Popular attractions

The Pearl, Qatar is a man-made island offshore Doha's prestigious West Bay District, featuring Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, villas, and hotels, as well as introducing a luxurious shopping experience with premium designer boutiques and showrooms. The Island is also home to modern dining spots- from refreshing ice creams to five-star culinary experiences, while it stands out for its pedestrian-friendly squares and plazas and the wide range of landscaped gardens.

The Pearl is a popular visitor attraction by virtue of its chic elegance, inviting descriptions such as the 'Arabian Riviera'.

The Qatar National Library is a futuristic storytelling facility that is recognized by UNESCO, and serves the purpose of not only being a national library, but a research-level university and digital library as well. With access to over a million books the QNL effortlessly allows you to dive into the history of Qatar and learn more about its people, culture and heritage. 

Built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market, on the banks of the Wadi Musheireb, Souq Waqif feels like an anachronism, particularly against the backdrop of Doha’s dramatic modernist skyline.  With its mud-daubed buildings, the market harkens to a bygone era while remaining a hub of activity, where commerce and gossip collide.  Souq Waqif’s winding alleys offer a tableau of traditional street life.

Al Shaqab, a Qatar Foundation member since 2004, is Qatar’s state-of-the-art equestrian centre, dating back to 1992. It aims to preserve the historical traditions and legacy of the Arabian horses; animals that are highly respected in the country. Home to more than 700 of them, Al Shaqab introduces one of the world’s leading and most advanced equestrian programmes based on three main principles - excellence, education and heritage.

Combining art galleries and workshops, theatres and performances venues, and exceptional restaurants choices, Katara Cultural Village is Doha’s destination for culture and entertainment. A central amphitheatre stands against a backdrop of traditional architecture and cobbled streets, and is the site of many cultural performances. Adjoining the main development, a spacious public beach offers water sports and equipment rentals. 

A feast for the eyes, this Venice-inspired neighbourhood brings a piece of the Mediterranean to Doha. Boasting turquoise canals flanked by candy-coloured buildings and gracefully arched bridges, Qanat Quartier abounds with Instagram-worthy vistas. Play a tune on the musical staircase, or take a leisurely stroll down broad avenues as you wander in and out of the neighbourhood’s many boutiques and cafés. Grab a coffee, stick your toes in the sand, and take in stunning views of the Arabian Gulf from Qanat Quartier’s beachfront promenade. 

Located west of Doha, in the centre of the peninsula, Dahl Al Misfir is one of Qatar’s most exciting natural sites.  At 40 meters deep, it is considered the largest and deepest, yet accessible cave in Qatar.  Formed largely of fibrous gypsum, it sometimes gives off a faint, otherworldly glow. 

As the largest mosque in Qatar, Imam Abdul Wahhab, also known as the Qatar State Grand Mosque, was inaugurated in 2011. Its simple lines and graceful arches are nonetheless eye-catching, and characteristic of Islamic architectural tradition. The mosque houses three libraries, separate prayer and ablution halls for men and women, and special halls for Quran memorisation, and can hold over 30,000 worshippers.

Located minutes from central Doha, Aspire Zone is marked by The Torch Doha, the 300m tall hotel which boasts panoramic views of the city.  With world-class sports venues, a training academy, sports medicine hospital, turf research centre, as well as five-star accommodation, restaurants and entertainment, it is a compact destination for sport lovers. The vast green spaces of Aspire Park, spread over 880,00 m², offer respite from the cityscape, with walking/running tracks, children’s play areas, a large lake, and Perceval, a public artwork by Sarah Lucas. Cafés and dining venues dot the area, while Villaggio Mall and Hyatt Plaza Mall provide more entertainment, dining and retail options. 

The Education City Mosque is housed within the Minaretein building, part of the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS), which is itself based on the Islamic Kulliyya or ‘place where all knowledge is sought’.  The building rests on five large columns, representing the five pillars of Islam.  The spiral building plan and multiple routes connecting school to mosque speak to the suggestion that all knowledge ultimately derives from faith.

Comprising over 100 buildings with commercial and residential properties as well as retail and cultural offerings, the stunning Barahat or courtyard lies at the heart of Msheireb Downtown. It includes niche retail and a variety of al fresco dining options.  The Msheireb Museums are a project by Msheireb Properties and celebrate the history of Qatar through four heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha.