Aladdin Entertainment City

Aladdin Entertainment City has just about everything for a fun day. There are more than 18 play facilities for children of all age groups, an artificial lagoon, an equestrian arena, an outdoor theater, a cafeteria, an ice rink, a roller skating arena and a rest house for taking a short break. It is open from 4pm to 11pm from Sunday to Friday (Mondays and Wednesdays are exclusively for women and children under 12 years).

Qatar National Museum

The museum lies on the eastern part of the Corniche. It displays the geological history of Qatar as well as a collection of Islamic artifacts and relics. There is also a maritime museum in which the vast varieties of fish of Qatar are displayed, and a small lagoon where wooden traditional boats built in Qatar are moored.

The museum is open from 9am to 12noon except Fridays and Saturdays and from 4pm to 7pm except Saturdays. Tuesday's afternoon period is assigned for families only. (Tel. 444 2191 )

Doha Fort (Al Koot)

Built in 1927 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Qassim Al-Thani, who governed Qatar between 1913 and 1949, the fort was created to protect the nearby Waqif souq from would-be thieves. It is one of the remaining military forts in Doha. Located on Jassim Bin Mohammed Street, it is open daily but you need to schedule an appointment. (Tel: 442 4143). Entrance is free of charge.

Doha Corniche

The palm tree-lined Doha Corniche is one of the most famous waterfronts in the Middle East. It sweeps about 7.5km along the coast in a smooth curve, finishing at the newly-built Museum of Islamic Arts. In the early evening, the Corniche is full of atmosphere, with people picnicking in the gardens, exercising on the waterfront or enjoying the cool evening breeze and views of the dazzling city skyline.

Waqif souq

The Waqif souq is the one place in Qatar where you can find anything and everything. Made up of a large labyrinth of alleyways lined with various shops, the popular souq is a feast for the senses. Selections of perfumes, spices, incense, sweets, rice and dried fruits are so plentiful they often spill out of the shops into the alleys. This is a bartering haven.

Ethnographical Museum

This building was constructed in 1935 and is the last remaining example of its type in Doha. It is distinguished by having a traditional wind tower (badgeer), funnelling air from all four directions into the house. The museum displays aspects of the daily lifestyle of Qatari families. It has been opened since 1985.

The Doha Zoo

The zoo lies 20 km from Doha on Salwa Road. It has a varied collection of animals, reptiles and birds as well as a small amusement park for children.

Al Bida Park

This park lies on Doha Corniche. It has grass areas, children rides, a popular market and restaurants. It opens around the clock and entrance is free of charge. Lush trees line the walks and there are plenty of picnic areas. This park is very well maintained and provides welcome relief from the scorching heat of the desert.

Oryx Farm

The nature reserve in Al Sheehaniya, is home to the largest herd of Arabian Oryx in the world. The Oryx is the national animal of Qatar and some say it is the origin of the legend of the unicorn. Once threatened by extinction, the Oryx is now thriving in protected numbers. This beautiful animal is known for its endurance and its ability to adapt to the harsh environment of the desert.

Equestrian Club

View the beauty of the Arabian horses. The pure-bred Arab show and race horses at Al Shaqab Stud Farm provide a great opportunity to enjoy these horses close up. Other facilities include the Qatar Race and Equestrian Club, where visitors are welcome to view its stables, and the Rayyan Racing and Equestrian Club, where races and show-jumping events are held. Local tour operators can arrange visits to the club.