What to see in Qatar Al Bida Park Along the Corniche, near the National Theatre, the park has a number of attractions including a cafeteria and small group of shop. There is a water feature, Ferris wheel and for kids, a half-pipe for skateboarding and roller-blading. Al Koot Fort Also known as the Doha Fort, this Moorish-style fort has display of traditional craftsand paintings. It is collated at the corner of Doha 's Jasim bin Mohammed and Al Qalaa Streets, near the old souq area. It is open to the public daily, except for Saturdays and Friday Mornings. Admission is free. Al Khor The 'pearl port' of Qatar , Al khor is 60 km north of Doha . Until the 1940s it was the centre of the pearl diving industry. It remains a thriving fishing port. There is an attractive Corniche overlooking the blue waters of the bay. Animal Market and Falconry souq Sheep and camels are on sale here, as well as caged birds, fowl and domestic pets. During the falconry season, (October-March) you can also see these birds of prey being offered for sale and look at the equipment used in the sport. The falconers will be only too delighted to tell you about the birds and to have their photographs taken. Al Shaqab Stud Owned by HH The Emir, sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, this extensive stud farm has gained a worldwide reputation for its many champion horses. Morning tours can be arranged through Arabian Adventures on Tel. 361461 . Al Zubara This fort was built during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Qassim Al Thani in 1938 as a police post. A small four-bastion structure around a courtyard, it was used by the military until well into the 1980s. Two kilometers beyond the fort are the ruins of various other coastal fortifications, and there are a number of deserted fishing villages in the area. The fort is open to the public daily, except for Saturdays and Friday morning, and admission free. Camel Races Camel races are held frequently at the main race track at Shahaniya. There is a large spectator stand but most locals choose to follow the race in vehicles, adding to the excitement of the spectacle. Details of when races are being held can be obtained from one of the local tour companies. Corniche Doha 's beautiful Corniche is one of the finest in Middle East . Stretching for 7 km, it is popular with residents and tourists who wish to keep fit or just want to take a gentle stroll and admire the sea and scenery. Ethnographic Museum The museum is in a traditional twentieth century Qatari house which has been restored and provides a look at life in Qatar before the oil era. Signs explain the functions of the various rooms and their importance in the life of the family. Of particular interests is the building's wind tower, which is one of Qatar 's few remaining examples of this form of traditional Gulf architecture. Located off Grand Hamad Street , the museum is open Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm , and on Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm . It is closed on Saturdays. Admission is free. Khor Al-Adaid Known also as Inland Sea , this is an area of outstanding beauty at the southeast tip of the country. It can only be reached by means of a 4 wheel drive vehicle. From the mouth, the sea surges west in a wide channel and then curves north to create a vast shallow tidal lake. Although you can go there for the day, the most pleasant way is to camp overnight - the grandeur of the crescent shaped sand dunes is best appreciated at sunrise or sunset, when the sun's shadows highlight their beauty. An expedition to the Inland Sea should not be undertaken lightly and you should always have an experienced driver with you. Tour companies are now arranging excursions to this beautiful area. Check with your hotel. Local Tour Companies Some places of interest may be difficult to visit without some assistance such as transport or special opening arrangements. There are now a number of tour operators who can make arrangements on your behalf, and who offer trips to the Inland sea , camel races etc. Arabian Adventures Tel. 361461 Qatar Holidays Tel. 857764/5, Fax 838934 Mobile 5500413 Sealine Beach Resort Day visitors are welcomed at this resort, near Mesaieed 55 km south of Doha . QR 30 to use the hotel's facilities and pools plus an extra QR 20 Thursdays and Fridays. For further information phone 7772722. Oryx Farm The Oryx, a protected species in Qatar , was at one time considered virtually extinct. There is now a large and healthy herd of Oryx kept on a private estate near Shahaniya and, although it is necessary to obtain permission to visit, local tour companies are arranging trips. Philatelic Display Stamp collectors may be interested to see comprehensive display of local stamps on view at the General Post Office in the West Bay area. Opening hours are 7 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm daily, except for Friday. Post Office Museum Next to the Souq Post Office is the Postal Museum with exhibits from the early days of the service here. Alongside the old sorting shelves, rubber stamps, scales and equipment are the old books where clerks recorded by hand the number of sacks of mail arriving from overseas, their weight and city or origin. You can also see the old designs of post box, and their evolution from the old English-style Victorian red pillar boxes to the current small yellow boxes mounted on a post. There are some stamps on display, as well international awards and certificates. It is open from 4 pm to 6 pm each evening, except Friday. Philatelist may also enjoy a visit to the main General Post Office in West Bay where there is an exhibition of Qatar stamps, and a Philatelic Bureau where you can buy special issues - old and new - over the counter, or register as a member and open an account to automatically receive all the first day covers, wherever in the world you live. Qatar National Museum Built in 1901 as the palace of Qatar 's then ruler, the late Sheikh Abdullah Bin Qassim Al Thani, the Fariq Al-Salatah Palace now houses the Qatar National Museum . Just a short distance from Doha 's modern waterfront, the Corniche, it is acknowledged as one of the finest museums in the region, winning the prestigious Aga Khan Award for restoration and rehabilitation of Islamic Architecture in 1980. It houses some fine examples of furniture, kitchenware, costumes, jewellery and perfumes; and some rather interesting relics of the medical profession - circumcision equipment, bleeding cups and branding wires! The museum is open to the public 9 am - 12 noon Sunday to Thursday and 3 pm - 6 pm everyday except Saturday. Tuesday afternoon is reserved for families only. Admission is QR 1. Thursday and Friday Markets If you are going out to the Central Market on a Thursday or Friday, then stop off at the weekend market on your way. As you turn off the Salwa Road to the Central Market, the stalls are on your right, near the roundabout. Most are under shade, and have lighting after dusk. There are two main bays of stalls surrounded by a variety of small shops, some with handicrafts and others with falconry equipment and falcons. Stallholders sell household goods, clothes, shoes, material and novelty items amongst others. The vegetable, meat and Fish markets The 'Central Market' can be found just out of town on the Salwa Road , and the whole are is a hive of activity, especially in the morning. Fresh caught fish are on display from a variety of fishmongers, so walk round and compare the quality and prices before you buy. Fish vary from the small and colourful to the definitely large - including the occasional shark. There are two main fish halls, and the meat market is also nearby. In the same are is the retail vegetable market, where colourful locally grown fruit, vegetables and flowers share stall space with imported agricultural products from around the world. The range of prices is government controlled. It provides a good photo opportunity but as with all locations around town, you should ask permission before you take photographs and avoid taking pictures which include any local ladies. The wholesale market is nearby, where fruit and vegetables are sold by the box rather than by the kilo. Here you will see local traders bargaining for goods as well as families who find it cheaper to buy this way. Wakra South-east of Doha , and only a short drive from the capital, Wakra was once Qatar 's most important fishing and pearling village. It contains some of the finest examples of traditional architecture and is dotted with old minarets, forts and wind towers. Zoo Doha 's Municipal Zoo is situated on the outskirts of Doha , about half an hour's drive from the town centre. There are plenty of shaded viewing areas as well as extensive play facilities for children. The zoo is open from 3 pm to 9 pm daily except for Saturdays. Traditional Coffee House At the end of the Corniche, near the Ras Abu Abboud flyover, is a traditional coffee shop and residents and visitors. Weaponry Museum The Weaponry Museum in Al Laqta on the outskirts of Doha is well worth a visit. There is an extensive display of gold swords from the region, traditional curved daggers or 'khunjas', and old weapons and armour dating back as far as the 16 th Century. Each piece is clearly labeled in Arabic and English with details of its origin. Presentation swords are also clearly labeled. There are canon, long-rifles and swords of all kinds, as well as a number of paintings and photographs relating to the weapons and their former owners. You need to be part of an official tour to visit this museum, so contact one of the tour companies, they include it in their itinerary.
Al Khor
The 'pearl port' of Qatar , Al khor is 60 km north of Doha . Until the 1940s it was the centre of the pearl diving industry. It remains a thriving fishing port. There is an attractive Corniche overlooking the blue waters of the bay.
Animal Market and Falconry souq
Sheep and camels are on sale here, as well as caged birds, fowl and domestic pets. During the falconry season, (October-March) you can also see these birds of prey being offered for sale and look at the equipment used in the sport. The falconers will be only too delighted to tell you about the birds and to have their photographs taken.
Al Shaqab Stud
Owned by HH The Emir, sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, this extensive stud farm has gained a worldwide reputation for its many champion horses. Morning tours can be arranged through Arabian Adventures on Tel. 361461 .
Al Zubara
This fort was built during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Qassim Al Thani in 1938 as a police post. A small four-bastion structure around a courtyard, it was used by the military until well into the 1980s. Two kilometers beyond the fort are the ruins of various other coastal fortifications, and there are a number of deserted fishing villages in the area. The fort is open to the public daily, except for Saturdays and Friday morning, and admission free.
Camel Races
Camel races are held frequently at the main race track at Shahaniya. There is a large spectator stand but most locals choose to follow the race in vehicles, adding to the excitement of the spectacle. Details of when races are being held can be obtained from one of the local tour companies.
Corniche
Doha 's beautiful Corniche is one of the finest in Middle East . Stretching for 7 km, it is popular with residents and tourists who wish to keep fit or just want to take a gentle stroll and admire the sea and scenery.
Ethnographic Museum
The museum is in a traditional twentieth century Qatari house which has been restored and provides a look at life in Qatar before the oil era. Signs explain the functions of the various rooms and their importance in the life of the family. Of particular interests is the building's wind tower, which is one of Qatar 's few remaining examples of this form of traditional Gulf architecture. Located off Grand Hamad Street , the museum is open Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm , and on Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm . It is closed on Saturdays. Admission is free.
Khor Al-Adaid
Known also as Inland Sea , this is an area of outstanding beauty at the southeast tip of the country. It can only be reached by means of a 4 wheel drive vehicle. From the mouth, the sea surges west in a wide channel and then curves north to create a vast shallow tidal lake.
Although you can go there for the day, the most pleasant way is to camp overnight - the grandeur of the crescent shaped sand dunes is best appreciated at sunrise or sunset, when the sun's shadows highlight their beauty.
An expedition to the Inland Sea should not be undertaken lightly and you should always have an experienced driver with you. Tour companies are now arranging excursions to this beautiful area. Check with your hotel.
Local Tour Companies
Some places of interest may be difficult to visit without some assistance such as transport or special opening arrangements. There are now a number of tour operators who can make arrangements on your behalf, and who offer trips to the Inland sea , camel races etc.
Arabian Adventures Tel. 361461
Qatar Holidays Tel. 857764/5, Fax 838934
Mobile 5500413
Sealine Beach Resort
Day visitors are welcomed at this resort, near Mesaieed 55 km south of Doha . QR 30 to use the hotel's facilities and pools plus an extra QR 20 Thursdays and Fridays. For further information phone 7772722.
Oryx Farm
The Oryx, a protected species in Qatar , was at one time considered virtually extinct. There is now a large and healthy herd of Oryx kept on a private estate near Shahaniya and, although it is necessary to obtain permission to visit, local tour companies are arranging trips.
Philatelic Display
Stamp collectors may be interested to see comprehensive display of local stamps on view at the General Post Office in the West Bay area. Opening hours are 7 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm daily, except for Friday.
Post Office Museum
Next to the Souq Post Office is the Postal Museum with exhibits from the early days of the service here. Alongside the old sorting shelves, rubber stamps, scales and equipment are the old books where clerks recorded by hand the number of sacks of mail arriving from overseas, their weight and city or origin. You can also see the old designs of post box, and their evolution from the old English-style Victorian red pillar boxes to the current small yellow boxes mounted on a post. There are some stamps on display, as well international awards and certificates. It is open from 4 pm to 6 pm each evening, except Friday.
Philatelist may also enjoy a visit to the main General Post Office in West Bay where there is an exhibition of Qatar stamps, and a Philatelic Bureau where you can buy special issues - old and new - over the counter, or register as a member and open an account to automatically receive all the first day covers, wherever in the world you live.
Qatar National Museum
Built in 1901 as the palace of Qatar 's then ruler, the late Sheikh Abdullah Bin Qassim Al Thani, the Fariq Al-Salatah Palace now houses the Qatar National Museum . Just a short distance from Doha 's modern waterfront, the Corniche, it is acknowledged as one of the finest museums in the region, winning the prestigious Aga Khan Award for restoration and rehabilitation of Islamic Architecture in 1980.
It houses some fine examples of furniture, kitchenware, costumes, jewellery and perfumes; and some rather interesting relics of the medical profession - circumcision equipment, bleeding cups and branding wires!
The museum is open to the public 9 am - 12 noon Sunday to Thursday and 3 pm - 6 pm everyday except Saturday. Tuesday afternoon is reserved for families only. Admission is QR 1.
Thursday and Friday Markets
If you are going out to the Central Market on a Thursday or Friday, then stop off at the weekend market on your way. As you turn off the Salwa Road to the Central Market, the stalls are on your right, near the roundabout. Most are under shade, and have lighting after dusk. There are two main bays of stalls surrounded by a variety of small shops, some with handicrafts and others with falconry equipment and falcons. Stallholders sell household goods, clothes, shoes, material and novelty items amongst others.
The vegetable, meat and Fish markets
The 'Central Market' can be found just out of town on the Salwa Road , and the whole are is a hive of activity, especially in the morning.
Fresh caught fish are on display from a variety of fishmongers, so walk round and compare the quality and prices before you buy. Fish vary from the small and colourful to the definitely large - including the occasional shark. There are two main fish halls, and the meat market is also nearby.
In the same are is the retail vegetable market, where colourful locally grown fruit, vegetables and flowers share stall space with imported agricultural products from around the world. The range of prices is government controlled. It provides a good photo opportunity but as with all locations around town, you should ask permission before you take photographs and avoid taking pictures which include any local ladies.
The wholesale market is nearby, where fruit and vegetables are sold by the box rather than by the kilo. Here you will see local traders bargaining for goods as well as families who find it cheaper to buy this way.
Wakra
South-east of Doha , and only a short drive from the capital, Wakra was once Qatar 's most important fishing and pearling village. It contains some of the finest examples of traditional architecture and is dotted with old minarets, forts and wind towers.
Zoo
Doha 's Municipal Zoo is situated on the outskirts of Doha , about half an hour's drive from the town centre. There are plenty of shaded viewing areas as well as extensive play facilities for children. The zoo is open from 3 pm to 9 pm daily except for Saturdays.
Traditional Coffee House
At the end of the Corniche, near the Ras Abu Abboud flyover, is a traditional coffee shop and residents and visitors.
Weaponry Museum
The Weaponry Museum in Al Laqta on the outskirts of Doha is well worth a visit. There is an extensive display of gold swords from the region, traditional curved daggers or 'khunjas', and old weapons and armour dating back as far as the 16 th Century. Each piece is clearly labeled in Arabic and English with details of its origin. Presentation swords are also clearly labeled. There are canon, long-rifles and swords of all kinds, as well as a number of paintings and photographs relating to the weapons and their former owners. You need to be part of an official tour to visit this museum, so contact one of the tour companies, they include it in their itinerary.