What is Qatar Famous For? Top 22 Popular Places & Things in Qatar

A well-known tourist and commercial destination in the middle-east, Qatar occupies a small desert peninsula and extends into the midsection of the Persian Gulf. Primarily Qatar is famous for the 2022 World Cup, Hamad International Airport, Oryx, and Oil and Gas.

Apart from that you must know that the currency used in Qatar is Qatari Riyal. Also, as of November 2022, 1 Qatari Riyal equals ₹ 22.42.

If you are wondering what Qatar is known for, you should know about the popular places in this area. Here are the places and areas popular in Qatar.

1. Doha

Doha is the capital city of Qatar and is home to 2.5 million people. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east of the country, this is one of the most popular places for tourists to stay. It has long and extremely hot summers and warm winters. As a result, people prefer visiting this area during colder seasons. It includes multiple museums and architectural monuments, which make it a popular tourist destination.

2. Museum of Islamic Art

If you are a lover of Arabian history and culture, you must check out the Museum of Islamic Art near Doha. Apart from being a visual delight, this museum is a rich source of Arabian history, dating back from the 7th to 19th centuries.

In addition, you will find Arabian jewellery pieces, paintings, ceramics, textiles, metal and glass artefacts, manuscripts, etc. In addition, it displays a blend of Islamic architecture with modern designs.

3. Al Zubarah Fort

This fort is another well-known archaeological site in Qatar, which recently received the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani built this historic Qatari military fortress in 1938.

It is a heaven for history and archaeology enthusiasts. Additionally, it can dig up the history of pearls dividing trade and other cultural backgrounds. This eminent fort comprises lofty and compact walls, enhancing its stunning visuals.

4. Souq Waqif

It is the most popular part of Doha’s main marketplace. Shopping is something tourists commonly enjoy while visiting a foreign country. Souq Waqif is just the perfect spot for you if you enjoy shopping.

Here, you can find everything related to Arabian culture, including traditional garments, handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. It is built in a classic Qatari architectural style and dates back to the 20th Century

5. Al Jassasiya Petroglyphs

This spot in Qatar allows you to find stunning rock carvings. The Al Jassasiya Petroglyphs can help you generate unique insights into the ancient human communities and the evolutions that took place.

There are over 800 rock carvings, which demonstrate snapshots of human culture. You can learn about the traditional ways of Qatari life from these carvings. Art and history enthusiasts prefer to visit this place.

6. Villaggio Mall

If you are a fan of European visuals and architectural design, Villaggio Mall should be on your bucket list. Even though it is a shopping mall, it replicates the Italian city of Venice. It even features a canal with gondolas inside the mall. Here, you will find the usual supermarkets and high-end designer stores. Moreover, it consists of a cinema, bowling alley, ice rink, and food court.

7. Doha Corniche

Situated in the West Bay, Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade extending for about 7km. It is often considered the vantage point of most iconic pictures of Doha. Taking long strolls on these roads will give you peace of mind as you enjoy the stunning view of this city's skyline.

In addition, most celebrations of national holidays, including Qatar National Day and National Sports Day, are centred on the Corniche, making it a popular tourist destination.

8. Banana Island

Banana Island is worth your time if you plan to enjoy a vacation secluded from the urban lifestyle. Situated only 20 minutes from Doha, this island has all the elements of a perfect holiday. First, you must take a luxury yacht ferry to arrive here. Then, you can enjoy the beautiful sea, its turquoise water and stunning sandy beach. Here, you will find multiple luxury hotels to spend your days in.

9. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

It is another unique and popular museum in Qatar that you must check out during your visit. This museum includes a vast collection of artefacts from various timelines in history, which enriches your knowledge and understanding of Arabian history and heritage.

It is a three-building museum built across an area of 530,000 m². Apart from that, you will find about 15,000 artefacts across 15 halls of this museum, which Sheikh Faisal collected for 50 years.

10. Al Wakrah Souq

This is another popular marketplace in Qatar, which you can check for a shopping spree. It is surrounded by traditional Arabic architecture, a mosque and numerous stalls selling all kinds of traditional Arabic clothing, spices and souvenirs. Moreover, you will be able to explore the delicious street food of Qatar here in small eateries like Baba Chapatea. The best part is that it is close to the sea, which creates a beautiful ambience and stunning visuals.

11. Fuwairit Beach

Fuwairit is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Qatar, attracting beach lovers worldwide. Unfortunately, it is about 100 km from Doha, which makes it slightly difficult to reach. Therefore, you will need a private car for an off-road experience while driving up to this beach.

However, once you get here, the journey will seem worth it. The beach and its adjoining hills offer a perfect spot for sunbathing and relaxation. If you are interested in photography, you can visit the Coral Hills.

12. Khor Al Adaid

As you pass by the breathtaking highway 8 near to Peloponnese Peninsula, ensure to stop at the Corinth Canal area.  Please park your car near the destination and walk on the bridge to praise the builders' craft as they managed to dig deep down to build a canal. Then, you can enjoy a pleasant boat ride from one end of the canal and back.

Considering the most famous things in Qatar, there can be various factors besides places. These are listed below.

13. The 2022 FIFA World Cup

This is one of the major events that are making Qatar famous recently. The much-awaited FIFA World Cup of 2022 will be held in Qatar, its first occurrence in any Middle Eastern country. The popularity of this event is evident from the growing investment already made in it. Moreover, it will be the first-ever winter World Cup, attracting tourists and sports lovers from across the globe.

14. Qatar Airways

While listing the famous things of Qatar, one might consider its airline. Qatar Airways is one of the largest, operating across 150 destinations. The 5-star flights of this airline have gained popularity, as these offer exceptional hospitality and luxury options to travellers. Moreover, this airline has operated multiple new-age aircraft, including A380, A350, and the Dreamliner.

15. Pearls

Over the years, Qatar has gained popularity for being a centre of producing and distributing pearls. Pearl production is the backbone of this country's economy. Cheaper pearls from places like Japan have reduced the popularity of Qatar's pearls. However, if you are looking for real pearls, you can always purchase these while visiting Qatar. The entire Persian Gulf is used for pearl hunting in Qatar.

16. Gas and Oil Exports

The growing economy of Qatar is a result of its successful exports. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) by the state-owned Qatar Petroleum company is the biggest export object. Its supremacy is evident as it controls 14% of the world’s natural gas reserves. Moreover, Qatar is the second-largest exporter of natural gas. Oil production has contributed to Qatar's national economy since 1940, and its quality has made it famous worldwide.

17. Al Jazeera Media

The Al Jazeera Media Network is one of Qatar's biggest state-run news and media houses. It has gained a positive reputation for covering news and current affairs in English and Arabic. Emir Sheikh Ḥamad ibn Khalīfah Āl Thānī started this broadcasting house in 1996, and since then, it has gained fame from the viewers for covering a huge range of topics while staying unbiased.

18. Falconry

The wildlife of Qatar also adds to its fame and popularity among tourists. Falconry has therefore gained popularity, adding to Qatar's traditional culture. Furthermore, the nomadic Bedouin people of Qatar use Falcons to add to their hunting efforts, thereby turning it into a hobby. Moreover, this activity has been added to the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List’ by UNESCO. This makes it a common tourist activity, which increases its attraction.

19. Oryx

If you are into animals and wildlife, Qatar can bless your eyes with Oryx, the national animal of this city. In addition, you can catch the sight of a species of antelope, having distinctive long straight horns and a majestic presence. Unfortunately, even though there have been conservation efforts, such animals still roam free. Therefore, the harsh desert can fulfil your dreams of catching wildlife.

20. Oud

Shopping for souvenirs is common when visiting a foreign country. Among other things, you can find Oud, which is a quintessential Qatari perfume. Even though duplicate fragrances with this name are available worldwide, authentic Oud is only available in the local stores of Qatar. These come in small glass vials; you can take dabs of the aromatic liquid. Moreover, this brand also offers wood and oil.

21. Textiles

While visiting Qatar, you can explore an impressive range of woollen textiles. Among these, pashmina shawls are the most popular. These shawls are available across the world at a high price. However, you can find them at a much lower range in Qatar. Apart from that, you can also purchase woollen clothing items and stack them for winter, as these are available at a lower price range.

22. Al Dhakira Mangroves

If you feel exhausted from the heat and desert, you can travel to Al Dhakira Mangroves for some natural beauty. It is located in Mangrove Bay. Further, you can use a kayak to explore this Arabic jungle and capture photographs. Moreover, you will find local wildlife, including reef egrets, terns and herons, while paddling to the country's northeastern coast. Al Dhakira is also a fishing spot for those who are interested.

Hopefully, now you know what Qatar is famous for. As this article pointed out, this place consists of multiple places, attractions and things which can keep you engaged as a tourist. Moreover, you can explore Arabian history and culture by visiting the museums. Overall, even though it is known for being a commercial area, Qatar will be your perfect holiday destination.