From finding unique artifacts and local shops at the Souq Waqif to experiencing an adrenaline-filled Sand Dune experience, we cover a wide range of things for you to do in Doha during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Qatar is truly a nation filled with fascinating culture, unforgettable architecture and will be filled with the world’s biggest football fans who will be attending the FIFA World Cup. This blog is especially for football fans who are traveling to Qatar specifically for the World Cup and who will have some spare time in between the match schedule.
Even though Qatar is a smaller country, they have a rich variety of food, beaches and adventures. You can start your day with a camel ride, then have brunch in a palace (literally!), sunbathe on one of the Gulf’s most luxurious beaches, watch a game of the World Cup and then end the day with a night of clubbing at some of the world’s best nightclubs.
Here’s a list of 6 exciting and unique things to do in Doha during the FIFA World Cup 2022!
Walk Around the Souq Waqif
You will be transported into another time altogether the moment you walk down the streets of Souq Waqif. The bazaar’s name literally translates to a ‘Standing Market’ - you’ll know what it means once you enter the street. The stunning architecture around the market along with the labyrinth of small shops that sell perfumes, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs makes it the ideal place to be during day time when there are no World Cup matches ongoing.
P.S. you can even hold a Falcon in your hand at the Souq Waqif!
Explore the Al Zubarah Fort
The Al Zubarah Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site whose name was derived from the archeological site of Al Zubarah town. The fort is situated in the middle of the desert and is considered to be an iconic and offbeat attraction for tourists to visit.
The Fort’s interiors showcase 18th-century architecture and is very well-preserved. In the past, the Al Zubarah region was one of the most important pearl diving and trading centers that were linked to the Indian Ocean, and it was considered a fairly prosperous trading town.
Address: Al Zubarah, Shamal
Opening Hours: Every day from 7:30 am to 5 pm
Price: Free of Charge
Vintage Cars at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani museum was a passion project started by an influential businessman, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani. This project was born out of a sheer passion for art and artifacts so unique that you will find items all the way back from the Jurassic period right through to modern history.
However, the most impressive part of the museum is the Sheikh’s monumental car collection which consists of more than 600 cars, all in the best working condition! For any car enthusiast traveling to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, this is a must-visit as you can see steam cars to limousines.
Make sure to book in advance, as they often sell out quickly.
Address: Al Samriya, 22km west of Doha, just behind the Mall of Qatar
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday (9 am to 4:30 pm), Friday (2 pm to 7 pm), Saturday (10 am to 6 pm), and Sunday (9 am to 4 pm).
Price: 45 QR
Watch the Adidas Al Rihla Football in action
Adidas’ latest innovation will be in action during the 2022 FIFA World Cup matches where you will get to witness the football which travels faster in flight than in ball in the tournament’s history!
The Adidas Al Rihla Football was made with the sole intention to support high-speed and high-qualtiy games in the World Cup. This means that football fans can expect a few high-scoring matches that will completely entertain the fans. The Al Rihla football was designed with sustainability as a priority; Hence, Al Rihla is the first FIFA World Cup ball to be made exclusively with water-based inks and glues.
Al Rihla means ‘the journey’ in Arabic and takes inspiration from the architecture, culture, iconic boats and the flag of Qatar. The Adidas Al Rihla Football can be found in the nearest sports store or you can even purchase it online on websites such as SportsEquip, Amazon and Unisports.
Admire the Katara Amphitheatre
There will be plenty of things to do at the Katara village for you, but the number one attraction of the village has to be the magnificent Katara Amphitheatre. The amphitheatre is built in Greek style and can host up to 5000 people at full capacity.
Along with the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, the Katara Amphitheatre also has The Force of Nature II sculpture, made by Lorenzo Quinn, which will appeal to your artistic senses. Once you’re done, you can visit one of the art galleries, head to Katara beach or even grab mouth-watering food at a few restaurants near the amphitheatre.
Address: Katara Cultural Village
Opening Hours: Every day from 3:30 pm to 11 pm
Price: Adults - QR 10; Kids U-18 - FREE
*The entry fee may vary by the season
Kayak around Purple Island
The city of Doha will amaze you with its modern metro system and the towering skyscrapers, but if you are a nature lover, then you must head towards the mangroves in north eastern Qatar. This area is named purple Island as purple dye was once produced here. You can either wander around the mangroves along the walkaway or book a Kayaking trip.
Conclusion
With an influx of tourists expected during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, we highly recommend you to book adventure activities such as kayaking at the Purple Island or visiting the Vintage Car museum fairly in advance as these locations have limited tickets available. Also, booking in advance will reduce your wait time and allow you more time to enjoy the activities and the destination.
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