Despite its ancient desert heritage, Doha is a strikingly modern city. It’s a place where gleaming skyscrapers rise beside a picturesque corniche. For those jetting into Doha with our Partner Qatar Airways, here are our top five recommendations to make the most of your stay.

Formula One has only raced at the Lusail International Circuit three times, but the venue on the outskirts of Qatar’s capital, Doha, is well known to motorsport fans as a long-standing MotoGP circuit. F1 made its debut there in 2021, took a year off for the FIFA World Cup, and returned in 2023, with a Sprint race held on each of its visits to the Gulf state - including this coming weekend.

Go shopping at Souq Waqif

For a glimpse into Doha’s past, head to the winding alleyways of Souq Waqif, a bustling marketplace that captures the essence of the old trading port. Here you can bargain for everything from aromatic spices and handwoven textiles to intricate jewellery, perfumes and handicrafts. The souq is also home to a number of cafés and restaurants serving up local favourites and is easily accessible via the city’s modern metro system.

Explore the Museum of Islamic Art

Just a short walk from Souq Waqif along the scenic waterfront promenade lies one of Doha’s architectural masterpieces - the Museum of Islamic Art. Situated on its own man-made island, the museum was designed by I.M. Pei, best known for the Louvre’s glass pyramid in Paris. Inside, four floors of galleries showcase centuries of Islamic creativity, from ancient scrolls to ornate ceramics, jewellery and textiles drawn from the Middle East and beyond.

Enjoy a cruise on a dhow

While you’re near the corniche, take the opportunity to appreciate Doha’s dramatic skyline aboard a traditional wooden dhow. Once used to transport goods across the Persian Gulf, these graceful sailing vessels now offer leisurely cruises around Doha Bay. Book in advance to enjoy sweeping views of the glittering skyline at sunset.

Venture out on a desert safari

When it’s time to escape the city lights, swap the highway for sand dunes with a desert safari across the Qatari peninsula. Experienced guides can take you by 4x4 deep into the dunes, some of which can reach heights of over 40 metres, for an exhilarating off-road adventure. To the south of the country lies Qatar’s famous inland sea, where the desert meets the edge of the water. You can opt for a day excursion, or extend the experience with an overnight stay at a luxury resort.

Discover the National Museum of Qatar

Designed by the acclaimed architect Jean Nouvel, the National Museum of Qatar is a stunning example of contemporary design. This structure is inspired by the desert rose, a crystal formation found in the Qatari landscape. Inside, you can enjoy the immersive exhibits that trace Qatar’s history from ancient roots to its rapid transformation into a modern, global hub. The museum features a blend of artefacts, interactive installations and multimedia displays to tell the nation’s journey from past to present.