Explore Doha - The Capital of Qatar

Being a relatively small nation in the golden Middle East, Qatar, situated in the midst of the desert, stands as a remarkably wealthy country. It boasts a leading 5-star airline, modern architectural wonders, traditional mystical markets, and the beauty of Islamic culture.

Explore Doha - The Capital of Qatar

Museum of Islamic Art – MIA

Located on an artificial island just meters off the coastline, the Qatar Museum of Islamic Art is adjacent to the Doha port. Visitors can access the museum via a road bridge or a waterway bridge. Designed by the American architect Minh Bui, the museum is a creative expression, featuring a stacked white complex with distinctive shapes. The top floor particularly showcases an emotive portrayal of a veiled Muslim woman, revealing only her expressive eyes, leaving a profound impression on visitors. Upon entering the museum, you'll experience a blend of light artistry and three-dimensional space, as light filters through openings, creating shifting perspectives.

The exhibition rooms are arranged in a tower-like space, crowned with an elegant dome. This space displays hundreds of artworks dating from the 7th to the 19th century, originating from Islamic countries. Items on display include ancient Qurans, rare fabrics, exquisite carpets, unique jewelry, and items crafted from materials like bronze, porcelain, glass, and gemstones. Together, they create a dazzling portrayal of the splendor of Islamic art and architecture.

Doha Desert Adventure

When in Doha, seize the opportunity to behold and experience the vast, winding sand dunes of the desert. Embark on a camel ride, hop into a specially designed off-road vehicle for an exhilarating drifting experience on high sand dunes, or conquer the dunes in a desert safari. It's also a chance to immerse yourself in nomadic life in the Khor Al Udait tents, savoring traditional signature dishes. Dining and sleeping in the tent while sipping hot tea, gazing under the tent at the sparkling Milky Way in the luminous sky, undoubtedly creates a distinctly unique and enchanting feeling.

Katara Cultural Village

Located along the eastern coast of Doha, Katara is a charming village complex featuring an open-air theater, exhibition halls, auditoriums, contemporary art spaces, museums, mosques, and craft art stalls.

Right from the village entrance, you'll be amazed by the majestic architecture—the Katara Mosque. The mosque exudes ancient beauty reserved for worshipers. Male devotees enter through the main entrance, performing rituals in the main hall, while female devotees perform rituals on the second floor. You'll be profoundly impressed by the sight of Muslim women in Abaya attire, wrapped in black Shaila, covering them from head to toe, with only mysterious eyes revealed. It's a gaze full of emotions, solemnity in the sacred space.

As you venture deeper into the village, you'll be increasingly surprised to witness an open-air theater with an expansive seating capacity of up to thousands. This venue is often chosen for international artistic programs. Moreover, Katara boasts an opera house, a museum divided into various themes such as photography and falconry training. It can be said that Katara integrates all the unique historical and cultural characteristics of Qatar and its people for you to explore thoroughly.

Souq Waqif Bazaar

Souq Waqif, known locally as the 'standing market,' is a bustling marketplace with numerous stalls and shops lining the streets and mud-rendered buildings. The products available at Souq Waqif range from clothing, spices, and perfumes to jewelry, essential oils, falcons, and various other items. You can also explore the Gold Souq's jewelry stalls right next to Souq Waqif.

Don't think of Souq Waqif solely as a shopping district; it also hosts restaurants and cafes for tourists to savor delicious meals and rich, aromatic coffees. Among them, Majlis al Dama café is an enticing suggestion, allowing you to enjoy beverages while learning the traditional Qatari game of Dama. For sweet enthusiasts, Souq Waqif offers a plethora of wholesale candy stalls, and you must try the renowned kunafa sweets. Art lovers can visit the Souq Waqif Art Center, showcasing numerous photographic artworks from talented artists.

By Bảo Anh / Motthegioi.vn

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour