Visiting Qatar: Sights to see

The iconic landmark of Qatar is the Aspire Tower.

It is impossible not to notice the Aspire Tower, located in the Sports City complex in Doha, and it deserves to be a symbol of Qatar. The 318-meter structure is shaped like a torch. It can be seen from every corner of Doha.

The surface of the tower is made of thousands of LED lights. When it glows, from the outside it looks like it is wrapped in a bright wrap.

The Souq Waqif: Traditional Market

As a shopping center, the lively alleys of the traditional Souk Waqif bazaar unequivocally show what the local culture, architecture and history of Qatar originally looked like.

Various small stores gather here, selling a variety of goods such as spices, dates, nuts and other Middle Eastern delicacies, perfumes, jewelry, clothing and handmade souvenirs.

Visitors can relax and immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere while enjoying the traditional music, art and cultural performances seen throughout the market. Restaurants and cafes serve traditional Qatari cuisine as well as Asian and North African dishes.

There are also art galleries, a traditional eagle and falcon market, a visitor center, etc., and the Bismillah Hotel, Qatar's first hotel built in the 1950s, is also located in the market. The best time to visit here is in the evening, when the afterglow of the setting sun falls on the entire city and illuminates the nearby mosque.

The Katara Cultural Village and its amphitheater opened in 2010. They arose from the positioning of the country of Qatar as a beacon of culture and a beacon of artistic and cultural exchanges. The Cultural Village has a theater, two mosques, an art gallery, and venues for concerts, performances and exhibitions throughout the year.

One of the most famous events held here is the Doha Film Academy's Youth Film Festival, held each November. There are also indoor and outdoor film screenings year-round.

The impressive amphitheater is a treasure of the cultural village. The design combines the characteristics of a classical Greek theater with traditional Islamic architecture and seats over 5,000 people.

The Cultural Village is located near the Pearl of Qatar. It is surrounded by a public beach with good ecology, a variety of water sports and fine restaurants where you can enjoy a meal.

Camel race.

Professional camel racing is traditionally known as the sport of sheikhs, and the Qatari camel track is located in the northern desert about an hour's drive from the capital Doha. The track hosts domestic and international competitions every Friday from October through February, and the biggest competitions will take place in March and April, when participants compete for the coveted Golden Sword award.

During the competition, camels are donned in colorful racing costumes and are instructed by remote-controlled robots. This unique combination of traditional and modern technology has become a symbol of Qatar's events program, allowing locals and tourists alike to watch this interesting and exciting event.

Al Zubarah.

Azubala was once a prosperous coastal city in the Persian Gulf. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries it was a major pearl harvesting area and trading center. After being destroyed in 1811 it was abandoned in the early 20th century. Today it is one of the best preserved old 18th- and 19th-century settlements in the area.

After careful restoration, Azubala Fortress was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 2013, which is also Qatar's first World Cultural Heritage site. Visitors can now get a deep insight into the history of the Gulf region before the discovery of oil and natural gas, as well as the former Qatar.

Sunset Cruise on the Dau.

Qatar is surrounded by the sea on three sides, so take a traditional wooden boat called Dau to explore the calm waters of the Persian Gulf and experience the Qatari tradition of sailing.

Daus generally have thin hulls and have played an important role in Qatar's trade history. They are mainly used to carry heavy items such as fruit, fresh water or goods.

The traditional hull is decorated with dreamy lighting and guests can admire the Doha landscape while enjoying the barbecue buffet prepared on board.

Half-day, full-day and sunset cruises are available, which visitors can book through their hotel or any local travel agency in Doha.

Earlier in "Getting to Know Qatar," we learned about several other attractions in this wonderful country.