What To Do in Qatar After the FIFA World Cup 2022

Tourism development in Qatar has accelerated as the country prepares for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which is expected to draw 1.2 million visitors in November. Those who plan to attend will have the opportunity to be among the first in the world to experience the country’s impressive new attractions. The West Bay North Beach Project is one of the most exciting additions, with six new beaches, restaurants, cafes, play areas, and a beachfront cycling track. Because of the excellent conditions, the coastal village of Fuwairit, an hour north of Doha, will even have a new kite beach resort designed specifically for kitesurfers.

And there will be plenty more to enjoy in one of the best places to visit in 2022. Even if you are unable to attend the main event, you may want to add Qatar to your must-see list after reading this extensive list of things to see and do.

#1 Sand Dune Safari – Doha

This sand dune safari starts just outside of Doha. “Dune bashing” is one of the most thrilling activities in the desert. This sand dune safari allows you to experience the vastness of the desert. Make it fast and bumpy for a more thrilling ride, or smooth if you prefer to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery. Many outfitters also offer the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the pale turquoise waters of the Inland Sea at Khor Al Udaid. The best outfitters will time your return so that you can see a breathtaking sunset over Doha.

#2 Doha Corniche Promenade

The Doha Corniche is a picturesque promenade in the West Bay of Doha that stretches nearly 4.5 miles across the Persian Gulf.

If you want to work out, there is even free public exercise equipment along the way. Most visitors, however, come to enjoy the people-watching and the breathtaking view.

Don’t forget your camera for the numerous photo opportunities, such as the Pearl Monument, a fountain sculpture that honors the country’s history of pearling, the primary industry prior to oil. It’s a massive open oyster with a pearl in its mouth that glows at night.

#3 Admire the National Museum of Qatar – Doha’s Magnificent Architecture and Glittering Jewels

The National Museum, one of Qatar’s newest museums, opened in March of 2019. It allows you to learn about the country’s rich heritage and culture. The architecturally stunning structure was inspired by the desert rose crystal, with many curves designed to accommodate the hot climate.

Learn more about the country by visiting interesting exhibits and taking photos of the magnificent structure. In three chapters, the 11 galleries tell the entire story of this must-see Middle Eastern destination: the beginnings, life in Qatar, and modern history.

The Pearl Carpet of Baroda is a highlight, thought to have been commissioned to shroud the hand-embroidered tomb of the Prophet Muhammad. It has 1.5 million pearls, sapphires, and diamonds in it.

#4 Explore the Souq Waqif in Doha

Doha’s Souq Waquif, or standing market, is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s a traditional market with winding alleyways and a sensory overload. There are also some modern cafes and restaurants nearby, as well as some of the most luxurious places to stay in Qatar.

It’s a one-of-a-kind cultural shopping experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture while also purchasing some one-of-a-kind items. Many of the small shops sell a variety of goods, including traditional Qatari clothing and handcrafted items, as well as custom-made perfumes, gold jewelry, and souvenirs. It even has a Falcon Souq where you can pose with a falcon perched on your arm or simply admire these magnificent birds up close.

#5 Taste Food from Around the World – Doha

Qatar has one of the most diverse gastronomic scenes in the region, thanks to a diverse mix of cultural influences.

It’s a foodie’s paradise, with Qatari, Malaysian, Filipino, Chinese, Nepalese, Mexican, American, and just about everything else imaginable.

You should try some of the country’s traditional cuisine. Machboos is a spiced rice dish with marinated fish or meat, such as lamb, beef, or chicken. As the national dish, it is available in nearly every restaurant. Delicious foods for all tastes are available everywhere, from food trucks and street vendors to celebrity-helmed Michelin-starred restaurants.

#6 Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum – Al-Shahaniya

The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is located about 14 miles west of Doha and houses the private collection of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, a distant relative of the country’s Emir.

This one-of-a-kind and fascinating collection includes everything from old cigarette packages and textiles to ancient religious books and even an Ottoman bomb from the 18th century. There’s also a house from Syria that had to be shipped here in pieces and then reassembled. Another section contains vintage cars from the United States and traditional pearling boats, totaling over 15,000 different artifacts.

When the Sheikh was only ten years old, he began collecting random objects while traveling.

#7 Doha Winter Wonderland offers thrills, sun, and sand

This is an island filled with amusement rides, carnival games, restaurants, seafront chalets, and beaches.

Doha Winter Wonderland, a welcome respite from the heat, is one of Qatar’s most anticipated new attractions. You won’t even need to dress warmly for the winter. It will take off from an island with beautiful beaches and temperatures in the mid-70s. Fifty amusement park rides, including a giant Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and bumper cars, will be included. Tiny tots will have a great time as well.

#8 Visit Al Zubara Fort

The most important feature of the UNESCO-listed Al Zubara Archaeological Site is Al Zubara Fort, which is known as one of the finest examples of the region’s 18th- to 19th-century settlements. The fort’s over three-foot-thick walls aided in repelling invaders and keeping the rooms cool during the hot summers.

Mosques, residential palaces, courtyard homes, fishermen’s huts, cemeteries, a canal, and a harbor are also part of the fascinating site.

While the fort is the most recent addition, having been built in 1938, the ruins date back to the 18th century.

#9 The Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar’s most important cultural landmark, displays 1,400-year-old Islamic art from three continents. It is the world’s largest collection of its kind. It is built like a post-modern fortress on its own island off the Corniche promenade, with a few windows to help reduce energy consumption.

There are five floors of artifacts, including magnificent pots, glittering jewels, swords, daggers, and a full set of armor.

The view of the Persian Gulf and the city skyline across the water is worth the trip in and of itself.

#10 Qetaifan North Island’s Waterpark – Lusail

This is the first “Entertainment Island” in Qatar. What better way to unwind than at a fun water park? Qetaifan Island North, located just 12 miles north of Dohan’s city center, will be close to Lusail Stadium, which will host the final of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, making it easy for fans to access. It will feature beach clubs, floating hotels, and a water park with more than a dozen rides.

The Icon Tower, a 279-foot-high slide that will be the highest of its kind in the world, will be among the rides. It will be located on its own man-made island just offshore, accessible by train. For an even greater variety of experiences, the island’s water features will also include tube, body, and raft rides.

Plan your vacation to Qatar and book a hotel room in Doha

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