Qatar: Arabia’s Rising Star Makes the Perfect Layover
It may lack the cachet of Dubai, but Qatar has come into its own as a leisure destination in recent years. Doha, the country’s capital, is now a truly world-class city with a spectacular modern skyline teeming with glitzy restaurants, high end retail options, and a hotel roster that encompasses legendary names including Mandarin Oriental and Kempinski.
QATAR: ARABIA’S RISING STAR MAKES THE PERFECT LAYOVER
It may lack the cachet of Dubai, but Qatar has come into its own as a leisure destination in recent years.
Doha, the country’s capital, is now a truly world-class city with a spectacular modern skyline teeming with glitzy restaurants, high end retail options, and a hotel roster that encompasses legendary names including Mandarin Oriental and Kempinski.
The city balances this contemporary bling with some of the most compelling cultural attractions in the Middle East. Outside the capital, the country’s strong Bedouin heritage exerts itself.
Here, visitors can learn about the ancient art of falconry, watch camels race across the desert and kick back on the coastline while observing traditional dhow (wooden cargo boats) bobbing in the ocean.
Indeed, there’s so much to do that you might wish to extend your stay. In the meantime, here’s the lowdown on how to spend 48 hours in the country.
DAY 1
Museum of Islamic Art by I.M. Pei and traditional dhows.
Morning:
Make a leisurely start to the day before heading to Souq Waqif at 10 am when most of the shops open. The market — Doha’s premier traditional shopping spot — was completely rebuilt in 2004, but still carries a ring of authenticity. Browse the tiny streets lined with stalls selling perfumes, herbs, and spices.
Afternoon:
During the heat of the day take refuge in the I.M Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art. The striking building displays the world's most comprehensive collection of manuscripts, ceramics, art, and carvings from the Islamic world.
Evening:
See out the last hours of daylight with an evening walk along Doha's beautiful Corniche. Dine Arabic style at Al Mourjan, a Lebanese restaurant with views over the Gulf and do as the locals do and sample some shisha. Doha is far from a nightlife hub, but there are plenty of convivial spots for socializing. One such venue is The Secret Garden at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, which offers cool DJ beats and tremendous views of the waterfront.
DAY 2
Morning:
Qatar’s premier natural attraction is Khor Al Adaid which is known as the Inland Sea and is accessible via a half-day 4x4 safari over the dunes. The sea is a huge inlet surrounded by giant dunes and is a pleasant place to take a dip while “dune bashing”—off-roading over the massive mountains of sand which is an integral part of any desert itinerary.
Afternoon:
Immerse in the new Doha at The Pearl Qatar—a man-made island brimming with luxury apartments, top-end restaurants, and designer outlets. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a café while watching yachts and jet skis compete for space on the azure ocean.
Evening:
Try the Sky View Bar at La Cigalle Hotel for expertly mixed cocktails with a showstopping view. Try the Belgian Café at the InterContinental. For a giant pot of mussels and some tasty Trappist beer for an ideal way to end a memorable layover.
CLASSIC QATAR
For longer trips, consider our new Classic Qatar itinerary — a five-day sojourn including Unesco biosphere reserves, atmospheric souqs, and guided insight into Doha’s modern art scene, all while enjoying world-class dining experiences and some of the finest hotels in the region.
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