What to see in Qatar when visiting FIFA World Cup 2022, Doha building designs, New Middle East architecture, Persian Gulf

What To See In Qatar When Visiting For The World Cup

15 August 2022

We’re edging closer and closer to the World Cup. And, for some lucky people, they will be heading out to Qatar to watch the tournament play out live. But, with nations not playing in fixtures every day, it’s going to leave some football fans with plenty of time on their hands. Luckily, there’s a lot to see and do in Qatar, and we have the best of them listed below.

What to see in Qatar when visiting World Cup in 2022

Souq Waqif

If you’re in Qatar for World Cup 2022, one of the first places to consider visiting is Souq Waqif, which is a marketplace located in Doha. And the reason it’s a must-visit is that when in Qatar, it’s crucial to experience the culture and enjoy the country in its authentic style. There’s no better place to make this happen than the Souq, and it’s also ideal for picking up souvenirs to commemorate a trip to Qatar. You’d expect there to be some excellent bespoke offerings purposely designed for the World Cup event too.

Museum of Islamic Art

image from architect

The Museum of Islamic Art is another must-visit venue located in Doho. And it’s another that really delivers on authenticity. Built in 2008, the Museum of Islamic Art is completely influenced by Islamic architecture, but it’s offset by a modern style on the design front. In total, there are more than fourteen centuries worth of Islamic art, making it the first of its kind. What’s also great about the museum is that there’s not only a fantastic restaurant on-site, but legendary French chef Alain Ducasse leads it. There’s also a park and workshops, and visitors will be able to learn everything they need to know about Islamic Arts.

National Museum of Qatar

Another museum more than worth visiting is the National Museum of Qatar, which opened its doors in 2019 and is based in Doha. It doesn’t really tell the full story as a previous build stood in its place since 1975, but now it’s been revamped and turned into what it is today. What’s great about the National Museum of Qatar is that visitors are taken on somewhat of a journey, as there are three themes, if you will, and they all tie into one another. Visitors will also find there are some excellent archaeological artefacts on show, with many discovered in Qatar, and they’re worth checking out when at the museum.

Katara Cultural Village

Sometimes when you’re in a foreign country, one of the best things to do is head out and explore. And you can do plenty of it when in Qatar for the World Cup at the end of the year. A village to head to is Katara, which is on the eastern coast of Doha. Katara is one of the country’s most authentic cultural villages, and it gives visitors a chance to really connect with Qatar’s cultural identity. And, with facilities such as an opera house and cinema, it’s a place to spend the day and the night.

The Pearl

Many areas and features of Qatar are renowned for being man-made. But it’s not necessarily a bad thing. And one of the best man-made features in the whole country is the artificial island that spans close to four kilometres, known as The Pearl Qatar. Believe it or not, The Pearl is home to tens of thousands of residents, but it’s also a landmark that is a thing of beauty and rich in history. The Pearl’s name came about as a result of the country’s past as one of the leading forces in the pearl industry.

Football may be the reason why so many people will travel to Qatar in November, but there’s certainly going to be plenty to see and do while fans wait for their nation’s next fixture. And, you’ll expect the Qatari government to be keen to show off their country and everything it has to offer, especially the landmarks and places that really deliver that authentic cultural experience, which the Qataris are incredibly proud of. You’d also imagine that the various cities, such as Doha, will be gearing up for football, and there will be events and souvenirs that reflect this to commemorate such an iconic event.

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Qatars Football World Cup 2022 Buildings

World Cup Stadiums Qatar

image © hhvision, Cologne
FIFA World Cup 2022 Stadiums in Qatar

Al Wakrah Stadium, Al Wakrah – ‘Al Janoub Stadium’ post above
Design: AECOM / Zaha Hadid Architects

image from AECOM / Zaha Hadid Architects
Al Wakrah Stadium

Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
Design: AECOM / Zaha Hadid Architects

photo © Hufton+Crow
Al Janoub Stadium In Al Wakrah, Qatar

Qatar World Cup Stadium
Design: Arup Associates

photograph : Gem Advertising & Publications
Qatar 2022 Showcase Stadium – 2022 FIFA World Cup

Al Rayyan Stadium – FIFA World Cup Qatar
Design: Pattern Architects

image courtesy of architects
Al Rayyan Stadium Qatar

Lusail Iconic Stadium
Design: Foster + Partners
Lusail Iconic Stadium Qatar
Qatar Buildings

Qatari Architecture

Contemporary Architecture in Qatar

Qatar Architecture Designs – chronological list

Doha Metro Network, Doha
Architects: UNStudio

Interior Msheireb (interchange) Station. photo © Hufton+Crow
Doha Metro Network Stations

Museum of Islamic Art Doha
Design: I M Pei

image from architect
Museum of Islamic Art Doha

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