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Little did I think that my visit to Qatar would surprise me—what I absolutely didn’t expect was to be stunned!
Qatar had always been described to me as an open expanse of dust and sparse buildings, with little greenery and not much to do. That impression was only reinforced decades ago during a brief transit in Doha. I can hear you say that no one is wowed by the view from an airport tarmac, but think Malaga!
I’d heard from multiple sources that Qatar had since undergone a transformation and remember reading articles about the impressive transformation for the 2022 World Cup. Still, nothing prepared me for the actual experience.
I had expected the sheer size of the airport, brimming with designer stores, and the immaculately manicured roads on our drive from the airport. I’d been told about these things and was ready for them.
But it was only when we arrived at Msheireb that it truly hit me—Doha is Disney's Epcot on steroids!
Take Msheireb, for instance: a meticulously planned area with a theme centered on the future and sustainability—shades of Tomorrowland in Epcot anyone? Water is woven into the city's identity reflecting its history as a "place to drink water." The district is subtly adorned with cooling water features that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Then there’s Souq Waqif, which feels like one of Epcot’s marketplace replicas at a much larger scale. This sprawling venue has a dreamy, laid-back vibe. Unlike the aggressive markets back home in India, only the occasional vendor beckoned us to browse their wares.
I happily purchased from the dazzling array of spices but managed to resist the allure of the gold stores (a feat of willpower I’m certain my husband celebrated quietly).
Moving on to the World Showcase featured in Epcot - West Bay felt like a mini New York, with its sleek and elegant architecture. Pearl Island, on the other hand, gave me Las Vegas vibes. Perhaps it’s the Venice-inspired Qanat Quarter that gave me that impression. I must clarify, though, that unlike Vegas, the Pearl is pristine and polished. And, again unlike Vegas, it’s a place I could happily visit every month if it were just a $200 roundtrip away.
I’ll spare you my detailed thoughts on the dozen opulent hotels I had the chance to explore—except for one. Raffles. The Cigar Lounge in Raffles is my idea of heaven, and I will absolutely use it as the blueprint for paradise if ever I am consulted on such matters.
With over 40,000 books (including rare first editions!), it seems to be an appropriate choice for my new home—just as soon as I win the lottery. Admittedly, the odds are bleak, but I plan to mitigate that by actually starting to buy tickets. I’ll also make one small adjustment: relocate the cigars that lend their name to the lounge. The beautiful bottles of fine liquor, however, can stay right where they are. I’m more than willing to take on the responsibility of reducing their numbers personally.
Qatar offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained. The dune bashing experience was truly out of this world! The exhilaration of the ride was matched only by the sheer beauty of the landscape and the awe I felt when I stepped out to walk (barefoot) in those breathtaking sand dunes.
Katara Cultural Village, with its stunning amphitheater and beautifully designed mosques, is absolutely worth a visit. Equally enchanting is the picturesque MIA district, especially in the evening when it truly comes alive.
I had only a few minutes to browse the fish market, Chabrat Al Mina, which immediately reminded me of the mercados in Spain. For reasons I can’t quite explain, I have a fondness for fish markets—a sentiment my father, with his notable antipathy toward them, definitely doesn’t share. Heads-up to my friends with whom we went searching for that particular fish in Riviera Maya—this market was well stocked with kingfish!
The cultural experience at Souq Al Wakra is a must-do. The customs are both intriguing and noteworthy—especially the tradition of men making and serving coffee. Long live that charming ritual!
No recounting of my journey would be complete without mentioning the idyllic hours I got to spend cruising in a traditional dhow, watching the sun set over the panoramic Doha city skyline. As we glided across the water, I couldn’t help but let my imagination wander back to centuries ago, picturing the people who braved the seas on these seemingly fragile yet enduring vessels. I have a few books set in that era that I’m now itching to reread—this time with an experience to compare them to.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my week in Doha. Would I return? Sadly, my finite financial resources—and an ever-growing travel bucket list—make revisiting destinations a bit of a luxury. However, the incredible experience I had in Qatar tempts me to consider it as a potential stopover on future trips to India.
There’s still so much I’d love to see, like the mysterious Dahl Al Misfir (Misfir Cave), the Al Thakira mangroves, and the historic Al Zubarah Fort.
So, as Scarlett O’Hara wisely said, “Tomorrow is another day!”
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