Doha – One Day in the Pearl of Qatar

Many times, I have seen the lights of the skyscrapers in the distance while waiting for my next flight at the Doha airport. Every time the plane took off or landed on the runway, the silhouette of the modern buildings around the airport caught my attention, and the coastal promenade seemed to invite me to take a stroll along it! My adventurous heart longed to leave the terminal and head towards them!

For us travelers, there are no impossible places to visit! When organizing my trip to Thailand in 2018, I was lucky to have a long layover in Doha, and that was the perfect opportunity to dive into one of the most fascinating and rapidly developing cities in the Middle East.

Welcome to Doha – the pearl of Qatar! A city where modern trends blend harmoniously with traditions, and I can boldly say that many of its landmarks are works of art.

With its passion and drive for growth, Doha has rapidly transformed from a fishing village for pearl diving, surrounded by desert, into an ultra-modern and innovative hub in the Middle East. Today, it is home to some of the most modern commercial, residential, and cultural buildings. Despite the diverse cultures and nationalities living in the Qatari capital, it is considered one of the safest cities in the world!

But enough of the general talk – let’s dive into the magic of this young city, which is also deeply rooted in tradition!

Hamad Airport ✈️

As you step off the plane, you’ll be stunned by the luxurious, spacious, yet elegant and modern Hamad International Airport. Opened in 2014, the airport quickly became a major hub, connecting the East to the rest of the world.

Passengers might get a little confused here, because if they’re not in the waiting and modern lounge areas, they could easily believe they are in a contemporary art museum. You can’t miss the giant yellow teddy bear that greets and sends off passengers, as well as the unique copper sculptures themed as “Other Worlds”.

This is a fun composition featuring eight sculptures created by American sculptor Tom Otterness, designed with young travelers in mind. Children can climb, slide, or do whatever they wish on these figures, and the opportunities for play are countless, making the time pass by unnoticed.

To be honest – I slid down a bit too, but let’s keep that between us 😊

Fortunately for us, our ten-hour layover was during the day, which gave us a perfect opportunity to explore the city. Geographically speaking, the airport is not far from the city center of Doha, and you can easily get there by taxi, bus, or metro.

Our friends, who had explored Doha the previous year, shared their “bitter” experience with taxi drivers, and we didn’t think it was a good option. Unfortunately, when we were there, the metro was still under construction, so we had to figure out how to get around. The airport did organize city tours by bus, but they were panoramic and very short.

So, we decided to arrange our own private tour, which we booked before leaving Bulgaria.

Here, you can also check out the options for organized tours with airport transfers to any location in Doha:

If you have more free time, I highly recommend desert tours as well:

The tour included visits to several sites in Doha, along with personal transportation arranged to each location. As an experienced traveler with many impressions gathered along the way, I would recommend to each of you who plans to visit Doha to do so via a personal organized tour. This way, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the city, learn a lot of useful and interesting information, and most importantly, it will be comfortable and you’ll have control over your time!

Do We Need a Visa? 📋

For those of you who don’t know – Bulgarian citizens don’t need to apply for a visa in advance. Upon arrival at the airport and after passing the necessary checks, a permit for visa-free entry into the country is issued. It is valid for 180 days from the date of issue, and the holder can stay up to 90 days in Qatar, whether on a single stay or with multiple entries and exits. That’s what we did as well – we went through all the necessary customs checks, and it was time to attack Doha with good vibes, eager for new experiences and, of course, with our phones fully charged to capture the moments.

Currency and Payment Methods 💵

The local currency is the Qatari Riyal. One riyal equals about 0.53 Bulgarian Levs. The banknotes of the Qatari riyal come in the following denominations: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500. The front of the banknotes is in Arabic, and the text on the back is in English. If you’ve missed getting riyaals, you can use US dollars as a reserve currency in Qatar. Of course, payments can also be made by card, but don’t forget to inform your bank about your visit, as there’s a chance your card might be blocked due to “suspicious activity” from the location.

A Brief History 🇶🇦

After we passed through customs at the arrivals hall, a young man in a white robe was waiting for us—he was our guide. He introduced himself as David, but that wasn’t his real name, and it didn’t really matter at that moment. We headed towards the parking lot, where a white “Duster” was waiting for us, and for the next few hours, it would be our vehicle as we explored the ultra-modern and colorful city. The car was well air-conditioned, and each of us had a bottle of mineral water. To be honest, this is exactly how I envisioned my visit to Doha—comfortable and sophisticated, just like the city itself!

As we were traveling to our first stop on the itinerary, David began asking us where we were from, whether it was our first time visiting Qatar, and sharing interesting facts about the country and the city’s history. Personally, I didn’t know that until the early 20th century, Doha was a small fishing village where locals made their living by trading pearls. It was home to some of the best divers, who were not only known for their excellent diving skills but also for the rich catch of well-formed, large pearls. In today’s central area of the city—Al Bida, where the seafront promenade stretches—was once the location of the old settlement and port, which had been one of the busiest fishing harbors over the years.

Speaking of the coastline, I would recommend a cruise option, which you can take around the beautiful futuristic buildings of Doha! You can check out the options here:

But it is not thanks to pearls and fishing that Doha has become one of the biggest economic centers in the Middle East! After the discovery of oil in the 20th century and the start of oil trade, the city rapidly transformed from a small fishing village into a megacity and futuristic city of the future, playing a key role in business, finance, and culture in the East.

It’s interesting to know where the name of the city comes from! In Arabic, the word “Doha” or “Ad-Dawa” can be translated as “magnificent tree.” However, in some of the local dialects in this region, the word “dawa” is used to refer to circular shapes. In some ancient maps, the curved bay around the city was referred to using this term, which is where the city’s name originated.

Climate and Temperature Characteristics ☀️🌧☔️

You may be wondering when the best time to visit is. January, February, and March are very suitable months with temperatures ranging from 22-27°C, while November and December bring temperatures below 20°C. Short rain showers are also possible, although rare, between December and April.

During the summer months, temperatures can reach 40°C, and in July and August, the mercury may even hit 50°C. To make the most of outdoor activities throughout the day, it’s best to visit Doha during the winter months. However, no matter when you visit, it will be quite hot, so it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen with you.

The Story of Our Driver 🛺

While we were traveling, David shared his story with us. As I had guessed, that wasn’t his real name. His real name is Ajit, which means “invincible” in Hindi. He told us that he immigrated here three years ago and is originally from Jaipur, India. He works as a driver for the travel agency we used to organize our city tour. He mentioned that life here is very calm, and he earns good money. He works 6-8 hours a day. His accommodation, food, and bills are covered by his employer, who also pays for his annual trip back to his home country. He receives good medical care, and he even plans to start university soon. Additionally, he receives government assistance for being a foreigner without his own home. He said that he got very lucky, as living conditions in Qatar are much better than in India.

He shared a lot of information, but to be honest, I didn’t listen too closely because I was enjoying the beautiful views of the city! What really impressed me, though, was when he said that there is no crime in Qatar. It’s very safe, and there are no criminal activities. If you find a phone or wallet on the street, you’re supposed to call the police without touching them, because you could be accused of stealing them. I wouldn’t be surprised by that, because if life conditions are like David/Ajit’s, who would think of committing any crime?

Attractions 🎯

But enough about Doha – maybe your patience is running out, and you’re ready to dive into the atmosphere and diversity of the city!

Souq Waqif

If you want to feel the authenticity and spirit of a city, you can only do that at one of the local markets! So, our first stop in Doha is one of the largest commercial centers, which has been in operation for many centuries – the Souq Waqif, also known as the market (the word “souq” in Arabic means market).

We parked in an underground parking lot located beneath the large square, opposite the main entrance of the market. It was incredibly hot and stuffy, but considering it was 11 AM, it felt completely normal to be experiencing the heat, as if we were in a sauna. While we were taking panoramic photos of the buildings around the square, we suddenly heard the sound of horse hooves!

Two local police officers approached us, riding a white and a black horse. Both officers wore white uniforms, with white robes and hoods. The horses had very interesting saddles—more like small rugs with cushions. The white horse’s saddle was red, and the black horse’s saddle was white.

They told us we could take pictures with them, and of course, we asked how much it would cost, as those of you who’ve been to Egypt or Tunisia know that posing with a camel or horse, or even with a local dressed in traditional clothing, usually comes at a price.

They explained that it wouldn’t cost us anything, and that they were the traditional police of Souq Waqif, and it was an honor for them to have us enter the market and even take pictures with them!

We were truly impressed by such a warm welcome, and with cheerful steps and high spirits, we entered through the main gate of the market.

This bustling commercial complex is built on one of the ancient markets that once stood here. Just like many centuries ago, this place remains the social heart of Doha today. Although you won’t find the traders who once came here to sell their sheep, goats, and wool, or trade essential goods, the atmosphere and spirit have been preserved! The market area has been authentically renovated, and everything looks just like a souk from a few centuries ago – shops with walls made of mud and clay, exposed wooden beams, straw roofs, and several beautifully restored original Qatari buildings. The feeling of being in such a place is truly indescribable!

Hurrying to embrace a new beginning with the development of massive shopping malls, the capital of Qatar seemingly forgot about this unique place, and Souq Waqif was neglected, falling into serious decline during the 90s. Unfortunately, many of the buildings were destroyed due to a fire that occurred in 2003. The locals were deeply upset by the unfortunate incident, and at that moment, the authorities took action by launching a large-scale restoration program for the market. The entire reconstruction was so well received that the revitalization continues to this day. New spaces have been added to the commercial area from the old alleyways.

The old residents of Doha still remember that about 50-60 years ago, the waters of the bay literally reached the northern walls of the market. Some traders and customers even arrived by boat, while others came by camel. The first shops here were established around 250 years ago, but there were no built shops or stalls. Traders would stand upright in front of makeshift stalls, ready to leave the market at any moment, as it was common for the bay waters to flood the market and cause serious damage to the goods being sold. This is where the market’s name comes from – “waqif”, which in Arabic means “standing.” The market, with traders who stood upright.

Some may ask, what makes this market so unique!? A market that sells spices, silk, coffee, gold, and all the usual items you might find at an Arab market.

The Falcon Hospital

But how many of you know that they also sell falcons here? And again, let me ask – what do you know about falcons in Qatar?

Many of you will surely be surprised to learn that one of the animals highly revered here is the falcon. Falconry is a traditional sport in Qatar, and in the souk, there is even a special market for falcons – the “Falcon Souq”. Just by seeing the size of the building that houses the market, you’ll understand how important falconry is to Qatari society! The best time to visit is in the evening, when the weather is cooler, and the majestic birds are more energetic. Also, the crowds of people and customers are relatively larger than at 12 noon, when our small group visited.

Falcons usually wear black leather hoods and are perched on railings or small poles. Some of them are quiet, while others are not so much. When a client arrives and wants to view the available selection of falcons, they are seated in a special room, with no open doors or windows. The center of the room is empty, and along the walls, there are benches with comfortable cushions and small tables for coffee or tea. Visitors are seated there, and even if they don’t buy anything, it’s truly a pleasure for the traders to discuss and talk about these fascinating birds. Right next to the falcon market is the falcon hospital. You can enter, and it’s extremely quiet inside. If there’s no emergency, the staff will be happy to show you around and share how they care for their feathered patients.

Camel and Pearl Markets

Another interesting place you might enjoy is the camel market or the pearl shop. Interestingly, the owner of the pearl jewelry workshop is a former diver who has collected many pearls. He can tell you a lot about the different varieties of pearls and what makes white, pink, or gray pearls unique. You can also learn much about the forgotten art of pearl diving, though not all of its secrets were revealed to us.

You’ll definitely want to pick up a traditional souvenir from here! However, if you’re considering a falcon or a camel, it will be quite expensive and difficult to transport. Instead, you can get a small pearl as a keepsake.

Fanar Building

Near the market stands one of Doha’s most famous landmarks – the spiral-shaped Fanar building. It’s easy to spot from afar, especially in the evening when it’s illuminated, highlighting the unique design of the structure.

“Fanar” used to be the largest mosque in the country, and today, in addition to being a religious temple, it also hosts religious, educational, and social activities. The Cultural Center is quite interesting, resembling a café, where visitors can learn a lot about life in Qatar, as well as the country’s heritage and culture.

The Central Mosque

Time passed by quickly here, and David kindly encouraged us to head to one of our next stops—the Central Mosque of Qatar.

We settled comfortably into the jeep, with the air conditioning set to maximum cooling, and each seat had a bottle of cold mineral water. We left the underground parking and headed out onto one of the main roads that led directly to the mosque. We arrived quite quickly, and I was actually surprised. Although Doha is developing at an incredible speed, the city is still relatively compact, making it very easy and quick to get around.

Once again, we stopped at a large parking lot located near the mosque. Situated at the top of a hill, the Qatar Central Mosque combines tradition and modernity. In front of it, there was a vast square, and in the distance, the skyscrapers of Doha could be seen. Standing at this spot, it felt as though it was telling you that traditions in culture and religion go hand in hand with the progress and development of Doha.

The Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque, the largest mosque in Qatar, was opened for religious ceremonies in 2011. It was built by the founder of Qatar, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, in memory of his father. The mosque attracts visitors with its spaciousness and elegant arches, which are characteristic of Islamic architecture. The mosque houses three libraries, separate prayer halls and ablution areas for both men and women, as well as special halls for Quran studies. It can accommodate up to 30,000 worshippers.

The mosque is made of sandstone, with marble floors in earthy tones. Even on the hottest summer days, the floor radiates a coolness, and the corridors around the central courtyard are covered with small domes where worshippers can seek shade. There are a total of 93 domes, scattered and hidden in various places within the building—at the top of the prayer niche, in the prayer hall, and in the mihrab.

Everyone is welcome here when there are no prayers being held, and visitors of all religions, genders, and races are accepted. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque. Conservative dress is recommended, and women are provided with black shawls to cover their heads, and in some cases, abayas. Visitors with food and children under the age of seven are not allowed, and photography is strictly prohibited in the women’s prayer area. After all, this is a place of worship, and it should be treated with the necessary respect and dignity. While it may be a tourist attraction for us, for the locals, it is a religious sanctuary.

Qatar is characterized by a hot desert climate, which is why almost all public buildings are air-conditioned. What was interesting, however, was that there were no air conditioners in the mosque, even in the prayer halls. But what better way to experience the authentic atmosphere and imagine being in an ancient, centuries-old mosque? After all, centuries ago, there were no air conditioners in mosques, right? 🙂

Leaving the mosque, we felt a bit strange—whether it was because of the place itself or because it was already lunchtime, and we were a bit thirsty and hungry, I don’t know! But the feeling of being in such an interesting place was truly exciting!

Katara – Qatar’s Cultural Village

The location of Qatar is quite interesting—it sits at the meeting point of the Middle East and Asia, and this small country has blended many cultures in one place. In the same way, the Katara Cultural Village is situated in an interesting spot! Nestled between the sleek financial district of West Bay, the ultra-modern residential area of The Pearl, the vast beach strip, and the famous Katara Hills twin towers, the area has become a favorite spot for culture, art, and cuisine.

The idea was to create a cultural hub that preserves Qatar’s heritage and traditions, while also keeping up with the emerging global culture that emphasizes the importance of diversity in human development! And so, this beautiful place was created, where world cultures intertwine. Many beautiful theaters, concert halls, exhibition galleries, and quite avant-garde structures have been built. But let’s take a little walk, and I’ll tell you more about the things that truly impressed me here.

Undoubtedly, some of the most beautiful mosques in the world have been designed by men. But can you imagine a woman designing a mosque in the Muslim world? For some of you, this may evoke uncomfortable thoughts, but not for me. Because I have the memory of the beautiful Katara Mosque, designed by Turkish architect Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu. She is the first female architect to start designing mosques in the Islamic world! The blue and golden tones are reflected in the Persian and Turkish tiles that decorate the building’s facade. It creates a rich and vibrant contrast, making the mosque stand out from the other buildings. The interior closely resembles the famous Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, and for the minaret, dome, and prayer niche, the architect drew inspiration from other famous mosques in the Muslim world. In front of the mosque, you can also see the famous pigeon towers—tall, elongated structures made of sandstone, with holes and spaces for pigeons to land.

On your way to the Amphitheater, you can’t miss a small building covered with golden tiles, which shine brightly in the sun! This is the second mosque in Qatar, known as the “Golden Mosque.”

The Amphitheater is built in the classical Greek style, covering an area of just over 3,000 square meters, and reflects Islamic influences, especially around its arched entrances. It accommodates around 5,000 spectators and offers a unique view of the sea on one side and the cultural complex on the other.

Between the amphitheater and the water area, there is an intriguing art installation titled “The Power of Nature.” It depicts Mother Nature, who, with a piece of cloth, strikes the world, symbolizing humanity’s helplessness before nature.

If you have more free time, you can also explore the art galleries, where works by local artists are displayed, focusing on human-centered themes. For adventure enthusiasts interested in space, it would be interesting to visit the planetarium, which can accommodate up to 200 visitors and showcase fascinating exhibits.

However, if you simply want to relax and enjoy the cool water, then the spacious Katara Beach is just perfect for you. Speedboat rides, pedal boats, parasailing, and water skiing – there’s something for everyone.

Here you’ll also find some of the best dining establishments in Doha. The variety is vast – from homemade tea to unique fresh seafood. You’ll find yourself puzzled, literally not knowing what exactly you want to eat, because you’ll encounter restaurants from all over the world, offering a huge selection – Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Turkey, India, Mexico, Italy… In short, you won’t go hungry here! After about an hour, we also sat down for a meal, opting for traditional kebabs with saffron and spices. To finish, we tried a very interesting drink made with milk, ginger, and fresh mint leaves. It may sound like a strange combination, but to be honest, I’ve never had a fresher and more invigorating drink in my life!

The Pearl

After we rested, we had to head to the last stop of our itinerary, but David decided to surprise us, and we headed towards the “Arabian Riviera,” also known as “The Pearl,” where we took a panoramic tour in the car. This is an artificial island located near the prestigious West Bay district of Doha. Here, some of the most expensive residential neighborhoods are located, with towering skyscrapers and luxury villas surrounded by Mediterranean-style yacht marinas. Luxury boutiques, designer showrooms, and five-star culinary establishments are scattered among lush greenery, wide pedestrian walkways, and open spaces.

If I’m being honest, this area reminded me a bit of Dubai, but at the same time, it was quite different. Perhaps it was because of the abundance of greenery and the spaciousness between the buildings. The buildings themselves followed a similar style, but each one was unique and distinct. Some of you may feel overwhelmed or even intimidated by all the glamour and luxury that the capital of Qatar offers. But for the people here, this is completely normal, and what was modern two or three years ago is already considered old-fashioned. Some of the newly constructed buildings are even seen as having outdated designs. For them, it’s not about catching up with the future; it’s about staying ahead of it!

Doha’s Skyscrapers

As we moved from north to south, we crossed the central business district, where skyscrapers predominated.

Yes, that’s right – those very skyscrapers I would always see from the airport and secretly longed to see up close! In that moment, I realized that my dream had come true, and I was so happy that I couldn’t sit still. Personally, I’m fascinated by tall buildings; I’ve seen them all over the world, but for some reason, the ones in Doha drew me in, and I can’t quite explain why. After that, we crossed the waterfront promenade, and the views from the plane were right before my eyes. The feeling was very pleasant, and if before that day, Doha was a place that grabbed my attention and I wanted to visit the city, it now holds a special place in my heart!

The National Museum of Qatar

My admiration for this city grew literally with every kilometer we traveled toward our final destination on the itinerary. But just before we reached it, my attention was drawn to a building under construction, which already had a strange shape. It closely resembled the crystals that form in the Sahara Desert, known as desert roses. I asked our guide what this building would be, and he replied that it would be the National Museum of Qatar. Unfortunately, it was still under construction, so we couldn’t visit, but the view was incredible and quite impressive! I sincerely hope that on my next visit to Doha, I’ll get to visit the museum, but if you are planning to visit soon, you can definitely check it out.

Up-to-date information on ticket prices and opening hours can be found on the museum’s official website.

Museum of Islamic Art

Our last stop on the tour in Doha was the Museum of Islamic Art. For me, this is the crown jewel of architecture in Qatar, and perhaps in the Middle East!

At the very end of the promenade, a special island has been built, on which the museum is located. It was designed by the world-renowned architect I. M. Pei, who is also a recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Standing in front of the museum’s main entrance and looking at its dome, something initially disturbs your gaze. It seemed a bit strange to me, but I thought it was just a perception and that I was probably too tired from all the positive emotions. But when I looked at it again, it was as if I saw a burqa, under which two eyes were staring at me. I was very surprised by the analogy I made, so I directly asked our guide. He began to smile and said that I was right and that this was a deliberately sought effect. Well, no wonder the architect has won so many prestigious awards!

The museum is spread over four floors, housing both permanent and temporary exhibitions, a gift shop, a café, and a restaurant. One of the floors also features a library, which holds an extensive collection of over 21,000 books, including 2,000 rare editions in Arabic.

The museum is surrounded by vast green lawns, park spaces, and offers an incredible view of the skyscrapers of Doha and the Arabian Gulf. We even saw people laying out blankets on the grass and relaxing.

Up-to-date information on ticket prices and opening hours can be found on the museum’s official website.

After such an emotionally charged day, I wanted to lie down on the grass too! But alas – it wasn’t possible, and our flight to Thailand was calling. So, David took us back to the airport, where we said our goodbyes.

A little later, as we took off and looked out the window, I said my farewell to Doha, which is surely waiting in anticipation for our next meeting!