Asia
Qatar
Continent
Best States to Visit
- Doha Municipality
- Al Rayyan Municipality
- Umm Slal Municipality
- Al Khor
Best Cities to Visit
- Al Rayyan
- Doha
- Al Wakrah
- Al Khuwayr
- Al khor
Size
11,571 KM2
Population
2,881,053
GDP
$17,583
Spending Budget
$170 - $174
Famous For
- High income economy
- History
Best Time to Visit
- January
- February
- November
- December
History
Occupying a small desert peninsula that extends northward from the larger Arabian Peninsula, it has been continuously but sparsely inhabited since prehistoric times. Following the rise of Islam, the region became subject to the Islamic caliphate; it later was ruled by a number of local and foreign dynasties before falling under the control of the Āl Thānī (Thānī dynasty) in the 19th century. The Āl Thānī sought British patronage against competing tribal groups and against the Ottoman Empire—which occupied the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—and in exchange the United Kingdom controlled Qatar’s foreign policy until the latter’s independence in 1971. Thereafter, the monarchy continued to nurture close ties with Western powers as a central pillar of its national security. Qatar has one of the world’s largest reserves of petroleum and natural gas and employs large numbers of foreign workers in its production process. Because of its oil wealth, the country’s residents enjoy a high standard of living and a well-established system of social services.
Present Day
Qatar is an independent emirate on the west coast of the Persian Gulf. Slightly smaller in area than the U.S. state of Connecticut, the Qatar peninsula is about 100 miles (160 km) from north to south, 50 miles (80 km) from east to west, and is generally rectangular in shape. It shares a border with eastern Saudi Arabia where the peninsula connects to the mainland and is north and west of the United Arab Emirates. The island country of Bahrain lies some 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Qatar.Sand dunes and salt flats, or sabkhahs, are the chief topographical features of the southern and southeastern sectors. Qatar has more than 350 miles (560 km) of coastline; its border with Saudi Arabia is some 37 miles (60 km) long. There are no permanent bodies of fresh water. Vegetation is found only in the north, where the country’s irrigated farming areas are located and where desert plants blossom briefly during the spring rains. Fauna is limited, and the government has implemented a program to protect the Arabian oryx, Qatar’s national animal.
Future
The long term impact of the games will be significant, placing Qatar firmly on the potential destination list for millions of people in 39 participating nations, and creating a great incentive to invest in long-lasting infrastructure which will provide wonderful facilities for the expanding economy over the following twenty years. Expect major investments to arrive in banking, financial services, wealth and education, as well as in development of industrial plants.Qatar will continue to benefit from the "Dubai" effect, a huge growth engine in the region, with escalating UAE prices and labour costs. It will be increasingly tempting for developers and companies to locate in Qatar, if the right incentives can be provided to offset some of the disadvantages of being located near a quieter airport hub than Dubai, which has trully become a gateway not only to the world, but also for the world to many Arab nations.
Msheireb Museums
One of the finest places to visit in Qatar and certainly amongst the top Doha sightseeing attractions, the Msheireb Museums are the 4 historical marvels showing the rich fishing history of Doha. Amongst many other things that it offers, the museums also show how Doha began its journey as a small fishing village and rose to those hikes. The place is perfect for those who wish to understand the different aspects Qatar's history right from its roots.
National museum of qatar
Another museum based just of the water of Corniche in Doha is the National Museum of Qatar. Build with an incredible view of the bay, the museum shows Qatar's history in three parts. One of the finest places to visit in Doha near the airport, visitors coming here get to see the beginning days, life in Qatar, and the modern history in the country that is enough to make you fall in love with this land.
Mathaf
Rooted in Doha's education city and an Arab Museum catering to the modern art, the Mathaf museum of Modern Art Qatar has over 9000 pieces of art of display which have been collected over a time span of 25 years. Now what is interesting about this museum is that it provides it visitors with a free tour of the museum and informs everything about any particular piece while providing free shuttle service for its visitors.
Katara cultural village
A place that presents a true highlight of the vibrant culture of Qatar, the Katara Cultural Village is a perfect historical attraction that houses a theatre, gardens, two elegantly designed mosques, a wide number of art galleries, and so much more. One can take a glimpse of the amazing history of Qatar or head over to the restaurants in the area to savor a happening meal during the evenings
Radwani house
Built in the year 1920 and one of the oldest examples of the history of Qatar, the Radwani House was owned by Aki Akbar Radwani and his family who remained in possession of the house for around 70 years. Today, the house is regarded as one of the finest places to visit in Qatar, and visitors coming here get to see the amazing artifacts.
The film city
Another of those Qatar tourist attractions which is still a mystery to many travelers, the Film City is widely renowned for its serene beauty and amazing desert setting. The city reminds of the old Bedouin villages and is an excellent example of the way villagers lived in the Gulf region.
Museum of Islamic Art
One of the finest places to visit in Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art is nestled in the heart of Doha and occupies its own private island. The design of the museum is one of its main highlights as it appears to float on water from certain angles. Designed by the world-renowned architect I.M.Pei, the MIA has been coated with Limestone and houses over 15000 manuscripts and texts.
Al zubarah fort
Another highly popular tourist attraction renowned for its historical significance and old architectural build, the exact origins of the Al Zubarah Fort are still unknown and many believe that the fort came into existence in the 17th-18th Century. In fact, Al Zubarah has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Barzan towers
One of the best historical sites to visit in Qatar, the Barzan Towers present a unique view to the visitors. As history has it, the towers were first built in the late 1800s and were then renovated again during the reign of Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani. As the legend has it, the towers served as watchtowers at the time and were built to ensure there were no invasions, especially from the Ottomans
Falcon souq
An intriguing attraction in Qatar, Falcon Souq is surely the best place you can visit for discovering the historical glimpse of the Arab Nation. Now, what makes this attraction one of the best places to visit in Qatar for discovering the heritage, is the influence of Falconry in the Arabian culture
Al khor tower
Located at a distance of 2 km from Doha, the Al Khor tower is one of the best heritage sites in Qatar that is defining the art, and history of this Middle East Country. Built around C19000 the towers are the best Qatar tourist places that were supposed to be the three watchtowers, keeping an eye on every activity in the city.
Zekreet fort
Zekreet Fort, one of the spectacular places to visit in Qatar, takes you back to the time when this fort was a masterpiece. Known for its historical significance, the Zekreet Fort today is nothing more than remain from the past that had gone through a massive transformation in due time. The fort was first built as a square structure while, during the second phase, there were four corners added to its architecture.
Company House
Dating back to the era when Qatar was not so developed and rich as it is today, the company house is among the famous places in Qatar that you can visit for discovering its history and struggle. The company house is a part of Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art that attracts travelers for understanding and acknowledging every detail of the past.
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Qatar, Al Zubarah Archeological site is among the top heritage site you can never miss. Listed among the top places to go in Qatar, the Archeological site is best to discover the pre-historical remains in the country.
Lusail city stadium
With FIFA 2022 approaching closer, the stadiums are the best answer to your thoughts of where to go in Qatar. Now Lusail city stadium is one of the best football stadiums that is constructed as a hosting ground of this vast tournament.
Angry bird park
The angry bird park in Qatar is the best place for families, especially kids where they can spend a day filled with fun. Offering every point of interest in Qatar for the locals and tourists, the angry birds’ park has some of the best adventure rides and fun games to engage your day.
Inland Seas
If you're looking for desert adventures in Qatar then a visit to the Inland Sea has to be on the cards. Nestled just 60km from the gorgeous city of Doha, the Inland Sea, also known as the Inland Sea of Khor Al Adaid is a natural reserve recognized by UNESCO and featuring in the must-visit places of Qatar.
Doha Desert
Traveling to Qatar and missing on the true adventure of dune bashing is out of the question. Famed as one of the most popular desert adventures in the Middle-East, not just in Qatar, there's no better place than the Doha desert to experience the fun of dune bashing. This is, in fact, an activity that is generally not for the faint-hearted
Mesaieed
Nestled approximately 64 kilometers to the south of Doha, Mesaieed is a city in Qatar and a place where one can enjoy the perfect dinner night in the desert with some loved ones. Often considered perfect for couples and families alike, the whole night activity in Mesaieed not only offers the thrills of desert adventures but also a unique experience of having a red-carpet buffet dinner right in the middle of a desert.
Souq Waqif
The traditional Qatari market and one of country's oldest, Souq Waqif is home to many mud rendered traditional shops and Qatari buildings where travelers can shop for various stuffs like traditional handicrafts, varied spices, jewelries and what not. Not only this, but it is also home to some of the finest restaurants you would find in Qatar
Gold Souq
Qatar is home to some of the finest jewelry makers in the world and if you're someone who likes shopping gold jewelries, this is a place to be at. Widely famed for its finely crafted jewelries and gems, gold is the name of the game in this market.
Pearl Qatar
A man-made island and one of the finest examples of true luxury, the Pearl Qatar stretches over four square kilometers and is home to some of the finest cafés and shopping malls in Doha. It is, in fact, the first land in Qatar where foreign nationals can own freehold properties. One can find the finest of shopping brands from all around the world here.
Al Khor mall
Perhaps the first mall to be built in the city, the Al Khor Mall is one of the best places to visit in Al Khor. The mall offers a wide range of global brands and budget shopping options for the visitors alongside its wide range of other facilities. From the finest dining options to the entertainment facilities that visitors can enjoy the whole day, there's something for everyone at the Al Khor Mall
Banana Island
An artificial island nestled just off the coast of the capital city of Doha, it is one of best places to visit in Qatar with family and offers tranquility and watersports at their very best. Speaking of Banana Boating, it is an activity that is widely recognized all over the world and perfect for family fun. The activity features in some of the most attractive watersports in Qatar and is offered at the Banana Island just 24 kilometers from the heart of Doha.
Al Thakira
Al Thakira Natural Reserve, popular for its wildlife views, calm waters and mangroves is a place where you can enjoy kayaking with your loved ones. Nestled on the Northeast side of Qatar about 64 kilometers from the gorgeous city of Doha, it is one of the top places to visit in Qatar during summers