Doha's Bright Horizons

Adventures from sea to sand in Qatar's capital

August 21, 2012 | 3:00 PM

Doha Skyline

If you don't know Doha, here's your chance to explore Qatar's capital. Originally a prosperous maritime trading port in the 19th century, Doha has since become one of the most vibrant cities on the Persian Gulf, a cosmopolitan sapphire emerging from the Arabian Desert's towering sand dunes. This ultra-modern city is the beating heart of the new Middle East.

Make a grand entrance

W Hotels entrance Doha
W Doha Hotel & Residences has an iconic and welcoming entrance. The award-winning London-based design firm United Designers Ltd. created this grand beginning for your adventures in Doha.

Khor al-Udaid Beach

Khor a-Udaid
Think about this: A beach with sand dunes 40 meters high. Khor al-Udaid Beach, just south of Doha, is like no other beach you've ever seen. It's where the winds of the Persian Gulf sculpt stories-high ridges of sand right next to the water's edge.

Jean-Georges' Spice Market

Spice Market
W Doha Hotel & Residences boasts two restaurants by internationally renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, including Spice Market, a cross-pollinated culinary experience that brings the flavors of south east Asian street food to the Middle East.

Meet the Oryx, Qatar's national animal

Oryx
The Oryx is a large, white antelope with straight horns. It's been endangered for centuries but was recently reintroduced into the wild in Qatar.

Jet skiing on the Persian Gulf


With a skyline like that behind you, jet skiing never looked so good. For those wanting a more authentic ride, take a sailboat trip on an authentic Arabian dhow to see Doha's stunning profile from the water.

The Souq Waqif, the Standing Market

Souq Waqif
For shisha-flavored shopping and a chance to sample exotic spices or buy some pearls, hit the Souq Waqif.

World Cup 2022

World 2022 Doha
Doha is getting ready to be the center of the sporting world. The 2022 World Cup is slated to take place in Qatar, and it will feature a slew of new stadia with cutting-edge technology to temper the desert heat.

Where Doha's Youth Come to Party

W doha
You'll find that W Doha Hotel & Residences is a hot spot for Qatar's trendy and stylish. DJ nights and parties abound every week.

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