A land where tradition meets modernity, a country whose people are deeply rooted in their heritage. Qatar, is home to everything from world class museums, glistening malls, desert adventures, international sports venues. Majesty of the Inland Sea to relaxing by the beach. Qatar offers something or the other for all age groups. It allows visitors to reconnect and enjoy nature. We share with you the top 15 must- do things when in Qatar.
Plan now, travel later!
JEDARIART murals
JEDARIART is a collection of public murals by various artists across Doha. These murals allow artists to tell their stories on walls across the city and ranges from abstract, to surrealist to both traditional and modern calligraphy, while embracing different messages that reflect Qatar’s history, culture and future.
East-West/West-East
Nestled between limestone rock formations outside Zekreet, just north of Doha, lies Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East installation. Comprising of four steel plates, each of which is over 14m in height, the installation spans over 1km. It stands in stark contrast to the soft brown hues of the desert surrounding it, and offers a comment on isolation and the passage of time.
Lamp Bear
the Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer is centrally located in the duty-free area at the Hamad International Airport.The plush 23-foot yellow teddy bear sculpted from bronze sits under a lamp. Both humorous and comforting, the piece reminds travellers of childhood or precious objects from home.
Maman
A giant spider made of marble, bronze, and stainless steel, Maman by Louise Bourgeois explores the meaning of motherhood and strength, and can be found inside the Qatar National Convention Centre.
Gandhi’s Three Monkeys
Centrally located in Katara Cultural Village, Gandhi’s Three Monkeys by Subodh Gupta features three head shaped sculptures in military gear: one wears a gas mask, another a soldier’s helmet, and the third a terrorist’s hood. Each piece is made of cooking implements, used pails, traditional Indian lunch boxes and glass bowls. Together, the Three Monkeys recall Gandhi’s metaphor of the three monkeys that ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’.
'7' at the Museum of Islamic Art Park
Soaring nearly 80-feet above the MIA Park, 7 at the Museum of Islamic Art Park, by Richard Serra, is a steel homage to the spiritual significance of the number seven in the Islamic culture.
Cosmos
Cosmos by Othoniel is an artistic interpretation of the world’s oldest surviving Islamic astrolabe, which can be seen at the Museum of Islamic Art. Symbolising the path of travellers, the gilded steel installation also emulates warmth and sunlight, and is one of several impressive sculptures at Hamad International Airport.
8 Oryxes
8 Oryxes at the Hamad International Airport’s arrivals hall depict the Arabian Oryx, Qatar’s national animal in a herd. The installation, by Tom Claasen, is humorous and telling – a statement about the era of mass travel.
Perceval
A cart with giant marrows cast in cement is hitched to Perceval, contrasting with the painted bronze of the horse itself. This is the artist’s only known piece of public art and is a homage to British culture. A bronze of a life-size shire horse by Sara Lucas, can be seen in Aspire Park.
The Miraculous Journey
The Miraculous Journey at Sidra Medical and Research Centre comprises of 14 monumental bronze sculptures illustrating the development of a foetus. Damien Hirst’s installation attests to the beauty of an extraordinary process.
The Force of Nature II
The Force of Nature II at the Katara Amphitheatre is a large bronze sculpture by Lorenzo Quinn depicting Mother Nature as a woman hurling the planet in circles.
Pouce
Pouce by César Baldaccini is a giant thumb marking a crossroads in Souq Waqif. Its highly polished bronze patina reflects the surrounding light, and is a cheeky addition to the traditional marketplace.
The Challenge 2015
A series of bronze sculptures depicting larger-than-life hands reaching for the sky, The Challenge 2015 by Ahmed El Bahrani, can be seen at the Lusail Multi-Purpose Hall.