Fun things to do in Doha

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Old Doha is dominated by Souk Waqif and its traditional style architecture. Large parts in this area have low-rise buildings from the second half of the 20th century. However, there are a couple of modern buildings in old style which fit well into this part of Doha and are worth seeing from an architectural point of view.

- KDF Islamic Cultural Centre (Fanar)

This instituation offers Arabic language lessons, religious forums and cultural lectures. Fanar is open to non-muslims as well and welcomes anyone intersted in Qatari culture and Islam. Of course, a mosque is integrated in this building as well which is currently the largest mosuqe in Qatar. I didn't take part in any of the activities, but still admire the building for its spiral shaped minaret. It was modelled after a thousand year old mosque in Samarra, Iraq.

- Al Qebab Mosque

This beautiful building makes a good photo motive, especially at night when it is well illuminated. Unfortunately, I can't say a lot about its history and I am still trying to find out, if this mosque was the one which replaced a similar building in 2008/2009 or if that was the large Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque.

- Museum of Islamic Art

Designed by I.M. Pei and finished in 2008, the building is surely an eyecatcher and a magnificent blend of modern and traditional styles. See my separate tip abou the museum for more information.

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The clock tower close to the Amiri Diwan Mosque and the Emir's Palace. Built in the early 1960s, it blends Victorian and Islamic style and is a heritage from the British Protectorate era. Note the arabic numbers on the dial. The clock tower formerly stood on a roundabout, now the area is a little quieter and the clock tower shares a big square with the mosque. Clock toower, Grand Mosque and Emir's Palace are located on an elevation and offer you a good view on the Corniche and old Doha.

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This is a prime example for a martial monument which can be found in this region and they remind on a similar monument under which Saddam Hussein held military parades long time ago in Baghdad. However, Qatar is a peaceful country so that this monument intends to rather symbolise strenghth than agression. On each side of Grand Hamad Street, you will see a hand holding a sword while both swords are crossed severel metres above the street. The nearby junction is better known by its nickname „Crossed Sword Junction“ while Grand Hamad Street is better known as Bank Street as it is the main axis of old Doha's financial quarter.

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Al Koot Fort was built in 1880 during the Ottoman rule. Once a military fort defending Doha, now it is in the middle of the old town close to the touristy Souk Waqif. Al Koot fort was used in unti 1970 when it was coverted into a museum for the first time. During that reconstruction, a large part of the original architecture was destroyed. As of 2012, the fort is under refurbishment and many of these lost features are being reconstructed. It will become a museum showing old crafts and local traditions. In the meanwhile, the neighbouring structures are used to keep horses and camels which gives you a chance to see those animals in central Doha.

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Located at the Aspire Zone, just behind the Villagio Mall, is this sprawling park covering an area of 88 Hectares. It is at present the biggest park in Doha with huge lush green lawns and a surprisingly large lake.

There is also an overhead fountain or shower fountain that begins on one side of the bridge and flows on the other side and if one walks through the bridge, small drizzles of water fall on you from the fountain.

The presence of lake and the green lawns makes it a cool and cozy place for picnics. It also has a hill and children will have a great time running up and down out there.

Another interesting thing to note in the park is the ‘Pot’ shaped trees, grown scattered around the park. You will not find these trees anywhere else in Qatar….I have come across several of them in Cuba.

Facilities of a Walking track, Kids’ play zone, Lake Area, and Café/Restaurant are what a visitor can enjoy here.

Recently the Aspire Park has introduced as a means of pleasure, carriages pulled by horses. This ride is open to the public three days a week (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) from 04:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m. Free Wi-fi access is available in Aspire park.

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I won't lie - there is little in the financial district that is likely to keep you for long, unless you are here for one of the hotels or to go to a restaurant or club inside a hotel. Nevertheless, the financial district provides visitors with great architectural eye-candy that is definitely worth a drive through the centre. The premier building is the Tornado Tower, which is an oddly-shaped building, not unlike an elongated breast with a very pointy nipple. Apart from the Tornado Tower, though, there are dozens of skyscrapers that feature slanted and off-kilter walls, materials that provide an intense shine, and impossible shapes taked onto or cut out of entire buildings. The best time to go for a spin is at night, along the Corniche, when you will have an excellent view of all the buildings lit up for the night.

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Qatar may be officially called the State of Qatar, but it is effectively an Emirate, ruled by the current Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Emir has promised, on numerous occasions, to deepen democratic institutions and to hold limited consultative processes since the bloodless coup that brought him to power in 1995, but so far nothing has been achieved. Instead, he continues to rule by relying on unelected members of his Diwan, or court, which represents the country’s various tribal, religious, economic and social interests. These representatives work in the Diwan emiri, which is located in the historic centre of Doha, near the Waqif Souq. The building is a massive structure that seems to have been a (failed) blend of traditional Arab elements with monumental Arab ones. I would not suggest trying to get a picture of from too close up (you are likely to be arrested), but then again I doubt that there is much to interest anyone in a large number of shots of the building.

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There’s really not much to say about the multipurpose hall at Katara, except that I loved its structure. As a multipurpose hall, it is necessary an ambiguous institution, intended to house wandering and itinerant exhibitions and events. Nevertheless, whoever thought to design it as a bean pot evidently had a sense of humour, using this gigantic piece of kitchenware as a metaphor for the bubbling intellectual and creative energies that Katara is meant to encourage.