QATAR. In celebration of the Trinity Forum which takes place this week in Doha (30-31 October), The Moodie Davitt Report is proud to bring readers and Trinity delegates the latest in a series called Qatari Wonders. highlighting the cultural attractions of Qatar.
The Trinity Forum, organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, ACI and ACI Asia-Pacific, is this year being jointly hosted by Qatar Airways, Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport.
The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said, “In a troubled and divided world, travel retail plays an important role in creating mutual international tolerance and awareness of other cultures. We do not see the hosting of our premier conference as just a commercial occasion but one in which we also celebrate the culture, tastes and traditions of the host country. Qatar is a nation rich in history, resplendent with natural and man-made attractions, and renowned for its magnificent art collections and architecture.
“We know that Trinity Forum delegates will savour this fascinating cultural tapestry and we are proud to highlight it during the run-up to the event.”
Doha for outdoor enthusiasts
The people of Qatar are extremely proud of their dazzling capital Doha, with its striking architecture and Persian Gulf coastline.
As Lonely Planet points out “it’s rare to see a great city in the making these days”. Doha’s stunning skyline is constantly changing; cultural icons are attracting international acclaim as the city combines tradition with contemporary in confidence and style.
Two of Doha’s defining features are, however, its parks, and its nearby desert.
The Museum of Islamic Art Park (MIA) stands out along the Doha waterfront. It boasts some of the finest city views and is home to Richard Serra’s vertical steel sculpture, known as 7. The American sculptor is known for his large-scale works which invite engagement.
Al Bidda Park is near the Qatari National Theatre and overlooks the Corniche, the 7km waterfront promenade along extending along Doha Bay and centre of many national and sporting events.
Aspire Park is a green oasis which is not known really known as a Doha tourist attraction. There are running and walking tracks, along with other sports facilities, the city’s only lake and the Torch Tower which was a giant torch for the 2006 Asian Games. The park offers a great contrast to Doha’s buildings and the city’s surrounding desert areas.
The desert is a major attraction and the source of many half and full-day tours. These can include dune bashing (hurling along rolling sand dunes in a vehicle that’s designed to tackle the desert terrain and usually has flat tyres), sand boarding, a visit to a Bedouin camp and even a camel ride.
Qatar’s largest area of sand desert lies to the south-west of Doha; its high dunes attract those on recreational safaris and visitors simply wishing to enjoy the spectacular landscape.
Khor Al Adaid, Qatar’s ‘Inland Sea’, is included in some tours. This UNESCO-recognised natural reserve has its own ecosystem and is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert.
The Inland Sea is regarded by many as Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders and one of the country’s finest treasures.
PREVIOUSLY FEATURED ON QATARI WONDERS
