Tourist Office in Doha
Qatar's Tourism Authority does not have a public office but offers extensive information through their web site.
Phone: +974 4499 7499
Fax: +974 4499 1919
Email: info@qatartourism.gov.qa
Website: http://www.qatartourism.gov.qa
Sightseeing in Doha
In Doha's historic centre you can't miss Waqif Souq (Location: bounded by Al-Souq St & Grand Hamad St Al-Jasra), with its handicrafts, traditional foods, and perfectly replicated historical architecture and buildings.
For visitors and residents interested in the arts, a trip to Katara Cultural Village is sure to delight. This cultural center is bursting with art galleries and museums, cafes, restaurants, an open-air amphitheater, and a beach and watersport facilities.
Aladdin's Kingdom (Location: West Bay; Tel: 483 1001) is an outdoor entertainment park with roller coaster, go-karts, and rides. Note that some days are allocated for women or families only. Admission is free but you pay a small fee for each ride.
Doha Zoo is currently closed, but it set to be renovated and re-opened in the next few years.
For more attractions in Doha, refer to our sections on "Cinema, Nightclubs" and "Theatre, Opera, Museum".
Attractions outside of Doha
- For those willing to venture outside the city they will reap huge rewards. 18th century Fort Zubarah is 1.5-2 hours outside Doha, located in the country's north, and is worth the journey.
- Barzan Tower (watchtower) is another notable architectural site, built in the 19th century, and located just 45 minutes outside the city in Umm Salal.
- For nature-lovers, venture just 40 minutes outside Doha to see Dhal Al Misfir, a 40-meter deep cave formation north of Salwa Road with fibrous gypsum crystal.
- The Singing Sand Dunes are located 40 kilometers southwest of Doha, but are worth the trek. In certain conditions the sand murmurs or 'sings' as it is blown across the dunes!
- Qatar also boasts several natural reserves, including Al Dakhira, Al Reem, Khor Al Adaid, Umm Tais, and Ras Abrouq. These nature reserves are oases of beaches, salt marshes, dunes and tidal lakes with resident camels, Oryx and Arabian gazelles.
- Also outside the city are several incredible beaches, including Al Ghariya (80 km north of Doha), Dukhan (80 km west of Doha), Fuwairit (80 km north of Doha), Maroona (80 km north of Doha), Ras Abrouq (70 km west of Doha), Simaisma (40 km north of Doha), and Umm Bab (90 km west of Doha.
For information on museums in the city see the "Museum" section.
Tours in Doha
From Doha you can take half, full day, or overnight desert safari tours, boat tours, tours of Qatar's coast, and tours of the city of Doha itself. A particularly popular tour activity is Dune Bashing, a form of off-roading over the top of Qatar's desert dunes.
Arabian Adventures
Phone: +974 4436 1461 and +974 5556 5359
Website: http://www.arabianadventureqatar.net
Offers desert, dune bashing, dhow (boat), Doha, shopping museum, and coastal tours.
Black Pearl Tourism
Phone: +974 5555 1169
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Black-Pearl-Qatar-Tourism-281887311825106/
Offers desert, city and falcon tours.
Gulf Adventures World
Phone: +974 4422 1888 and +974 5588 1760
Qatar International Adventures
Phone: +974 4455 3394 and +974 5552 1761
Website: http://qataradventure.com/
Offers camel racing, bird watching, desert, zoo, historical, dhow, and Corniche tours.
Qatar International Tours
Phone: +974 4455 1141 and +974 5586 4568
Website: http://www.qittour.com
Offers fishing, dhow, water sports, cultural and desert tours.
Qatar Ventures Tourism
Phone: +974 4431 8440 and +974 5577 6679
Website: http://www.qatar-ventures.com
Offers city, safari, dune, camping, dhow, and fishing tours and water sports equipment rentals.
Regency Travel and Tourism
Phone: +974 4434 4444
Website: http://www.regencyholidays.com
Offers desert and camping tours.
Festivals in Doha
Doha is home to several cultural and film festivals.
Doha Film Festival
Website: http://www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival
Date: November (General film festival) and March (children's film festival)
The Doha Film Institute hosts the city's annual Film Festivals each November and March.
Doha Cultural Festival
Date: March
This festival showcases Qatari culture, and includes various poetry, theatre and dance programs and promote the heritage and culture of Qatar.
Aljazeera International Documentary Film Festival
Website: http://www.aljazeera.net/festivalenglish
Date: April
2014 marks the tenth year of Doha's Aljazeera International Documentary Film Festival.
Update 24/03/2017
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