“What associations come to your mind when you hear about Qatar?” When going on a trip to Doha, I asked this question on my social media accounts. In response, I received the standard: oil, money, hijab, Al Jazeera TV channel, the desert, Qatar Airways with its own soundtrack, the 2022 FIFA World Cup …

But along with these first associations, there appeared such not too apparent for me as art. Yes, yes, Qatar is today the most prominent collector of paintings and art objects. It actively purchases its collections worldwide, giving a high price and attracting the best experts and curators. The oil will run out, and the city built in the desert and filled with museums and attractions will remain.

Flight

Our journey begins at the airport, with boarding a plane. If you are going to Qatar, then you should fly exclusively by the national air carrier and one of the best airlines in the world, Qatar Airways.

We left in the evening, and by midnight we are already landing at the ultra-modern Hamad International Airport, which is 20 minutes from the city center. It was opened in April 2014. The Qatar air harbor’s annual traffic is up to 50 million passengers a year flying through Doha around the world – the Qatar Airways network covers more than 160 destinations, and this year another year 7 will be added.

But this small country in the Persian Gulf deserves a more extended stop and detailed acquaintance – for a few days, especially since the airline has an option – stopover.

Qatar Airways has international staff who speak multiple languages. So, I will separately dwell on the flight menu, which is prepared per Islamic principles. On my relatively short flight, there was an appetizer, a choice of three hot dishes including a vegetarian, tomato focaccia and a dessert of your choice. But I will especially note the drinks menu. There is a whole bar list with wine and sparkling spirits, including gin, cognac and whiskey, an extensive list of lemonades and even 8 cocktails – Bloody Mary, Tom Collins, Whiskey Sour and others.

Coffee

Qatari coffee – soft and spicy – is made from green, unroasted Yemeni beans and brewed with cardamom. By tradition, it is poured into small cups, and there are many rituals and rules. First, you need to take a cup from a coffee boy with your right hand. Then, if you want more, you just must wave the cup, or if you don’t want more, then put it on the table.

Deaf and dumb boys were usually taken to a coffee boy. For coffee, essential issues and secrets were traditionally discussed, and the person serving the coffee turned out to be an involuntary participant in the conversation. And the obligatory date for coffee from a luxurious wooden box. And this is how the coffee ceremony looks in the Banana Island by Anantara lounge – the terminal from where you can go by speed boat to one of the most luxurious resorts in Doha.

Organic food

The Chef’s Garden restaurant, located on the territory of Education city, is where all local universities are concentrated. The restaurant’s concept (and catering) is to make the most of local products – up to 80% of them on the menu. Some of the vegetables and fruits are grown in the vegetable garden next to the restaurant.

They work daily from 7 am to 9 pm. On the territory, there is a swimming pool and a sports club.

Culture

Doha is the cultural centre of the country. The city houses the National Museum, National Library, National University. Among the architectural monuments are:

  • The Al-Kout fortress (the 1880s).
  • The Great Mosque.
  • The government building (1969).
  • The bazaar.
  • The establishment of the ethnographic museum.

What to bring from Qatar?

Fret not; there are multiple options to get around in the city:

What to bring from Qatar? Perfume! Heavy, dense aroma with notes of oud or musk.

Souq Waqif Market is the central place for shopping, and it is here that you will feel, smell, and taste the authentic flavour of the East.