Doha Culture

With archaeologists finding evidence of human settlement in Doha dating back as far as 4000BC, it is no surprise to find that the city is steeped in history and culture.

Being an Islamic country, much of their culture is based around their religion, and for those coming from non-Arab countries it can be quite a culture shock.

As 80% of Qatar’s population live in Doha, the culture in Doha is much the same as in the rest of the country, although perhaps a bit more tolerant and adapted to the modern world due to the cosmopolitan mix of people there.

Despite only 20% of Qatar’s population being native to the country, it is still important to respect their religion and culture - as they can take great offence especially when speaking about the Prophet Mohammed. Generally though, Qatari’s are a lot more tolerant to Westerners slip-ups than in countries such as Saudi Arabia.

Despite many myths about Qatar, they are quite tolerant towards dress code. Although indigenous Dohan’s generally choose to wear full Islamic dress, it is not expected for expatriates or tourists to adhere to this. Although it is respectful to be as modest as possible, and keep skimpy outfits and swimwear to your hotel or home.

For those wishing to see evidence of Doha’s rich history should visit the National Museum and Aquarium which is open seven days a week. There is a massive collection of ancient and more recent artifacts as well as native fish and sea creatures. There are five sections to the museum: Old Governor’s Palace, State Museum, the Lagoon, the Aquarium, and the Botanic Garden.

The Doha Fort is another popular attraction for those wishing to immerse themselves in Dohan culture. It is a Moorish Museum dating back to Ottoman times where you can view wood carvings and other historic arts and crafts dating back to up to two centuries ago. It is one of the last remaining military forts in Doha and was built in 1917.

Opened in 1985, the Doha Ethnographic Museum gives an insight into the daily lifestyle of Qatari families. It is built around a house that is the last remaining example of it’s kind, having a wind tower or badgeer that funneled air into house from all four sides. Inside the museum is a selection of displays depicting a traditional Qatari lifestyle.

Shopping is an important part of Dohan culture, and there is certainly not a shortage of shopping options. The more traditional form of shopping is at the souqs or markets, where you barter with the vendors for a cheaper price and can often pick up some great bargains on every day items such as food and clothing, as well as larger items such as furniture or antiques.

For those who prefer a more relaxed style of shopping, there are several large, über-modern shopping malls, the Villagio in Doha is the newest and largest of them and is one of the most extravagant malls you will ever visit. Built around a man-made canal complete with gondola ride and sky high ceilings, you don’t even need to go shopping to want to visit. The City Centre Mall in Doha is also a very popular shopping destination.

As Doha’s culture is based so much on their Islamic religion, a trip to the city would not be complete without a visit to the Grand Mosque. Although non-Muslims are not allowed inside the Mosque, the building itself and the monuments and historic sites surrounding it are enough to make it worthwhile.

Doha has an important pearling history, and until oil and gas became the prominent industries, pearling was the heart of the city. References to this can be seen all around the city, particularly in one of Doha’s most popular attractions - both for tourists and locals alike - the Corniche. A seven kilometre long coastal walk, the Corniche boasts beautiful clear blue waters and pristine grassy areas perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll or jog. Many Qatari’s are seen here enjoying the outdoors throughout the year.

For art lovers, the recently constructed Doha Museum of Islamic Art is a large yet not imposing Egyptian-style building with a clean and minimalist feel to it once you’re inside. It is situated on a man-made island just off the coast of the city and can be accessed by foot over a bridge or there are shuttle buses running from a car park at the entrance to the bridge. It is aimed at Muslim visitors, and many Westerners may not appreciate this style of art and beauty, but for culture lovers it is a great eye opener to the world of Islamic art both modern and traditional.