I’ve always been fascinated by the middle east, especially Dubai, but when the opportunity to visit Doha, Qatar came up I jumped on it. Unique Experiences in Doha, Qatar 2018 sounded good to me. I’m intrigued by places where people wouldn’t often think of going on holiday, and Qatar is one of those places. I didn’t know much about Qatar, other than it’s a small peninsula country surrounded by the waters of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East, and that Doha ( Capital city ) is pretty quiet with not too much to do for your average visitor. But I spent five days in this beautiful city and it was the perfect amount of time for a few unique experiences in Doha, Qatar.
FLIGHT & HOTEL:
Flying Qatar Airways I landed late at Hamad International Airport eager to visit the fast-growing Qatar capital. I checked into my beautiful hotel, W Doha just before midnight and sleep got the best of me. I was exhausted, I literally washed my face, brushed my teeth and fell asleep across the bed.
W DOHA HOTELW DOHA HOTEL
The next morning I woke up to the most beautiful view. I’m a water person so the fact that the view from my room consisted of Persian Gulf was amazing, I was in love!
ROOM VIEW
Prior to my trip, I did some research on what clothing items to pack as I know Qatar is an Islamic country. Many of the local Qatari women are fully covered, wearing a burqa, with only their eyes showing. The men wear long white shirts and loose pants, with a headdress called gutra. I kept it modest and conservative during my trip, mostly packing tops that covered my shoulders and long dresses/pants that went past my knees.
I’d previously experienced the desert heat when I spent time in Las Vegas, BUT nothing could prepare me for the what I experienced walking out my hotel in Doha – It was insane. 🎶 ‘Feeling Hot Hot Hot’ ~ The Merrymen 🎶
DAY 1:
SOUQ WAQIF:
It was time to explore the city and Souq Waqif came highly recommended from a number of people I spoke to pre-trip. I had a blast walking around the maze-like alleys. There was a fantastic vibe as the stall-holders worked to sell their items. It was busy, but never too crowded and very clean. Although redeveloped, Souq Waqif retained a lot of old world charm. The outer part of Souq Waqif is lined with restaurants, but the interior is filled with narrow alleys that sell almost anything. If you’re any good at bartering, you may be able to get a few Riyals knocked off the asking price. 🙂 Looking for hand-crafted fabrics, you can find it here, want jewelry, yep, you can find it here also, even pets are sold here. I quickly made friends with a bird handler and his pretty birds.
SOUQ WAQIFSOUQ WAQIF
SOUQ WAQIFSOUQ WAQIF
Across the street from Souq Waqif was the impressive Fanar, Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre, a spirally building which is featured on a lot of postcards of Qatar. It’s one of the most widely known architectural landmarks in Doha and offers a unique opportunity to attend the khutbah (Friday sermon) in English. I was disappointed it wasn’t Friday when I stopped by, nonetheless this building was a beautiful sight.
FANAR, QATAR ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE
DAY 2:
DESERT SAFARI
The morning of my dessert adventure was filled with excitement because this was the main purpose of my trip! Of course, there were a few reasons I wanted to visit this middle eastern country, but the main reason was the dessert. My friend, who happened to be working in Doha met me at the W Doha for an early breakfast before our driver picked us up.
Once our bellies were stuffed we hopped into the Land Cruise 4W and took off for the desert. Outside of Doha itself, the majority parts of Qatar is largely empty and, well …, it’s dessert. The Arabian Desert stretches off to the north and to the south, and the main draw to these parts of Qatar are the dunes.
DRIVING TO THE SAND DUNES
After driving for about an hour we made a quick stop to gas up, get some water and lower the pressure of the tires, before approaching the sand. Dune bashing and camping for the weekend are major highlights for many locals so I was excited to see what the fuss was all about.
Well … Talk about an adrenaline rush, our Land Cruise 4W whipped us side to side over the untouched sand, it was kind of like a roller-coaster ride but using a Land Cruise 4W. Whoo Hoo!!! Talk about fun! Before I continue I must say our driver was a pro, although he had us screaming in his ear the whole ride he masterfully handled the vehicle across the sand dunes. Dune bashing was simply awesome, I had so much fun experiencing the desert in this way and I highly recommend to anyone visiting. One of the best things about Doha in my opinion and I can’t wait to do it again one day.
The sand dunes in Qatar are simply enchanting, and our full day in the dessert also included a camel ride as well as a visit to traditional Bedouin camps where we stopped and rested in one of the tents before heading back to Doha.
SAND DUNES
CAMELSMY CAMEL GUIDES
CAMP TENT
DAY 3:Â
ISLAMIC MUSEUM OF ART:
After a full day two, I decided to sleep in before heading to the Islamic Museum of Art. The Islamic Museum of Art houses the largest collection of Islamic art in the world and was designed by the famous architect I. M. Pei (probably better-known for his glass pyramid outside of the Louvre in Paris). I love art, I can’t draw to save my life, but I have a huge appreciation for people who can take a vision and physically turn it into something beautiful. The museum was magnificent from the outside. The interior design is spectacular and the historical collections are overwhelming with numerous masterpieces of Islamic art. The museum experience went far beyond my expectation.
ISLAMIC MUSEUM OF ART
ISLAMIC MUSEUM OF ART
ISLAMIC MUSEUM OF ARTISLAMIC MUSEUM OF ART
SPICE MARKET:
After spending hours in the museum taking in Islamic art from three continents I made my way back to the W Doha and dinned at the fabulous Spice Market located on the first floor of the hotel. The Spice Market had an attractive menu of various items to choose from. The food was excellent, particularly the sushi; it’s really good. Overall, the restaurant was a hit and the service was second to none.
SPICE MARKETSUSHI
DAY 4:
QATAR BASKETBALL:
I love watching sports, especially basketball, so when I found out there was a professional basketball league in Qatar I had to catch a game. I showed up at Al Gharafa Sports Club Hall just in time for game time and expected to be guided into the gym by loud cheering and noise, boy was I wrong. The stadium was insanely quiet. I wasn’t sure I had the right place until I opened the doors to the court and saw both teams getting ready to tip-off. This had the be the quietest basketball game I’ve EVER been to. My sneakers made more noise walking in than the crowd. I quickly understood why it was quiet, there were no fans in the stands. I’m not kidding,. Besides myself, there was literally one man sitting in the important seats so I figured he was the GM. THAT WAS IT! He and I watched the Qatar Professional Basketball Game in silence.
Al Gharafa Sports Club Hall
DAY 5:
THE PEARL:
The Pearl Qatar is a manmade island in the shape of two inter-linked horseshoes, kind of like The Palm in Dubai. All the canals and the buildings had their own charm and it was really nice to see. I spent quite a bit of time at the marina admiring the skyline, the restaurants and the huge array of yachts and boats.
THE PEARL
SKYLINE
THE PEARL
THE PEARL
As nice as The Pearl is during the day, I might have enjoyed it slightly better at night. There are different visuals walking around the Pearl at night time. The soft glow of the lights from surrounding buildings glimmering off the water was gorgeous.
Doha is a city definitely worth visiting. Matter of fact I’ve now added Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to my bucket list.
Here are a few more pics from my trip.
ALHAZM
ISLAMIC MUSEUM OF ARTGUARDSISLAMIC MUSEUM OF ARTVIEWSNIGHT VIEWSDUNKIN’ DONUTS
I’ve been to Riyadh, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. But I never got the chance to visit Qatar. I wish I did since we also have friends living there. Your photos of Doha are so beautiful especially the Pearl at night.
Dubai is so beautiful. I had not heard of Doha before, it also looks amazing and beautiful. I’m not sure I could handle the heat. Last week it was 37 celsius a few days and it is so, so hot.
Wow, I’ve never been to Doha Qatar. I really want to go to the dessert and experience to ride the camel. You’re so lucky to tried it 🙂 Also the pearl looks awesome!
Doha has a very specific vibe. I’ve spent quite a time there this year and it was a unique experience. From the desert dunes in the south to the archeological sites in the north it has so much interesting things to see and experience. I’d like to go back.
What an adventure in Doha, indeed it was a unique one. I would love to visit this place one day. Desert Safari would be my first destination though I’m a fan of desert.
i love the stunning view from your hotel room. It is epic and i guess your itinerary is just right for a first time mid east traveler like us, not so jampacked but covered all the necessary place to visit.
I really love all the experience to Doha, Quatar in this post! Especially ISLAMIC MUSEUM OF ART with unique brocade and SPICE MARKET! Thanks for posting!
Hello! You know, we are sharing the same passion? I’m also pretty interested in the Middle East 😀 That’s why your article was even double interesting for me 🙂 Thank you for sharing this accurate description of your visit. If, I hope, we get there one day, we’ll already know what to do there. These urban views are somehow amazing for me and I think, my Husband would enjoy as well – he’s the biggest fan of basketball 😉
I really should consider planning a trip to Doha! I’ve heard so many good things about it and there’s so much to experience when you get there! Thanks for sharing these unique experiences!
I’ve not been to Doha but reading this definitely has made adding to my list. I love places that aren’t overly bustling with traditional tourism but just enough for you to have memorable experiences. The sand dunes sound right up my alley!!! Maybe I might join you in 2022! Hopefully that may be my second time as well!
Wow, what ana amzing trip! It is always so nice to be in contact with cultures different to yours. I’ve never been to the middle East, but my hubby says that Doha and Quatar are the most “Occidental” like cities of Middle East, have you had the same feeling?
This is so beautiful. To be honest, I KNow NOthing about Doha, Qatar or Qatar at all cept its location. So I too would have jumped a chance to explore this unknown land. Glad you researched before heading there so as to not upset their local and spiritual tradions.
I think I would personally love to explore the Spice Market, the Desert Safari (that looks awesome), and the Souqs. I am not a big city fan so I may avoid the Pearl though one day might be okay. Love your views of the Persian Gulf from your room at the W hotel.
I have transit to Doha when I went to Europe few years ago, didnt really go out the airport and have a look at the city. The airport is really grand though. Glad that I came across this post about Doha as this will be in my travel bucket list for sure. Thanks for your pictures showing so many interesting places to go in Doha.
I love Qatar, was not able to go this time, so I went the other way you did, and went to Dubai. You must visit soon, its such a unique experience. I love the Islamic Museum of Art.
OOhhh wow, what a place, i have passed by the country a few times but did not stop for a long time. I must next time thanks to you. I would love to visit the museums and SOUQ WAQIF. And the vast desert looks really relaxing to sit and empty one’s mind. In my bucket list now…
I have been hearing so many great things about dubai this looks like an amazing trip. I would love to visit the sand dunes and ride a camel, so exotic.
These photos make Doha look amazing! I don’t know much about the area. So crazy you can have access to both the beautiful blue water and the desert in one metro area.
That hotel and the room view is to die for! The pearl looks so pretty at night and the safari experience was my favourite part to read. Lovely pictures also.
I have traveled lot in middle east. Liked all the exotic feel of deserts. But not yet to Doha side. Love your post and photographs greatly. Tempted to visit there soon.
I’ve never been to the Middle East at all, but it sounds like you had a great trip. Those views from the room are absolutely stunning, and I’ve never seen sand dunes like that before. I used to go to my college basketball games with my husband all the time and can’t imagine being at one without the insane crowds! Also, good thought on the conservative clothing, I don’t know if I would have thought of that knowing how hot it is there.
The heat is on another level, LOL. But no need to fret, all the buildings ( hotels, malls etc ) pump out high AC constantly 🙂 … The sand dunes were a first for me and I loved every min of it.
The site from your hotel room was astounding! My special son would be so jealous. First the bird and then the 4Wheeling! The Pearl at night with the buildings behind it is beautiful as are all of your photos!
94 Comments
Patience Consistency (@team_patience)
I have to agree with you, I’ve always been fascinated by the middle east as well! That water view was beautiful, I hope to get to visit here someday!
explorethe6
The water was absolutely stunning, I loved every moment of this trip 🙂
sarahandfamblog
I have never been out of the us. But I would love to visit! The culture seems so unique.
explorethe6
Never been outside of the US?, Oh, well you have a whole world to experience 🙂
Chin chin
I’ve been to Riyadh, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. But I never got the chance to visit Qatar. I wish I did since we also have friends living there. Your photos of Doha are so beautiful especially the Pearl at night.
explorethe6
Wow, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both on my bucket list and I wish I visited when I was on that side of the world 🙂
Jojo Hua
Wow, Doha looks so beautiful and definitely unique. I really would love to visit this place someday. Pinning this for later!
explorethe6
If you get a chance I would highly recommend visiting! 🙂
Rosey
5 days is a nice amount of time to spend exploring an area. Thank you for sharing your grand adventure!
explorethe6
I felt 5 days was the perfect amount of time to explore Doha, I got so much in in that short amount of time.
Brittany Charnley (@TheCoolHipMom)
I don’t know much about Qatar either. It definitely looks like a cool place full of color and culture! Thanks for sharing these photos.
explorethe6
Yes a very cool place that I’m happy I got a chance to explore 🙂
Tara
Dubai is so beautiful. I had not heard of Doha before, it also looks amazing and beautiful. I’m not sure I could handle the heat. Last week it was 37 celsius a few days and it is so, so hot.
explorethe6
The heat is serious in the Middle East but luckily all their buildings and malls are well air conditioned 🙂
thethriftescape
Wow, I’ve never been to Doha Qatar. I really want to go to the dessert and experience to ride the camel. You’re so lucky to tried it 🙂 Also the pearl looks awesome!
explorethe6
It really was an awesome trip, full of adventure 🙂
Kwaku
Where did you spot the I Love Doha Sign? Visiting Doha in two weeks and definitely want to add that to my stops. Thanks.
Zendor
Doha has a very specific vibe. I’ve spent quite a time there this year and it was a unique experience. From the desert dunes in the south to the archeological sites in the north it has so much interesting things to see and experience. I’d like to go back.
Explorethe6
Yes! Doha really does have a unique, yet pleasant vibe. I’d also love to go back. But Dubai is high on my list still 😀
ktmommyscene
I love all the colorful corners you found. The spice market looks amazing! I would love to visit someday.
Explorethe6
Yeaaaa! Thanks for reading, I deff had a blast
ansh997x
Doha sounds really underrated compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi but it is no less in any term.
Explorethe6
My thoughts exactly! Don’t get me wrong, I still want to visit Dubai but Qatar was a nice treat 🙂
lexieanimetravel
What an adventure in Doha, indeed it was a unique one. I would love to visit this place one day. Desert Safari would be my first destination though I’m a fan of desert.
Explorethe6
Desert first sounds like a great plan – it was my favourite part 🙂
Rachel
What an amazing trip – you’ve really sold it to me! I love the view from the room and the desert safari! Amamxing!
Explorethe6
Awesome! And yes my trip was amazing 🙂
Team Uy
i love the stunning view from your hotel room. It is epic and i guess your itinerary is just right for a first time mid east traveler like us, not so jampacked but covered all the necessary place to visit.
Explorethe6
Exactly! 5 days was the perfect amount of time to explore Doha, wasn’t jampacked but covered all the necessary place to visit 🙂
Trần Quốc Hưng
I really love all the experience to Doha, Quatar in this post! Especially ISLAMIC MUSEUM OF ART with unique brocade and SPICE MARKET! Thanks for posting!
Explorethe6
🙂
Elizabeth O
Ooh Dune bashing sounds like so much fun. It really looks like an amazing and visually stunning place to visit
Explorethe6
Dune bashing was sooo much fun! 🙂
Repnpepper
This place looks stunning. The spice market looks like a nice place for food.
Explorethe6
The spice market was delicious 🙂
Bibi on Board
Hello! You know, we are sharing the same passion? I’m also pretty interested in the Middle East 😀 That’s why your article was even double interesting for me 🙂 Thank you for sharing this accurate description of your visit. If, I hope, we get there one day, we’ll already know what to do there. These urban views are somehow amazing for me and I think, my Husband would enjoy as well – he’s the biggest fan of basketball 😉
Explorethe6
The middle east is beautiful, you will definetly enjoy yourself if you go 🙂
Carol Cassara
I really should consider planning a trip to Doha! I’ve heard so many good things about it and there’s so much to experience when you get there! Thanks for sharing these unique experiences!
Explorethe6
🙂
Jo
I’ve not been to Doha but reading this definitely has made adding to my list. I love places that aren’t overly bustling with traditional tourism but just enough for you to have memorable experiences. The sand dunes sound right up my alley!!! Maybe I might join you in 2022! Hopefully that may be my second time as well!
Awesome and informative post!
Explorethe6
2022 I’m down, Let’s go! 🙂 World Cup + Sand Dunes = A perfect trip 🙂
Nati
Wow, what ana amzing trip! It is always so nice to be in contact with cultures different to yours. I’ve never been to the middle East, but my hubby says that Doha and Quatar are the most “Occidental” like cities of Middle East, have you had the same feeling?
Explorethe6
Yes, I love experiencing different cultures and customs, thouroughly enjoyed visiting the Middle East 🙂
Cristina
After looking a trip your I got a big urge to visit Qatar soon! Amazing!
Explorethe6
Thank you. Happy Travelling when you go 🙂
Eric Gamble
This is so beautiful. To be honest, I KNow NOthing about Doha, Qatar or Qatar at all cept its location. So I too would have jumped a chance to explore this unknown land. Glad you researched before heading there so as to not upset their local and spiritual tradions.
I think I would personally love to explore the Spice Market, the Desert Safari (that looks awesome), and the Souqs. I am not a big city fan so I may avoid the Pearl though one day might be okay. Love your views of the Persian Gulf from your room at the W hotel.
Explorethe6
Thank you. Yes, I didn’t know much about Qatar either prior to going but I’m so happy I got to experience this beautiful country.
kumamonjeng
I have transit to Doha when I went to Europe few years ago, didnt really go out the airport and have a look at the city. The airport is really grand though. Glad that I came across this post about Doha as this will be in my travel bucket list for sure. Thanks for your pictures showing so many interesting places to go in Doha.
Explorethe6
Thank you. Happy Travelling
Aryanne Padilha
I love Qatar, was not able to go this time, so I went the other way you did, and went to Dubai. You must visit soon, its such a unique experience. I love the Islamic Museum of Art.
Explorethe6
YES, Dubai is still on my bucket list, can’t wait to get there one day. Happy Travelling
Luci Cook
Doha Qatar looks so beautiful and the history looks so rich. I need to go there one day.
Explorethe6
Yes, go if you can 🙂
nicholesreflection
This place looks amazing! I love the details you listed. Dune bashing had to be so much fun.
Explorethe6
Dune bashing was a first for me and it was sooo much fun 🙂
Sarah
The Desert Safari looks amazing! I’d definitely have to have it on my list if I ever get to the area. Your photos are so colorful and fun!
Explorethe6
Aww, thank you so much 🙂
Allison Lewis
This looks wonderful. I will have to add it to my list!
Explorethe6
I would receomment adding to your bucket list 🙂
jada
OOhhh wow, what a place, i have passed by the country a few times but did not stop for a long time. I must next time thanks to you. I would love to visit the museums and SOUQ WAQIF. And the vast desert looks really relaxing to sit and empty one’s mind. In my bucket list now…
Explorethe6
Whoo hoo, glad you added to your bucket list, yes make time to see both Souq Waqif and the Museum when you go 🙂
carlaanapurus
What a great experience is to explore the Desert in full. The tips you shared are great, I will definitely keep in my mind if I ever visit Qatar!
Explorethe6
Thank you!!! 🙂
Venus Fitness-Shannon
I have been hearing so many great things about dubai this looks like an amazing trip. I would love to visit the sand dunes and ride a camel, so exotic.
Explorethe6
Do it if you can one day, Doha is a beautiful city
Holly Lasha
Oh how fun…it looks like you had a blast. This is definitely a place worth visiting.
Explorethe6
I honestly did love it! 🙂 Add to your bucket list if you enjoy new experiences.
Lara Ziobro
These photos make Doha look amazing! I don’t know much about the area. So crazy you can have access to both the beautiful blue water and the desert in one metro area.
Explorethe6
Right!Beautiful blue water and the desert, the best of both worlds 🙂
Ishani Nath
The market seems to attract me, beautiful write up and a great deal of information. Would love to visit.
Explorethe6
Thank you, if you love shopping you’d deff love the market 🙂
Hiking Singh
Amazing view from the hotel !
You seemed to have enjoyed every hour !!!
Very well narrated !
Explorethe6
Thank you, I had a blast exploring Qatar, and look forward to going back again one day 🙂
Preet
This looks like a great place to stay in while in Qatar
. This is so perfect since I am planning to visit there next month.
Brains & Bodies
That hotel and the room view is to die for! The pearl looks so pretty at night and the safari experience was my favourite part to read. Lovely pictures also.
Explorethe6
Thank you so much. The desert safari was definitely a new experience for me and my favourite part of my trip 🙂
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo
I would love to visit the Islamic Museum of Art, as well as The Pearl. I had no idea that Doha had so many wonderful tourist spots. 🙂
mlkerby
This place looks amazing! So many different experiences.
Explorethe6
Yes, Qatar is a beautiful place, loved my 5 days there. 🙂
Indu
I have traveled lot in middle east. Liked all the exotic feel of deserts. But not yet to Doha side. Love your post and photographs greatly. Tempted to visit there soon.
Trip Zone
Well described post. Your writing style is very precise and very informative. Love to visit Doha-Qatar as early as possible.
Explorethe6
Thank you so much! I would recommend visiting if you get a chance 🙂
eloise25
Oh my goodness! It looks amazing there! That view out of your window, alone, has me wanting to go there! Love the culture!
Explorethe6
Qatar is a beautiful country, I’m so happy I got to experience it.
Stephanie
I’ve never been to the Middle East at all, but it sounds like you had a great trip. Those views from the room are absolutely stunning, and I’ve never seen sand dunes like that before. I used to go to my college basketball games with my husband all the time and can’t imagine being at one without the insane crowds! Also, good thought on the conservative clothing, I don’t know if I would have thought of that knowing how hot it is there.
Explorethe6
The heat is on another level, LOL. But no need to fret, all the buildings ( hotels, malls etc ) pump out high AC constantly 🙂 … The sand dunes were a first for me and I loved every min of it.
vballangel5
This sounds amazing. I’m adding it to my bucket list
Explorethe6
For sure, it’s a must 🙂
marjiemare
OMG, you should have taken me there with you. I love unique places and everything about that place is lovely to me.
Explorethe6
Ummm, there’s always room for another adventure. Let me know when and where and I’m down 🙂
Gladys S Parker (@momtograndma)
The site from your hotel room was astounding! My special son would be so jealous. First the bird and then the 4Wheeling! The Pearl at night with the buildings behind it is beautiful as are all of your photos!
Explorethe6
Thank you. It really was a great 5 days! Loved it all
Stephanie T.
Dune bashing sounds like so much fun! I need to visit here when I travel. The Pearl looks gorgeous at night. Im glad you had fun.
Explorethe6
I had a blast, and yes, if you ever get a chance to try Dune Bashing, DO IT! 🙂