Things to do in Al Shahaniya

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Qatar

Museum of Islamic Art

Located on an artificial island off the coast of Doha, the Museum of Islamic Art showcases the fine arts and crafts of Islam in a grand and imaginative way. The museum showcases the changing paths of Islamic art over 1400 years, including paintings, glasswork, metalwork, ceramics, textiles and manuscripts covering important periods such as Mughal and Safavid. The museum's unique exterior shape quickly made it a Doha icon, consisting primarily of simple white limestone, a main building with a unique geometric shape, a wing and a large courtyard. The main building is five stories high, including ceramic craft exhibition area, glass craft exhibition area, textile exhibition area, etc. The history of the exhibits spans from the 7th century to the 19th century, and some of them can be called treasures of Islamic art. Among the most prized are the 9th-century white ceramic bowls and the 10th-century bronze fountain heads in the shape of ewes.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

Sheikh Faisal's private museum in Assameliya tells the story of Qatar through his personal and family collections. The exhibition houses a series of more than 15,000 exhibits, including a variety of artworks, personal artifacts and equipment, as well as many household items and traditional objects that reflect the style of life in pre-oil Qatar. A major feature of the museum is its extensive collection of carpets and well-preserved vintage cars.

Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Qatar

National Museum of Qatar

The Qatar National Museum, designed by Jean Nouvel, opened on March 28, 2019. Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey to discover Qatar's rich cultural heritage and rich history.

Shahaniyah Camel Race Track

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Qatar

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is a historic traditional market in Qatar that preserves Arab architectural styles, such as mud walls and traditional doors and windows, with winding alleys that offer a glimpse into local life. The market is filled with shops of various specialties. Spice stalls display saffron, dried black lemons, and various spices, each with its own distinct colors and aromas. The Gold Souq showcases traditional headpieces, multi-layered necklaces, and other gold jewelry, while handicraft shops sell pearl jewelry, wood carvings, and other handmade goods, with some shop owners even sharing stories of the local pearling industry. The Falcon Souq is a distinctive area here, where visitors can observe falcons up close, learn about related equipment and traditional falconry culture, and the market even houses a dedicated falcon hospital. Nearby camel pens and stables showcase camels and Arabian horses. The market offers a rich variety of goods, from footwear and antiques to woven fabrics, blankets, wooden furniture, and glass decorations, all reflecting the connection between local traditional crafts and daily life. Dining venues are located around the central courtyard, where you can taste local snacks. After nightfall, the street lights and cafes create an atmosphere different from that of the daytime.

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Qatar

Doha Corniche

Doha Corniche is a crescent-shaped waterfront promenade built around the bay in Doha, stretching approx. 7 km, connecting the West Bay business district at the northern end and the old city at the southern end. On one side of the promenade is the calm bay, where traditional dhows are often seen anchored or sailing. The other side faces a modern skyline of high-rise buildings. Looking across the water, the skyline framed with the silhouettes of dhows offers an iconic view of the city's blend of old and new. The Museum of Islamic Art near the southern end, the striking Pearl Monument, and the public art installations and green parks scattered along the walkway are all great stops to make while strolling. The soft light in the early morning and evening makes it a popular time for walking, jogging, and photography. It is also a traditional venue for major local festivals and sporting events, and the entire promenade becomes especially lively during festivals.

No. 3 of Cool Water Escapes in Qatar

The Pearl Island

The Pearl Island is an artificial island reclaimed from the sea off the coast of Doha, Qatar, adjacent to the West Bay district. It covers an area of approx. 4 million square meters and is known as the Arabian Riviera. The island's name pays tribute to Qatar's traditional pearl diving history. The entire island is composed of several districts with distinct styles, three of which are more concentrated: the Venetian-style district creates a scene reminiscent of Venice with colorful houses, canals, and small bridges, with many cafes distributed along the winding alleys; the Porto Arabia district is the island's yacht marina area, where yachts are moored along the Mediterranean-style coastline, and waterfront restaurants and outdoor cafes are lined up, offering everything from ice cream and street food to international cuisines; while the Medina Centrale district concentrates shopping malls, gardens, and children's play areas. Here, typical activities include taking a leisurely stroll along the marina and canals, watching yachts, browsing designer boutiques, and choosing a waterfront restaurant in the evening to watch the sunset; the island also offers yacht cruises and water sports.

ucc shahaniya

Ahmad bin Ali Stadium