A QUICK GUIDE TO

QATAR

Katara Cultural Village 3

Khor Al Adaid

Welcome to Qatar!

Hospitality is one of the most treasured values of welcome to all our friends from overseas.

Well established as a center of global excellence in culture, business and sport, Qatar combines all the luxuries of a top class resort destination along with a fascinating glimpse of traditional Arabian culture and heritage. It offers outstanding facilities for sightseeing, desert adventures, family fun and sport.

We hope you enjoy your time here, and that you keep coming back.

Hayyakum!

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For an authentic taste of traditional Arab commerce, wander down the bustling alleys of the Souq. The labyrinth of small shops offers a treasure trove of Middle Eastern merchandise from spices to perfumes, clothing, utensils, handicrafts and a vast range of souvenirs … all at bargain prices. Souq Waqif is also a great place to relax over a coffee, soak up the local atmosphere and enjoy an extravaganza of music, art and family entertainment.

Souq Waqif

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Souq Waqif

Doha Corniche

The showpiece 7-kilometre waterfront promenade is a major attraction for residents and visitors alike. Take in the crisp morning air with a jog or bring your family for a relaxing evening stroll. As the sun goes down, hop on a wooden dhow for a cruise in the bay and enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s beautifully-lit skyline.

Doha Corniche

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A modern interpretation of the rich heritage of Arabia, Katara is ideal for a relaxing day of culture, entertainment and family fun. Katara’s impressive theatres, performance venues and galleries feature leading regional and international artists and stage plays, concerts, film festivals and much more. Recreational options include a well equipped public beach offering a choice of water sports facilities, plus a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and food outlets.

Katara Cultural Village

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Katara Cultural Village

Museum of Islamic Art

Wonder at the magnificent collections covering 14 centuries of the finest Islamic art and artifacts from across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa. The museum ranks among the world’s leading cultural landmarks. Designed by the celebrated architect IM Pei, it is housed in a dramatic modern building prominently situated along the Corniche waterfront. Its café and surrounding park offer visitors spectacular vistas of the city.

Museum of Islamic Art

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Inaccessible by road, this tranquil expanse of water is a UNESCO recognized natural reserve and one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the desert. Located in the south eastern corner of the country, this unique Qatari natural phenomenon can be reached by 4x4 over the dunes, either independently or as the culmination of an organized safari.

Khor Al-Adaid (Inland Sea)

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Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea)

The Pearl-Qatar

Lying just off the coast on the northern fringes of Doha city, The Pearl-Qatar is a spectacular man-made island representing the epitome of the modern marina lifestyle and offering an insight into Qatar’s ambitious future development plans. Where once there was nothing but sea, now stand tall towers, beachfront villas, peppered with exclusive retail spaces, five-star hotels and fine-dining restaurants. Admire the luxury yachts berthed in the three spectacular marinas at sunset or enjoy a coffee and set out on a lavish shopping spree.

The Pearl-Qatar

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Museums & Art GalleriesAl Markhiya Galleryalmarkhiyagallery.com+974 6600 8750

Al Riwaq Dohaqma.com.qa+974 4452 5555

Katara Art Centerkataraartcenter.com+974 4408 0244

Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Artmathaf.org.qa+974 4402 8855

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museumsheikhfaisalmuseum.com+974 4486 1444

Souq Waqif Arts Center+974 4417 6204

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Museum of Islamic Art

Barzan Tower

Sightseeing

Al Zubarah FortAl Zubarah Fort, together with its surrounding archaeological works, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the north west of the country, the immaculately restored fort was formerly used by the military and coast guard.

Al Wajbah FortWith its high towers and thick walls, Al Wajbah Fort is considered the oldest in the country. Scene of a famous victory over Ottoman forces in 1893, it is a treasured landmark of the Qatari people.

Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab MosqueNamed after the Muslim scholar, the grand mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshippers at a time and is the State Mosque of Qatar. It is open to visitors of all faiths.

Umm Salal Mohammad FortLocated some 15 kilometers north of Doha and built during the late 19th century, the fort features thick, high walls and an impressive façade.

Barzan TowerClose to Umm Salal Mohammad Fort and originally built as a watchtower in the late 19th century, the fully restored three–storey Barzan Tower, together with its twin east tower, stands 16 meters high.

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Tours, Sports & Activities

City ToursVisit all the major sights of Doha by taking an organized or tailor-made tour, renting a self-drive car or stepping aboard a hop-on, hop-off tour bus (dohabus.com; tel 4442 2444). Besides the many heritage and architectural attractions, don’t miss Doha’s iconic new developments such as Katara Cultural Village and Pearl Qatar, a spectacular man-made island with its high rise towers, marinas and luxury shops and restaurants.

Desert AdventuresNo visit would be complete without experiencing the quintessential desert adventure, an exhilarating 4x4 safari over the dunes, perhaps including a camel ride, a chance to try sand boarding or even drive a dune buggy. Witness spectacular desert sunset and end the day with a moonlit barbeque … or perhaps camp overnight under a million stars. Qatar’s impressive dunes are easily accessible from Doha extending southward to the Inland Sea.

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Sand dunes in South Qatar

Doha Golf Club

ExploringQatar offers an amazing range of opportunities to get off the beaten track and experience something new and different. Take a trip to a camel race or visit an ancient fort, dusty village or dhow harbor. You can explore the wonders of nature too, like the 40-metre deep gypsum caves at Dahl Al Misfir or mangroves at Al Thajira. The possibilities are endless.

GolfTee off at the Doha Golf Club, home of the annual Qatar Masters tournament, a ranking event on the European PGA Tour. The club is open to leisure golfers. For details, contact dohagolfclub.com or Tel. +974 4496 0777.

Water SportsThe warm waters of the Gulf are ideal for water sports and Qatar’s hotels and tour companies will direct you to the range of activities on offer, from scuba diving to parasailing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, sailing and fishing. Dhow CruisesEnjoy a cruise aboard an authentic wooden dhow. Take a short trip around the bay from the Corniche or a longer cruise from the Bay Club (Tel. +974 4484 4852).

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Useful Information

Public Holidays

National Sports Day second Tuesday of every February

Eid Al Fitr28 July 2014 (may vary)

Eid Al Adha04 October 2014 (may vary)

Qatar National Day18 December

Important Numbers

Emergency999

Directory Assistance180

Doha International Airport+974 4465 6666

Qatar Tourism Hotline +974 4444 4106

What’s On in Qatar

There is always something going on in Doha – from theater troupes to festivals, exhibitions to sporting tournaments.

Find out what’s on in Qatar by checking out www.onqatar.qa. Also available as a mobile app for iOS and Android.

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Al Diwan Al Amiri

The Pearl-Qatar

Public Transport

Karwa Taxieng.mowasalat.com/site+974 4458 8888 Al Million Taxialmilliontaxi.com+974 8005500 (toll-free)

Karwa Buseng.mowasalat.com/site+974 4458 8888

Tourist Bus

Doha Busdohabus.com+974 4442 2444

Limousine Services

Mowasalat Limousineeng.mowasalat.com/site+974 4458 8888

Cabz Transportcabz.com+974 4441 8144

Doha Limousine+974 4483 9999

Elite Limousine+974 4442 6184 Fox Transportfoxtransport.net+974 4462 2777

Qatar Limousine+974 4468 8688

Ibticar – Wheelchair Accessible Limousines ibticar.com +974 4410 1581

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Sharq Village & Spa

qatartourism.gov.qa

CONTACT USQATARinfo@qatartourism.gov.qa+974 4444 4106 (Hotline)+974 4499 7499

UNITED KINGDOMuk@qatartourism.gov.qa+44 20 7367 0978

FOLLOW US /qatar.qatartourism /qtourism /qtourism /qtourism

FRANCEfrance@qatartourism.gov.qa+33 1 53 25 11 11

GERMANYgermany@qatartourism.gov.qa+49 89 689 06 38 0