys are in charge of the camels while seating is available for the visitors. While the activity can take only a few hours, the whole task might seem heavy with the hot climate above. Therefore, do carry essential sun protection.
Note: We recommend visiting this place on Fridays from October to February, as all the domestic and international events take place then.
Katara Cultural Village:
Qatar derives its name from ''Catara'', which is the oldest name of the Qatar peninsula, and its mentions can be found as early as 150 AD. Katara Cultural Village was started to celebrate Qatar’s rich cultural legacy and, at the same time, to promote art and culture and take the needle forward in the world’s multicultural activities. Visit this place to celebrate the Qatari culture and explore art galleries, workshops, and exhibition areas. It's a well-designed place, and your tour here will take anywhere between 2 and 3 hours.
Place Includes: Amphitheatre, shops, and restaurants.
The Pearl Island:
A man-made island, this is Qatar's flagship project. The place is inspired by top Mediterranean cities and houses top places for shopping, real estate, designer boutiques, and entertainment outlets. The architecture here is unique, with the buildings being painted in pastel colours, adding an element to the blue Qatari skyline. It is a nice place to stroll around, with lots of outlets to eat. Do add this place to your Qatari adventure to have a nice evening filled with shopping and local cuisine.
Al Zubarah Fort:
A Qatari military fortress built in the 20th century, Al Zubarah Fort is a historic world heritage site in the country. The fort overlooks the now-ruined town of Al Zubarah, which was a trading town known for pearls. The fort was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013 for the preservation of the structure in its form. At least an hour from Doha, the fort will surely take you back in time. It will give you an immersive experience of the Qatari heritage and provide a lens to the past.
Qatar: A Blend of Tradition, Culture, and Modern Luxury
All in all, a visit to Qatar will provide a rich experience for the Indian visitors and lifelong memories. It is a country that has a distinct heritage, authentic cuisine, and sublime architecture. If you are looking to experience a new country in the Middle East, then do visit these places. Although this list is by no means exhaustive, these do provide a blend of tradition, natural landscape, and history for the visitors. If you are looking for the best Qatar tour packages, get in touch with our travel experts at 022 4164 2214 or email us at easyvisa@in.musafir.com to finalize your Qatari adventure.
Do check out our complete Travel Guide to Qatar.