![Doha, Qatar cover page.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343336.U29gCMol.jpg) Doha, Qatar cover page. |
![Map of Qatar with the star indicating the capital, Doha.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343338.nueUPtpq.jpg) Map of Qatar with the star indicating the capital, Doha. |
![The Doha, Qatar skyline as seen near the Museum of Islamic Art across the Corniche.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343340.4vCP6jJb.jpg) The Doha, Qatar skyline as seen near the Museum of Islamic Art across the Corniche. |
![Another view of the skyline. The triangular building on the right is the Sheraton Hotel.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343342.lbYPSapU.jpg) Another view of the skyline. The triangular building on the right is the Sheraton Hotel. |
![Buildings being constructed on the left. Most of the Doha skyline has been constructed in the last twenty years.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376932.BMpy9bu0.jpg) Buildings being constructed on the left. Most of the Doha skyline has been constructed in the last twenty years. |
![A jet skier passing by along the Corniche.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343348.YNn7uu65.jpg) A jet skier passing by along the Corniche. |
![Skyline with wooden boats in the foreground.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343365.m76qjoF7.jpg) Skyline with wooden boats in the foreground. |
![Some wooden sailboats along the Corniche.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343356.QdOxA6ih.jpg) Some wooden sailboats along the Corniche. |
![There are a lot of wooden vessels in Qatar. Some are dhow boats used for cargo, while others are passenger boats.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343351.QO8ADAf3.jpg) There are a lot of wooden vessels in Qatar. Some are dhow boats used for cargo, while others are passenger boats. |
![A small boat coming into shore.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343350.D5dgQ9dg.jpg) A small boat coming into shore. |
![A Qatar Airways flight passing over the Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376939.1ybDDur9.jpg) A Qatar Airways flight passing over the Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha. |
![View of the Museum of Islamic Art, which was designed by the renowned architect, I. M. Pei.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343362.wdUqkrE2.jpg) View of the Museum of Islamic Art, which was designed by the renowned architect, I. M. Pei. |
![Pei suggested a stand-alone island for the structure built on the water in order to avoid the encroachment of other buildings.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376937.s8nTeTug.jpg) Pei suggested a stand-alone island for the structure built on the water in order to avoid the encroachment of other buildings. |
![The museum houses one of the world’s most complete collections of Islamic art, including manuscripts, textiles and ceramics.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376933.Gt4kMxjA.jpg) The museum houses one of the world’s most complete collections of Islamic art, including manuscripts, textiles and ceramics. |
![View of the Fanar Islamic Centre with its spectacular minaret.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376934.DALNFJJX.jpg) View of the Fanar Islamic Centre with its spectacular minaret. |
![The Fanar Islamic Centre is a tribute to Qatar's goal of promoting world diplomacy and Islam's important role in attaining it.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343349.tYWQM2rY.jpg) The Fanar Islamic Centre is a tribute to Qatar's goal of promoting world diplomacy and Islam's important role in attaining it. |
![Close to the Museum of Islamic Art, is this fountain in the form of an oyster with a pearl.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343359.0hExIYgq.jpg) Close to the Museum of Islamic Art, is this fountain in the form of an oyster with a pearl. |
![It symbolizes the importance of the pearl diving industry, which was the backbone of the Qatar economy until the discovery oil.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376935.BVJm8OIQ.jpg) It symbolizes the importance of the pearl diving industry, which was the backbone of the Qatar economy until the discovery oil. |
![The Diwan Emiri (Emir's Palace).](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376938.rmV4fqql.jpg) The Diwan Emiri (Emir's Palace). |
![Green minaret of the Grand Mosque and the Clock Tower next to the Diwan Emiri. The mosque is not open to non-muslim visitors.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376940.mEL9su16.jpg) Green minaret of the Grand Mosque and the Clock Tower next to the Diwan Emiri. The mosque is not open to non-muslim visitors. |
![Orry, the 2006 Asian Games mascot with countdown clock on the Corniche.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343556.WbRGBtN2.jpg) Orry, the 2006 Asian Games mascot with countdown clock on the Corniche. |
![Close-up of Orry.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343557.w1HmhF6f.jpg) Close-up of Orry. |
![Nearby Orry, is another countdown clock with mice attached.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343564.pyGsEoq9.jpg) Nearby Orry, is another countdown clock with mice attached. |
![Orry with the Doha skyline in the background.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343566.5v93BMq0.jpg) Orry with the Doha skyline in the background. |
![A nearby passenger boat with the Doha skyline in the background.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343561.cSYtX3Di.jpg) A nearby passenger boat with the Doha skyline in the background. |
![View of part of the skyline as we drove into the West Bay downtown area.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376946.O3sjFut9.jpg) View of part of the skyline as we drove into the West Bay downtown area. |
![The building in the center is called the Tornado Tower.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343571.2LGMrqcS.jpg) The building in the center is called the "Tornado Tower." |
![Another modern building in the West Bay section of Doha.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343572.UO6Fhqbs.jpg) Another modern building in the West Bay section of Doha. |
![This building is officially called Burj Qatar, but people refer to it as the condom.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343569.3LYn20KR.jpg) This building is officially called "Burj Qatar," but people refer to it as "the condom." |
![Another modern Doha skyscraper.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343575.zIsALZ22.jpg) Another modern Doha skyscraper. |
![This building is the Qatar Telecom Headquarters.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343583.7adc93F1.jpg) This building is the "Qatar Telecom Headquarters." |
![View as we drove through the West Bay section of Doha.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343584.bZmnSjXv.jpg) View as we drove through the West Bay section of Doha. |
![Ahead, is the Doha stock exchange building.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343585.b1rcLpdW.jpg) Ahead, is the Doha stock exchange building. |
![Close-up of Doha stock exchange building.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343586.DjWCsY6H.jpg) Close-up of Doha stock exchange building. |
![The 5-star St. Regis Hotel Doha.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376947.zTXuTMuz.jpg) The 5-star St. Regis Hotel Doha. |
![The next stop on my tour was to the Katara Cultural Village, where many art forms are promoted in Qatar.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343589.UxypuU5o.jpg) The next stop on my tour was to the Katara Cultural Village, where many art forms are promoted in Qatar. |
![Beautiful mosaic tiles on a Katara building.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343590.I4BnopMj.jpg) Beautiful mosaic tiles on a Katara building. |
![Close-up of the mosaic tiles.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343591.WaoC8ulL.jpg) Close-up of the mosaic tiles. |
![An overhead canopy with a sign showing different exhibits.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343592.9K6wa8GC.jpg) An overhead canopy with a sign showing different exhibits. |
![We went to a Qatar Photographic Society exhibit in Katara. It highlighted photographers from around the world.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343593.GSqruArC.jpg) We went to a Qatar Photographic Society exhibit in Katara. It highlighted photographers from around the world. |
![Even though Katara is new, it uses traditional Arab and Islamic architecture.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343594.7VVgSNWR.jpg) Even though Katara is new, it uses traditional Arab and Islamic architecture. |
![One of Katara's many stunning buildings.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343595.K16mHUEA.jpg) One of Katara's many stunning buildings. |
![A typically-dressed couple walking by.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343596.yokcDp6l.jpg) A typically-dressed couple walking by. |
![A traditional straw ceiling in Katara.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343597.WhU4fdNM.jpg) A traditional straw ceiling in Katara. |
![The roof beams are traditional, too.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343598.FxGjT0UU.jpg) The roof beams are traditional, too. |
![The Katara Amphitheater balances classical Greek theater concepts and Islamic features.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343599.IZDUaEFx.jpg) The Katara Amphitheater balances classical Greek theater concepts and Islamic features. |
![View standing from the top of the amphitheater. It was officially opened in 2011 for a Vangelis concert.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376948.BobmvQvb.jpg) View standing from the top of the amphitheater. It was officially opened in 2011 for a Vangelis concert. |
![New Doha high-rises as seen from the amphitheater. Doha, presently, has a real estate glut.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343601.MP7Kt14X.jpg) New Doha high-rises as seen from the amphitheater. Doha, presently, has a real estate glut. |
![View of the St. Regis Hotel from Katara.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376949.om8JOSy1.jpg) View of the St. Regis Hotel from Katara. |
![This famous statue symbolizes Qatar pulling the world towards herself as she emerges as a great and vibrant country.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376950.G0LY1t4v.jpg) This famous statue symbolizes Qatar pulling the world towards herself as she emerges as a great and vibrant country. |
![A golden mosque in the Katara Cultural Village.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343830.repxe7tR.jpg) A golden mosque in the Katara Cultural Village. |
![These two structures are known as the Katara Birdhouse, since birds live inside them.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343831.JN49EakR.jpg) These two structures are known as the Katara Birdhouse, since birds live inside them. |
![This building near Katara is supposed to look like a hooded falcon.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343832.pN3iZ649.jpg) This building near Katara is supposed to look like a hooded falcon. |
![Falcon hunting is a popular sport in Qatar.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343833.5oAe2QeH.jpg) Falcon hunting is a popular sport in Qatar. |
![After leaving Katara, we drove by these two buildings at the well-known Fifty One East shopping center in Doha.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343834.RcTMLWSZ.jpg) After leaving Katara, we drove by these two buildings at the well-known Fifty One East shopping center in Doha. |
![Entrance to the Pearl, an exclusive artificial island development in Doha.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343835.tn3wsKln.jpg) Entrance to the Pearl, an exclusive artificial island development in Doha. |
![The Pearl is the first freehold development that allows ownership by foreign nationals.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343836.gWxFE5fN.jpg) The Pearl is the first freehold development that allows ownership by foreign nationals. |
![In other developments in Qatar (which are leasehold), foreign nationals can lease for 99 years, but they cannot own real estate.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343838.rTZ0yDc0.jpg) In other developments in Qatar (which are leasehold), foreign nationals can lease for 99 years, but they cannot own real estate. |
![A waterfront promenade at the Pearl.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343841.WITlEQuj.jpg) A waterfront promenade at the Pearl. |
![Luxury boats on the Pearl waterfront.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150376951.pG9dhQc9.jpg) Luxury boats on the Pearl waterfront. |
![Entrance to an exclusive shopping center at the Pearl.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343842.NyvRrpdx.jpg) Entrance to an exclusive shopping center at the Pearl. |
![A fountain in the shopping center. The stores are very expensive.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343839.RLc2AFaV.jpg) A fountain in the shopping center. The stores are very expensive. |
![A chandelier in the shopping center.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343840.BjapvM6z.jpg) A chandelier in the shopping center. |
![A Rolls Royce dealership at the Pearl.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343843.WJepkze8.jpg) A Rolls Royce dealership at the Pearl. |
![If a Rolls Royce is too staid, perhaps a Maserati or Ferrari would be best.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343844.LXi0hBuu.jpg) If a Rolls Royce is too staid, perhaps a Maserati or Ferrari would be best. |
![Sculpture at al Bida Park, in the center of a roundabout. The pointed arches are found in traditional architecture of Qatar.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343846.qu6lPTpT.jpg) Sculpture at al Bida Park, in the center of a roundabout. The pointed arches are found in traditional architecture of Qatar. |
![It was now dusk, and we drove by this newer addition of the Diwan al-Amiri with the lights illuminated.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343848.kmYRstHY.jpg) It was now dusk, and we drove by this newer addition of the Diwan al-Amiri with the lights illuminated. |
![Green minaret of the Grand Mosque and the Clock Tower illuminated at dusk.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343849.dLCM10W0.jpg) Green minaret of the Grand Mosque and the Clock Tower illuminated at dusk. |
![Our next stop was at a shop where they kept falcons.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343850.OoMbVbET.jpg) Our next stop was at a shop where they kept falcons. |
![The falcons were getting excited because it was dinner time.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343851.n7CS6nT5.jpg) The falcons were getting excited because it was dinner time. |
![Falcon eating some raw chicken.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343874.F6tYFWlF.jpg) Falcon eating some raw chicken. |
![Next to the shop was the Souk Waqif Falcon Hospital.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343876.gwIjKkDg.jpg) Next to the shop was the Souk Waqif Falcon Hospital. |
![Front entrance of the Souk Waqif Falcon Hospital.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343878.aZFFWHZf.jpg) Front entrance of the Souk Waqif Falcon Hospital. |
![Next, we passed by this mosque where prayers were going on. Shoes were left outside the door.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343880.3MmFKVIv.jpg) Next, we passed by this mosque where prayers were going on. Shoes were left outside the door. |
![A beautiful hotel in traditional Qatari architecture illuminated at dusk.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343882.ngoJ65JJ.jpg) A beautiful hotel in traditional Qatari architecture illuminated at dusk. |
![The name of the hotel is The Arumaila Boutique Hotel.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343883.m0R6lpk3.jpg) The name of the hotel is The Arumaila Boutique Hotel. |
![Next to the hotel is the Souq Waqif, a market renowned for selling traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343884.JYF0Fljr.jpg) Next to the hotel is the Souq Waqif, a market renowned for selling traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. |
![Interior of the Souq Waqif. It was recently rebuilt, but still retains the feel of an ancient souq.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343885.HLVl9m5A.jpg) Interior of the Souq Waqif. It was recently rebuilt, but still retains the feel of an ancient souq. |
![The smell of the souq was wonderful due to the spice markets there.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343886.q1qD9kOP.jpg) The smell of the souq was wonderful due to the spice markets there. |
![My tour guide, Sylwia, standing next to huge pots in a kitchen shop.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343887.td0d27uS.jpg) My tour guide, Sylwia, standing next to huge pots in a kitchen shop. |
![I am dwarfed by the pot. You could cook for hundreds of people in it!](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343888.JsrYvILI.jpg) I am dwarfed by the pot. You could cook for hundreds of people in it! |
![We entered a part of Souq Waqif where they sold birds and small animals.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343889.EK8DqyrU.jpg) We entered a part of Souq Waqif where they sold birds and small animals. |
![Kittens for sale in the souq.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343890.MijJW6nc.jpg) Kittens for sale in the souq. |
![These rabbits were also for sale.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343891.ZqWG8kih.jpg) These rabbits were also for sale. |
![The parrots were amazing at the souq.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343892.FEnHDbNO.jpg) The parrots were amazing at the souq. |
![There were many bird cages lined up.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343893.wABfFgae.jpg) There were many bird cages lined up. |
![An assortment of parakeets in a rainbow of colors.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343894.Cdf2hidh.jpg) An assortment of parakeets in a rainbow of colors. |
![We passed by many bird shops.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343895.oRzmgotd.jpg) We passed by many bird shops. |
![People walking through the souq at night.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343896.zLavFAM8.jpg) People walking through the souq at night. |
![Next, we went into a gallery with colorful lanterns.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343898.ta6LWeXX.jpg) Next, we went into a gallery with colorful lanterns. |
![Lanterns suspended from the ceiling.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343900.RK83c7dh.jpg) Lanterns suspended from the ceiling. |
![Close-up of one of the lanterns.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343903.1p28f5ZO.jpg) Close-up of one of the lanterns. |
![A lantern in another shade of blue.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343905.nv4so0n3.jpg) A lantern in another shade of blue. |
![An orange and red lantern.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343906.IHAK9Dev.jpg) An orange and red lantern. |
![Beautiful chairs with mother of pearl inlay and a traditional lamp.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343902.FrkrGjkc.jpg) Beautiful chairs with "mother of pearl" inlay and a traditional lamp. |
![An exquisite chandelier at the entrance to the gallery.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343908.7h4rmGjo.jpg) An exquisite chandelier at the entrance to the gallery. |
![Driving back to my hotel, we passed by the Fanar Islamic Centre illuminated at night.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343910.ti2mYw1H.jpg) Driving back to my hotel, we passed by the Fanar Islamic Centre illuminated at night. |
![Close-up of the minaret of the Fanar Islamic Centre.](https://a4.pbase.com/g9/73/691773/3/150343909.xC87Nfic.jpg) Close-up of the minaret of the Fanar Islamic Centre. |