Combine your Maldives trip with a stopover in Doha. It’s a brilliant combination—start with pure relaxation and lounging in the Maldives, then stop in Doha, the world’s richest country, on your way home to experience a completely different culture, some action, and cultural experiences. Qatar Airways offers the best connection to the Maldives, and on your way back, you have the opportunity to make a stopover in Doha.
Doha hits me with 50-degree heat, and the wind makes it feel like someone is standing with a giant hairdryer, blasting me full force straight in the face. Fortunately, it’s a dry heat, and the long dress (mandatory to wear outside your hotel) I’m wearing here protects me well from the harsh sun. It’s June, and summer is at its peak here.
Q-Explorer
I’ve teamed up with Q-Explorer Tourism, who will take me around Qatar and show me what the country has to offer beyond sand, desert, and oil.
Behind Q-Explorer are Abdullah and Fanny, who make a brilliant team, and my days with them were an absolute blast, filled with laughter. Meeting Abdullah, a local Qatari who is incredibly hospitable and open, is a fantastic way to gain insight into their life and culture. Fanny is amazing at showing and explaining all the places we visit.
They organize tailor-made VIP tours and go above and beyond to meet your every need. We highly recommend using them as your guides in Qatar.
Villagio Mall
Since it’s hot—really hot—a good tip is to schedule your activities for the afternoon or get up early. Midday is best spent shopping, so go on a shopping spree at Villagio Mall, an impressive architectural shopping center.
With its spectacular design and creative atmosphere, it makes you feel like you’re somewhere in Venice. There’s a stunning section filled with all the high-end luxury brands, where you can spot local Qatari women, fully covered, but underneath their abayas, they’re dressed in the latest Gucci outfits and high heels.
Kids can have a blast in a huge amusement park or hit the ice at the skating rink—because, of course, there’s one too.
City Tour
National Museum or Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is one of Qatar’s greatest cultural prides, bringing together artworks from across the Arabic-speaking world under one roof. The building is just as stunning from the outside—with its striking design by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei—as it is from the inside, where you can admire Doha Bay through a breathtaking five-story floor-to-ceiling window.
Set aside plenty of time to explore all the floors and enjoy the outdoor area.
Corniche
One of the most popular spots in Doha, with its stunning and colorful skyline—this is the image of Doha you’ll see all over social media, brochures, and more.
This 7 km stretch curves in a crescent shape around Doha Bay, from the Sheraton Hotel to the Museum of Islamic Art, offering breathtaking views of the clear waters from every possible angle.
Go Insta-crazy!
Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village is designed to revive Arab-inspired architecture, with winding waterways and narrow stone streets filled with young artists practicing traditional calligraphy or batik silk dyeing—offering plenty of inspiration for photographers and filmmakers. Their works are showcased in open studios and art galleries.
It’s no surprise that so many artists, sculptors, musicians, and more gather here—this is a hub for Qatar’s cultural scene. One of its highlights is the massive Greco-Roman amphitheater, which seats an impressive 5,000 people in a 3,275 m² space and has hosted everything from international music performances to folk dancers from around the world.
The Pearl-Qatar
Also known as the "Arabian Riviera" and the most glamorous address in the Middle East, The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island built off the coast of Doha. It cost approximately 15 billion DKK to construct and was designed to resemble a string of pearls, with bays shaped like pearls and diamonds. Life here is elegant and international. The Pearl is also the only place in Qatar where you’ll see people walking their dogs, as pet ownership is allowed here. This is where you’ll find the most luxurious apartments and villas, as well as high-end restaurants, cafés, and boutiques featuring exclusive luxury brands and showrooms. Enjoy an ice cream on the marina promenade or feel like you're in Venice—at least for a moment—in an area designed as a mini Venice. Dress up and embrace the Arabian Riviera in style!
Where to Stay on The Pearl
Stay at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, beautifully located on its own private island within The Pearl-Qatar. Dine at the world’s largest Nobu restaurant, located at the Four Seasons’ private marina, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Doha, glowing under its sparkling night lights.
Souq Waqif
Walking through the lively streets of Souq Waqif, you are instantly transported back in time. Although the area is several hundred years old, it was restored in 2006 and now appears brand new - yet still retains its authentic old-world charm. This is the perfect place to taste, smell, and experience ancient traditions through local merchants’ products, perfumes, and the stunning surrounding architecture. A maze of small shops offers a wide variety of goods, from spices to handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
Don’t forget to visit the falcon market, where falcons are traded for hunting—and not for small sums! There's even a falcon hospital, where you can step inside and see a small exhibition about these majestic birds. Visit Souq Waqif in the evening, when the temperature is pleasant, the market is beautifully lit, and the streets are buzzing with people—especially on Thursday and Friday nights (as Friday is their day off).
If you want to stay in the heart of the action, Souq Waqif is the perfect place. The Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel by Tivoli offers nine different hotels, each with its own unique style. Personally, I love Al Jasra Boutique Hotel!
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Take an evening cruise on a traditional wooden dhow, departing at 6 PM. This way, you’ll experience the twilight hour just before sunset and get the chance to admire Doha’s skyline bathed in golden light.
A little later, as the sun sets completely, you’ll be treated to the perfect Instagram shot, as the city lights up and transforms into a vibrant sea of colors.
National Museum
This is the most beautiful building I have ever seen. This unparalleled architectural masterpiece, designed by Jean Nouvel, represents the heart of Qatar’s national identity. I won’t even try to describe the absolutely breathtaking structure, but simply mention that French architect Jean Nouvel drew his inspiration from the local desert rose—and let the pictures speak for themselves. The National Museum gives voice to Qatar’s unique history and its people, from ancient times to the present and into the future. Make sure to set aside plenty of time to explore, as the museum offers a wide range of interactive experiences—whether you want to engage, learn, or simply relax. A 220-seat auditorium and various events ensure that each visit offers a new perspective. A dedicated research center and laboratories provide scholars and students with fresh study opportunities.
For those looking to unwind, there’s a stunning rooftop terrace and a newly designed park, offering family-friendly, interactive learning spaces that celebrate Qatar’s native plant life.
Desert Safari
Early in the morning, in the middle of the desert, as I witnessed the most beautiful red sunrise, I lost my heart to Qatar. It had taken Abdullah quite some time to convince me to wake up at 4 AM and drive out into the desert before the heat and wind would make it unbearable. But wow, I am so glad I did—it was the most breathtaking morning ever, and even the temperature was pleasant. Sand, sand, and more sand on one side, and the sea on the other, with a red sun rising in between—it was simply magical. Abdullah’s dune bashing skills got my adrenaline pumping and shook the last traces of sleep out of my eyes. It was an incredibly fun and unforgettable way to start the day!
Pro tip: On your way to the desert, make sure to stop for a cup of Karak, the local Qatari tea, which is absolutely delicious.
And on your way back, treat yourself to a refreshing lemon-mint juice—definitely worth a stop! No need to even leave your car, as drive-in service is, of course, available.
More Desert Adventures – Now with Sunset and the Inland Sea
Since I fell in love with the desert, we also drove out to see the sunset over the Inland Sea, which suddenly appears in the middle of all the sand dunes. If you bring your swimwear, you can even take a dip in the lake after watching the sunset over the dunes. The desert is definitely a must-try, and the great thing about visiting in the summer is that there aren’t many people, so you can enjoy the serene beauty all to yourself.
However, in winter, when temperatures are much lower, the desert is packed with visitors, and car accidents are more common—so make sure to book a skilled driver!
