Major Cities:
Doha:
The capital city, is situated on a calm bay halfway along the East Coast of the Qatar peninsula. It is inhabited by 83% of the population in both Doha and Rayan suburb. Doha is the commercial and cultural center of the country.
Al Wakrah:
A coastal small town situated half way between Doha and Mesaieed, A Wakrah is a thriving commercial and fishing centre. It is famous for its picturesque mosques, its booming fishing harbor and its traditional houses that reflect the old Islamic architectural style.
Alkhor:
Lies north of Qatar, 57km north of Doha. Until the early 1940s of the past century the town used to be a thriving port and pearl fishing center. Despite that other trades have started to replace those trades, the town teems with relics that testify to the town's venerable history. Its fine mosques, its museum that houses valuable archeological pieces and acquisitions and its historical towers are some examples of those relics.
Ras Laffan:
This 40 sq. km estate, which lies 85 km north of Doha, is the other purpose-built industrial city in the country. With the largest gas exportation seaport and gas liquefaction plants in the Gulf region, it is considered one of the biggest industrial cities in the world.
Mesaieed:
It's situated south east of the country. It is the center for heavy industry with a major seaport for oil explortation and a commercial seaport.
Madinat Al-Shamal:
Major Museums & Forts:
MUSEUMS
Qatar National Museum:
The museum lies on the eastern part of the Corniche. It displays the geological history of Qatar as well as a collection of Islamic artifacts and relics. There is also a maritime museum in which the fish wealth of Qatar is displayed, and a small lagoon where wooden traditional boats built in Qatar are moored.
Work hours: daily from 9 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 7 pm except Saturdays.
Tel. 44442191
Islamic Arts Museum:
Islamic Arts MuseumSituated on Doha Corniche, this museum houses a rare collection of Islamic artifacts made of clay, base metals, valuable metals, wood and glass; and has a library, a multipurpose hall and an educational section. It was opened at the end of 2008.
There are also a number of regional museums including:
Al Khor Museum:
Al Khor museum lies in Al Khor town about 57 km north of Doha. It is a two-storey building. The ground floor is assigned for anthropological life, while the upper floor hall is set for the display of excavation discoveries in Al Khor area.
Tel. 44721866
Al Wakrah Museum:
It lies in Al Wakrah town about 17 km from the capital and displays marine life and natural history materials.
Tel.44643201
Weaponry Museum:
The museum displays rare samples of swords, daggers and miscellaneous firearms and their accessories. It lies in Al Lagta area in the suburbs of Doha.
The Museums open from Sunday from 9 am to 12 noon and from 3 to 6 pm.
Tel. 44867473
Ethnographic Museum:
Situated on Grand Hamad Street, this building is the last remaining construction of its kind in Doha. It opens from Sunday through Tuesday from 9 am to 12 noon; on Fridays from 3 to 6 and closes on Saturdays. Entrance is free of charge.
Major Forts
Al Zubara Fort:
Al Zubara Fort lies 105km northwest of Doha. It is open for the public daily except on Fridays and Saturdays, and Entrance is free of charge.
Doha Fort (Al Koot):
It is one of the remaining military forts in Doha. It lies on Jassim Bin Mohammed Street and opens daily and the Entrance is free of charge.
Al Wajba Fort:
Situated 15 km south of Doha, Al Wajba Fort was built in the late 18th century or the early 19th century at the time of late sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani. It derives its historical importance from being the ground for a famous battle in which the Qatari people defeated the Ottoman forces in 1893, and from being the residence of Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani at various periods. The fort has rooms on the ground floor and upstairs and is well known for its four watchtowers. It was restored to its original state.
Umm Salal Muhammad Fort:
This fort lies in Umm Salal Mohammad area, 21 km from Doha. It is one of the residential forts that date back to the late 19th century.
Burzan tower:
Situated in Umm Salal Mohammed, the tower dates back to the late 19th century AD.
a modern town functioning as an administrative center for a number of coastal villages north of the country.
Dukhan:
It was developed following the discovery of oil in the surrounding fields.
Shahaniya:
It's situated 60km west of Doha and has a purpose-built camel racetrack. It is famous for camel races.
Tourist Attractions
Sealine Beach Resort:
Situated 55 km from the capital, the resort offers a large variety of rooms, villas and chalets - all overlooking the sea; alongside with many sports and recreational activities and a number of restaurants.
The charge for using the resort facilities and the swimming pool in week days is QR30 for adults and QR20 for children in weekdays; and QR50 for adults and QR30 for children on Thursdays and Fridays. Membership fee including tax is QR2500 per year for a family of 5 and QR1600 biannually for individuals. The standard room rates per day are as follows:
Weekends and holidays:
Room: QR875; Chalet for 4: QR1850; Villa: QR2650
Weekdays:
Room: QR650; Chalet for 4: QR1350; Villa: QR1950
Tel: 44765299
Fax: 44765298
Reservation: 44765233
Email
Al-Gharriyya Resort:
This resort lies on the waterfront of al-Gharriyya area in the north. It comprises a number of super deluxe villas, children playgrounds, a swimming pool and restaurants.
Tel: 44728000 / 44728888
Fax: 44728877
The Zoo:
The zoo lies 20 km from Doha on Salwa Road. It has a varied collection of animals, reptiles and birds as well as a mini amusement park for children. The zoo opens from 3 pm to 7 pm and closes on Saturdays. Entrance fees are QR2 for children and QR5 for adults.
Tel. 44585858
Al- Rumaila Park:
This park lies on Doha Corniche. It has grass areas, children rides, a popular market and restaurants. It opens around the clock and entrance is free of charge.
Tel. 44435348
Dahl El-Hamam Public Park:
Situated in KHhalifa Al-Shamalia, this public park contains several green lawns, passages for walking in addition to playgrounds for children. It is open for families free of charges.
Tel:44865097
Khor Al Udaid Beach:
This beach lies on the southeastern most part of the country, 78 km from Doha. This beautiful beach is distinguished by its fine sand dunes that can be as high as 40 meters in some locations. Other fine beaches include Fuwairit, Dukhan and others.
Al Jassasiya:
Al Jassasiya are a range of rocky hills overlooking the northeastern coast of the country between the two villages of Al Huwailah and Fuwairit. They are famous for their numerous stone carvings and engravings, some of which date back to prehistoric times.
Almaha Sanctuary:
This tourist attraction is established to protect Al Maha (oryx) the endangered desert antelope.
Hotels & Clubs
Qatar National Hotels Company (QNHC)
Established in 1993 and totally owned by the government of Qatar, QNHC holds possession of the assets of the former Qatar Hotels National Company, which was established in 1970. QNHC undertakes, in collaboration with the local and foreign private sector, the establishment of tourist attractions. It has several subsidiaries including Doha Sheraton Hotel and Resort, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Sealine Beach Resort, Golf Club, Tourist Transport Department, Qatar Holidays, and Qatar Limousine Services.
Tel: 44857777
1- Ritz Carlton Hotel:
5 stars
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Ritz Carlton Hotel has a magnificent waterfront view, a fine beach and a good location on the West Bay area, close to Doha Golf Club. It has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and squash courts in addition to leisure facilities and associated services, which are available for guests and visitors alike.
Tel: 44848000
Fax: 44848484
P. O. Box: 23400
e-mail:redoha@qatar.net.qa
2- Fareej Sharq Hotel and Resort:
5 stars
With 350 meters of beach line, the hotel is formed of 14 buildings made of natural stones and wood comprising 174 rooms and suites. It has a number of first class restaurants, high quality sports and recreational facilities including an exclusive spa, sports club and swimming pools overlooking a spectacular view of the sea.
Tel: 44256666
Fax: 44256660
P. O. Box: 26662
website:http://www.sharqvillage.com/
3- Doha Four Seasons Hotel:
5 stars
Doha Four Seasons Hotel is situated in the West Bay area close to the diplomatic area, Qatar International Exhibition Center, City Center Shopping Complex and Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. It has luxurious rooms and suites and enjoys a spectacular view on Doha Corniche.
Tel: 44948888
Fax: 44948282
P. O. Box: 24665
website:http://www.fourseasons.com/doha
4- Doha Grand Hayatt Hotel:
5 stars
Doha Grand Hyatt Hotel is overlooking the waterfront of the West Bay area. With an old style architectural building, it has 249 hotel rooms and 91 villas; and combines tranquility and hotel luxurious services. The hotel is only a few minutes drive away from the financial and commercial centre of the capital, the cultural and historical sites and Doha international airport.
Tel: 44481234
Fax: 44481235
P.O.Box: 24010
e-mail:doha.grand@hyatt.com
5- Doha Sheraton Hotel and Resort:
5 stars
Doha Sheraton is distinguished by its excellent location in the West Bay area and its spectacular pyramidal architecture, which makes it a landmark on Doha's skyline. The hotel provides a wide range of luxurious facilities to choose from including a fitness center, tennis and squash courts as well as a number of restaurants and cafes.
Tel: 44854444
Fax: 44832323
P. O. Box: 6000
website:http://www.sheraton-doha.com/
e-mail:sheraton.doha@sheraton.com
6- Doha Marriott Hotel:
5 stars
Doha Marriott Hotel lies close to the city center and adjacent to the sea. It has luxurious suites, a recreation and sports center and a wide choice of restaurants and cafes.
Tel: 44298888
Fax: 44418784
P. O. Box: 1911
website:http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dohmc-doha-marriott-hotel
e-mail:marriott@qatar.net.qa
7- Doha Intercontinental Hotel:
5 stars
This hotel is located in the West Bay Lagoon area next to Doha Golf Club, 10 minutes drive from town center. It offers luxurious rooms and suites as well as all other entertainment facilities.
Tel: 44844444
Fax: 44839555
P. O. Box: 6822
website:http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hotel/dohha?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/ic/1/en/hotelsearchresults
e-mail:doha@interconti.com
8- Grand Regency Hotel:
5 stars
Located in Al Sadd area, this hotel has a variety of rooms, suites, restaurants and halls.
Tel: 44343333
Fax: 44343444
P. O. Box: 22606
e-mail:info@grand-regency.com
9- Movenpick Tower & Suites Doha:
5 stars
Located in the west bay area, this hotel comprises an assortment of rooms, suites and restaurants and offers all relevant services.
Tel: 44966600
Fax: 44966610
P. O. Box: 22752
website:http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/pub/homepage.cfm
e-mail:tower.doha@moevenpick.com
10- Al Sultan Hotel and Resort:
5 stars
Situated in Al Khor town, Al Sultan hotel has 216 rooms, three classes of suites, a swimming pool and a number of restaurants.
Tel: 44722666
Fax: 44721472
P. O. Box: 5555
website:http://www.alsultanbeachresort.com/
e-mail:reservation@alsultanbeachresort.com
11- Millennuim Hotel:
5 stars
Located in Al Sadd neighborhood close to the markets area, this hotel comprises a diverse assortment of rooms, suites and restaurants.
Tel: 44247777
Fax: 44341774
P. O. Box: 24249
website:http://www.millenniumhotels.com/qa/millenniumdoha/index.html
e-mail:reservation.doha@mill-cop.com
12- La Cigale Hotel:
5 stars
Located in the district of Al Sadd, it contains many rooms and suites, French restaurants, a gymnasium equipped with the all sports machines in addition to one of the best health clubs in the world. It also offers its customers a variety of interesting services such as Moroccan bath and a coffee shop.
Tel: 44288888
Fax: 44288000
P. O. Box: 25555
website:http://www.lacigalehotel.com
e-mail:info@lacigalehotel.com
13- Oryx Rotana Hotel:
5 stars
Situated very close to Doha international airport, Oryx Rotana has 400 rooms and combines an assortment of contemporary and classic designs, decors and motifs.
Tel: 44402333
Email:res.oryx@rotana.com
Website:http://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/qatar/doha/oryxrotana
14- Mercure Grand Hotel:
4 stars deluxe
Located in the heart of the city's commercial center, this hotel has a number of rooms and suites and offers all hotel services.
Tel: 44462222
Fax: 44439186
P. O. Box: 7566
website:http://www.mercure.com
e-mail:mercuredoha@qatar.qa
15- Ramada Plaza Hotel:
5 stars
Located close to the city center, this hotel has luxurious rooms and suites and a recreational center with impressive leisure and sports facilities.
Tel: 44281428/44417417
Fax: 44410941
P. O. Box: 1768
website:http://www.ramadaplazadoha.com
e-mail:feedback@ramadaplazadoha.com
16- Movenpick Doha:
4 stars
This hotel has a number of comfortable rooms, suites and restaurants and offers a wide range of related facilities.
Tel: 44291111
Fax: 44291100
P. O. Box: 24220
website:http://www.movenpick-doha.com
e-mail:Hotel.doha@moevenpick.com
17- Al Bustan Hotel:
4 stars
Situated on Al Mathaf Street in the centre of the capital city of Doha, this hotel enjoys a spectacular view on Doha Corniche from some of its rooms.
Tel: 44328888
Fax: 44436111
P. O. Box: 955
e-mail:albustan@qatar.net.qa
18- Merweb Al-Sadd Hotel:
4-stars
Situated close to al Sadd commercial area, this hotel offers miscellaneous services at reasonable rates.
Tel: 44471111
Fax: 44471117
P. O. Box: 22201
website:http://www.merweb-hotel.com/
e-mail:info@merweb-hotel.com
19- Swiss-Belhotel Doha:
4-stars
Located in the middle of Doha, 8 km from the airport, Swiss-Belhotel contains 165 rooms, 78 suites, a health club equipped with the latest sports machines in addition to a big state-of-the-art meeting hall.
Tel: 44078888
Fax: 44078800
P.O. Box: 17522
website:http://doha.swiss-belhotel.com
e-mail:ressbdh@swiss-belhotel.com
20- Gloria Hotel-Doha:
4-stars
Situated in the heart of Doha and close to the city?s famous Al Corniche Street. The hotel features 167 guest rooms and suites, and number of restaurants.
Tel: 44236666
Fax: 44236222
website:http://www.gloriahotel-doha.com
e-mail:info@gloriahotel-doha.com
RECREATIONAL CLUBS
Recreational clubs offer their members a wide variety of sports and recreational facilities commensurate with the resources and equipment available in each individual club. Most major clubs are concentrated in Doha, the capital.
Al Dana Club:
Al Dana Club is situated inside Khalifa Complex for Tennis and Squash. Its clubhouse and premises feature the venerable architectural aesthetics of the Qatari heritage. It offers its members and guests many sports and recreational facilities such as outdoor and indoor tennis grounds, swimming pools and leisure services.
Tel: (974 )44960600/666
Fax: (974)44960633
P.O. Box: 7995
website:http://www.danaclub.com.qa
e-mail:info@danaclub.com.qa
The Diplomatic Club:
This prestigious club lies in the West Bay area and offers its members luxurious facilities such as a gymnasium for various sports activities, businessmen meeting hall and an all-purpose hall that can accommodate up to 400 people. There are also tennis and squash courts, a library, a beauty center and restaurants.
Tel: 44847444
Fax:44839001
website:http://www.thediplomaticclub.com/
e-mail:info@thediplomaticclub.com.qa
Doha Golf Club:
Due to its good location and spectacular services, boasts one of the finest golf grounds in the Middle East. This made it the focus of international attention and a suitable venue for Qatar Masters Golf Tournament, with entries from Japan, America and Europe.
Tel: 44832338
website:http://www.dohagolfclub.com
e-mail:dohagolf@qatar.net.qa
Equestrian Club:
The club has a grass track and a sand track as well as courts for camel and horse beauty contests and local championships. The club organizes the Emiri Sword event and Qatar International Desert Marathon.
Tel: 44805901
Al Ghazal Club:
The services of this club are limited to its QP members and their guests. Its facilities include a swimming pool, a tennis court, a basketball court, a soccer ground and a children playground.
Tel: 44401444
Shopping Malls
FIRST: TRADITIONAL MARKETS
Traditional markets lie in the city center. Their shops open early in the morning, close for noon recess and open again in the evening. They display incense, perfumes and spices; tailoring, embroidery and jewelry shops and most of the traditional craft shops and objects including the bishoot (men's cloaks), abayat (women's cloaks), swords, daggers, textile and various goods, in addition to traditional restaurants.
SECOND: CITY CENTRE MARKETS
These markets include Souq Faleh, Souq Al Aseeri, Souq Al Jabr, Souq Al Deerah and Souq Al Ahmed. They sell fabrics, clothes and small electrical goods and they open day and night.
THIRD: MODERN SHOPPING CENTRES
They include City Centre, The Mall, Land Mark, Hayatt Plaza, Royal Plaza, Al Mana Center, Al Muftah, Al Salam Plaza, Blue Saloon, Lulu Center, Center Point, Villaggio and others.
These centers sell various goods imported from America, Europe and East Asia and offer recreational facilities including restaurants, cafes, and cinema houses and children play areas. They open from 9 am to 10 pm.