Nick Cooksey is surprised by how much Qatar has changed since his last visit.
My recent journey to Qatar was quite an ‘eye opener’. My last visit was long ago – shortly after the country had been awarded the rights to host the football World Cup. So much has changed, not least its people who seemed far friendlier than I remembered.
My Qatari adventure began upon arrival at Hamad International Airport (HIA), a marvel of modern architecture and efficiency. Voted one of the world’s best airports, HIA set the tone for the rest of my trip.
The highlights of my trip, which I fully recommend being worth a visit, are…
Katara Cultural Village – a sprawling complex dedicated to promoting art, culture, and heritage. The architecture blends traditional Qatari elements with contemporary design, creating a visually pleasing environment.
Katara Open-Air Amphitheatre – a majestic structure carved from Italian marble. It cost a fortune to build but is free to enter. Walk around and take in the views of Doha it offers in the near distance.
Katara offers a treasure trove of art galleries, showcasing both local and international talent, from contemporary art installations to traditional Islamic calligraphy. The sheer variety of artistic expression is impressive, demonstrating Qatar’s claimed commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene.
Galeries Lafayette – located at Katara, is a Parisian department store transplanted to the heart of Doba. Its elegant facade and high-class interiors offer a taste of European sophistication against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. The juxtaposition is fascinating, a testament to Qatar’s embrace of global influences while maintaining its own distinct identity.
Habitas Ras Abroug – If you have time to spare and feel like getting out of Doha, I recommend travelling to Our Habitas Ras Abroug, a newly opened luxury resort on the western coast of Qatar, very close to Bahrain’s Hawar Islands.
After a long drive on modern highways, you will need to exit and travel along a rough desert road where you will experience impressive desert landscapes and dramatic limestone formations, sculpted by centuries of wind and erosion. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the stark beauty of the desert meeting the Gulf’s turquoise waters- a serene scene. From the beach, on a clear day, you will see Bahrain in the distance, as I did (Ras Abroug is closer to Sitra in Bahrain than it is to Doha).
Souq Waqif – a traditional marketplace that has been completely renovated/modernised, but located where it has been at the heart of Qatari life for centuries. The narrow alleyways are lined with stalls selling spices, textiles, perfumes, and handicrafts. From intricately woven carpets to jewellery, the souq offers a glimpse into Qatar’s rich cultural heritage. The falcon souq, a particularly fascinating section, showcases the importance of falconry in Qatari culture, a tradition passed down through generations.
National Museum of Qatar – A must-visit! The museum tells the story of Qatar, from its geological origins to its modern transformation. The exhibits are presented in an engaging and interactive way, often using technology to bring history to life. I was impressed by the immersive displays that recreate historical scenes and showcase Qatari traditions. The museum’s unique design, with its curving walls and sloping floors, creates a sense of continuous movement, guiding visitors through the narrative of Qatar’s past and present.
Qatar is well worth a visit, especially considering how close it is to Bahrain. I was honestly impressed by my short visit. It seems almost as if Qatar has “grown up” since my last visit. Everything seemed better – the architecture, roads, shopping, services, and the overall atmosphere!
READ MORE: A TASTE OF ITALY IN QATAR – IN CONVERSATION WITH CHEF CHICCO CEREA
