Doha, capital of the peninsular Arabian Gulf country Qatar, is a modern city on Doha Bay.
It’s rare to see a great city in the making these days, but here's your chance. Whether it's the stunning and constantly changing skyline or the massive investment the Qatari authorities are making in landmark cultural icons, this is a city oozing confidence and style, as at ease in its modern shopping malls as in its traditional souqs. Wander the reinvented and fabulously atmospheric Souq Waqif, wonder at the sheer beauty of the world-class Museum of Islamic Art and its exhibits or head out to Katara to explore – wherever you look, Doha is threatening to eclipse Dubai as the Gulf's most dynamic city. Thrown in a new Metro system in the making and the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, and the chances are that things are only going to get better.
10:00am - 2:00pm : Villaggio Mall
Like a playground for adults, Villaggio Mall recreates Venice indoors for an unparalleled luxury shopping experience. The mall, with canals running through it, is an Italianate fantasy, with ceilings painted to look like the sky, bridges and lampposts, and international luxury brands and fashion houses occupying its storefronts. The complex also includes a movie theater with IMAX offerings and an indoor theme park containing an Olympic-sized ice rink and a bowling alley. While inside, take a ride in one of the gondolas that transport visitors around the mall and stop for a meal or snack at one of the international chains or Qatari restaurants.
2:30pm - 6:00pm : Qatar Racing Club
This club was established to make dreams of professional and amateur drag racing motorists come true , with protection , safety and security .
This club also organized many events , tournaments and activities such as Free style drifting and Arabian Drag racing league in accordance to the American ADRL .
Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al-Thani has led the club successfully and the results are reflected by the victories and successive triumphs achieved by his AL-ANABI TEAM .
H.E Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamed Al-Thani has always been passionate about car racing since his childhood . This passion continued until he grew up and was able to turn it into reality by becoming one of the best team owners and pro extreme drivers, in the world.
Sheikh Khalid has a strong personality, a spirit of adventure and likes to break records, aiming for one goal, raising high the name of the state of Qatar , and Al-Anabi flag in the world of drag racing .
10:00am-12:30pm : MIA Park
Enjoy a peaceful stroll or have a refreshing drink while admiring the Doha skyline at MIA Park. Set on the waterfront, this peaceful park offers the perfect environment to kick back and relax. Follow the palm-lined pathway and you'll come across two large playgrounds, which will keep children entertained for hours. Finish your visit at the onsite cafe, where you can sit in the shade and admire spectacular views across the water.
1:00pm-3:30pm : Museum of Islamic Art
From the impressive collections to the awe-inspiring architecture by I.M. Pei, visitors to Museum of Islamic Art have plenty to look at. The building resembles a pile of boxes inspired by Islamic architecture, surrounded by gardens and paths offering views of the bay and Doha's skyline. The museum's collection includes samples of 1,400 years of jewelry, calligraphy, woodwork, textiles, metalwork, and manuscripts from all over the Islamic world. Within the museum, you'll find a library, gift shop, open prayer rooms, and a restaurant serving French-Mediterranean cuisine.
4:00pm-6:00pm : Souq Waqif
Founded at the turn of the 20th century in a dried riverbed where Bedouin Arabs once traded wares, Souq Waqif remains a major marketplace providing access to a range of local goods. Frequented by locals and visitors, the market offers traditional clothing, handcrafted items, spices, and souvenirs, hosting many restaurants, cafes, and shisha lounges that serve Qatari, Yemeni, Syrian, and various other Middle Eastern cuisines. Check out the parts of the souq where domestic pets, like dogs, cats, turtles, and birds are sold, in addition to an area devoted to falcons and falconers.
10:30am-1:00pm : Al Thakhira Beach
1:30pm-3:00pm : Corniche
4:00pm-5:30pm : Al Shahaniya Racetrack
Watch camel racing at Al Shahaniya Racetrack. Visitors to the track have a unique opportunity to see the so-called "sport of the sheiks." This expensive and luxurious sporting event represents a unison of modern and ancient sports. Learn about the way the camels race, as it is quite different from other races. The jockeys are remote-controlled robots, and they can pull the reins and give commands to the camels, which weigh around 25 kg (53 lbs) and cost about $5,000.
10:00am-11:30am : Fanar - Qatar Islamic Cultural Center
A religious and cultural center known for its spiral minaret, Fanar - Qatar Islamic Cultural Center serves as more than just a significant landmark in Doha. Named after a prominent judge and scholar, the center also offers locals, expats, and tourists alike courses in Arabic language and the religion of Islam, as well as exhibits and sermons in English. Take a tour of the modern mosque, acquaint yourself with Qatari culture and heritage, or just stop by to admire the iconic spiral minaret of the grand building.
12:00pm-1:30pm : The Corniche
Locals and visitors of all ages stroll along The Corniche to take in views of the harbor and the impressive architectural feats along the coastline. This 7 km (4.3 mi) stretch of developed promenade runs parallel to landscaped parks where families and friends picnic, stretching between the national art museum and modern skyscrapers to the north. Take a boat from the promenade to the palm tree-covered island in the middle of the harbor to enhance your sightseeing experience.
2:00pm-4:00pm : State Grand Mosque
Make a short stop to view State Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Qatar. Opened in 2011 and named after an 18th-century Muslim scholar and theologian, the mosque boasts a blend of modern and traditional Arab architecture styles. Admire the structure’s gargantuan size, large number of domes, and simple, elegant decorations. Non-muslims can tour the spacious interior when the prayer is not in session, but remember to dress modestly.
4:30pm-6:00pm : The Gate Mall Doha
In the bustling heart of the city, The Gate Mall Doha represents a modern hub for luxurious shopping and dining. Although fairly small in size, the mall offers a number of shops with international brand names, where you can find the latest fashion items alongside a range of jewelry and accessories. Choose from both local and European restaurants that serve high quality, fresh specialties and desserts to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. You need to pay to park your car outside the mall.
10:00am-11:30am : The Pearl-Qatar
An artificial network of islands, The Pearl-Qatar offers a luxurious shopping, dining, and lifestyle experience. A contemporary real estate development, the project currently stretches over 4 million sq m (43 million sq ft), boasting retail complexes, restaurants, high-rise apartment blocks, and private islands. Stroll along the 3.5 km (2.1 mi) boardwalk, framed by the glittering harbor and lined with shops and restaurants to suit your every need. Choose between American, European, or Asian cuisine before browsing rows of designer stores. Three world-class marinas and numerous artificial beaches are also scattered across the site for you to peruse at your leisure.
12:30pm-2:30pm : Simaisma Beach
Witness a rare example of natural greenery by spending a day at Simaisma Beach. Though the mangroves make the sand slightly muddy, they are welcome on this beach. This wide, open space is a good place for families with small children, since the shallow water extends for around 100 m (330 ft) from the shore. The beach offers restrooms, as well as shaded areas and playgrounds, and you will find food and drink shops in the village adjacent to the beach.
4:00pm-5:00pm : Al-Zubara Fort
Get a glimpse into military history at Al-Zubara Fort, part of a World Heritage Site that includes a Gulf merchant town. Within the town's ruins, the fort has stood since 1938 when Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani built it as a Coast Guard station. Now a museum, the space shows the architectural techniques of Qatar alongside artworks and archeological exhibits. Visit the still impenetrable fort and take shelter from the sun under the roof where soldiers would gather to patrol the coast. Take a peek into their lives by exploring the fort on your own.
10:30am-1:00pm : Sealine Beach
1:30pm-3:00pm : Khor Al Udaid Beach
A protected natural oasis surrounded by looming slopes of sand, Khor Al Udaid Beach allows you to enjoy a bit of beach life in the heart of the desert. Soaring dunes reaching 40 m (131.2 ft) extend down toward a bay of azure blue waters fed by the Arabian Gulf, quietly lapping the white sand shore. A diversity of animal life populates the diverse desertscape, including the Arabian gazelle, Arabian oryx, and osprey. Explore by tour van or quad bike, or, once you get there, hop on a camel. When you need to cool down, splash into the clear, calm bay for a rejuvenating swim. There is little shade on the beach so bring an umbrella, plenty of sunscreen, and water.
4:00pm-6:00pm : City Centre Mall
Shop for everything on your list at City Centre Mall, a modern, multi-story mall in the heart of the city. Featuring a broad variety of international and local clothing, electronics, grocery, and bookstores, the air-conditioned mall serves as a family-friendly reprieve from the weather. You can also find a movie theater, a children's entertainment center, an ice skating rink offering private lessons, and a wide selection of western food chain options in the food court within.
10:00am-11:00am : Aspire Park
A wide green expanse in the middle of busy Doha, Aspire Park provides space and serenity in a well-kept, lush landscape. Covering vast 88 hectares (217.5 acres), the park features a lake and manicured grounds ideal for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the scenery. Make the most of soccer fields, children's playground, and jogging tracks. Pick up a coffee from the onsite cafe and look out over the fountains and lake, framed with boab trees and benches. Cycling is prohibited here, and a strict dress code applies.
11:30am-12:30pm : Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art
Observe a vast collection of contemporary Arab art across the massive, 5,500 sq m (59,000 sq ft) floor space of Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art. Boasting seven galleries for permanent exhibitions, along with five galleries and an atrium dedicated to temporary exhibits, the museum's art collection totals to over 9,000 pieces. This makes its collection of Arab art and sculptures one of the largest in the world, featuring all major trends from the early 19th century to the present day.
1:00pm-4:30pm : Doha Golf Club
Enjoy a round of golf on a meticulously maintained championship course at Doha Golf Club. This 18-hole course offers a fun and challenging game for all levels. Those who prefer a quicker or less-demanding game can play the 9-hole, floodlit course. When you finish your game, rest and reflect on your accomplishment at the Arabic-style club house, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace.
5:00pm-6:00pm : Al Koot Fort
Visit Al Koot Fort to learn about a historic military structure and the more recent history of Qatar. Originally built in 1880 to serve as a police station, in 1906 the fort became a jail, and finally, in 1927 turned into a military fortification. The fortress now serves as a museum, housing traditional Qatari handicrafts and a photo exhibit focusing on the locals' everyday life.