Doha

State

Qatar

Country

Qatar

Continent

Western Asia

Size

132 KM²

Population

646,000

Spending Budget

$185 - $1,296

Famous For

Al Khor Museum
Desert Trips
Corniche: Recreational Fun
City Centre-Doha

Best Time to Visit

January
February
March
December

History

Doha was founded in the vicinity of Al Bidda sometime during the 1820s. In January 1823, political resident John MacLeod visited Al Bidda to meet with the ruler and initial founder of Doha, Buhur bin Jubrun, who was also the chief of the Al-Buainain tribe. The original quarter of the city, Al-Bidaʿ, Bida in sailor’s parlance, is at the northwest; it was probably founded by members of the Sudan tribe who emigrated from the sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi. Long a centre of pirate activity in the Persian Gulf, Doha, then a small village, was destroyed in 1867 in the war between Bahrain (which was aided by Abu Dhabi) and Qatar. In the following year the British government installed Muḥammad ibn Thānī Āl Thānī, sheikh of Doha, as the premier ruler of Qatar. He agreed to abide by the terms of the Perpetual Maritime Truce of 1853, and piracy was greatly reduced. In the late 19th century the Ottoman Empire, as suzerain of much of the Arabian Peninsula, sporadically maintained a garrison at Doha. After Qatar became a British protected state in 1916, a British political agency was maintained in the town. In late 1971 Doha became the capital of newly independent Qatar. Doha had pearling and fishing village, about 350 pearling boats at the beginning of the 20th century. The development of Japanese cultured pearls and the worldwide economic depression of the 1930s severely affected the town. The development of Qatar’s considerable oil reserves after World War II, however, led to a complete economic transformation. Qatar became an extremely prosperous country with a high per capita income and undertook the thorough modernization of its capital. Old slum sections were razed, and modern commercial and residential quarters were built. Doha’s water supply is obtained by distilling seawater. The deepwater port accommodates oceangoing vessels. The Qatar National Fishing Company, using modern motorized craft, is headquartered at the port, where a modern shrimp-packing plant also has been built.

Present Day

Since the start of the 21st century, Doha attained significant media attention due to the hosting of several global events and the inauguration of a number of architectural mega-projects. One of the largest projects launched by the government was The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island off the coast of West Bay, which launched its first district in 2004. In 2006, Doha was selected to host the Asian Games, leading to the development of a 250-hectare sporting complex known as Aspire Zone. During this time, new cultural attractions were constructed in the city, with older ones being restored. In 2006, the government launched a restoration program to preserve Souq Waqif's architectural and historical identity. Parts constructed after the 1950s were demolished whereas older structures were refurbished. The restoration was completed in 2008. Katara Cultural Village was opened in the city in 2010 and has hosted the Doha Tribeca Film Festival since then. The main outcome of the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference of 2013 was the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The agreement aims to make it easier and cheaper to import and export by improving customs procedures and making rules more transparent. Reducing global trade costs by 1% would increase worldwide income by more than USD 40 billion, 65% of which would go to developing countries. The gains from the Trade Facilitation Agreement are expected to be distributed among all countries and regions, with developing landlocked countries benefiting the most. Qatar is the wealthiest country in the world, it is also the safest country in the world. Qatar is not good for hikers Getting to the more interesting facts about Qatar now like the one that the country is flat. Like seriously flat, there are no hills nor anything high there (except the skyscrapers). The average elevation is just 28 meters making it second (behind The Maldives) most flat country in the world and there are no trees., not even a single forest. Qatar joins the company of San Marino, Greenland, and Oman, as the only four territories in the world without forests. They have a giant teddy bear on the airport Created by the Swiss artist Urs Fischer – The Lamp Bear sits right in the middle of Hamad International Airport and awaits you to take a selfie with it. Apparently, it costs USD 6.8m. Pocket money for Qatar. And a 100 meters long buffet. The Doha Marriott has a literally 100-meter buffet that offers anything one can imagine. Qataris are city folk. 99% of the country lives in the capital of Doha. Since the other part of the nation is just desert and all Qataris are filthy rich.

Future

The future of Doha lies in these projects, the Sharq Crossing is considered one of the most important infrastructure projects in the country's and is considered a strategic hub for the main roads in the country. Three bridges, two immersed tunnels with a total length of approx. 6 km and three cut-and-cover tunnels. Bridges that connect to each other through a water tunnel with a total length of 12 km above sea level, linking Ras Bu Abboud Street and the West Bay area in only 7 minutes. This will serve roads linking to Ras Abu Aboud Stadium and Lusail Stadium and will make it easy to reach Katara. A water tunnel up to 1 km in length to ensure the continuity of the navigation movement of ships in a smooth manner without hindering the passage of ships over the tunnel. Sharq Crossing is designed by world-renowned Architect and Engineer Santiago Calatrava. The futuristic sustainable city, the flagship project of Qatari Diar, will be one of the largest development projects in Qatar. The estimated $45 billion project is set to extend to an area of 38 square kilometers and will include four exclusive islands and 19 multi-purpose residential, mixed-use, entertainment, and commercial districts. It is also projected to have a total estimated capacity of 450,000 people. The city will have its own Tram network to reduce vehicular emission and save energy. It will be connected to the Doha Metro and will have four lines interconnecting the districts within Lusail City. Katara Towers at Lusail Marina District will be the future hospitality landmark in the smart city, with its design taking inspiration from the emblem of Qatar. When completed, the hotel will house the first 6-star hotel in Qatar. Next is the water Security Mega Reservoirs Project once completed will have 5 mega potable water reservoirs and interconnecting pipelines, with additional reservoirs in the second phase. According to KAHRAMAA, the objective of the Water Security Mega Reservoirs Project is to provide the 7 days of potable water storage in the new mega reservoirs and the existing and future secondary reservoirs preserving the water quality as per Kahramaa and World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

Must Visit Places ------------

Al Khor Museum

The Museum is not actually in Doha but in Al Khor 60km to the north. Housed in a building overlooking the seafront of Al Khor city. It presents the way of life of the inhabitants in the past in addition to archaeological discoveries from the Al Khor area and its surroundings belonging to the Neolithic Age and the Mid-Bronze age. The building has two floors with each floor composed of a large hall twelve metres long and six metres wide. The myth of Ghilan and Mae (which is believed to be from Al Khor, and features the region’s first female pirate) is displayed in the hall, together with displays of marine life and artefacts.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani (FBQ) Museum

Describing itself as an Islamic Art and Heritage collection is one of the best private collections in the region. Sheikh Faisal expresses his appreciation for both his own faith and culture, as well as his personal interests and passions through this museum. The fact that he chooses to share this with anybody that is interested is in itself quite unique. Features more than 3,000 unique pieces, including ancient Islamic manuscripts, major archaeological findings, metal objects, textiles, carpets, embroidery and antique furniture.

Jungle Zone

It offers 3500 sq m of animal-themed children’s attractions. Qatar’s most popular indoor theme park located at Hyatt Plaza, near Khalifa Stadium in the booming city of Doha, offers fun and excitement for kids and family-alike to enjoy.

Desert Trips

A trip to the city of deserts is not a trip until you go to the desert safari. Desert safari is a must to do when in Doha. Getting in SUVs and waiting for the dangerous yet safe car stunts is one hell of an experience. The area is surrounded with huge sand dunes giving a view like golden dunes around you. Watching the sunset here is another amazing view to wait for.

Islamic Cultural Centre

The Islamic Cultural Centre in Doha, also known as Fanar is located within the spiral mosque near Souq Waqif is a famous Doha tourist place. This cultural center acts as a charitable organization that is aimed to help non-Muslims be more informed about Islam and its culture through various activities such as exhibitions, tours of the center, and even Arabic courses. One of the ideal places to visit in Qatar with families.

The Pearl

Located offshore of Doha’s West Bay Lagoon area, the Pearl is an artificial island that is much famed for being the first land in Qatar to be available for freehold ownership by foreign nationals. This high-end, luxury neighbourhood is located on a man-made island off the coast on the northern side of Doha. It is good for walking around the Porto Arabia marina, seeing cruise boats, the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Maserati and Ferrari car showrooms. There is a fascinating ‘Venice-like community’ area called Qanat Quartier, which has an extensive canal system, pedestrian-friendly squares and plazas and beachfront townhouses.

Katara Cultural Village

Located on the eastern coast between West Bay and The Pearl, lies the famous Katara Cultural Village which is one of the best places to visit in Doha. It is home to huge events like the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, TEDx Doha, and Ajyal Youth Film Festival. The buildings and facilities in the cultural village is arranged to provide a look and get a feel like that of a traditional Qatari Al Faraj.

Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Stadium

There is no dearth of places to visit in Doha as places like Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Stadium keeps the travelers on toes by offering enough recreation activities to keep them busy and entertained. Consisting of 21 courts for tennis, this stadium is the best a sports fanatic could explore.

Corniche: Recreational Fun

One of the best places to visit in Qatar is the Doha Corniche. Most popular locations among walkers, bikers, and joggers, Corniche is a waterfront promenade that reshaped Doha’s coastline in the late 1970s and early 1980s. An ideal place for exercising in the morning, it also attracts crowds who are looking for spectacular views of the city’s skyline and witness beautiful sunsets in the evening.

City Centre-Doha

Opened in April 2001 and is the largest shopping centre in Qatar. Located in West Bay, the modern part of the city on the Northern end of the Corniche, it offers a large and diverse shopping experience, including jewellery and perfume stores. For entertainment, there is a large multiplex cinema, a bowling alley, a children’s arcade, as well as an indoor ice-skating rink. There are several eating options including two food courts as well as several sit-down restaurants. By western standards, this mall is quite dated for its age but remains popular due to its large size and ideal location. Finally, the mall is home to a large Carrefour supermarket.