Doha is the capital and largest populated city of Qatar. The metropolitan population makes up more than half of all the inhabitants of this Arab state. Doha literally means "big tree." Cozyly located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, the state of Qatar for a long time remained invisible to tourist eyes. Therefore, even sophisticated travelers can often ask: "Doha ... Qatar ... Where is this?"
Qatar Peninsula, located in the east of the
Arabian Peninsula, borders the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and across the sea - with Bahrain.
Qatar. Doha Airport welcomes passengers
The international airport, located 5 kilometers from the center of the capital, provides its customers with high-quality service. The friendliness and unobtrusive professionalism of the staff cause a pleasant admiration for the state of Qatar. Doha Airport pleases passengers with a clear and fast transit arrangement. The absence of the usual Asian confusion is best combined with the maximum of services provided. Lounge, free Wi-Fi and shuttle service, a children's playground, as well as many duty-free shops and restaurants, 24-hour post office and even three mosques can be found at this airport.
In case of temporary gaps between flights, passengers are provided with free hotel rooms and visa support.
Historical and economic facts
As far back as the 19th century, where a magnificent metropolitan city is now flourishing, a fishing village was modestly located, often providing shelter to pirates. They very well knew the port of Al-Bida, to which they often had to moor during long wanderings along the Persian Gulf. Since 1916, Doha began to grow, becoming the administrative center of Qatar, which at that time was a British colony.
From the middle of the last century, Doha (Qatar) began to evolve rapidly. The rapid growth of this region was a justified consequence of the development of the oil and gas business. The year 1971 was marked by the proclamation of Qatar as an independent state, whose capital was Doha. Recently, the government of this country has been looking for new development paths: pushing raw materials into the background
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authorities are focusing on the formation of a particularly attractive tourist zone. Impressive efforts are being made to thrive the air routes, much attention is paid to the promotion of the fishing industries and the extraction of pearls.
Features of a hot climate
In a hot tropical climate for European residents the most comfortable period for relaxation is from April to May and from September to October. In summer, the high humidity of the coastal areas and the sweltering heat seize the vegetation and the city of Doha. Qatar in winter is almost endless, lingering tropical rains characteristic of this season.
Architectural traditionalism
Of particular interest is the exotic Arabic style and the maximum adaptation of traditional houses and buildings to the local climate. The characteristic development of the old quarters of the city, framed by palm alleys, is oddly combined with ultramodern houses and avenues. The central part of urban development is similar to one large construction site, on which there are already existing facilities, most often hotels. Luxurious villas and magnificent palace ensembles of oil kings attract the eyes of not only idle tourists and noble guests, but also famous architects.
The most striking elements of Arabian architecture are gradually becoming a trendy trend, spreading far beyond the borders of
Islamic states. Illuminated signs and a myriad of lights in the evening give the city an enchanting and especially festive look.
The population of the city of Doha (Qatar)
A notable feature of these places are the indigenous people, who constitute a minority, while the rest of the population are emigrants from South Asia and the Mediterranean countries, as well as from the USA, Norway, France, Great Britain and many other states. In the recent past, immigrants were prohibited by law from acquiring land in Qatar, but currently some bans have been lifted.
Travel magnets
Many magnificent hotels and sandy beaches with pools, water slides and other attractions lure lovers to sunbathe and frolic in the water element.
Locals are very passionate about falconry and camel racing, attracting curious tourists to such exotic entertainments. A blooming oasis in the middle of the desert is Qatar, Doha. Holidays in this
Asian country will cost a lot of visitors to tourists due to the lack of seasonality, which means discounts on accommodation. Attractive and inviting shopping centers and souvenir shops, hotels, resort entertainments are designed for constant and considerable expenses, which are far from affordable for poor people.
Umm-Salal-Mohammed
The rich history of Qatar, as evidenced by the expanding geography of archaeological sites, is attracting more and more researchers. The search for traces of ancient civilizations is preoccupied by specialists and simply intrigued inhabitants who have visited Qatar (Doha) with interest. The sights of the young capital of the Arab state are not so monotonous and boring, as some seem. Truly fantastic visual associations arise when visiting the Umm-Salal-Mohammed Fort.
A small snow-white mosque with two turrets and an old minaret contrasts surprisingly with the dazzling white sultry desert and the azure sea. Mounds lying in the vicinity of this fort are closely studied by archaeologists. In all likelihood, their education dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. e., and since, according to the Islamic religion, burial in mounds is forbidden, they could have been abandoned by ancient pre-Islamic tribes, and even mythical Atlanteans.
Museums
As one of the alleged centers of the origin of mankind in Asia, Doha (Qatar) is interesting for its museums. In the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed is the national museum, the main exposition of which is considered a two-level aquarium, populated by representatives of the underwater world of the bay. Some of them are currently facing extinction (for example, local sea turtles). Of great interest are the expositions introducing visitors to traditional astronomical navigation instruments and methods known to ancient sailors. The historical evidence of the Arab maritime expeditions and the various stages of the formation of Islam attract attention. Here you can find out about the traditional way of life of the Catharians and the gradual development of industry in this territory.
The weapon museum, which largely consists of collectible copies of the Sheikh, enjoys considerable popularity. The “highlight” of the collection are the unique Arab silicon guns of the 12th-19th centuries. The Ethnographic Museum in the city of Doha (Qatar), located in a traditionally Qatari building, found during the construction of a shopping complex, allows you to feel and look at the living conditions of local residents in the recent past, before the discovery of oil and gas in these areas. One of the museum's exhibits is the “wind tower” that has survived to our times, which in the old days represented a surprisingly effective system of natural conditioning of the home, which is so necessary in hot climates.
The extremely low crime rate makes this country one of the safest in the world. Therefore, it is believed that in the evening not only local residents, but also numerous tourists can fearlessly relax and stroll through the most remote areas, looking at the city of Doha (Qatar). “Is this somewhere a delightful place in which it is so hot and completely safe, but at the same time exotic and interesting enough expensive?” - Travelers who have been here say with a wave of sadness.