With its shared cultural values, close proximity and rapidly expanding leisure scene, Qatar continues to be a highly popular destination with visitors from Saudi Arabia. In fact, recent figures show that visitors from the Kingdom continue to lead all of the country’s international arrivals.
While in Qatar, Saudi Arabian visitors are often drawn to the country’s more cultural attractions. Data from Qatar Tourism reveals that the most popular sites amongst tourists from the Kingdom include the eclectic Katara Cultural Village, historic Souq Waqif and vibrant Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Be it savouring the spice markets at Souq Waqif or marvelling at the gorgeously ornate mosques of Katara Cultural Village, Qatar Tourism unveils insider tips for travellers making the most of their visit to these three iconic attractions.
Haya Al-Noami, Acting Head of the Promotion Section at Qatar Tourism: “With its warm hospitality and family friendly environment, Qatar continues to rise in popularity among our Saudi Arabian neighbours. We’re delighted to see visitors appreciating Qatar’s fine balance of authenticity and modernity, exploring sites that often wrap up a blend of offerings in one.”
Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village is the oracle for all things art, culture and cuisine in Doha. From its lush green hills to its distinct designs, here is a look at some of the best that Katara has to offer.
Marvel at the stunning architecture
Renowned architects have had a hand at developing Katara Cultural Village’s striking buildings. Katara Mosque, with its gorgeous melee of Persian and Turkish tiles in various shades of blue and gold, was designed by globally acclaimed Turkish architect Zainab Fadil Oglu. She is thought to be the first female architect to specialise in mosques.
Similarly, the miniscule, genuine gold chips that pepper the Ottoman-style tower of the Golden Masjid make for a second gleaming structure in Katara that glistens in the Doha sunshine.
Indulge in art, theatre and music
Arts lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the various theatres and galleries that occupy the Katara Cultural Village. The grand Katara Opera House, with its mixture of Arabic and European features, is home to the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
In the area, the expansive Katara Amphitheatre is an undisputed gem. Live music and theatre shows are often held within the walls of this 5,000-seater open-air theatre and are a particularly atmospheric sight as the sun sets over the sea.
Katara Cultural Village is also an art connoisseur’s dream, with various galleries, workshops and exhibition areas. The Qatar Museum Gallery – which showcases work focused on human themes – is a particular must-see for culture vultures.
Shop for luxury
21 High Street is one of Doha’s go-to places for luxury retail therapy. Shoppers can sample one of the street’s gorgeous designer outlets housed in the iconic Galleries Lafayette department store, before stopping off for a coffee at an ornately designed café or restaurant. Ever busy and with a fast-moving queue, Café Pouchkine is one stop that will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Parisian tearoom.
Go for a wander
Katara Cultural Village is a wonderful place to have an amble. A serene stroll amongst the rolling green fields of Katara Hills is just the antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city.
Public and private and public beaches are also a great place to cool off after an invigorating walk and a vantage point from which to take in the impressive views of Doha’s skyline.
Revel in the fabulous eateries
From street food to sumptuous restaurants overlooking the sea, hungry travellers have so much to choose from at Katara Cultural Village.
Those looking for a more interactive dining experience can head to the Al Jazeera Media Café. It allows diners to become news presenters for the day, by making use of state-of-the-art camera equipment directly from the iconic news channel’s studios.
There are also endless fine dining and family-friendly options in Katara. Diners can revel in the extravagant displays of fresh seafood at L’wazaar Seafood Market, soak in sights of the city on the terrace of Armenian restaurant Mamig or relax in the trendy, bohemian interiors of Boho Social.
And travellers looking for something more casual can head to the glowing neon signs of Tasty Street. Lined with food stalls, the street offers delicious grab-and-go bites, ranging from burgers to seafood.
Souq Waqif
Doha’s historic ‘standing market’ is one of the Gulf region’s only remaining traditional souqs and is a magnificent tribute to Qatari culture. Be it shopping for textiles or catching a street music performance, a trip to Souq Waqif is a must on any Qatar to-do list.
Haggle among the maze of stalls
Rare perfumes and spices in various stunning colours, amazingly intricate regional textiles, Arabic musical instruments: the Souq’s stalls have it all. Visitors can do their best to strike a bargain for gold necklaces, rings and more at the market’s popular Gold Souq.
Marvel in music and traditional Qatari culture
The Souq is a fabulous place to delve into Qatari history and culture. At Saad Ismail Al Jassim pearl shop, many travellers have reported learning much about the lost art of pearling by talking to the owner, who is a former pearl diver and titled ‘Pahlwan of Qatar’. There are also numerous henna artists around the market, who can draw fabulously ornate designs at reasonable prices.
Street performances – from Arabic music to extravagant costume processions – are a frequent occurrence at Souq Waqif. Performances during festive seasons, such as Eid, are a near-guarantee.
Visitors also like to head to the unassuming Majis al Dama coffee shop, where they might catch one of the shop’s famous dama (checkers) tournaments, while sipping a cup of qahwa helw, or sweet coffee.
See regional animals up-close
Souq Waqif famously champions the splendour of its national and regional animals. There are regular falconry displays within the Souq’s squares, and visitors can head to the nearby Falcon Souq to fully understand their importance to Qatari history.
Camels and horses can also be found resting and grazing in pens and stables close to the Souq’s main square.
Grab a bite to eat
Hungry culture lovers can find a world of food within the walls of Souq Waqif. From the mesmerising Persian mosaics and chandeliers of Parisa, to magnificent Moroccan cuisine on the roof terrace of Tagine, delicacies from across the Middle East and North Africa region are in plentiful supply.
Pro tip: try the incredibly fresh fruit shakes and mocktails at Al Mandarin. They’re perfect for sipping on while watching the world go by.
Msheireb Downtown Doha
At the heart of the city lies Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), a regenerated and fully sustainable district with modern buildings that are in striking contrast to the classic Arabesque architecture of the nearby Souq Waqif. From beguiling museums to fabulous fashion outlets, the pedestrianised district offers much to see and do for visitors.
Learn about Qatari history at the museums
Msheireb Downtown Doha is home to a collection of fascinating museums, which give visitors a real insight into Qatar’s past, present and future.
The restored Radwani House explores how Qatari family life has changed over time, while the Bin Jelmood House sheds light on how formerly enslaved people have contributed to developing societies throughout human history.
Appreciate the unique architecture
Much of MDD’s gleaming new buildings fabulously fuse together elements of cultural heritage and contemporary architecture, resulting in a stunning and serene aesthetic. The Msheireb Mosque is a prime example of this, with the gorgeous symmetry of its courtyard and intricate geometric patterning.
With streets aligned to pick up the cool breeze from the sea and shaded streets lined with trees, this trendy district makes for great year-round browsing. Events are also often held in Barahat Msheireb, the region’s biggest covered public square.
Support local talent
The new district positions itself as Doha’s nucleus for design, art and fashion. M7, developed by Qatar Museums, is MDD’s hub for the country’s design and fashion industries, and aims to support and mentor local designers and businesses. Nestled within the building, a concept store which shines a spotlight on up-and-coming designers and their avant-garde creations.
There are further options for visitors that are hoping to pick up something a little different on their trip. Presentedby, located in the Doha Design District, is a wonderland for sneaker lovers, and boasts limited edition items from iconic brands such as Yeezy and Nike.
What’s more, there are plenty of fabulously photogenic eateries within the mall to grab a delicious coffee and cake. The arresting hot pink interiors of EL&N café, for example, are the perfect backdrop for a photo memory of a great trip.
Visitors can curate their ideal itineraries by exploring the plethora of leisure, nature and entertainment attractions found in the capital city and across the country. From wellness retreats to desert adventures, water sports to family-friendly amusement parks, holistic experiences can be found on Qatar Tourism’s VisitQatar website for further inspiration on where to go and what to do.
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