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May 19, 2020

What to do and see in Doha during a cruise stopover? Cruising Journal gives you some tips on the top attractions and what not to miss in Doha, Qatar.

Doha, which translates from Arabic as ‘the big tree’, has become one of the most popular ports of call for cruise ships on Persian Gulf itineraries.  It is frequently found on itineraries from Dubai, with Abu Dhabi, Manama and Oman. Its beauty certainly justifies the presence of several cruise lines, whether you want to simply stroll along the waterfront, go shopping, or travel on excursions into the Qatar interior.

The cruise terminal is located near the MIA (Museum of Islamic Art). The port area is booming and you can only leave the area by means provided by the local authority, or by taxi. You won’t need any other means to visit the main central areas of the city, starting with the MIA itself, a museum worth a visit to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Islamic art. But it is also an ideal spot for photos of the Corniche and the boats passing through the bay.

Not far away is another destination not to be missed on a Doha cruise: the Souq Waqif, an immense souk where you can wander among spices, furniture, animals and knick-knacks. However, forget the hustle and bustle of the Maghreb: here everything is perfectly clean and tidy, and you can go for a stroll, shop and socialise. The Falcon Hospital is also nearby, where these beautiful birds are also sold. Falconry has a long and widespread tradition in Qatar.

After a short walk you’ll reach the National Museum of Qatar, an ultra-modern building inspired by the traditional desert rose, which recounts the history, customs and characteristics of this Middle Eastern state in a huge area.

The Doha Mosque is the largest in the country and can be visited freely with the restrictions and precautions of any Arab place of worship. It is a short walk from the Falcon Souq.

The entire Corniche, which is 7 kilometres long and is a pleasant walk. Right in front of the Souq Waqif, which can be reached via a subway, is a large shell with a pearl, a symbol of Doha and its origins as a pearl fishing port. From here, the promenade runs to West Bay, a futuristic area full of skyscrapers that represent the skyline of futuristic Doha.

A little further on, you reach The Pearl, another unmissable destination in Doha. In fact, it is a modern district, an artificial island with a futuristic design, which brings together bars, restaurants, shopping galleries, jewellers and a pleasant walk in a bay. Here you will experience the true atmosphere of wealth and eclecticism of Qatar.

If you want to go further afield, beyond West Bay, you’ll find the Katara Cultural Village, with an amphitheatre, the Opera House and a beautiful open-air mall (Plaza Mall).

If you want to take advantage of Doha’s beaches, there are some near the Terminal, such as Sunset Beach and the Oasis Beach Club, and others in the area between West Bay and The Pearl, such as Manipal Beach or Westbay Beach. Many of them are inside resorts that still allow daily access.

If you know the city and are returning more than once, consider excursions into the interior of the country. A unique and unforgettable place is Khor Al Adaid, a sort of inland sea 60 km from Doha. A unique landscape that will not be easily forgotten, with rare species of birds, a protected ecomarine environment and its exciting location in the desert.

Doha is a modern city that retains the culture and charm of Arab traditions. It enjoys a beautiful climate that is sometimes very hot, but it will certainly be a beautiful stopover on any Persian Gulf cruise. If you are lucky enough to set sail at sunset or in the evening, don’t miss the Westbay Skyline, which will greet you with its lights and unmistakable night glow.

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Gabriele Bassi

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