Explore a grand desert paradise built on the foundations of nearly six millennia of Qatari tradition and history. Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel is the perfect place to discover all the ancient culture and captivating modern entertainments Doha has to offer.
Discover more attractions and events in Qatar at www.visitqatar.qa/calendar
*HIA: Hamad International Airport
SOUQ WAQIF
A stroll down the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif provides an authentic taste of traditional commerce, architecture and culture. The maze of small shops offer a dazzling array of Middle Eastern merchandise and a treasure trove of souvenir bargains. Traditional music, art and cultural shows add to the ambience of this special place which also houses an eclectic mix of great restaurants and cafes which offer traditional Qatari food as well as regional dishes and treats from Asia and North Africa.
We would recommend tourists visit Souq Waqif between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Open 24 hours | Distance from the hotel: 6 minutes | Website
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR
The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is dedicated to bringing to life the unique story of Qatar and its people. It actively gives voice to the nation’s rich heritage and culture and demonstrates our extensive network of ties with other nations and people around the world. Designed as a vibrant and immersive space, diverse communities can come together and experience Qatar’s past, present and future.
Distance from the hotel: 5 minutes | Website
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART
Experience 14 centuries in a few hours at one of the leading collections of Islamic art in the world. The MIA’s magnificent and imaginatively presented displays of the finest art and artefacts from across the Islamic world have earned it recognition among the world’s top cultural institutions. Marvel at award winning collections which feature paintings, glassworks, metalwork, ceramics, textiles and manuscripts and cover periods as important as Mughal and Safavid.
A fee may be charged for some of these temporary shows, but admission to the permanent galleries is free.
Distance from the hotel: 5 minutes | Website
KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE
Katara Cultural Village is the focal point for arts and culture in Doha and has art galleries, an amphitheater for opera, drama and concerts performance as well as restaurants and a beach and water sports facilities. In line with the goals set forward by the Qatar National Vision 2030, Katara serves as a guardian to the heritage and traditions of Qatar and endeavours to spread awareness about the importance of every culture and civilization and as such, Katara hosts international, regional
and local festivals, workshops, performances and exhibitions.
Open 24 hours | Distance from the hotel: 20 minutes | Website
Barzan Tower
Located in Umm Salal, this building was previously built as a watchtower in the 19th century.
Distance from HIA*: ~40-45 minutes
Doha Corniche
The palm tree-lined Doha Corniche is one of the most famous waterfronts in the Middle East. It sweeps about 7.5km along the coast in a smooth curve, finishing at the newly-built Museum of Islamic Arts. In the early evening, the Corniche is full of atmosphere, with people picnicking in the gardens, exercising on the waterfront or enjoying the cool evening breeze and views of the dazzling city skyline.
Fort Zubarah
A trip to the ancient 18th century Fort Zubarah in the North of the country is a must for visitors wanting to explore Qatar’s historical landmarks.
Distance from HIA*: ~1.5-2 hours
Khor Al Udaid
Khor Al Udaid is considered as the desert marvel of Qatar and is located in a strategic location 80 km away in the south-east of Doha. The Khor Al Udaid Beach is very famous for its relaxing and tranquil environment where visitors can break away from the daily hassles of everyday life, and can simply exile themselves and go aboard on a soul searching journey.
Ras Abrouq Natural Reserves
Ras Abrouq or Bir Zekreet, a favorite spot for weekend campers, is at the very tip of a peninsula northeast of Dukhan (four-wheel-drive is required). Follow the main Doha-Dukhan road, and several kilometres past the turnoff for Al Jumailiya (about 5 km before the flyover) is a fork where the old Dukhan road veers off to the right – look out for this as there is only one sign, in Arabic. After 1.5 km, turn right onto the road that heads up the northeastern side of the Ras Abrouq peninsula, follow for about 21 km and then branch off to the left, heading up and onto the top of the jebel (hills). The track passes the wild deer reserve set up by the Ministry of Environment and through an area that looks like a deserted village but was actually built as a film set. Notice the trees: the lower branches are ‘cropped’ in a straight line where the camels have eaten them!
Distance from HIA*: ~1 hour 5 minutes
The Singing Sand Dunes (40 km southwest of Doha)
There are certain conditions in which the movement of sand grains can create a low murmur or ‘singing’ – a phenomenon often reported by desert explorers. Qatar is fortunate in having sand with the right abrasive qualities in an area that also experiences the necessary wind and moisture conditions to create this wonderful, if weird effect. While the ‘singing’ occurs naturally, it can be triggered by sliding down the face of the dune or running along its crest, whereupon each footstep creates a humming that cannot only be heard but also felt as a vibration through the feet.
Distance from HIA*: ~50 minutes
Islands around Qatar
Ishat Island
Located in the southeastern portion of the country, Ishat Island has a total area of about 20 square kilometres. It consists of three flat-topped islets bordered with light coloured cliffs and two detached rocks lying northeast of Khor Al-Udaid.
Shra’o Island
Situated about 48 kilometres northeast of Ishat Island, Shra’o Island rises to 36.5’ and has many hummocks. There is also a small fringed reef and a sandy beach used by turtles to lay their eggs. Just three hours away from Doha by speedboat, Shra’o Island serves as a haven to thousands of seabirds.
Haloul Island
This hilly island rises to an elevation of 190 feet and is surrounded by excellent fishing grounds. The seabed is made up of coral reefs with a large variety of magnificent and beautiful coral fish and offers wonderful opportunities for scuba divers to observe marine life.
Al-Saflia Island
Just a 15-minute boat ride from Doha, Al-Saflia Island is considered a tourist resort – even with its tiny size of .8 square kilometres.Alia IslandTo the west and complimenting Al-Saflia Island lies the small land mass of Alia Island – just slightly over 2 square kilometres in size.
Oryx Farm
The nature reserve in Al Sheehaniya is home to the largest herd of Arabian Oryx in the world. Visitors can see at first hand the graceful creature that some say is the origin of the legend of the unicorn. The Arabian Oryx was once threatened by extinction; these graceful creatures now live and breed as protected herds in Qatar. The Arabian Oryx is Qatar's national symbol.
Landmark Mall
Open Saturday-Wednesday: 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday: 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday: 1.30 p.m.-11 p.m.
Distance from HIA*: 24-30 minutes | Website
The Pearl Qatar
The Pearl-Qatar is a unique development in a relaxed, friendly and exclusive environment with marina, a wide array of restaurant choices and luxury shopping opportunities. This is the Middle East's most glamorous address where Pearlesque names, crafted from an intriguing mix of Italian, French, Spanish and Arabic, summon up the charm of the old world, and the spirit of the new.
Villagio Mall
Open Sunday-Wednesday: 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday & Saturday: 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday: 1 p.m.-11 p.m.
Distance from HIA*: 30-35 minutes | Website
The Mall
Open Saturday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Distance from HIA*: 22 minutes | Website
City Center Doha
Open Saturday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m.-midnight, Friday: 3 p.m.-midnight.
Distance to HIA*: 18-22 minutes | Website
Royal Plaza
Open Saturday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday: 3:30pm – 11 p.m.
Distance from HIA*: 20-26 minutes | Website
Centre Point (Al Asmakh Mall)
Open Saturday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday 1 p.m.-11 p.m.
Distance from HIA*: 22-23 minutes | Website
The Gate Mall
Open Saturday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday: 3 p.m.-10 p.m.
Distance from HIA*: ~21-23 minutes | Website
Lagoona Mall
Open Saturday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m.-midnight, Friday: 2 p.m.-midnight.
Distance from HIA*: 27 minutes | Website
Hyatt Plaza
Open Saturday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday: 2 p.m.-11 p.m.
Distance from HIA*: 31-35 minutes | Website
Ezdan Mall
Distance from HIA*: 27-31 minutes
Emporium
Open Saturday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m./4:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday: 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Distance from HIA: 19-22 minutes | Website
The Pearl – Qatar
Distance from HIA*: 28-30 minutes
Blue Salon
Souqs
Souq Waqif
At any time of day, Souq Waqif is always bustling with people walking around the alleys window-shopping or enjoying their shisha with friends and family at restaurants. It provides an excellent place for people to gather, shop for traditional knick-knacks, spices or just enjoy a good meal. It has a number of boutique hotels located around its premises that are part of the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels. There are also stables for horses and camels at the Souq. Restaurants specializing in cuisines from different parts of the MENA region are located all along the souq with international cuisines such as Malaysian, French, and Indian. Souq Waqif being an Ooredoo hotspot also allows visitors to log onto the web with free wireless internet. Live performances and seasonal festivals with street artists and traditional folk troupes make it a one-of-a-kind cultural bazaar in Qatar.
Distance from HIA*: 15 minutes
Souq Asiery
This souq specializes in inexpensive fabric retail, a lot of it. You can find all kinds of fabric here right from delicate lace to tough denim.
Distance from HIA*: 10-15 minutes
Souq Al Dira
Lantern lights, smooth floors, stained glass windows and arches invite visitors into this souq. Most of the stores in this souq specialize in high-end ‘designer’ fabric. Accessories, shoes, and Arabian perfume are also retailed here.
Distance from HIA*: 10-15 minutes
Souq Al Jabor
Like most souqs, Souq Al Jabor takes ‘more is more’ approach to stocking it’s shops, although most seem to include a range of clothing and kids items, from clothing to toys. But, next to nightgowns and kids backpacks, you can also find perfume, electronics, and more, all of it cheaply priced. Dig through to find some real treasures!
Distance from HIA*: 11 minutes
Omani Souq
Located just behind the Salwa Central Market, the Omani Souq sells a variety of merchandise some of which include incense, plants, pottery, camel sticks, nuts, perfumes, and the like.
Distance from HIA*: 11 minutes
Gold Souq
The Gold Souq is a maze of shops specializing in local and imported jewelry made from gold or silver. Pieces including diamonds, pearls and other stones are widely available. All gold jewelry sold in Qatar has a government stamp ensuring its purity. Jewelry can usually be engraved on the spot. Many of the jewelers are highly skilled and can make a piece of jewelry to order; repairs and resizing can be done. Qatari, European and Indian styles are all available. Most shops are happy for people to look around without making a purchase. Most items are priced by weight, depending on the value of gold that day. The souq is particularly lively in the evening.
Distance from HIA*: 20 minutes
Aspire Park
Open Daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Cafés and restrooms)
Distance from HIA*: 35 minutes | Website
Aqua Park Qatar
Aqua Park Qatar, the first ever theme park in Qatar is built on an area of 50,000 sq. meters of action-packed water fun. Featuring a mammoth play area, the giant 2,000 galloon tipping bucket, enormous 4 storey high water slides, the full-sized wave pool, and a 200m long lazy river, the Aqua Park has all the ingredients that would allow you to set the tempo for your day out.
Bird watching
Dahl Al Hamam Park
Open Daily – 7:30 a.m.-midnight (Cafeteria opens at 5 p.m.)
Distance from HIA*: 28-30 minutes
Al Rumailah Park (Al Bidda Park)
Open Daily from 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Distance from HIA*: 20 minutes
Al Wakrah Public Park
Open Daily from 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Distance from HIA*: 18 minutes
Barzan Olympic Park
Open Daily from 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Distance from HIA*: 18 minutes | Website
Aspire
This impressive sports facility incorporates ASPIRE Dome ,the Academy for sports excellence, Khalifa international stadium, Hamad Aquatic Center, Aspire park and the ladies sports Hall . Aspire active fitness programmers are run thought the year, with summer camps in July and August.
Contact: (+974) 44136000 | Website
Doha Golf Club
Doha Golf Club boasts an 18 hole Championship Course, a 9 hole Academy Course, an enormous driving range and putting green, 8 artificial lakes, graceful landscaping and a beautiful clubhouse designed in old traditional Arabic style, which has been located at one of the highest points on the course giving it a magnificent prominence.
Contact: (+974) 4496 0777 | Website
Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club
Contact: (+974) 44808122 | Website
Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex
Contact: (+974) 4440 9666
Losail International Circuit
The Losail International Circuit is one of the largest venues in Doha and one of the best in the Middle East. The circuit is the only circuit in the region with both FIA and FIM homologation licenses.
One of the most attractive aspects of our circuit is that it is available 24 hours a day, thanks to the new flood lighting system.
West end park stadium
West End Park is a visionary project in existence through the collaboration of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani Social Welfare Foundation (JBM) and Qatar Property Management to deliver variety of multi-cultural exposure with unique entertainment programs on a life style platform.
Located at Mesaimeer, at the end of Barwa Commercial Avenue, close to Al Watan Roundabout and just before the Industrial Area, and it covers an approximate area of 671,000 ㎡ of land.