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| Qatar
National Museum |
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Built
in 1901 as the palace of Qatar's then ruler, the late Sheikh
Abdullah Bin Qassim Al-Thani, the palace now houses the Qatar
National Museum. It is the finest projects of its kind in
the Arab world, wining the prestigious Aga Khan Award for
restoration and rehabilitation of Islamic architecture in
1980.
Here you can study Qatari and regional society and culture
through its diverse exhibits from costumes to furnishings,
coffee-making to poetry. The main section of the old palace
houses a vast collection of relics such as coins, jewelry,
manuscripts and Bedu artifacts, but it is worth a visit for
its architecture alone, particularly its intricate carved
wood and plaster work. There are four other sections to the
Museum: the Modern Wing, which focuses on Qatar's
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recent
achievements such as the development of the oil industry;
the Marine Section with its aquarium showcasing local aquatic
species; The Lagoon area where traditional boats are on display;
and the botanical Garden whose flora includes desert plants
collected from around the world.
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| Corniche |
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Likely
one of the first things you will be introduced to when you
come to Doha is the corniche and the city is recognised by
many as possessing one of the most attractive and enjoyable
corniches in the Arabian Gulf region.
Lined
with palm trees, flowers and decorative flags the corniche
is heavily frequented by locals who want to breath the fresh
air off the gulf and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Often
teaming with people the corniche is a great place to take
in the variety of cultures and personalities Doha has to
offer.
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| Al
Bida Park |
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This
park runs along the corniche, it's been nicely landscaped
with lawns and palm tress. The park has a number of attractions
including a cafeteria and a small group of shops. There is
a water feature, ferris wheel and a half pipe for skateboarding
and roller-blading. The park is also popular for a gentle
stroll and for family outings.
Al Koor Fort
Also known as the Doha Fort, this Moorish-style fort is a
reminder of the Turkish occupation during the nineteenth century.
It is located at the corner of Doha's Jasim bin Mohammed and
Al Qalaa streets near the old souq area. It is open to the
public daily, except for Saturday and Friday Mornings. Admission
is free.
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| Al
Khor |
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The
'pearl port' of Qatar. Al Khor is an old Qatari town some
60km north of Doha. Until 1940's it was a thriving port and
the center of the pearl diving industry. Now there is an attractive
corniche overlooking the startlingly blue waters of the bay
and extensive gardens popular with locals.
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| Animal
Market and Falconry souq |
Sheep
and camels are on sale here, as well as caged birds, fowl
and domestic pets. During the falconry season, October-March
you can also see these birds of prey being offered for sale
or look at the equipment used in the sport. The falconers
will be only too delighted to tell you about the birds and
to have their photographs taken.
Al
Shaqab Stud
Owned by HH the Emir, sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,
this extensive stud farm has gained a worldwide reputation
for its many champion horses, which include imperial Phanilla,
the World Champion Mare 1994, and Qatar Champion Mare 1994.
Ask at your hotel for an arranged tour to the Farm.
Al Zubarah
This fort was built during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah
Bin Qassim Al Thani in 1938 as a border police post. A small
four-bastion structure around a courtyard, it was used by
the military unit well into the 1980's. Two kilometers beyond
the fort are the ruins of various other coastal fortifications,
and there are a number of deserted fishing villages in the
area. This fort is open to the public daily, except for
Saturdays and Fridays mornings, and admission is free
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| Camel
Races |
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Camel
races are held frequently at the main racetrack at Shahaniya.
There is a large spectator stand but most locals choose to
follow the race in vehicles, adding to the excitement of the
spectacle. Details of when races are being held should be
obtained from one of the local tour companies.
Ethnographic
Museum
The museum is in a traditional, twentieth century Qatari
house that has been restored and provides a look at life
in Qatar before the oil era. Signs explain the function
of the various rooms and their importance in the life of
the family.
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Of
particular interest is the building's wind tower, which is
one of Qatar's, few remaining examples of this form of traditional
Gulf Architecture. Located off Grand Hamad Street, the museum
is open Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 12 noon and 3 PM to
6 PM, and on Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM. It is closed on Saturdays.
Admission is Free.
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| Weaponry
Museum |
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The
Weaponry Museum is Al Laqta on the outskirts of Doha is well
worth a visit. There is an extensive display of gold swords
from the region, traditional curved daggers or "Khunjars",
and old weapons and armor dating back as far as the 16th Century.
Each piece is clearly labeled in Arabic and English with details
of its origin. Presentation swords are also clearly labeled.
There are canon, long-rifles and swords of all kinds as well
as a number of paintings and photographs relating to the weapons
and their former owners. You need to be part of an official
tour to visit this museum, so contact one of the tour companies;
they include it in their itinerary.
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| Khor
Al-Adaid |
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Known
also as the Inland Sea, this is an area of outstanding beauty
at the southeast tip of the country. However, it can only
be reached by means of a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
From
the mouth, the sea surges west in a wide channel and then
curves north to create a vast shallow tidal lake.
Although you can go there for the day, the most pleasant
way is to camp overnight - the grandeur of the crescent
shaped sand dunes is best appreciated at sunrise of sunset,
when the sun's shadows highlight their beauty.
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An
expedition to the Inland Sea should not be undertaken lightly
and you should always have an experienced driver with you.
However, a number of companies are now arranging excursions
to this beautiful area. Check with your hotel
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| Palm
Tree Island |
This
is an island leisure park developed by Qatar National Hotels
in the middle of Doha Bay. QNH also operates dhow service
between the mainland and the island. There is a larger children's'
playground, some pony rides, a small swimming pool and a
long stretch of beach.
Sea-line
Resort
Day visitors are welcomed at this resort, 55km south of
Doha. QR20 entrance fee on Thursdays and Fridays, plus an
additional QR20 for use of the beach and pool facilities.
For further information phone 4772722.
ORYX Farm
The Oryx, a protected species in Qatar, was at one time
considered virtually extinct. There is now a large and healthy
herd of Oryx kept on a private estate near shahaniya and,
although it is necessary to obtain permission to visit a
number of local tour companies are arranging trips. Check
with your Hotels.
Philatelic Display
Stamp collectors may be interested to see the comprehensive
display of local stamps on view at the General Post Office
in the West Bay area.
Philatelists may also enjoy a visit to the main General
Post Office in West Bay where there is an exhibition of
Qatari stamps, and a Philatelic Bureau where you can buy
special issues old and new over the counter, or register
as a member and open an account to automatically receive
all first day covers, wherever you live in the world. Opening
hours are 7am to 2 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM daily, except for
Thursday and Friday.
Post Office Museum
Next to the Souq Post Office is the Postal Museum with exhibits
from the early days of the service here. Alongside the old
sorting shelves, rubber stamps, scales and equipment are
the old books where clerks recorded by hand the number of
sacks of mail arriving from overseas, their weight and city
of origin. You can also see the old designs of post boxes
and their evolution from the old English-style Victorian
red pillar boxes to the current small yellow boxes mounted
on a post. There are some stamps on display, as well as
international awards certificates. It is open from 4pm to
6pm each evening, except Thursday and Friday.
Zoo
Doha's Municipal zoo is situated on the outskirts of Doha.
The zoo has a wide variety of animals and birds from different
parts of the world. There are plenty of shaded viewing areas
as well as extensive play facilities for children. It also
comprises of an information office, childcare rooms and
a restaurant.
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| Aladdin's
Kingdom |
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The
park is set against the shores of Doha's West Bay area, on
a man-made headland. It is landscaped with hundred of trees,
sparking fountains, a man-made lake and with a panoramic view
of the Doha skyline. Fifteen rides, a state-of-the-art video
arcade, open-air amphitheater, restaurants, coffee shops and
picnic areas. The park is open six days a week, from Sunday
to Friday and is available on Fridays for private functions.
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| Al-Wakrah |
Wakrah
was once most important trading and fishing town situated
halfway between Doha and Mesaieed. It contains some of the
finest examples of traditional architecture and is dotted
with old forts and wind towers.
Traditional Coffee House
At the opposite end of the Corniche, near to the Ras Abu
Aboud fly-over, is a traditional coffee shop and restaurant,
just recently completed and proving to be popular amongst
residents and visitors.
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