Things to do in Ash Shahaniya

Visit the Doha Corniche to look outward at the Persian Gulf or inland to the West Bay’s eclectic skyline of tall buildings. The walkway along the water extends for 4 miles (7 kilometers). Enjoy a sunrise here before high temperatures later in the day make being out of air conditioning uncomfortable.

The City Centre Shopping Mall is one of Doha’s oldest shopping centers and remains one of the largest in the region. It is loved by locals, expats and tourists who come to browse the 350 stores or enjoy the range of entertainment options. At peak times the mall can accommodate up to 70,000 visitors. Visit the City Centre Shopping Mall for international brands including items fitting a mid-range budget.

The Souq Waqif stands in an area of Doha where nomadic people of Qatar and maritime traders have long come to trade with local residents. Visit the renovated site of the Souq Waqif to observe traditions that have lasted for centuries.

Visit the Katara Cultural Village to appreciate the way it aims to use art and cultural interchanges to spread messages of hope, understanding and peace across the world’s diverse people. Established with the vision of becoming a world leader in multicultural activities, the modern site blends European and Oriental architectural styles with Qatari, such as the three distinctive Pigeon Towers outside a mosque.

Visit the Villaggio Mall for some of the best shopping in Doha. You’ll find a lavish shopping center decorated in Venetian-style art and architecture complete with its very own winding canal. Explore the huge range of fashion stores as you wander over pretty bridges and under beautifully ornate ceilings.

The Qatar National Convention Centre is a great place to enjoy entertainment in Doha. The building opened in 2011 as part of the Qatar Foundation’s efforts to establish Qatar as a global leader in gathering people for learning and culture. When you visit the Qatar National Convention Centre, notice Arata Isozaki’s architectural design, with wide branches growing from the ground to support the building’s roof. This feature represents the Sidra tree, which provides shelter for desert travelers, who share knowledge in the shade of its protective branches.

View an astounding collection of Islamic and other art and artifacts when you visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (FBQ Museum). The museum is housed in a large, flat, sand-colored structure resembling an ancient fort, yet it was opened only recently, in 1998. As you approach the building, notice the corner turrets, arched doorways and arrow slits in the thick stone walls that give it an authentic appearance of an ancient fortification.