Doha

A short history

The pearl trade that built Doha was destroyed within a decade when Japanese cultured pearls flooded the market, and the town that remained was small and poor. Offshore gas changed that completely. The Museum of Islamic Art, opened in 2008 on its own artificial island, was designed by I. M. Pei to hold one of the most significant collections of Islamic art anywhere — and its siting, deliberately apart from the skyline, tells you how the city wanted to be read.

Why travellers love it

It is a very short flight to museums that hold their own against European capitals, and to a restored old town that is genuinely pleasant to walk in the evening. As a stopover it works unusually well: a single day is enough to see the best of it without feeling rushed.

Before you go

Many nationalities enter Qatar visa-free for short stays and others can apply online before travelling; check your passport before booking. November to March is the comfortable window — summer is severe and largely indoors. Souq Waqif comes alive after sunset rather than during the day, so plan the museums for the afternoon and the souq for the evening.

Highlights

• The Museum of Islamic Art
• Souq Waqif after dark
• Katara Cultural Village
• The Pearl waterfront