Why Qatar Is Always Worth a Trip

With its monumental skyscrapers, the skyline of Doha, Qatar's capital, looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. The small country on the Persian Gulf boasts a long coastline, a beautiful corniche and architecturally outstanding museums that hold up to international comparison.

Masterful architecture

Who hasn't had a layover in Doha on a long-haul flight? Even if you only have a few hours, the trip to the center is worth it. If only to visit the Museum of Islamic Art – an architectural masterpiece that houses treasures spanning centuries. In terms of architecture and urban planning, Qatar, one of the smaller countries on the Persian Gulf, is certainly the most exciting destination.

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French Pritzker Prize winner Jean Nouvel designed the Qatar National Museum – modeled after natural crystal formations known as desert roses. The bright, huge Qatar National Library was designed by Rem Koolhaas, and the Qatar National Convention Centre by Arata Isozaki appears to be made of trees that branch into each other.

The newly built Al-Thumama Stadium, in turn, is reminiscent of the woven headgear for men that is common here. Transforming traditional forms into modern architecture is a major theme in Qatar. One of the most internationally famous large-scale projects is The Pearl, an artificial island with luxury hotels, villas and malls. Speaking of artificial, those interested in art will also make exciting discoveries: for example, a gallery housed in a former fire station, and the Al Riwaq Art Space, which displays innovative art from the Arab region.

There's plenty of activities as well. Among other things, there are numerous adventurous amusement parks, desert safaris (also at night), sandboarding on the dunes and falconry demonstrations. Qatar also loves its festivals. There are non-stop events, from camel races to the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, a showcase of Arab shipbuilding (sailors used traditional dhows for centuries). Also fascinating is the International Food Festival, held in the spring, where chefs travel from all over the world to creatively interpret traditional Arabic cuisine. Very fitting, since Qatar is a country of the future that remixes the old in surprising new ways.

Good to know

• Rechtzeitig buchen: Das Angebot an Hotels in Katar ist in den vergangenen Jahren gestiegen, wird der Nachfrage aber immer noch nicht gerecht – deshalb rechtzeitig Zimmer buchen!
• Verhaltensregeln: Katar ist ein gastfreundliches Land – allerdings sollten Reisende Religionsfragen vermeiden, da diese als Beleidigung des Islam oder des Propheten gesehen werden.
• Kleidung: Wie in anderen muslimischen Ländern sind Shorts und knappe Bekleidung außerhalb des Hotels unerwünscht. Am Strand oder Pool wird Badekleidung aber akzeptiert.
• Etiquette: In Restaurants dürfen feuchtfröhliche Abende stattfinden, Alkoholkonsum in der Öffentlichkeit ist verboten. Der Austausch von Zärtlichkeiten wird nicht gern gesehen.