Doha (population 370,000) is the capital of Qatar, located on the Persian Gulf. Major industries are oil and fishing. Located near Doha is Education City, an area devoted to research and education.
The city was founded as Al-bida in 1850. The city became the capitol of the British protectorate Qatar in 1916. The Al Wajbah fort is in the southwestern part of the city and was build by al Rayyan in 1882. This fort witnessed the famous battle where the people of Qatar under the leadership of Sheikh Qassim beat the Ottomns in 1893. The Al Kout fort was built in 1917 by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Qassim Al-Thani and lies in the center of the city. In 1949 the city began exporting oil. The Government House opened in 1969 and is considered the nation's most prominent landmarks. In 1971 it became the capitol of the independent Qatar. The Doha University opened in 1973. The National Museum of Qatar (currently closed for renovations) opened in 1975 which was originally the palace for the ruler in 1912.
Doha is Qatar’s cultural and commercial heart. The State of Qatar is an Emirate, lead by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The country is an Arabic/Islamic society. The country obeys the Islamic laws and culture in all aspects of society.
Just like other cities in the Persian Gulf Region, Doha is an intriguing mixture of old and new. You will find fine modern architecture next to traditional Arabic Souqs (bazaars) and more than 260 mosques (the multiple-domed Grande Mosque is, in fact, the largest). The harbor is still a thriving international port well equipped for modern commerce. The traditional Dhow harbor is a favored attraction. The western style nightlife in Doha is centralized only in the international hotels. Here we find state of the art bars and discotheques. Local nightlife is found in traditional shi-sha places and coffee houses. The shi-sha is the Arabian water pipe; very popular amongst local people and foreigners. Not to forget, Qatar is the home base for Al Jazeera Media, the famous Arabian news station. |
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| The ship is scheduled to dock at Doha Port, a distance of 10-15 minutes from the town center. Silversea will provide shuttle service to the City Center Shopping Mall as taxis are generally not available at the port. Note: All guests going ashore in Doha, will attend local passport control, which may be time consuming. |
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| Doha is full of wonderful shopping opportunities. While there are not many locally produced crafts, Doha is full of souqs and shopping malls for your delight. One of the joys of shopping in Doha’s traditional souqs is that the shopkeepers generally take the time to mingle with their customers, whether purchasing or just browsing. Despite some crowds, the souqs are a safe place to visit and bargaining is expected. The souqs are generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. One of the largest of the Middle East’s shopping palaces is the City Center Shopping Mall. With 350 shops, tented architecture, marble flooring and glass elevators leading to an ice-skating rink, bowling alleys and climbing walls, it is more of an event than a destination. The local currency is the Qatari rial and U.S. Dollars are widely accepted. |
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| There is a staggering diversity of cuisine - from French to Indian, Italian, Japanese and Mexican, to name just a few. Even fast food is available – from burgers and pizzas to fish and chips. |
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Other Sites
Al-Corniche
The highlight of Doha is unquestionably the Corniche. Doha Bay was carefully constructed with landfill to make an attractive crescent, along which runs a charming area of shaded footpaths, cycling tracks, the Al-Bandar restaurant complex, the famous Pearl Monument, moored dhows, a park and enchanting views.
Heritage House
Formerly an ethnographic museum, this restored Heritage Museum, was built in 1935 and offers the best view of the badghir (wind tower). It is no longer officially open to the public, however, the friendly Qatari employees of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture who now occupy the building are sure to let you in, if you express an interest.
Doha Fort
Built during the Turkish occupation in the 19th century, the interior of this fort consists of a large, paved courtyard, which acts as an impromptu forum for local sheyba (old men) to chew over the day’s problems. The exhibits are somewhat neglected, but while Qatar National Museum remains closed for renovation, this is the only opportunity for visitors to view a wide range of traditional Qatari activities, such as weaving, woodcarving, modern paintings and other local crafts. |
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