With only months to go before football fans worldwide go crazy for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, we thought it would be a great idea to send out a football-mad fan out to check out what else Qatar has to offer.
It's fair to say, they saw plenty of amazing sites. Here's just a few.
Msheireb
The world's first sustainable downtown regeneration project, Msheireb Downtown revives Doha's old commercial district with a new architectural language.
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Comprising over 100 buildings with commercial and residential properties as well as retail and cultural offerings, the stunning Barahat or courtyard lies at the heart of Msheireb Downtown.
The Msheireb Museums are a project by Msheireb Properties and celebrate the history of Qatar through four heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. The area includes entertainment venues, Qatar Academy Msheireb and four hotels, Mandarin Oriental Doha, Al Wadi Hotel MGallery, Park Hyatt Hotel and a Boutique.
Doha Metro
The Doha Metro is a rapid transit system which became operational on 8 May 2019. It has three lines with an approximate overall length of 76 km and 37 stations. Capable of reaching 100 km/h, the Doha Metro is one of the fastest driverless trains in the world. It connects most of the major tourist attractions and stadiums in Doha.
Qatar's Football Stadiums
With eight football stadiums, Qatar has plenty to offer for football fans. With all eight scheduled to host matches across the tournament, here's the rundown of each stadium with its capacity.
Lusail - Lusail Stadium (Capacity 80,000)
Al Khor - Al Bayt Stadium (Capacity 60,000)
Al Wakrah - Al Janoub Stadium (Capacity 40,000)
Al Rayyan - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (Capacity 40,000)
Doha - Khalifa International Stadium (Capacity 40,000)
Doha - Education City Stadium (Capacity 40,000)
Doha - Stadium 974 (Capacity 40,000)
Doha - Al Thumama Stadium (Capacity 40,000)
Katara Cultural Village
The heart of culture in Qatar, the Katara Cultural Village has plenty to offer. From the Katara Mosque and the Gold Mosque to the beautiful 3,275 sqm Amphitheatre that accommodates 5000 spectators, wherever you turn in the village you are sure to be amazed. It also offers art museums, pristine beaches and the beautiful Katara Hills, it's definitely a must go destination on your stay.
National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar has been a mainstay of the city but the current building opened to the public on 28 March 2019, replacing the previous building which opened in 1975. The building was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar. The museum site includes Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani's Palace.
Qatar National Library
Qatar National Library acts as a steward of Qatar's national heritage by collecting, preserving and making available the country's recorded history.
As a public library, they provide equal access for all of Qatar's residents to an environment that supports creativity, independent decision-making, and cultural development.
In addition to full-text online resources, the Library currently has more than one million books in its collections, along with more than 500,000 eBooks, periodicals and newspapers, and special collections.
Their qualified librarians are experts in teaching, research skills, literacy, programs and knowledge management.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
A member of Qatar Museums, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is a national and international centre for sports history, heritage and knowledge, promoting and encouraging academic research.
It is also a member of the Olympic Museum Network, which currently unites 22 Olympic museums worldwide.
If you're keen on getting over to Qatar for the World Cup or for anytime in the year then these are the links you'll need.
Qatar Airways will be your one-stop-shop for flights over to the country and Visit Qatar will tell you all the other amazing things you can do while you're there.
You can also click here to find out more about the accomodation on offer.
Topics: Australia, Qatar, Football, Football World Cup
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