Doha Holidays

Doha – a city on the up

Step aside, Dubai, the Middle East’s got a new sheriff in town. Doha’s a relative newcomer on the tourist trail, but it’s more than making up for lost time. The city centre’s growing by the day – mostly upwards thanks to the countless skyscrapers – and the number of global events on the city’s calendar is only going one way, too. Anyone else remember England’s 2022 tournament heartbreak?

Making its mark on the world stage

The football World Cup was just the start of things here. On the outskirts of the city, the Luhail International Circuit hosts one of Formula One’s night races every season, and the Basketball World Cup’s coming to the city in 2027. Throw in international tennis, golf and athletics tournaments that take place regularly here, too, and you’ll see why a stack of new sports stadiums and arenas have sprung up alongside the skyscrapers.

Museums galore

If you want to scratch beneath Doha’s shiny surface, the city’s museums are a great place to start. The National Museum of Qatar delves into the country’s past, present and future. And even if you don’t make it inside, it’s worth grabbing a picture of its weird and wacky exterior. If you’re an art buff, the Museum of Islamic Art is a must-see – this waterfront gallery has the largest collection of Islamic art in the world.

Souks and shopping malls

Long before skyscrapers popped up all over town, it was the ancient souks that ruled the roost here. Souq Waqif’s been around in one form or another for more than 250 years, and it’s still the best place to pick up spices and oud – a classic fragrance in this part of the world. If you prefer snagging your souvenirs from modern malls, there are loads dotted around. The best of the bunch is the Mall of Qatar – it’s got almost 500 shops to wander around.