Visit Doha - Doha amazes with its glitzy new hotels, towering sand dunes, ancient rock carvings and distinctive architecture. The oil-rich capital of Qatar only recently began welcoming tourists to its beautiful city, issuing tourist visas from 1989.

Beginning its life as Al-Bida, Doha is a city that is sure to intrigue tourists hailing from around the world. With the city’s wealth almost completely dependent on oil and natural gas, Doha is a wealthy country that has seen dramatic expansion and rapid development. Luxurious towers sit alongside modest homes, expatriates live with Qatari locals, distinctive modern architecture sits next to fine gold-domed mosques.

One of the most popular of the 260-plus mosques that can be found in Doha is the Grande Mosque. The mosque’s many domes overlook the city and the mosque is considered one of the largest in the Persian Gulf Region.

Another site that is a popular place to see for visitors to the city is the “Corniche”. It is a 7 mile long stretch of paved walkways, grass knolls and gorgeous views of the Arabian Gulf. Turquoise blue water and the city’s famous Palm Tree Island can also be seen from this ample point.

There are also museums that will give background to the rich cultural Qatari history with its roots in Arabic and Islamic culture. Places like the Qatar National Museum and Aquarium and the Doha Ethnographic Museum are sure to be of interest. The Doha Ethnographic Museum in particular should be appealing to those of all ages – it does not only show the daily lifestyles of Qatari families, but the museum is housed in the last remaining traditional wind tower of its type in Doha.

The discovery of natural gas has also made the city a major hub for business in the Persian Gulf Region. As a result, it is one of the only cities in Qatar that enjoys a wide range of top class international hotels. Intercontinental, Ritz Carlton Doha and Sheraton Hotel Doha are just some well-known names that have made their presence known in the city.

Doha is one of the most unassuming cities in the Persian Gulf. Its beautiful views, spectacular architecture and rich culture will draw visitors in when they stop over in one of the region’s major hubs, not even knowing what a fantastic minefield of wonder that they accidentally stumbled into.

Despite being a domain of the fairer sex, shopping in Doha is religiously practiced by the male fraternity as well. There are so many world-class malls and shops in the city that shopping in Doha becomes irresistible.

And when you can buy high quality goods at reasonably cheap rates, you will be automatically drawn towards Doha shopping. The city has a variety of shops, ranging from local small-time shops to the famed malls and shopping centers.

Whilst shopping in Doha, you can buy everything from a pin to an airplane. Amazing local handicrafts, big brands selling accessories, clothes, watches, et al, antique jewelry, and every other imaginable item.

The Souqs are known to be the best places for shopping in Doha. Different sections specializing in a variety of goods will fascinate you. It is a great place to buy gift items. Walk around the premises and explore the best buys of Doha.

Souq Waqif or the Old Souqs have reigned the shopping business in the city. These are great shopping arcades wherein you can spend an entire day with family.

Amongst the malls in Doha, the City Center Mall is the most widely known and respected. You will be enticed into loosening the strings of your purse. However, you will never regret splurging on shopping in Doha. The mall is magnificently built and houses hundreds of world-class brand names.

Visit the Afghani Bazaar for some amazing pottery items, daggers, jewelry, brass coffee pots, etc. The Antique City in the mall has a rare assortment of antique objects worth every penny. Some of the other big malls that are best for shopping in Doha are the Hyatt Mall and the Carrefour Mall.

These shopping centers cater to the fun quotient required by tourists. you will find lot of interesting things to do in Doha inside the premises of the malls. Try desert ice-skating, visit the amusement parks and have fun at the bowling alley. Shopping in Doha will be an unforgettable experience.

Camel Racing  - See Qatar’s world-famous ‘robot’jockeys in action. Race times vary and dates are subject to daily changes. Call the Camel Racing Committee for details or check a copy of local newspapers, which prints race dates when they are announced.

Horse Racing  - The course has a grass and all weather track, which are floodlit for evening meetings. Races takes place every Thursday evening during the season (October – March) although dates are often subject to change.

Jet ski and other water sports  - Jet skis, banana boats etc. Available for rent in most major hotels with beach, such as Sealine Beach Resort, Sheraton Doha, etc. Ask at the reception for details

Dune Bashing  - Favorite passtime of Doha residents, this sport involves driving 4- wheel drives up&down the sand dunes. For organized trips, check with the local tour operators.