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Facilities
1. SOUQ WAQIF 2. GOLD SOUQ
Souq Waqif is noted for selling traditional The Gold Souq: Located in downtown Doha,
garments, spices, handicrafts, domestic pets offers anything from very affordable imported
and souvenirs. It is also home to dozens of bangles and chains to locally made bridal
restaurants and shisha lounges. Although it jewelry sets worth hundreds of thousands of
dates back at least a hundred years, it was dollars. Most of the gold available is -22carat,
renovated in 2006 to conserve its traditional although white gold, silver and platinum pieces
Qatari architectural style. The souq was a are also available. The main attraction of this
gathering place where Bedouins and locals souq is that the jewelry is strictly regulated and
would trade a variety of goods, primarily all gold and precious gems sold here are
livestock goods. The area is very popular with weighed in front of the buyer, and have been
local and expats alike (especially on previously tested and hallmarked, thus
weekends); as it offers multiple dining options in guaranteeing the purity of the metal. The
the same location. The souq is considered one must-buy accessory for tourists and expats is
of the best locations for tourists within Doha. the necklace with the person’s name written in
Thousands of people from across the region Arabic. These are made in just about every
frequent it to purchase traditional goods. It jewelry shop at the souq for a very reasonable
hosts several art galleries, events and local price. (8)
concerts. (6)
4. MSHEIREB MUSEUMS
3. FANAR QATAR ISLAMIC Msheireb Museums is comprised of four
CULTURAL CENTER
heritage houses that have been regenerated to
Fanar, also known as the Spiral Mosque, is a showcase unique aspects of Qatar’s national
cultural organization in Doha, located close to history and memories of old Doha. Located in
Doha Corniche and is a prominent landmark in the oldest part of the capital, the four traditional
courtyard houses date from the first decade of
the city. It was constructed following the
structure of Malwiya Minaret in Iraq, which was the last century. Mohammed Bin Jassim House
partially destroyed in 2005. Fanar Culture was built by the son of the founder of the
Center is involved in several social, religious nation, and portrays the journey of the
and educational activities. In addition to hosting Mushaireb district over time. Company House
used to be the headquarters of Qatar’s first oil
one of the largest mosques in Qatar, the center
also publishes religious studies and provides company, and tells the story of the country’s
lessons in Arabic and Islam. The center also first oil discovery and subsequent success. Bin
houses a library, and the mosque is a popular Jelmood House charts the global slave trade
tourist attraction and allows entry for and its abolition, particularly in the Indian
Ocean region and Qatar. Radwani House
non-Muslims. Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural
Centre also known as Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid shows how family life evolved in Qatar, and
Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center. (9) was affected when oil was first discovered, and
when electricity arrived.
5. DOHA FORT
This military fortress is located in the heart of Doha and was built in 1927. This fortress was eventually
converted into a museum, and now has exhibitions that feature wooden ornaments, old fishing
equipment, oil paintings, and old photographs. The fort will make for a pleasant day out if you are looking
to understand Qatar’s history and the lifestyles of its occupants a little better. But the most striking
element of this fort is its exterior. It is grand and formidable and creates a sense of being surrounded by
something eerily powerful. This makes for quite the experience. You will love the sight of this beautifully
intimidating building. (25)
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