Sightseeing

Qatar is a relatively young country, only declaring independence in 1971 shortly after the discovery of oil. However, the country's history extends back for far longer.

The ancestors of the majority of Qatari people were nomadic tribesmen, people who wandered and camped on the edges of the deserts and coastline of the Arabian Peninsula. Over the centuries, some tribes settled more permanently along Qatar's coast, establishing villages and towns, and, as more migrants moved in, a thriving pearling industry, ports, garrisons, forts and palaces sprang up.

Many of these historical sights remain today - some as archaeological sites, some restored as museums, and some, along with their artefacts, housed in some of Qatar’s many museums.

Qatar’s culture and heritage are of great importance to its people and are celebrated at protected sites, in museums, art galleries and theatres, souqs and mosques. When it comes to historical and cultural sights, Qatar has a wealth of places for visitors to explore.

However, Qatar is a young, modern and wealthy country too. And, when it comes to modern sights for visitors and residents to discover, they do not disappoint. There are state-of-the-art shopping malls, entertainment villages, theatres, sculpted parks, futuristic cities, modern museums and art galleries, and an abundance of innovative architectural masterpieces - the FIFA 2022 World Cup Stadiums are just one example.

If that were not enough, the country also has a plethora of natural wonders to explore - the desert by far the most impressive.

For sightseeing, there is plenty on offer for visitors and residents alike.