The following are places of interest that you may wish to visit during your stay in Qatar.


Qatar National Museum
The Qatar National Museum, for which the Department of Tourism and Antiquities is responsible, is unique in the region and one of the finest projects of its kind in the Arab world.

The old palace, which forms the nucleus of the museum complex, is a fine example of the style of architecture and the way of life of the Qatari people in the pre-oil era. The various rooms contain displays of clothing and utensils used in daily life.

The new building houses a detailed presentation of the country's history and development through sections which include archaeological finds, a Bedouin tent, a natural history section and an illustrated explanation of the oil industry in Qatar.

The lagoon contains a new open tank which enables visitors to look at big fishes (i.e. sharks and sting rays) through a tower area and walkway. Also, a traditional dhow of the type used for pearl-diving and trade can be seen in the lagoon.

The aquarium, popular with visitors and residents alike, contains many types of fish and marine life found in the water around Qatar. This section also tells the story of Qatar's links with the sea over the ages and shows some beautiful pearls on display.

Doha Fort & Windtower House (Ethnographic Museum)
Two ancient architectural structures which still exist in Qatar are the Wind Tower and the Doha Fort. The Wind Tower is open on all four sides which provides both ventilation and a cooling effect to the rooms inside the house throughout the summer. Doha Fort, an old building in downtown Doha, offers the visitor the chance to buy genuine hand-woven Bedouin handicrafts.

Weaponry Museum
Located on the outskirts of Doha this museum is the location of a fine collection of weapons and artefacts dating back as far as 400 years. Sword and knife collectors will be impressed by the array of weapons in these genres. The fine hand made items and the handiwork displayed on the weapons is a testament to the craftsmanship and art that has been lost for generations.

In addition to actual weapons a wide variety of paintings and artwork portraying weaponry with a uniquely Arab flavour are on display for viewing.

It is highly recommended that one make an effort in advance to plan for the tour if one is available, since you may have to conform to a tour company's preset itinerary.

Sealine Beach Resort
Located approximately 40 km south of Doha and just outside of the town of Mesaieed is the Sealine Beach Resort. Sealine is a hot spot for tourists and locals who want to get away and go to the beach. The fine sands of Mesaieed with the modern and well-maintained facilities of Sealine make it a perfect getaway for day-trips and overnight stays. Everything is available at Sealine including: hotel accommodations, dining areas, pools, a gym and other recreational facilities.

Palm Tree Island
Viewable from Doha's prized corniche Palm Tree Island is a convenient getaway. There is a regular dhow service to and from the island and it is open from 12 noon to 10 pm daily. Ornamented with well-landscaped gardens in conjunction with the comforts of a restaurant and cafeteria on the island this is a popular spot for day trips and corporate events.

Corniche
One of the first things you will be introduced to when you come to Doha is the corniche and the city is recognized by many as possessing one of the most attractive corniches in the Arabian Gulf region.

Lined with palm trees, flowers and decorative flags, the 7km corniche is popular place to take walk in the sea breeze or to go jogging.

Doha Zoo
The Doha Municipal Zoo is located on the outskirts of the city and is a short drive from the city center. With shaded viewing areas and play areas for the children the Zoo is a popular spot for families looking for an activity close to the city center.

The Doha Zoo houses a wide variety of animals and birds from various parts of the world. There is also an information office, child care rooms and a restaurant.

Interesting Locales

Al- Wakrah
A fifteen-minute drive south of Doha is Al-Wakrah. Once a vital fishing and pearling village it is still an active harbor for fishermen. Anyone wanting to get a close up view of fishing dhows in action will want to visit Al-Wakrah. Wakrah museum is situated near the old harbor in a traditional house which has been restored. It houses many interesting artifacts from a bygone era and is well worth a visit.


Zubara
Originally built as a border police post in 1938 this structure was in use right up until the 1980s by the military. The area surrounding the fort is littered with a number of deserted fishing related items and other coastal fortifications.


AI-Khor
Al-Khor, located in the northern part of the Qatar peninsula was known as the 'pearl pot' of Qatar and is famous for its traditional harbor. Look out for the two watchtowers at the end of the corniche. Al-Khor museum is situated in the Old Customs House just off the picturesque harbor, where you can watch the fishermen drying their catches in the sun.


Khor-al-Udeid (The Inland Sea)
Khor Al-Udeid ("The Inland Sea") is located in the most south-easterly part of the country and has Qatar's most impressive sand dunes which rise to 40 meters in height around a bay. At sunrise or at sunset, the sun casts dramatic shadows across the amazing landscape.

Khor Al-Udeid is a popular spot for divers and wayfarers, bird watchers, naturalists and those who just want to take in the majestic beauty of the desert. This unique inlet from the Arabian Gulf is also a popular area for campers and overnight stays provide for wonderful stargazing in the open desert.

Trips through local tour companies are becoming more common and it is best to contact one if you are interested in seeing this highly prized area of Qatar.