How to Immerse Yourself in Cultural Experiences in Doha – Admire the City’s Highlights and Traditions

The nation of Qatar is frequently considered to be a paradise for the wealthy with its avant-garde architecture, exotic cars and lavish hotels. Whilst this may certainly be true, it also boasts a noteworthy and rich traditional heritage that will enthral the culture lover. In fact, it may be said that your visit to this Middle Eastern nation wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its cultural attractions. Some of the outstanding cultural experiences in the capital, Doha, are described below.

Visit the National Museum of Qatar

An obvious place at which to commence your tour is the absorbing National Museum of Qatar which happens to be one of the most renowned museums in Doha. Even the building which houses this attraction may be regarded as a work of art in itself, having been designed by famed architect, Jean Nouvel, to represent a desert rose. The exhibits at this museum will take you on a journey across time, from the typical way of life of the Bedouins to the nation’s modern era offering fascinating insights into a rich history and heritage.

Frankee 67, Nationalmuseum Katar, CC BY-SA 3.0

Enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony 

An interesting experience for visitors is enjoying a traditional Qatari coffee ceremony. During this engrossing event, you could gain an insight into the local etiquette; you may also learn about the trade routes used for transporting coffee in the past, in addition to the history associated with this beverage. Naturally, you would have the opportunity to taste and smell the various spices and other ingredients used in the preparation of this drink. You could savour this drink whilst sitting in a majlis or sitting room where community members congregate to discuss issues and events. 

Tour the Msheireb Museums 

You should also take the chance to visit Msheireb Downtown Doha, a futuristic, sustainable settlement where you will find the engrossing Msheireb Museums. You will find that these fascinating establishments that are housed in beautifully refurbished heritage buildings present interesting stories regarding the development of Qatar. You may visit Bin Jelmood House which depicts the contributions made by enslaved people towards human civilization. Meanwhile, the Mohammed Bin Jassim House is devoted to the sustainability and history of Msheireb Downtown Doha. 

Experience the Museum of Islamic Art 

Undoubtedly your tour of the city’s cultural highlights wouldn’t be complete without visiting the remarkable Museum of Islamic Art or MIA. At this institution, you will have the chance to view a marvellous selection of artworks brought over from the different parts of the Islamic world. In the displays to be found here, you could admire varied kinds of art including metalware, textiles, pottery, architecture, and much more. The amazing building in which the museum is housed may be regarded as an attraction in its own right, overlooking the bay and connected to the popular Doha Corniche.

Explore the bustling Souq Waqif 

A rather different kind of cultural experience is exploring Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace where Qataris have gathered to buy and sell goods since ancient times. You will find that shopping here is a distinctive experience, providing you with the chance to browse through exotic goods like traditional apparel, perfumes, spices and incense. You may also visit the Falcon Souq and the area where horses and camels are stabled. Doha-based hotel apartments in Qatar to consider from which you could easily walk to this souq are those offered by Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks. 

Be entranced by the exhibitions at M7

Art and culture lovers will be enthralled at M7 which is counted amongst the city’s pioneering and most innovative creative spaces. You would see that this attraction is a focal point for art, design, tech and fashion, functioning as a hub for start-ups, an exhibition space, a talent incubator, a concept store and a gathering place for the culture and art community. Situated in the stylish Msheireb Downtown Doha, M7 has showcased a number of outstanding exhibitions, so check ahead to see what is taking place during your visit.