With Qatar being the destination of choice for the World Cup in 2022 there’s a buzz around the country working towards the build up.
From a lesser known country in the Middle East to what many are proclaiming to be the ‘New Dubai’ we discover the top 5 things to do in Doha.
1. Desert Safari
If you’re going to the Middle East make sure that you venture into the desert. Just a 45-minute journey from Doha city you can find yourself surrounded by golden sand and head off the beaten track.
We headed to the desert with Q Explorer for our afternoon adventure. Which included hurtling down the dunes and powering back up them in an exhilarating drive known as dune bashing.
This was followed by a quick ride on the most friendly and well looked after camels before we headed to the Sealine Camp.
A luxury camp with a place to rest your head. They make an incredible traditional dinner too which is what you’ll need after an action-packed day in the desert.
2. Souq Waqif
Head down through the hustle and bustle of the Souq Waqif. Make your way through roasting chestnuts, the fresh smells of exotic spices and explore the vivid colours of the rug sellers before finding your way into a traditional Arabic restaurant.
With a culmination of old meets new the Souq Waqif is not just a place to shop, it’s also somewhere to socialise.
You’ll even find a falcon store or two. It really is a magical experience for all of your senses.
3. Dhow Boat
Before Qatar became an oil-rich country, their main export was Pearls. Originally the pearl divers used the Dhow boats to retrieve pearls. Since the trade has died out you can now take a trip around the West Bay on a Dhow Boat directly from the Corniche.
It’s recommended to go on an evening so you can see the skyline lit up in all its glory.
4. Banana Island
If you’re looking for nothing short of perfection then an afternoon experiencing Banana Island is highly recommended. Hop aboard a 30-minute ferry from the Corniche and arrive to a warm welcome at Banana Island. A luxury island resort.
Read: Top 5 places to visit for some incredible Winter Sun
Grab a sun lounger on the beach and watch the sunset before heading to the restaurant in the middle of the sea.
Don’t forget to take an incredible Instagram shot on the swing before you head back to Doha.
As it is a resort you can stay on the island. We highly recommend an over-sea villa. Which rivals the homes on stilts in the Maldives. These luxury homes connected to the island by a wooden platform are all over the sea and have their own infinity pool and villa host to ensure you have the most perfect stay.
You can book a stay to Banana Island here.
Booking.com5. Embrace the traditional culture
When in Rome as they say. You can’t go to any country and not experience the culture and traditions. That’s why we highly recommend that you eat the local cuisine which includes dishes such as harees, chicken biryani and hummus.
Getting to Qatar from the UK is simple as Qatar Airways run a direct service from London Heathrow. As a Oneworld partner you can also collect Avios rewards, which convert into air miles.
It is also a great layover for trips to Australia. If you have a stop off in Qatar whilst travelling elsewhere then do make the most of your visit to an ever-changing city.
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