Desert Safari to the Inland Sea
Dune bashing and sunset at Khor Al Adaid.
Overview
Why visit Doha
Doha was a small pearling and fishing port until oil and then vast natural gas wealth made Qatar one of the richest countries on Earth per person. The city has grown at extraordinary speed, capped by hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first in the Middle East.
The Corniche promenade curves along the bay between the traditional dhow harbour and the towers of West Bay. At its heart sits the Museum of Islamic Art, I.M. Pei's geometric masterwork, while the National Museum of Qatar, shaped like a desert rose crystal, tells the country's story. Souq Waqif's restored lanes sell spices, textiles and falcons, and stay lively late into the night.
Beyond the city, Qatar's signature adventure is the desert: dune-bashing tours race down sand walls to the Inland Sea, Khor Al Adaid, where the sea floods in among the dunes. Back in town, The Pearl island, Katara Cultural Village and the new Lusail district show where the city is heading next.
Things to do
Top things to book in Doha
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Souq Waqif & Museum Tour
Islamic art, spice lanes and the falcon souq with a guide.
Dhow Cruise Dinner
Sail the Corniche at night on a traditional wooden boat.
Lusail & The Pearl
See Qatar's newest districts and island Riviera.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Doha
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Doha
- 01
A World Cup First
Doha hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first World Cup held in the Middle East.
- 02
I.m. Pei'S Masterpiece
The Museum of Islamic Art was designed by I.M. Pei, the architect of the Louvre pyramid, at age 91.
- 03
Where The Sea Meets The Dunes
Khor Al Adaid, the Inland Sea, is a UNESCO-recognised reserve reachable only through the desert.
- 04
A Desert Rose
The National Museum of Qatar's interlocking discs were inspired by the desert rose crystal.
- 05
Falcons Have A Souq
Souq Waqif has a dedicated falcon market and even a hospital for the prized birds.
- 06
A City Of Newcomers
Around 9 in 10 of Qatar's residents are expatriates from around the world.
- 07
Seven Kilometres Of Corniche
The Doha Corniche waterfront promenade runs about 7 kilometres around the bay.
- 08
An Artificial Riviera
The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island of marinas, towers and Mediterranean-style streets.
- 09
Home Of Al Jazeera
The Al Jazeera news network, launched in 1996, is headquartered in Doha.
- 10
A New City Named Lusail
Lusail City, built for the World Cup final stadium, was planned from scratch north of Doha.
Random Doha fact
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FAQ
Quick answers about Doha
Where is Doha located?
Doha is in Qatar, in the Middle East.
What is the population of Doha?
The greater Doha area is home to about 2,400,000 people.
What is Doha famous for?
Qatar's capital has raced from pearl-diving port to World Cup host, stacking I.M.
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