Get Into Magic! Doha is definitely also a city of superlatives that surpasses itself. Due to the oil and gas discoveries, Qatar today has the second highest per capita income in the world and is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. Despite this Qatar has never lost sight of its cultural heritage.

Skyline of Doha and Westbay

Westbay is the business district of Doha and is home to most of the city’s hotels.

Unlike Dubai, for example, it is not about building the largest buildings. Rather, the architects try to outdo each other with unusual shapes and conjure the most beautiful building into the skyline.

The Westbay is most beautiful from the opposite bank near the Museum of Islamic Art. From there you have the best view of the skyline.

Souq Waqif

The Souq Waqif has been the central market in Qatar for more than 100 years and is a place where you can meet locals. Only about 15 percent of the two million inhabitants of Qatar are actually Qatari citizens.

Even if the Souq Waqif has been on its back for some years now, the market is of course nicely dressed up. Compared to the big markets in Egypt, Morocco or Istanbul, things are extremely quiet here.

But you can also stroll relaxed through the alleys, because the dealers are really very reserved here.

The falcon market in the Souq Waqif is particularly exciting. The proud hunting birds often cost five or six-digit amounts and are treated by their owners like their own children.

The Pearl

Like we haven’t seen enough superlatives already. No, Qatar is still going for it.

The Pearl is an artificial island. Where a few years ago there was still water, land was piled up on an area of 400 football fields and living space was created for more than 30,000 people. Awesome!

One of the neighborhoods on The Pearl is indeed a reflection of the city of Venice. If it weren’t so clean, quiet and a little sterile, you could actually feel a little like Italy.

As soon as Little Venice is finished, gondolas will be installed in the canals. If the Kataris do something, then really.

The Pearl is a pure residential area and otherwise not very interesting for tourists. If you have a little more time, a side trip is definitely worth it.

Desert Tour and Dunebashing

Qatar is not just Doha. Well, actually it is. Around it there are some smaller cities and a lot of sand.

An excursion into the desert is therefore part of a complete visit to Qatar. With an all-wheel jeep we go up and down the dunes to the border to Saudi Arabia.

It’s fun to ride the jeep up the dunes and slide down on the other side, but it’s not for people with a weak stomach.

If you like to get sick while driving a car, then a desert tour is not for you.

Enjoy your trip to Doha!