Things to do & see in Doha?

September 6, 2011 6:23 AM

Looking for suggestions on things to do, places to see, restaurants to try, etc. while I'm living and working in Doha, Qatar for a month.

My company has sent me to Doha to live and work in the Al Sadd part of town. I'll be here through the end of the month (October 1). Though I'm an ex-pat already (American living in New Zealand the last 3-1/2 years), I've never been to the Middle East before. I enjoy traveling, I'm open to new things, and I want to make the most of this experience. I would love your suggestions on what is absolutely not to be missed, as well as what you've found that's worthwhile but not as well-known.

I've reviewed previous questions here on the green and the useful information is a bit dated, especially given how much this city has changed in the last 4 years, so I'm posting this question now in the hopes of some more recent advice. I've also searched the web, but didn't find a lot of personal/first-hand experience stories or recommendations, which is what I'm after.

posted by hootenatty to Travel & Transportation around Doha, Qatar (2 answers total)

As far as I know there are only 2 Mefites in Doha. I'm one but I don't get out much. If you can wait 24 hours I'll ask around as to restaurants. What's your budget likely to be? Will you have transport available (which means, I suppose, will you be provided with a driver)? Taxis are plentiful and cheap but are a bit chancy as to local knowledge.

Culture: The Museum of Islamic Art. Katara Centre. Possibly other things I may recall given time. The souqs. Shopping apart from the souqs is basically mega-malls. If you can read French there is a good French-language website on culture in Qatar but I can't find the URL at the moment--I'll try a bit later.

If course you are aware of the cultural issues, such as they are, but unless you are proposing (if you are a lady person) to wander around half naked or appear in public drunk those shouldn't be a problem. Private consumption of alcohol is tolerated, unlike Saudi Arabia (public is a no-no), but you can get a drink only in major hotels or at the Government liquor store. No booze in your luggage either--I have actually seen someone relieved of a bottle of vodka by Qatari customs (he looked very embarrassed and swore that it should have been in his wife's luggage and gone to Russia). FWIW I'm drinking Campari and orange as I type.
posted by Logophiliac at 8:36 AM on September 6, 2011

The French site is Vivre au Qatar.
posted by Logophiliac at 8:39 AM on September 6, 2011