Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and ornamental trees, this is a monument of a museum. It was designed by the renowned
architect IM Pei (architect of the Louvre pyramid) and is shaped like a postmodern fort-
ress with minimal windows (to cut down on energy use) and a 'virtual' moat.
The museum houses the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, collected from
three continents. Exquisite textiles, ceramics, enamel work and glass are showcased con-
ceptually: a single motif, for example, is illustrated in the weave of a carpet, in a ceramic
floor tile or adapted in a piece of gold jewellery in neighbouring display cases allowing
visitors to gain a sense of the homogeneity of Islamic art.
This is the kind of museum that is so rich in treasure that it rewards short, intense visits.
Pace yourself by visiting the cafe downstairs or punctuate your visit with a browse in the
extensive museum shop to avoid sensory overload. Avoid strappy tops and shorts or you
may be refused admission.
MIA Park
PARK
(Corniche, Adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Arts; 10.30am-11pm; )
One of many beautiful green
spaces in Doha, MIA Park is home to Richard Serra's vertical steel sculpture - the first
public piece of art by this celebrated artist in the Middle East. On the first Saturday of
every month from October to March, stalls sell arts and crafts, clothing and souvenirs
form the Park Bazaar (noon-7pm).
Souq Waqif
SOUQ
(bounded by Al-Souq St & Grand Hamad St; 10am-noon & 4-10pm; )
Reincarnated in the last dec-
ade as the social heart of Doha, Souq Waqif is a wonderful place to explore, shop, have
dinner or simply idle time away in one of the many attractive cafes. There has been a souq
on this site for centuries, as this was the spot where the Bedu would bring their sheep,
goats and wool to trade for essentials. It grew into a scruffy warren of concrete alleyways
by the end of the last century and at one point was almost condemned for demolition.
Thankfully, someone spotted its tourist potential and the entire market area has been clev-
erly redeveloped to look like a 19th-century souq, with mud-rendered shops and exposed
timber beams and some beautifully restored original Qatari buildings. Such has been the
success of this venture that the souq keeps growing to accommodate new 'old alleyways'
and is one of Doha's top attractions.
Despite the slight 'Disneyfication' of the area (quite literally with the Disney turrets
given to Doha Fort at the souq's entrance), the chief business of the souq continues un-
abated and it remains one of the most traditional market places in the region. This is the
