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Qatar is a small but fascinating country located on the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. It has a rich history but is also a country of modern cities and stunning natural landscapes. There is a lot to do and see in this area. When you are getting ready to visit Qatar, it’s normal to be unsure about the best way to spend your time. You might wonder how to get a feel for the culture and traditions of the area and which areas are the best for tourists and visitors.
Protect Your Trip
Buy trip insurance to protect your flights, stays, and other expenses if you are worried that you may have to cancel your trip for any reason. Make sure you understand the cancellation and refund policy for any reservation you make. Learn about Qatar Airways compensation and the reimbursements you may get if you cannot travel because of Covid, the weather, or other unforeseen events.
Wear Respectful Clothing
When visiting Qatar, honor the traditions and culture of the country by wearing modest clothing in public, such as pants, dresses that fall below the knee, and shirts that cover the shoulders. Women don’t need to cover their hair, but loose-fitting clothes are appreciated.
Explore Doha
Doha is the capital and largest city in Qatar. It is home to a number of modern skyscrapers and cultural landmarks, such as the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, and the Corniche waterfront promenade. The Museum of Islamic Art is contained in a stunning building that looks like stacked stone floating on the water. It contains art of all kinds from centuries of Islamic history. The top of the museum houses a restaurant with amazing views of the city. The Qatar National Museum is also located in Doha and offers a fascinating look at Qatar’s history and culture. The museum features exhibits on Qatar’s traditional way of life, as well as its modern development.
The area called The Pearl is a Venice-inspired tourist destination of shopping centers, luxurious hotels, residential communities, and walking areas situated on the curving banks of circular canals and waterfronts. Even if you aren’t staying here, it’s worth visiting for a day (or two) to take in the majestic sites.
Visit the Al Thakira Mangroves
The Al Thakira Mangroves are a beautiful natural area located about an hour away from Doha. You can take a boat tour through the mangroves or go hiking and birdwatching in the surrounding areas. Wading birds and flamingoes can be spotted, as well as marine animals. Kayaking is one of the best ways to see the mangroves at your own pace, but during dry seasons you can walk through parts of the swamp in water shoes.
The Purple Island is a good place to spend time in nature, walking the paths and watching for birds and marine animals along the edges of the mangroves. This island is named for the purple dye that was made here in ancient times.
Go shopping
Qatar is home to a number of traditional markets, or souqs, where you can find everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and jewelry. The Souq Waqif in Doha is an especially popular area for shopping. Here, not only can you purchase traditionally made souvenirs such as fabric, spices, and household items, but you can also see many of the artisans working on their products and watch demonstrations of their crafts. You can also find plenty of traditional food to eat when your shopping makes you hungry.
Another market, the Al Wakrah Souq, is also worth visiting if you need even more shopping experiences.
Go Sandboarding
Qatar’s desert landscape is perfect for sandboarding, which is similar to snowboarding but on sand dunes. You can find tour companies that offer sandboarding experiences in the desert. You can also take a dune bashing tour, traveling by jeep across the desert and over sand dunes.
Qatar is home to an inland sea known as Khor Al Adaid, which is surrounded by towering sand dunes. You can take a jeep tour to see the sea and the surrounding desert landscape. This beautiful area is home to desert animals like gazelle, as well as turtles, fish, and other water-dwelling animals.
Take a Desert Safari
Qatar’s desert is home to a variety of wildlife, including camels, gazelles, and desert foxes. You can take a desert safari to see these animals and learn about the local flora and fauna. On a desert safari, you will learn about the wildlife and nature of the area, as well as have a fun-filled day. Some safaris offer camel rides, and others combine a safari with other activities, such as riding the dunes and driving to visit the inland sea. This is a great way to see all of these places in one day.
Conclusion
Qatar is a beautiful and amazing place, and a visit here would not be complete without experiencing the culture, nature, and culinary traditions of the area. By filling your time with a variety of activities and tours, you will get a better understanding of this country and culture and have a relaxing and fulfilling vacation.