Doha - An Emerging Middle Eastern Gem

I had the pleasure of being invited to Doha recently on a FAM Trip and was extremely fortunate to have been shown around this incredible city.

For those wishing to visit a brand new destination or just looking for a short stopover, a great city to consider is Doha, Qatar’s enticing capital. In height of recent developments and sporting investments in this Middle Eastern country, there’s also an extensive past time to explore and discover.

You can fly to Doha with the Qatari national flag carrier, Qatar Airways. This award-winning airline flies direct daily to the Qatari capital from six UK airports including London Heathrow, Manchester & Cardiff. Qatar Airways was awarded the World's Best Airline 2019 at the SkyTrax Awards, so you can be sure to experience a comfortable journey along with warm and friendly service.

Doha is filled with luxury hotels and resorts scattered across the city. A personal recommendation would be the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. This charming hotel is centrally located in the heart of Doha’s city centre and has a wide range of indulgent dining options and leisure facilities to keep you entertained. If you prefer more of a beach escape, then Sharq Village & Spa, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel is another great option to consider.

The best way to explore Doha is through a city tour. From £48 per person, you can book a 2 day pass on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. This popular guided tour runs daily between 9am - 6pm and covers up to 21 sites throughout the city. If you prefer to sightsee at your own pace, I would recommend a pleasant stroll down the Corniche or through The Pearl, a man-made island located just north of the city. In the evening, you could embark on a traditional Qatari Dhow Cruise to learn about the country’s fishing and pearl-diving traditions.

There are also many cultural sites throughout Doha which are worth a visit. The National Museum of Qatar not only has great exhibits illustrating the proud history of Qatar, but also has stunning architecture; it was created by French architect Jean Nouvel. The Museum of Islamic Art is also great for discovering centuries of fascinating history. This museum displays tapestries, paintings, exhibits and ceramics ranging from different time periods and regions across the world. You can also enjoy a peaceful lunch in the museum’s café and end your tour with some stunning views of the West Bay skyline.

A trip to the Middle East isn’t complete without a desert safari. Set off into the desert for a fun-packed afternoon of dune bashing adventures before arriving at the national treasure Khor Al Adaid, the Inland Sea. Take in the breath-taking nature and wildlife before setting off to a desert camp for a late afternoon lunch and some leisurely downtime. Just picture it, relaxation and leisure time in the heart of the desert.

You can almost feel yourself step back in time when you visit the Souq Waqif, a major attraction of Doha. This colourful souq is a very traditional Arabian market located in the heart of the city. Walking around the bustling street vendors with the senses of the spices, fruits and perfumes gives you a very customary and friendly local experience. You may even secure yourself a bargain or two!

I definitely recommend visiting Doha as a stopover or short city break. Brightsun Travel offers a fantastic stopover package with Qatar Airways. From as little as £80pp, you can enjoy a two night stopover in Doha when you fly with Qatar Airways to an onward destination. For more information on how to book your stopover package, please contact a member of our team.