There’s so much to experience in Qatar, but the country’s compact size and ease of accessibility means visitors can pack a lot into 24 hours.

Once passengers have gone through the impressive new Grand Cruise Terminal – viewing Qatar’s largest aquarium en route to shore – it’s a short walk to the Mina District, a pretty collection of colourful shops and restaurants.

The main attraction is the fish market, which houses a fresh fish restaurant and is well worth a stop for lunch.

Delve into the soul of Qatar at Souq Waqif, where visitors can stumble across traditional Qatari artefacts displayed throughout the scattered stalls of this traditional marketplace, while exploring intricate alleyways full of local treasures.

Across from the souq is Msheireb Downtown Doha, the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project. Buildings and structures in the area create a unique fusion of modern design with traditional Qatari architecture.

With an aim to revive the old commercial district in Doha, the redevelopment utilises the latest in sustainable technologies and the highest standards in green building.

Architecture and art in Qatar

Qatar has a long list of awe-inspiring architecture and a thriving art scene, the pinnacle of which is the National Museum of Qatar, which takes visitors on a journey through Qatar’s fascinating natural, social and political history.

The iconic Museum of Islamic Art, by the award-winning I. M. Pei, reopened last October, after an extensive period of renovation and refurbishment.

Doha is fast becoming one of the world’s top luxury shopping destinations with range of grand and unique malls, featuring high-end brands, select fashion labels and lifestyle boutiques. Highlights include the Pearl-Qatar, Galleries Lafayette and Place Vendome.

The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island near Doha’s prestigious West Bay District. Featuring Mediterranean-style, yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, villas and hotels, the area also offers a luxurious shopping experience with premium designer boutiques and showrooms.

The island is home to modern dining spots – from refreshing ice cream parlours, to five-star culinary experiences, and stands out for its pedestrian-friendly squares and plazas, along with its wide range of landscaped gardens.

Head out of the city and into the desert for a completely different experience. Qatar is home to the impressive Inland Sea, or Khor Al Adaid, a UNESCO-recognised site. Situated to the south of the city, the Inland Sea is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches into the desert.

Its beach features clear waters and fine sand, surrounded by miles of desert. Accessible only by 4X4, even getting to this haven is an adventure, as guests will pass Bedouin settlements and camels, before dune bashing over the sandy hills.

Qatar features an abundance of undiscovered experiences and varied itineraries suitable for every type of traveller, and is fast emerging as one of the most exciting global travel destinations.

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