Cruises to Doha

Doha is a city on the ascent. The Qatari capital isn’t as well-known as some of its big city neighbours on the Arabian Peninsula; the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi still hold position at the forefront of people’s minds when they think of the region. But that is all about to change, because this city is ready to be noticed.

Doha is paving its own way to the future, with skyscrapers sprouting out of the ground like palm trees at a desert oasis. So while it is in a state of development, the city is still relatively small, which is fantastic for those visiting for short periods of time because major sights like museums, galleries and souks are only a short distance from each other.

The beating heart of Doha is perhaps Souk Waqif. This market is a place where you can really feel tradition come to life. During the day it’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll through as you take in the intoxicating smells of spices and perfumes, the sights of ornate jewellery and antiques and, of course, you’ll be able to practice your haggling skills. But it is at night when the market really comes to life and it is the perfect place to grab a delicious meal and soak up the local culture.

The stunning Museum of Islamic Art can be found by the dock and is the perfect blend of traditional Islamic history and modern architecture. Including artefacts dating back 14 centuries, the collections feature paintings, glass and metalwork, ceramics and textiles from some of the most important periods in Islamic history.

It is comforting to know that while this rapid development is taking place in the city, it is not forgetting its traditions and history. So while Doha is taking great strides to create a future, it is definitely keeping one foot firmly in its past.