Cruise
Doha Port, now a turnaround hub, is fast emerging as a prominent luxury cruise destination in the winter cruise season.

Doha Port new passenger terminal
A new terminal at Doha Port was inaugurated in the 2019-20 season. This temporary terminal will welcome passengers until expansion plans are completed in time for 2022.

A new passenger terminal, covering more than 6000 square metres, was inaugurated in 2019. It offers passengers the same level of service and facilities as Hamad International Airport, including seamless immigration and customs, foreign exchange services, taxi and bus stands, Duty Free shops, a café, waiting areas for cruise passengers and staff, as well as city tours and other tourist information services.

Collaborative efforts by QNTC and local authorities including Immigration, Customs and Mwani Qatar, have made the disembarkation process quick and hassle-free for passengers arriving at Doha Port, enabling them to start enjoying the destination’s tourism offerings without wasting any time.

Qatar has also partnered with MSC Cruises to charter two of its ships during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, providing visiting fans with accommodation in 4,000 cabins on the ships.

 

Popular cruises coming to Qatar
Doha Port welcomes leading international cruise liners Costa Cruises (Costa Diadema), MSC Cruises (Fantasia, Bellissima and Lirica), TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff 5 and 6) and Royal Caribbean (Jewel of the Seas).

 

Tours & activities for cruisers
Located in the heart of the capital’s cultural district, Doha Port offers unparalleled connectivity to the city’s most prominent tourist attractions. These include the Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, Msheireb Downtown, as well as the traditional standing market, or Souq Waqif.

Upon arrival, cruise passengers are treated to a traditional Qatari welcome, with numerous tours on offer ranging from desert safaris, museums and cultural hotspots to shopping and hop on hop off tours. Taxis and free shuttles are also available to the city centre to those wishing to explore on their own.

Chefs of Qatar
Qatar is a fascinating destination for food enthusiasts, a country that walks a fine line between modernity and tradition. It presents a rich and diverse culinary scene with a plethora of choices, from Michelin-starred restaurants and experimental cuisine to delicious street food, that covers all needs and tastes.

Chefs of Qatar is an exciting initiative that aims to showcase the creative mixture of Arabic and multicultural cuisine and introduce the masterminds behind the country’s top restaurants. Qatar’s best chefs introduce themselves and present their signature dishes, along with the secrets for mastering their recipes.

Itineraries & tours
Visitors to Doha are spoilt for choice, with a plethora of options to explore the vibrant city’s cultural sites, world-class restaurants, beachfront luxury hotels or the majesty of the desert.

Cultural itinerary
Begin your cultural tour of Qatar by planning well – because there is plenty to experience. From traditional souqs, to museums, art galleries and installations to UNESCO heritage sites and forts outside it, culture, art, and history are everywhere in Qatar.

Active itinerary
With its arid beauty, sunny climes and untrammeled deserts, Qatar has long called to adventurers. Answering that call has never been more rewarding. Hit the water, bash the dunes, surf the skies, fish the seas and ride sleek Arabian horses.

Business traveller
Qatar is a financial, trading and business centre of global significance – and a world-class hub for culture, relaxation, adventure, history, and sport.

Qatar’s neighbourhoods boast waterfront views, sandy beaches, retail, exhibition spaces and eateries, reflecting the rich diversity of this tiny state.

Katara Cultural Village
Combining art galleries and workshops, theatres and performances venues, and exceptional restaurants set on a waterfront promenade, Katara Cultural Village is Doha’s destination for culture and entertainment. A central amphitheatre stands against a backdrop of traditional architecture and cobbled streets, and is the site of many cultural performances. Adjoining the main development, a spacious public beach offers water sports and equipment rentals.

The Pearl-Qatar
Located on the site of one of Qatar’s former pearl diving beds, the Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island with luxury towers and villas, high-end shopping, hotels and fine dining. Visitors can marvel at super yachts as they stroll along the marina, then settle down for some people-watching while enjoying a meal at one of the area’s many waterfront restaurants. Chic boutiques and luxury car dealerships shine in a setting inspired by the architecture of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The Pearl-Qatar offers ample opportunities to enjoy the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf: charter a boat, try a class in stand-up paddle boarding, or simply relax on one of the island’s public or hotel beaches.

Qatar National Library
QNL aspires to be one of the world’s pre-eminent centres of learning, research, and culture; an institution that promotes imagination and discovery and acts as a guardian of the region’s heritage. Developing innovative programmes and services, and through the use of technology, the library also offers several programmes and courses for the community.

Qanat Quartier
A feast for the eyes, this Venice-inspired neighbourhood brings a piece of the Mediterranean to Doha. Boasting turquoise canals flanked by candy-coloured buildings and gracefully arched bridges, Qanat Quartier abounds with Instagram-worthy vistas. Play a tune on the musical staircase, or take a leisurely stroll down broad avenues as you wander in and out of the neighbourhood’s many boutiques and cafés. Grab a coffee, stick your toes in the sand, and take in stunning views of the Arabian Gulf from Qanat Quartier’s beachfront promenade.

Souq Waqif
A thriving market, a melting pot of cultures, and a labyrinth full of colors and scents, Souq Waqif is the place to be for those who seek truly authentic vibes.

Souq Waqif, or “standing market,” is home to traditional and modern restaurants and cafes, art galleries, and local retail shops that offer a wide range of goods, from spices and desserts to clothes and textiles.

12 things to do in Souq Waqif
Built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market, on the banks of the Wadi Musheireb, Souq Waqif feels like an anachronism, particularly against the backdrop of Doha’s dramatic modernist skyline. With its mud-daubed buildings, the market harkens to a bygone era while remaining a hub of activity, where commerce and gossip collide. Souq Waqif’s winding alleys offer a tableau of traditional street life. Herewith, our 12 reasons why Souq Waqif is a must-do:

1. Make like Midas at the Gold Souq
Gold jewellery remains widely popular throughout the Middle East, and wandering through the gold section of the souq one can get a sense of its continued importance in local traditions. From intricate head pieces and multi-tiered necklaces to more everyday items, the Gold Souq has you covered, no matter your budget.

2. Hold a falcon in your hand
Falconry is a traditional sport in Qatar, and Souq Waqif is home to a Falcon Souq where you can see the majestic birds up close and, under the shopkeeper’s watchful eye, pose with a falcon perched on your arm. It is also possible to buy falcons and accoutrements here, and a dedicated hospital cures whatever ails them.

3. Check out some camels and horses
Head to the camel pen near the Falcon Souq to see these doe-eyed creatures, or wander to the Emiri Stables where beautiful Arabian horses hold sway in between taking the heritage police on their daily rounds of the souq.

4. Indulge in some retail therapy
The shops that line the alleyways of the souq beckon with all manner of goods both practical and fantastical. From shoes to antiques to handicrafts, the souq rewards treasure hunters, with artefacts from around the region. Fishing and pearl-diving equipment vie for attention with woven fabrics, rugs, wooden furniture, and glass ornaments that are made in adjacent workshops. Aspiring musicians can delight in local varieties of drums, flutes and string instruments, including the melancholic oud.

5. Take in some art
Decorated with beautiful woodwork, hand-painted tiles, and colourful lanters, the Souq Waqif Art Centre showcases the works of local and visiting artists, all available for sale. Workshops surround the exhibition space, and it is possible to take an art class or watch artists at work.

6. Spice up your life
Follow your nose to the spices spilling out of jute sacks. From whole or ground spices, this is your spot for exotic Arabic aromatics like saffron, zater, sumac, dried flowers, dried black lemons, and endless varieties of dates, honey, tea leaves and coffee beans.

7. Learn about pearls
Qatar was at the heart of the pearl industry in days past. At the pearl shop nestled amid the stores selling handicrafts, you can strike up a conversation with the owner – a former pearl diver, learn about the lost art of pearling, and see the many varieties of white, pink and grey pearls.

8. Buy some local beauty products
From oudh and musk to custom-made perfume, kohl, argan oil and henna design stencils, many of the region’s traditional fragrances and cosmetics can be found at the Souq. For a temporary souvenir, get fresh henna tattoo applied by an onsite artist.

9. Eat like a champ
From restaurants to street vendors, the souq has foods to sate any hunger. Local women gather in the central courtyard selling everything from samosas and stuffed vine leaves to meat stews and sweet dumplings. If street food is not your thing, try karak tea and crepes (regag) at Shay al Shamoos, Makhboos (traditional rice dish) at Al Jasra, fahsa (slowcooked meat stew in claypots) eaten in traditional style sitting on the floor at Bander Aden, and the scrumptious kunafas and baklavas at Al Aker Sweets.

10. Chill like a local
Souq Waqif is by far the most popular place to hang out with friends, particularly after dusk. Open til the wee hours, the roadside cafes offer a never-ending supply of Arabic coffee, fresh fruit juices and shisha with your choice of flavoured tobacco. Many restaurants have TV screens which show football matches, while some, such as Majlis Al Dana, offer backgammon, a popular local board game.

11. Feel like Persian royalty
The minute you step inside Parisa, you’ll find yourself in a dazzling palatial environment with intricate mirrorwork and antique glass lanterns. Many of the items in this eatery were handpicked from Iran and assembled in Doha over the course of several years.

12. Enjoy the street performances
The souq is busiest in the cooler months, with cultural performances by local or regional groups. There are often costume parades and street performances during the annual Shop Qatar festival or the Eid festivals. The open courtyards of the souq also host frequent exhibitions.

Family fun
Qatar is known for being a family friendly destination. From dune bashing to camping, arts & crafts to entertainment, and beautiful open spaces, Qatar caters to all ages.

Popular activities with kids
Doha has plenty to offer families, with entertainment options for kids of all ages. Enjoy enriching experiences at the country’s museums,riveting edutainment at theme parks and gaming zones and revel in endless options outdoors.

Museums
While Qatar’s museums are largely child friendly with interactive exhibits and educational activities, they also hold a number of classes and workshops onsite.

A Children’s Museum is set to open soon, with stimulating activities planned, as well as interactive and accessible indoor and outdoor experiences for familiesto play and learn together.

Kahramaa Awareness Park in Al Thumama offers a variety of augmented reality exhibitions, 3D films and interactive games, taking visitors on a journey while teaching them the importance of resource conservation.

Al Thuraya Planetarium at Katara Cultural Village offers celestial delights for families and astronomy enthusiasts alike.

 

Theme parks
As the mercury rises in Doha, families turn to the city’s many indoor recreation facilities. Typically located inside shopping malls, these offer everything from ice skating rinks to arcade games, multi-screen movie theaters and amusement park-style rides, bounce houses and bowling alleys, karaoke and child-friendly indoor playgrounds.

Entertainment centres include the world’s first Angry Birds World theme park spread over 17000 square metres, the winter themed Snow Dunes, and the Middle East’s first dedicated e-gaming hub Virtuocity, in Doha Festival City mall.

KidzMondo Doha is an edutainment park in Mall of Qatar, and Kidzania is located inside Aspire Park, near Villaggio Mall. Both parks contain child-sized cities which allow the young ones to play at different professions.

Entertainment centres
Located throughout the city, entertainment centres offer children a plethora of thrilling activities, including video and arcade games, modern simulators, and bowling.

Numerous malls are home to indoor amusement parks including Gondolania, Jungle Zone, Circus Land as well as ice skating rinks and boat rides, while the Pearl has Megapolis and Minipolis Entertainment Centres offering a host of age-appropriate indoor games and activities.

Aspiring acrobats can head to Bounce at Tawar mall, defying gravity on the more than 80 interconnected trampolines.

The Museum of Illusions at The Gate Mall thrills with mind boggling illusions and educational activities.

Family friendly beach clubs
Qatar is home to fabulous family-friendly beach clubs. Visitors can book one of the many beachfront hotels and enjoy the sun and the sea along with Qatar’s famous hospitality.

Grand Hyatt
Perfect for those who need tranquil moments by the beach, this boasts two specially designed pools to keep the kids entertained.

St Regis
The Diplomatic Club at St Regis offers lovely views and a perfect setting for relaxing family moments. The waters are relatively shallow, and sports facilities keep everyone busy.

Four Seasons
Golden sand, lush green landscapes, family pools and the finest restaurants make this a firm favourite for families.

Intercontinental Doha
Various water activities keep both kids and parents entertained, while a beautiful lounging area allows everyone to enjoy quality down time.

Sharq Village & Spa
Located between the airport and the city centre, Sharq boasts a fantastic infinity pool with a special area for kids, making it an ideal destination for the whole family.

Banana Island Resort
Located on a private island a short ferry ride from central Doha, this picturesque resort features stunning views and activities for the whole family. A kids’ club keeps the littler members of the family occupied, while parents can enjoy a refreshing dip and use of the resort’s many amenities.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski
With commanding views of the sea, and a pool for the little ones, this hotel in the Pearl is a firm favourite for the entire family.

Qatar offers thrilling adventures that allow visitors to commune with nature and experience the majesty of the desert, inspiring awe and taking their breath away.

The desert
The undulating sand dunes of Qatar’s desert proffer a stark beauty, and are a popular destination, for a recreational safari or the spectacular landscape.

Desert Adventures
The impressive ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid, a UNESCO recognized site, lies to the south of the city, and is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches into the desert. Visitors can take an exhilarating desert safari over the dunes to this site, accessible by 4×4 vehicles.

A favourite Qatari pastime, visitors can enjoy daytime, evening, or overnight camping trips through one of several companies that operate Bedouin-style camps (with all the mod-cons) in the desert.

Camel and horse ride
Camels and horses have long been valued in the region. For a truly authentic desert experience, nothing beats a camel ride over the soft dunes, while horse lovers can head to the Emiri stables within Souq Waqif, the Racing and Equestrian Club, or Al Shaqab, the country’s pre-eminent equestrian centre, to see sleek Arabian horses. For a uniquely local experience, head to the Al Shahaniya camel racetrack, where robot jockeys guide camels to victory.

Inland Sea/ Khor Al Adaid
The UNESCO-recognised natural reserve is a rare example of the sea encroaching deep into the heart of the desert.

The air
View Qatar from above, with paragliding and kite surfing, or for something different, contact one of several specialised operators for light aircraft, gliders, ultralights, gyroplanes, and microlights.

Skydiving in Qatar
Skydiving is one of the most exquisite experiences one can have in Qatar. World-class instructors and facilities welcome all adrenaline-seekers to enjoy the thrill of jumping from the sky.

Paragliding
Strong winds and vast skies make the deserts of Qatar perfect for paragliding, offering a wholly different perspective of the landscape.

The water
With over 560 km of coastline, Qatar boasts abundant marine life and crystal waters making it ideal for fishing, sailing, water-skiing, canoeing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing, and windsurfing.

Diving in the Arabian Gulf
From above ground to under water, there is plenty of exploring to be done. Dive sites are easily accessible, and include wreck, deep water, and reef dives.

Kitesurfing in Qatar
Kitesurfing is a thrilling activity that combines surfing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing, affording thrills and views over the desert landscape. These activities are available through various operators in Doha and outside.

Beaches in Qatar
Qatar is a fantastic destination for sun-worshippers year round. Unspoiled beaches dot the country’s coastline, and are ideal for a quick escape. Luxury hotels and resorts with private beaches offer comfortable cabanas and childcare services, along with a wide variety of water sports.

Kayaking through the Al Thakira Mangroves
Al Thakira mangroves, located just north of the seaside city of Al Khor, present a large expanse of natural greenery. A great way to explore the mangroves is by kayak, available from several tour operators and specialised companies. Morning and afternoon trips are available and can be booked in advance.

Qatari Dhow Cruises (Mahmal)
Qatar has a proud history of seafaring, and today it is possible to experience that aboard a traditional wooden dhow boat. Full-day, half-day and evening sightseeing excursions, including a meal, can be arranged through hotels or local tour operators.

Other activities & sports
Doha offers a wide variety of sporting activities and facilities catering to all tastes. These include football, golf, squash, other water activities, as well as group fitness.

Qatar’s Golf offerings
Qatar is an up-and-coming golf destination boasting some of the finest golf courses in the region equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

Education City Golf Club
The newly opened Education City Golf Club in Doha features the first Trackman driving range in the city as well as a power tee and indoor putting green.

Focused on education as well as an excellent standard of play, the Education City Golf Club combines ultramodern technology with PGA golf training facilities. The course comprises 33 golf holes – two Championship courses (one 18-hole and one six-hole) that have been specially crafted and designed by Jose Maria Olazábal. Night golfing is available on the 9-hole course which has been floodlit to allow for golfing during cooler hours.

At the heart of the club is the Centre of Excellence, a state-of-the-art learning facility for golf development complete with private swing studios offering the latest in camera and ball flight technology; a putting lab and gymnasium. Golfers can perfect their game at the first TrackMan technology-equipped driving range in the city, where each shot is tracked by a radar, or test out the automated power tee and indoor putting green featuring a moving floor to simulate sloping putts.

Commercial Bank Qatar Masters
The annual Commercial Bank Qatar Masters golf tournament, a ranking event on the European PGA Tour, is held in January at the Doha Golf Club, drawing the world’s best golfers and a growing number of spectators.

Doha Golf Club
Doha Golf Club is one of the first grass golf courses ever built in the Middle East. Inaugurated in the mid-1990s, this 7,374-yard magnificent course is home to an 18-hole Championship Course, a floodlit 9-hole Academy Course, an expansive driving range and putting green, 8 artificial lakes, graceful landscaping and a beautiful clubhouse.

The course was designed in line with USGA standards with all green areas of the golf course including the fairways, greens, tees and rough meeting USGA Specification. The club’s facilities also include several restaurants, lounges and conference rooms.

Qatar’s spas redefine luxury and indulgence, with unique experiences in novel settings. Book a session to pamper yourself or to relax after a busy day out exploring.

Luxury spas
Bliss Spa Doha at W Doha Hotel & Residences has a spacious colourful interior and also houses a gym and a pool. The spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, slimming treatments, anti-aging programs and patented treatments such as the Lava Shell massage.

The Spa at Al Jasra Boutique Hotel combines traditional Arabic treatments with modern techniques. Along with a luxurious Moroccan hammam, the spa offers a range of massages including traditional hot stone and aromatherapy.

The Sharq Village & Spa, located along the coast in central Doha, is one of the biggest and most luxurious spas in Qatar. Modelled after a traditional Qatari village, it contains 23 treatment rooms and four spa areas, each with a different theme which reflects Qatar’s rich culture of wellness, along with hammam rooms, saunas and a private ladies-only area.

For a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, enjoy the traditional hammam experience at the Anantara Spa at Banana Island Resort Doha. Winner of Qatar’s Best Hotel Spa 2019 at the World Spa Awards, the Anantara Spa is on a private island overlooking the water. It features a traditional Turkish hammam and a diverse range of treatments and massages inspired by Thai wellness.

Overlooking the magnificent Barahat Msheireb, the Mandarin Oriental Spa is spread over 3,000 square metres and will make you feel like royalty. The spa offers 9 treatment rooms, a couples suite and VIP suites besides male and female indoor pools as well as extensive heat and water experiences for guests to enjoy before and/or after their treatments.

The new Park Hyatt Doha in Msheireb Downtown houses a luxurious spa that spans two floors, one for women and the other for men. The spa offers bespoke treatments and a luxurious ‘wet’ area with mood showers, whirlpool, sauna, steam, and ice rooms. Guests can opt for a virtual reality headset after their treatment which completes their wellness journey with carefully designed imagery.

ESPA in the Mondrian Doha, winner of the “Luxury Hotel Spa Country Award, Qatar” by World Luxury Spa Awards 2019, is an oasis of calm amidst the bustle of the city. The largest ESPA in the world, it is spread over 22,000 square feet, with 11 treatment rooms and a traditional Turkish hammam. Treatments use technology to increase the efficacy of natural products, and along with traditional spa treatments, ESPA offers oxygen therapy – detoxifying not just your pores, but also your lungs.

The St. Regis is home to Remede Spa, voted “Best Luxury Beach Resort Spa – Middle East & North Africa 2019” at the World Luxury Spa Awards. The spa contains 22 private treatment rooms, a hydro pool, steam rooms, relaxation lounges as well as couples treatment rooms, where cares melt away at the hands of highly trained staff. A selection of treatments use techniques inspired by Arabian tradition, and local ingredients to soothe and pamper.

Al Messila Wellness Resort & Spa is the first 5-star wellness retreat in Qatar. The ladies-only retreat is the first of its kind in the region. It contains 26 treatment rooms, two fully equipped gyms, private training, spinning and movement studios, three mineral therapy pools, a daylight-enhanced recreational pool and four hydro wellness worlds: Oriental, Floral, Mystic, and Mineral. Each ‘world’ contains flotation tanks, cocoon beds, oxygen rooms, Kneipp walks, hammams and salt rooms.

Zulal Wellness Resort, expected to open shortly, is spread across 280,000 sqm in a secluded coastal enclave north of Doha. It is expected to be the Middle East’s first full-immersion wellness resort, and the world’s first centre for Traditional Arabic Integrative Medicine (TAIM). The resort is owned by Msheireb Properties in collaboration with market-leading wellness brand, Chiva-Som International Health Resort.

Qatar has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a large number of museums and galleries showcasing the country’s history along with contemporary art featuring Arab artists.

Museums & galleries
Wander through Qatar’s museums and galleries which take visitors through a millennia of Islamic Art, Arab heritage, and modern reflections.

Qatar’s iconic museums
Qatar’s unique museums, boasting masterpieces from across the Islamic world, are architectural marvels themselves, telling Qatar’s story as much as the exhibits they house.

National Museum of Qatar
Designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Jean Nouvel, the National Museum of Qatar draws inspiration from and recreates the naturally occurring crystal formations known as the desert rose.

Featuring interlocking discs, the museum spans a whopping 430,500 square feet. Built around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s original palace, and the seat of government for 25 years, the National Museum of Qatar gives voice to Qatar’s heritage whilst celebrating its future.

Inside, visitors can learn about Qatar’s ancestors and the formation of its early cities, with the museum charting the country’s history and progress through the centuries. Exhibitions combine historic objects and contemporary influences, opening up a dialogue around the impact of rapid change.

The museum complex includes permanent and temporary galleries, a 220-seat auditorium, two cafés, a restaurant, a gift shop, separate facilities for school groups and VIPs, heritage research centres, conservation laboratories and museum collection storage.

More museums
Qatar has a variety of museums that offer visitors a glimpse into Arab history and culture.

The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Located outside the city in a traditional style fort at Al Samriya Farm, the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum houses the Sheikh’s personal collection, with a body of works including Islamic art, Qatari heritage, vehicles, handmade carpets, and coins & currency, from over four continents. These diverse and eclectic objects tell the story of the museum’s founder, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim, as well as of humanity in general.

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Established in 2010, Mathaf providing a uniquely Arab perspective on contemporary art. The museum’s permanent collection features more than 9,000 works by notable artists from Arab world from the 1840s to the present day. Landmark artists from countries and regions connected to the Arab Peninsula are represented, encompassing Africa, Asia and Europe.

Msheireb Museums
Within the refurbished development of Msheireb in the oldest part of the capital, the Msheireb Museums celebrate the history of Qatar. Four heritage houses – Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House and Radwani House – were restored by property developer Msheireb and transformed into museums that explore key players and periods in Qatar’s history and evolution.

Galleries
Qatar is home to a number of stunning art galleries and public spaces that contribute to Doha’s lively cultural scene.

Al Riwaq Gallery
Located within MIA, Al Riwaq Gallery hosts exhibitions by the Qatar Museums network and has featured several groundbreaking exhibitions by artists such as Mohamed Al Mahdi, Damien Hirst, and Jaffar Al Oraibi.

Fire Station
Abutting Doha’s central Al Bidda Park, the Fire Station Gallery was built in 1982 and used as a fire station for over thirty years. In December of 2012, the last fire engine was removed, and the space became part of the Qatar Museums network. Converted into a contemporary art space, the gallery showcases art and artists, engages the local community, and nurtures emerging talent through its artist in residence program.

Qatar Museums Gallery
An intimate venue for public art projects, QM Gallery is located within Katara Cultural Village, which houses theatres, concert halls, and restaurants. The QM Gallery provides a platform for Qatar’s museums to present their collections. To foster a personal connection with audiences, the gallery hosts artists whose work centres around human themes. These include Yan Pei Ming’s portraits of famous Arabs and Brigitte Lacombe’s examination of female athletes in the Arab world.

Souq Waqif Art Center
Located in Doha’s central market, the Souq Waqif Art Centre showcases traditional Islamic and Middle Eastern art, offering workshops and studio spaces for aspiring artists seeking to learn the fundamentals of various art disciplines. The centre has distinguished itself for its direct relationship with the public through art presentations, exhibitions, and public courses throughout the year.

Public art
Qatar’s commitment to cultural excellence extends to a range of impressive public art installations around the country featuring thought provoking works by leading international artists.

East-West/West-East
Nestled between limestone rock formations outside Zekreet, just north of Doha, lies Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East installation. Comprising of four steel plates, each of which is over 14m in height, the installation spans over 1km. It stands in stark contrast to the soft brown hues of the desert surrounding it, and offers a comment on isolation and the passage of time.

Lamp Bear
One of several impressive sculptures at Hamad International Airport, Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer is centrally located in the duty-free area. The plush 23-foot yellow teddy bear sculpted from bronze, sits under a lamp. Both humorous and comforting, the piece reminds travellers of childhood or precious objects from home.

Maman
A giant spider made of marble, bronze, and stainless steel, Maman by Louise Bourgeois explores the meaning of motherhood and strength, and can be found inside the Qatar National Convention Centre.

Gandhi’s Three Monkeys
Centrally located in Katara Cultural Village, Gandhi’s Three Monkeys by Subodh Gupta features three head shaped sculptures in military gear: one wears a gas mask, another a soldier’s helmet, and the third a terrorist’s hood. Each piece is made of cooking implements, used pails, traditional Indian lunch boxes and glass bowls. Together, the Three Monkeys recall Gandhi’s metaphor of the three monkeys that ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’.

‘7’
Soaring nearly 80-feet above MIA Park, 7 at the Museum of Islamic Art Park, by Richard Serra, is a steel homage to the spiritual significance of the number seven in Islamic culture.

Cosmos
Cosmos by Othoniel is an artistic interpretation of the world’s oldest surviving Islamic astrolabe, which can be seen at the Museum of Islamic Art. Symbolising the path of travellers, the gilded steel installation also emulates warmth and sunlight, and is one of several impressive sculptures at Hamad International Airport.

8 Oryxes
8 Oryxes at Hamad International Airport’s arrivals hall depict the Arabian Oryx, Qatar’s national animal in a herd. The installation, by Tom Claasen, is humorous and telling – a statement about the era of mass travel.

Perceval
Perceval, a bronze of a life-size shire horse by Sara Lucas, can be seen in Aspire Park. A cart with giant marrows cast in cement is hitched to Perceval, contrasting with the painted bronze of the horse itself. This is the artist’s only known piece of public art and is a homage to British culture.

The Miraculous Journey
The Miraculous Journey at Sidra Medical and Research Centre comprises of 14 monumental bronze sculptures illustrating the development of a foetus. Damien Hirst’s installation attests to the beauty of an extraordinary process.

The Force of Nature II
The Force of Nature II at the Katara Amphitheatre is a large bronze sculpture by Lorenzo Quinn depicting Mother Nature as a woman hurling the planet in circles.

Smoke
Smoke by Tony Smith, sits at the entrance to the Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre (DECC). Open and inviting, profound yet serene, the giant geometric components of this 24 foot tall sculpture dominate the space.

Desert Horse
Located outside the arrivals hall at Hamad International Airport, the Desert Horse by Ali Hassan Al-Jaber captures the spirit of travel and the flow of movement, in a nod to the Bedouin use of horses for travel. The artwork offers an interpretation of the iconic desert horse and represents different forms of the Arabic letter “ن” (“n”).

Pouce
Pouce by César Baldaccini is a giant thumb marking a crossroads in Souq Waqif. Its highly polished bronze patina reflects the surrounding light, and is a cheeky addition to the traditional marketplace.

Flying Man
Designed by Dia al-Azzawi, the Flying Man at Hamad International Airport consists of two sculptures commemorating flight. Both are inspired by Bin Firnas or Armen Firman, an early experimentor with flight whose derring-do included leaping from the Great Mosque in Cordoba in 852 AD to test his new machine made of a silk cloak reinforced with wooden rods to form wings.