Al Dafna

Doha

Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo provided by Shutterstock
Al Dafna
Al Dafna
Al Dafna

Doha’s skyline glimmers in this bustling district along the Persian Gulf, with stunning architecture and exciting recreation and entertainment options.

Stretching along the shoreline of Doha, the Al Dafna district is a highlight of any visit to Qatar’s capital city. Visit Al Dafna to walk along the Doha Corniche, a pretty promenade following the shore on land reclaimed from the Persian Gulf. Inland, visit tall towers and peaceful parks.

One great way to see Al Dafna is from the water, with a boat ride on a traditional dhow. Gaze at the tall buildings of the skyline during the day when they gleam in the sunlight or at night when the colors of their bright illumination reflects in the sea. While scores of towers already exist, more are always under construction.

The district’s eastern end has several iconic buildings. View the Burj Doha or Doha Tower from afar and admire its perfect bullet shape. Step closer to notice the pretty lacework wrapped around the structure. This is meant to simulate mashrabiya, Islamic sunscreens that are quite effective in Qatar’s high temperatures. Nearby, notice Tornado Tower’s hyperbolic shape with a crosshatched façade. The building has programmable illumination capable of creating 35,000 unique moving light shows.

At the center of Al Dafna, the Qatar Central Post Office has a very different design. Notice how it resembles the shape of a Mayan pyramid. Spend an evening at the Qatar National Theatre nearby, where events include concerts, plays and film screenings.

Just south of the theater, Al Bidda Park has 500 acres (2,000,000 square meters) of green space for family relaxation. Bring kids to use the playgrounds, skateboard park and biking paths. Adults can play basketball, tennis or volleyball or use the fitness facilities. Bring the family dog or try bird-watching.

Drive to the center of Al Dafna in about 30 minutes from Hamad International Airport or travel by public transportation in about 40 minutes.

December is a popular time to visit Al Dafna when members of Qatar’s armed services parade along the corniche while the nation’s royalty and residents view the event from Al Bidda Park.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Al Dafna

Oryx Airport Hotel
Oryx Airport Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
The price is HK$2,212 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
HK$2,212
HK$2,212 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 16 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,155 reviews)
"Perfect for long layover"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Oryx Airport Hotel
Fairmont Doha
Fairmont Doha
5 out of 5
6th Street Marina District Lusail City, Doha, Al Daayen
The price is HK$1,647 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
HK$1,647
HK$1,647 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (168 reviews)
"This property was one of the most awesome properties that I have every stayed in. The property and staff were beyond excellent. I recommend this property!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Fairmont Doha
Radisson Blu Hotel Doha
Radisson Blu Hotel Doha
5 out of 5
Salwa Road and C Ring Road, Bin Mahmoud Area, Doha
The price is HK$646 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
HK$646
HK$646 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 9 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice and clean"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Doha
Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha
Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha
5 out of 5
Al Matar Street, Doha
The price is HK$706 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
HK$706
HK$706 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"I had a long layover both ways and loved staying at Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha! Quiet, peaceful, easy to check in and out, no lines, amazing shower, comfortable bed and delicious breakfast, breathtaking view in the elevator, free airport shuttle. Isn't it ideal?"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha
Steigenberger Hotel Doha
Steigenberger Hotel Doha
5 out of 5
Al Matar Street, Plot. No. 9, Street No. 850, Area No. 26, Doha
The price is HK$715 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
HK$715
HK$715 total
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Doha. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (398 reviews)
"Lovely hotel with great location."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Steigenberger Hotel Doha
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
5 out of 5
Ras Abu Aboud Street, Building 2, Street 920, Zone 28, Doha
The price is HK$1,266 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
HK$1,266
HK$1,266 total
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (177 reviews)
"Staff were lovely and the facilities were perfect. Only little let down was the buffet breakfast and lunch were bland and was not worth the price. Also we went during Ramadan, my wife was pregnant and wanted to drink in the foyer area(which is allowed), however one of the security officer was very ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Al Dafna

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Onaiza

While visiting Onaiza, you might make a stop by sights like The Gate Mall and Ministry of Justice.

Onaiza
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Al Bida

While you're in Al Bida, take in top sights like Doha Corniche and jump on the metro at Al Bidda Station to see more of the city.

Al Bida
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Diplomatic Area

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by City Centre Shopping Mall or Doha Corniche while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at DECC Station to get around town.

Diplomatic Area
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Al Jasra

5/5(11 area reviews)

While visiting Al Jasra, you might make a stop by sights like Pearl Monument and Souq Waqif.

Al Jasra
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Msheireb Downtown

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Msheireb Downtown, check out sights like Msheireb Museums or Al Khoot Fort and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Al Baraha Tram Stop or Sahat Al-Masjid Tram Stop.

Msheireb Downtown
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Al Souq

While you're in Al Souq, take in top sights like Doha Corniche and jump on the metro at Souq Waqif Station to see more of the city.

Al Souq

Al Dafna