Doha, Qatar is one of the fastest growing cities in the Arab world. Much like Dubai in the U.A.E, Doha is a super-cosmopolitan metropolis, whose seemingly limitless growth is fueled by petrodollars and tourism. If you’re looking for glamour, excitement, and a different take on urban sophistication, Doha is the perfect place to take a vacation you’ll never forget.

Despite its rapid growth into modernity, Doha still maintains many uniquely Arabian and Persian customs and attractions. Nowhere is that more evident than in the Souq Waqif. Translated as “the standing market,” Souq Waqif is home to hundreds of stalls where vendors sell wares ranging from traditional garments and spices to jeweled daggers and Arabian instruments to falcons and electronic falconry equipment. Falconry is a popular past-time in Qatar and the entire Arab world, but the falcons don’t come cheap. Even if you don’t have thousands of rials (about 3.7 rial to the dollar) for one of the beautiful birds, it’s worth it to check out this fun Qatari past-time.

Incidentally, in the parking lot of the Souq Waqif sits the Al Koot Fort. A huge white fort built in the 1880s during the Ottoman period, this imposing piece of architecture is closed to the public, but is still a popular place to take pictures.

Ever since the 15th Asian Games in 2006, Doha has become the premier city for sporting events in the Middle East. With an entire sub-city (the Aspire Zone) with stadiums, Olympic-size swimming pools, and an academy for training Olympic-caliber athletes, expect to see more and more sporting events held there in the future. You’ll definitely be able to find it. The Aspire Tower at the center of the Sports City is the tallest building in Doha. If there’s a football (soccer, for the American audience) game going on, be sure to check it out, as the Doha locals are passionate about their games.

The food in Doha is truly one of a kind. As a metropolitan center, there are many international offerings, including western fast food joints. However, if you’re looking for Persian or Lebanese food, Doha has some of the best offerings around. Whether you’re grabbing a bite at the Souq Waqif or sitting on a plush cushion at Isfahan Gardens, one of Doha’s best Iranian restaurants, the unique smells, tastes, and atmosphere are not to be missed. From flatbread to baba ganouj to creamy, syrupy Turkish coffee, your taste buds will love your vacation at Doha!

One important element to note is that aside from the bars at international hotels, hardly anywhere in Doha serves alcohol due to Islamic law. This doesn’t stop the Qatari upper crust from getting down, however. Usually in the international hotels. Swanky nightclubs are scattered in these hotels all over Doha, ranging from the Pearl Lounge Club at the Marriott with Arabian pop blasting at full volume to the more reserved Sky View Bar at the top of La Cigale, you’ll definitely find places to dance and fall under Doha’s spell as the sun goes down, late into the night.

Images by AGImOmOTO 255, katedubya (1 + 2 + 3), jeffedoe, slipsthelead, whiteafrican, daly3d, samdag, zitona (1 + 2), inkiboo, mr.hamad.

Popularity: 1% [?]