Qatar

A Jaunt Through Qatar with Qatar Airways

by Olivia Balsinger

In Qatar, the dichotomies are unparalleled: old versus new, tradition versus innovation, religion versus modernity. From the world-class metropolis of Doha, brimming with museums, nightlife and unrivaled man-made architecture, to the natural phenomena in the deserts, Qatar maintains all aspects of its heritage while embracing the new world.

Whether they are visiting as a stopover on a Qatar Airways flight or staying as their final destination, travelers will soon understand that Qatar and its capital city of Doha is not merely the “Next Dubai.” Until the discovery of oil in 1939, Qatar cultivated its greatest profit from pearl diving. But it has since grown, flourished and made its own substantial mark on the map.

And now there is no easier way to get there than Qatar Airways, the multiple award-winning airline with direct flights to Doha from more than 150 destinations on every inhabited continent. I was actually disappointed when the flight attendant woke me up as we were descending into Doha’s dawn on an overnight from New York City. I was in a Qsuite, the first of its kind in business class, which provided me complete privacy, along with ambient mood lighting and a fully flat bed. The airline also provides business class passengers an “a la carte” dining option, making my constant hunger more manageable. The stewardess went out of her way surprising me with champagne before landing in Doha and I had “Meet and Greet” service both during arrival and departure. I actually felt like royalty in the air.

However, once landing in Doha, I was equally blown away. Indeed, Doha itself has proven to be a major tourism draw. The city is significantly smaller than both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which allows it to keep its slightly provincial feel. While travelers can still find modern high-end innovations, such as Doha Festival City with an Angry Bird theme park, Qatar stays true to its heritage in a number of ways. I visited the Souq Waqif, one of the most traditional in the Middle East, to find pearl shops and nooks where men still gather to chat. Whether eating traditional Qatari food or getting whimsically discombobulated in the labyrinth of people watching, the Souq is not to miss.

Qatar is also equally modern as it is timeless. The sheer decadence and luxury found within Qatar’s hotels are reason enough to visit. Take The Mondrian Doha, for example. The property’s 270 rooms have views of the manmade Pearl Island. Here I enjoyed a luxurious detoxing massage and indulgent swim in the penthouse pool. The hotel epitomizes dual elegance and creativity, described as Alice in Wonderland in real life – the whimsical architecture by famed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders. Two Qatari hotspots are found in The Mondrian, Morimoto Doha and the bespoke Black Orchid nightclub.

Finally, adventure is everywhere in Qatar. Few things spike adrenaline more than a safari in a 4X4 through Qatar’s vast desert, about an hour and a half ride from Doha city center. The radio is blasting Arabian-French techno music as a white Land Cruiser picks up speed. The experienced guide smiles slightly mischievously and revs the engine prior to accelerating through this stunning natural oasis as the sound of sand descending down the slopes overwhelms. Q-Explorer Tours is a professional tour operator that handles individual and group guided arrangements, catering to specific itinerary desires and budgets. In addition to dune bashing, the company provides many other opportunities to explore Qatar’s culture, gastronomy and natural beauty. For a country small in size, Qatar certainly packs a punch.

www.qatarairways.com
www.visitqatar.qa