Tourism development has increased exponentially in Qatar as the country prepares for November’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which is expected to attract 1.2 million visitors. Those who plan to attend will have the chance to be some of the world’s first to experience the country’s impressive new attractions. One of the most exciting additions is the West Bay North Beach Project, which will feature expanded offerings with six new beaches, restaurants, cafes, play areas, and a beachfront cycling track. The coastal village of Fuwairit, an hour north of Doha, will even have a new kite beach resort designed explicitly for kitesurfers, thanks to the excellent conditions there. And there’s plenty more that will be on offer in one of 2022’s best places to visit. Even if you cannot make it to the big event, you may still want to put Qatar on your must-visit list after reading this long list of things to see and do.

Wander Through the Souq Waqif - Doha

What Is It?: The Souq Waquif, or standing market, is one of the most popular attractions in Doha. It’s a traditional market with winding alleyways and a total feast for the senses. You’ll also find some modern cafes and restaurants there too, as well as some of the most luxurious places to stay in Qatar nearby.

Why Do It?: It’s a unique cultural shopping experience, offering the chance to soak up the local culture and perhaps buy some unique items. Many of the small shops offer a wide range of goods from traditional Qatari clothing and handcrafted items to custom-made perfumes, gold jewelry, and souvenirs. It’s even home to a Falcon Souq where you can pose with a falcon perched on your arm or just enjoy seeing these majestic birds up close.

Good to Know: Guided walking tours through the Souq are available through multiple outfitters.

Winter Winterland Doha, Qatar

Enjoy Thrills, Sun, and Sand at Doha Winter Wonderland - Doha

What Is It?: An island with amusement rides, carnival games, eateries, seafront chalets, and beaches.

Why Do It?: A perfect escape from the heat, Doha Winter Wonderland is one of the most highly anticipated of Qatar’s newest attractions. And you won’t have to bundle up in warm winter clothing either. It will launch on an island with beautiful beaches and temperatures in the pleasant mid-70s. Fifty amusement park rides will be included, including a giant Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and bumper cars. Tiny tots will have plenty to enjoy too.

Good to Know: This 50-acre venue will open in advance of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, providing fun and excitement before and after the event.

Qetaifan Island North Water Park, Qatar

Make a Big Splash at Qetaifan North Island's Waterpark - Lusail

What Is It?: Qatar’s first “Entertainment Island.”

Why Do It?: What better way to cool off than with a fun water park? Qetaifan Island North, just 12 miles north of Dohan’s city center, will be located near Lusail Stadium, where the final of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be held, making it easy for fans to access. It will include beach clubs, floating hotels, and a water park with three dozen rides.

Good to Know: Rides will include the Icon Tower, a 279-foot-high slide set to be the highest of its kind in the world. It will sit on its own man-made island just offshore and accessed via a train. Water features on the island will also include tube, body, and raft rides for an even greater variety of experiences.

Dune bashing in Qatar

Take a Sand Dune Safari - Doha

What Is It?: A sand dune safari that begins just outside of Doha.

Why Do It?: One of the biggest thrills you can enjoy in the desert is “dune bashing.” This sand dune safari allows you to experience the desert’s vastness. Make it fast and bumpy for a more roller coaster-like ride or smooth if you prefer to relax and soak up the incredible scenery. Many outfitters offer the chance to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pale turquoise waters of the Inland Sea at the settlement of Khor Al Udaid too.

Good to Know: The best outfitters will time it so that you can witness a breathtaking sunset over Doha on your return.

Al Zubara Fort

Visit Al Zubara Fort - Al Zubara

What Is It?: Al Zubara Fort is the most important feature of the UNESCO-listed Al Zubara Archaeological Site, known as one of the finest examples of the region’s 18th- to 19th-century settlements. The over three-foot-thick walls of the fort helped to ward off invaders and keep the rooms cooler during the hot summers.

Why Do It?: The fascinating site also includes mosques, residential palaces, courtyard homes, fishermen’s huts, cemeteries, a canal, and a harbor.

Good to Know: While the fort is the youngest feature, built in 1938, the ruins date back to the 18th century.

Sample food from across the globe

Sample Food From Across the Globe - Doha

What Is It?: With a broad mix of cultural influences, Qatar has one of the most diverse gastronomic scenes in the region.

Why Do It?: It’s a foodies’ paradise with practically an endless number of options that include Qatari, Malaysian, Filipino, Chinese, Nepalese, Mexican, American, and just about everything else imaginable.

Good to Know: You’ll want to sample some of the country’s own traditional fare. That includes Machboos, a spiced rice dish with marinated fish or meat like lamb, beef, or chicken. As the national dish, nearly every restaurant offers it. Tasty foods for every palate can be found everywhere, from food trucks and street vendors to celebrity-helmed Michelin-star eateries.

Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar

Explore the World's Largest Collection of Islamic Art at the Museum of Islamic Art - Doha

What Is It?: Qatar’s most important cultural landmark, the Museum of Islamic Art, displays Islamic art from three continents that spans some 1,400 years. It’s the largest collection of its kind in the world. It sits on its own island off the Corniche promenade, built like a post-modern fortress with a few windows to help reduce energy use.

Why Do It?: There are five floors filled with artifacts, including spectacular pots, glittering jewels, swords, daggers, and a complete set of armor.

Good to Know: The view over the Persian Gulf and the city skyline across the water are worth the visit alone.

Corniche Promenade in Doha, Qatar

Stroll the Doha Corniche Promenade - Doha

What Is It?: The Doha Corniche is a picturesque promenade that stretches nearly 4.5 miles across the Persian Gulf in the West Bay.

Why Do It?: If you want to work out, there is even exercise equipment free for public use along the way. But most visitors come to enjoy the people-watching and a dazzling view.

Good to Know: Don’t forget your camera for the many photo-ops like the Pearl Monument, a fountain sculpture that pays homage to the country’s history of pearling, the primary industry before oil. It’s a giant open oyster with a pearl in its mouth that lights up after dark.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, Qatar

Check Out the Fascinatingly Unique Exhibits at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum - Al-Shahaniya

What Is It?: Located about 14 miles west of Doha, the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is the private collection of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, a distant relative of the country’s Emir.

Why Do It?: This unique and fascinating collection includes everything from old cigarette packages and textiles to ancient religious books and even an 18th-century bomb that belonged to the Ottomans. There’s a house from Syria, too, which had to be shipped here piece by piece and then put back together again. Another section includes vintage cars from the U.S. and traditional pearling boats, with over 15,000 different artifacts in total.

Good to Know: The Sheikh started the collection when he was just 10, gathering random objects during his travels.

The Mangroves of Al Thakira

Paddle Through the Mangroves of Al Thakira - Al Khor

What Is It?: The Mangroves of Al Thakira are a lush oasis that provides a unique ecosystem as one of the country’s oldest and largest mangrove forests, surprisingly found just a short distance from the industrial city of Al Khor.

Why Do It?: The mangroves are one of the few plants endemic to Qatar. They’re a hardy species that can tolerate the high salinity that the Persian Gulf is known for. Filled with bird life, flamingos and herons have been migrating to this area for years.

Good to Know: The best way to enjoy the mangroves is to take a kayak tour or rent a kayak and explore on your own.

National Museum of Qatar

Marvel at Magnificent Architecture and Glittering Jewels at the National Museum of Qatar - Doha

What Is It?: One of the newest museums in Qatar, the National Museum opened in March of 2019. It provides the opportunity to learn about the country’s rich heritage and culture. Architecturally stunning, the building was inspired by the desert rose crystal, with its many curves designed to take the hot climate into account.

Why Do It?: Learn more about the country through interesting exhibits and capture a photo of the magnificent building. The 11 galleries portray the entire story of this must-visit Middle East destination in three chapters: the beginnings, life in Qatar, and modern history.

Good to Know: The Pearl Carpet of Baroda is a highlight, believed to have been commissioned to shroud the Prophet Muhammad’s hand-embroidered tomb. It includes 1.5 million pearls, sapphires, and diamonds.

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