Qatar
DESTINATION GUIDE
From golden deserts to gleaming
skyscrapers, Qatar is a land of
contrasts just waiting to be explored...
With its guaranteed warmer temperatures, mix of history and rich culture, modern and forward-thinking architecture, thriving arts scene and diverse, delicious food options, Qatar is the perfect warm weather destination for F1 fans with the prospect of some excellent racing under lights to boot.
HIGHLIGHTS
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the atmospheric Souq Waqif, where stalls laden with dried fruits and spices jostle for your attention alongside jewellery and traditional crafts, perfect for souvenirs. Wander the labyrinthine alleyways and stop for some street food at one of the many vendors serving fresh local delicacies, or pop into an art gallery to admire the work of local artists and craftsmen.
Founded over a century ago, the souq was a popular gathering place for nomadic Bedouins and locals to meet and trade goods. It fell into disrepair in the 1990s before a fire destroyed a large portion of it in 2003. This prompted a large scale restoration project to return the souq to its former glory, with the careful refurbishment of the original traditional Qatari architectural-style building from the late 19th century, and the preservation of other old mud-daubed structures, which gives the souq its unique character.
Pay a visit to the architecturally astounding National Museum of Qatar to learn more about the rich history and culture of this small yet diverse Gulf nation. Completed in 2019, the striking and dynamic building has been constructed around the centrepiece of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani’s original palace, which has been carefully restored and conserved for visitors to enjoy.
The bulk of the design takes the form of the natural phenomenon prevalent in Qatar known as the desert rose, whereby crystalline flower forms are created by the interaction of wind, sea spray and sand over millennia.
The interlocking discs of the building are representative of the petals of these delicate and mysterious, naturally occurring objects and world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel knew that the desert rose was the perfect symbolic element he needed in his design to fuse together Qatar’s deep rapport with the flora and fauna of the desert, along with its nomadic people and traditions.
Take a stroll along the 7km-long Doha Corniche, a palm fringed promenade which curves around Doha Bay and is punctuated by parks, restaurants and cultural monuments – not least the beautiful Museum of Islamic Art which lies at the southern end of the boulevard. Watch the traditional dhows light up the Corniche as the sun sets or hop on a boat yourself to take in the city’s modern and glittering skyline and awe-inspiring architecture from the water.
The Venice-inspired neighbourhood of the Qanat Quartier is truly a feast for the eyes. With its turquoise canals flanked by candy-coloured buildings and graceful arching bridges, there are Instagram worthy vistas at every turn, not to mention a musical staircase you can play a tune on as you ascend/descend, and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf from the beachfront promenade.
FUN FACT
The popular sport of camel racing has long been a part of Qatar’s national identity, with professional camel racing beginning in 1972. The camels are controlled by toddler-sized, remote controlled jockeys clothed in colourful racing silks.
Weighing approximately 25 kilos, the robot jockeys can be instructed to ‘pull’ on the reins by the operators who drive alongside the camels, and thanks to an in-built speaker the operator can even shout words of encouragement to the long-legged mammals as they gallop along reaching speeds of up to 40 mph.
WHAT TO EAT
The cuisine in Qatar reflects the cultural diversity of the country, with many dishes influenced by Indian, Iranian, Lebanese and North African fayre while other national delicacies are borrowed from across the gulf and reimagined to suit Qatari tastes.
As you might imagine from its location on the coast, fish and seafood feature heavily on menus, but if the fruits of the sea don’t float your boat then there are plenty more tasty offerings to be had, from budget-friendly street food and cafes to the more high-end beach clubs and big-name chef-run fine dining establishments.
For a taste of authentic Qatar with a side of lively atmosphere, head to the vibrant Souq Waqif (Standing Market). Popular for brunch and busy with Qatari families enjoying local dishes, you can soak up the sights and sounds of the souq while you eat delicious food and drink karak tea (black tea with milk, sugar and cardamom), considered the national drink of Qatar.
