Sheray Shimpi in Qatar
The enthusiasm can be felt in the air. With eight new outstanding stadiums being constructed along with a plethora of other infrastructural activities being developed, Qatar is going to be a spectacle to behold. It has been ranked as the ‘Safest country in the world. Hamad International Airport was voted the ‘Best International Airport in the World’ of 2022. Qatar should be on every traveller’s bucket list. We take you through some of the interesting places we visited. BOTT brings to you an insider’s view of all that there is to do and see in Doha.
National Museum of Qatar: An architectural gem designed by the world-renowned French Architect Jean Nouvel, the museum design is inspired by the desert rose. It chronicles the story of Qatar from almost 700 million years ago to the present day. It showcases three chapters spread across eleven step-less galleries. The way they have used technology to show the history of pearl diving, oil pumps etc. is outstanding. Do check out the spellbinding installation of lights situated right towards the end of the museum for some fascinating pictures!
Jiwan: An exciting destination on Doha’s culinary map, Jiwan offers an exquisite dining experience. They have a contemporary Qatari menu which gives an immersive gastronomic experience which explores the rich heritage and culture of Qatar. ‘Beetroot smocked cheese-ginger, Fatayer tomato-marjoram, Raspberry-rose mahalabia’ are some of their specialities. The enchanting interiors and gourmet food with earthly flavours make this place a must-visit on your trip to Qatar.
Sunset Dhow Cruise: After some bonne bouche, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the city in a traditional dhow, which gives you a glimpse of the Bedouin heritage as the sun sets. The Corniche skyline springs to life as the architectural masterpieces are lit, giving you some memorable clicks. The cruise offers you a great vantage point of the city and you can also have your dinner on board.
Souq Waqif: One of the oldest and iconic traditional markets in Qatar reflecting Qatari culture in many ways. It is forever bustling with activity. There are shops selling spices, dry fruits, honey, handicrafts, Arabic oud, pets and so much more. Falconry is prevalent in Qatar and there is an entire section dedicated to falcons. Qatar is the only country in the world to have a hospital for falcons.
Majlis al Dama: This is an interesting place in Souq Waqif popular for its ‘Qahwa hewl’. It is a place where Qatari men socialize and play the traditional game of Dama. We were happy to meet the owner of the place who was happy to tell us about the history of the place and also offered us the refreshing Qahwa.
Parisa: Situated inside Souq Waqif, you can get your cameras ready as this is an absolutely ‘instagrammable’ restaurant. A luxe Persian restaurant with intricate mirror work, majestic chandeliers, hand-painted artwork, mosaics and delectable food. A feast for the eyes as well as the tummy, the vibe of this place transports you into another world.
Education City: A 12 sq. km campus home to various educational and research institutes. We visited a few places on the campus which are listed below.
Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies: A large white cavernous structure with Quranic verses embossed artistically into the ceiling. It can accommodate 1800 people inside the prayer hall. The two minarets rising 90m high into the air point symbolically towards the direction of Mecca.
Qatar National Library: The external design resembles a folded book and its equally magnificent interiors can leave readers as well as non-readers spellbound. There are over 800,000 volumes of national and international books. There are independent self-check-in and check-out kiosks and an automated book-return system. A 6-metre-deep excavated section is reserved for valuable texts from Arab-Islamic civilisation. There is also a music studio,3D printing station, a conference venue and a café.
Education City Golf Club: It is spread over 120 hectares of land with a stunning backdrop of the Education City Stadium. The perfectly manicured green areas are designed in line with the USGA standards. The state-of-the-art teaching centre showcases the history of golf and is a centre of excellence in teaching.
Sel and Miel, French Brasserie at The Ritz Carlton serves traditional French main courses and desserts.
Boho Social: Stunning interiors exude a bohemian vibe, you can enjoy an amazing meal with some refreshing cocktails and desserts as you enjoy the magnificent sea views.
Katara Cultural Village: A premier attraction which houses a 5000-seating capacity amphitheatre, The Force of Nature II statue, Katara Masjid as well as some great outdoor luxury retail outlets and restaurants overlooking the Katara beach.
Lusail City: A futuristic city reflective of the urban transformation with over 22 hotels, golf courses and an amusement park. Catch a glimpse of the splendid Katara Towers, Lusail Stadium and Downtown Lusail as you marvel at the architectural gems this place has to offer.
Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea): Get ready to experience a rush of adrenaline as you enjoy an exhilarating Dune-bashing experience in your Desert Safari in an air-conditioned 4×4. Enjoy a rare magical sight where the desert meets the sea which was also declared a natural reserve in 2007.
Mshreib Downtown Doha: The world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project which is set to give the old commercial district a modern uplift. Though modern, the architecture reflects the rich Qatari culture and heritage. The Msheireb Museums: Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House and Radwani House are worth checking out as they walk you through ancient Qatari history.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum: One of the largest, most innovative and technologically advanced sports museums in the world showcasing the legacy and history of the Olympics and World Sports.
Qalamkarri: Contemporary Indian Haute cuisine inspired by the art of Kalamkari. This place is a must-visit for its majestic décor, scrumptious food, piquant flavours and unparalleled hospitality.
Benjarong: Enjoy a lazy Saturday brunch at the Benjarong, Dusit as they offer you a specially curated Authentic Thai culinary experience. Great food, ambience and service make it worth a visit.
Shopping: Enjoy local shopping at the traditional souqs. You can also find luxury brands at the malls such as City Center Doha mall or Doha Festival city.
Qatar has something in store for everyone. It is a great travel destination if you are travelling with family or even friends. Amazing food, picturesque landscapes, state-of-the-art infrastructure and great shopping options make Qatar a complete vacation spot. Visit Qatar and enjoy as you make memories for a lifetime.
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