Qatar is a small but rich country in the Middle East, a peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia with an estimated population of total population of about 579,000 in 1998. Only 20 percent of the population are Qatari, with the remainder being foreign workers. The current Emir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has appointed his fourth son, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, as Heir Apparent on 8 August 2003, after his older brother Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani (Crown Prince
between 1996 and 2003) renounced his rights to the throne in favor of Sheikh Tamim.
Here are the places that you must not miss to visit when traveling to Qatar:
1. Museum of Islamic Art
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Zubara Fort was built in 1938 on the remains of an older castle. It served as a station for coast guards until 1980 and became a museum in 1987 which houses exhibitions of pottery, coins and other findings from the nearby archeological site of Al-Zubarah town.
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The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island under construction off the coast of Doha, Qatar covering 985 acres (400 hectares) and fronted by more than 12 miles of pristine beaches. The island retreat is set to become an exclusive home for 40,000 international residents as well as a sought after holiday destination for 800 guests enjoying three marinas, three 5 star hotels.
It also has the finest shopping, dining, entertainment space, luxury vehicle dealerships and bespoke jewellers to fresh-from-the-catwalk designer wear. The festive centre of Porto Arabia is Ras Croisette, complete with late-night restaurants and lounges for year-round entertainment.
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Qatar National Museum is biggest and most significant museum Doha, the Capital of Qatar . It is well known for its extensive collection of artifacts and relics on the religion of Islam. It is also a one stop shop for those who wish to explore the country’s geological history. This museum is currently closed due to construction of a new building. It should be finished in 2014.
The museum houses some interesting displays on the architecture styles of Qatar, medals and awards given to the nation by foreign leaders, descriptions on flora and fauna, a special section on oil and gas, a section on Bedouin tribesmen and much more.
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The corniche is a good place for jogging, family picnic and gathering with friends. Oryx, the giant statue of Orry, 15th Asian games mascot is one of its main attraction. Along the southern end of the Corniche is a large Oyster and Pearl statue, and a Water pots fountain adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Arts.
10. Khalifa International Stadium
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Khalifa International Stadium also known as National Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Doha, Qatar as part of the Doha Sports City complex, which also includes Aspire Academy, Hamad Aquatic Centre, and the Aspire Tower. It is named after Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar's former Emir.
between 1996 and 2003) renounced his rights to the throne in favor of Sheikh Tamim.
Here are the places that you must not miss to visit when traveling to Qatar:
1. Museum of Islamic Art
Museum of Islamic Art - building (courtesy of MIA)
Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, the largest museum in Qatar.opened to public in December 2008. The museum's building was designed by famous architect I.M.Pei and located on a tiny island in Doha harbour. It houses collections of Islamic artifacts in the world. Visitors can admire collections of ceramics, jewelry, glass, items made of ivory and more. Exhibited items come from Spain to India.
2. Zubara Fort
3. Doha Zoo
http://www.qatarembassy.net
The Zoo may not match the Western Zoo in terms of quality and animals, but it is still a good place to visit if you have kids. The zoo is under renovation at the moment to make it a world wide tourist attraction and has a very long way to go to reach it objective but knowing Qatar and their money, this will happen. Doha Zoo has a good display of local desert animals and birds, making it a worthwhile 'first stop' for those going on desert safari. There are some native Qatari species, including Oryx and ostriches.
4. Porto Arabia - The Pearl Qatar
http://www.bornrich.com
It also has the finest shopping, dining, entertainment space, luxury vehicle dealerships and bespoke jewellers to fresh-from-the-catwalk designer wear. The festive centre of Porto Arabia is Ras Croisette, complete with late-night restaurants and lounges for year-round entertainment.
5. Qatar National Museum
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The museum houses some interesting displays on the architecture styles of Qatar, medals and awards given to the nation by foreign leaders, descriptions on flora and fauna, a special section on oil and gas, a section on Bedouin tribesmen and much more.
6. Barzan Towers
http://www.google.com/imgres
Barzan Towers were originally built at the beginning of the 20th century as watch towers erected around the Umm Salal Mohammed area to protect the surrounding area from Ottomans that was already defeated but still lurked the land.
Nowadays Barzan Towers attract many visitors from nearby Doha and it is worth the trip even thought during renovation works interiors were equipped with air-conditioning that spoils authenticity of the towers. On the other hand it makes the visit more comfortable especially during hot summer months.
7. Al-Shahaniya Sports Club
http://www.travelblogexchange.com
Al-Shahaniyawas founded on 27 December 1998, under the name Al-Nasr. At the beginning of its establishment, the club's headquarters were located in Al Jamilla, Doha. In 2001, the club relocated to Al Shahaniya, which is approximately 20 km northwest of Doha, under the decision of Sheikh Jassim bin Thamer al Thani, who was vice president of the Qatar Olympic Committee at that time. The club changed its name to Al-Shahaniya in 2004 by the board of directors, in order to better represent the region in where it is based. It ias a good place to see camels roaming around the desert and camels racing in a purpose-built stadium
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8. Doha Heritage Village
http://dohadigest.blogspot.com/
Doha Heritage Village is located along the Corniche in Al Rumeilia Park, it is a skanzen based on traditional Qatari village. The visitors get to see pearl trading, weaving, and a dhow, apart from holding festivals and activities. The Heritage Village is also a place where you can shop, eat and listen to music. In two of the tiny houses in the village two men demonstrate the weighing and selling of pearls. The site of festivals and special events, D Visitors can buy books on local culture and language, and a huge range of clay pots.
9. Doha Corniche
Corniche typically refers to a road on the side of a cliff or mountain, with the ground rising on one side of the road and falling away on the other. In the Middle East like Qatar, the word typically describes a water front promenade usually paralleled by a main road, such as the renowned Doha Corniche.
The corniche is a good place for jogging, family picnic and gathering with friends. Oryx, the giant statue of Orry, 15th Asian games mascot is one of its main attraction. Along the southern end of the Corniche is a large Oyster and Pearl statue, and a Water pots fountain adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Arts.
10. Khalifa International Stadium
