What to do in Al Shahaniya

Activities, attractions and tours

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Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo provided by Shutterstock

Top places to visit

1. City Centre Shopping Mall

The City Centre Shopping Mall is one of Doha’s oldest shopping centers and remains one of the largest in the region. It is loved by locals, expats and tourists who come to browse the 350 stores or enjoy the range of entertainment options. At peak times the mall can accommodate up to 70,000 visitors. Visit the City Centre Shopping Mall for international brands including items fitting a mid-range budget.
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Spend a relaxed, air-conditioned day in one of Qatar’s largest malls as you enjoy shopping, dining and family entertainment options.

2. Doha Corniche

Visit the Doha Corniche to look outward at the Persian Gulf or inland to the West Bay’s eclectic skyline of tall buildings. The walkway along the water extends for 4 miles (7 kilometers). Enjoy a sunrise here before high temperatures later in the day make being out of air conditioning uncomfortable.
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Stretching for miles in front of Doha’s skyline, this quiet promenade is a great place to take a peaceful stroll or a morning jog.

3. Souq Waqif Art Center

The Souq Waqif stands in an area of Doha where nomadic people of Qatar and maritime traders have long come to trade with local residents. Visit the renovated site of the Souq Waqif to observe traditions that have lasted for centuries.
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For a sense of traditional Qatari life, visit this marketplace in the heart of Doha. Shop, appreciate the architecture and have a meal here.

4. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

View an astounding collection of Islamic and other art and artifacts when you visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (FBQ Museum). The museum is housed in a large, flat, sand-colored structure resembling an ancient fort, yet it was opened only recently, in 1998. As you approach the building, notice the corner turrets, arched doorways and arrow slits in the thick stone walls that give it an authentic appearance of an ancient fortification.
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One man’s personal collection of artifacts offers fascinating insights into Arab and Qatari culture.

5. East-West / West-East Sculpture

The East-West/West-East art installation by Richard Serra stands tall in the Qatari desert, often without any visitors, as it’s quite a distance from Doha. Completed in 2014, the artwork consists of four tall steel plates set at intervals in a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) line. Walk close to one of the pillars to inspect it or pick a spot along the plateau on either side of the collection to view all four pillars at once. Each rises to a height greater than 45 feet (14 meters), the ancient position of sea level in the area.
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Travel to Qatar’s sometimes dusty and windswept desert to see an art installation of tall steel pillars rising high over the sands.

6. Zekreet Fort

The crumbling ruins of Zekreet Fort appear to be ancient, but the site was built only 200 years ago, perhaps by the pirate leader, Raḥmah ibn Jābir al-Jalāhimah. It was used for just a decade or two. Visit Zekreet Fort to see how Qatar’s sun, sand, winds and occasional rains have reduced the structure to an outline of the former fortification. Walk around the fort’s typical square shape. Note its corner towers including three circular in shape and one square.
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Travel west from Doha to see the remains of a fortress built two centuries ago for protection along the western Pirate Coast of Qatar.

What to do in Al Shahaniya

Popular places to visit

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

One man’s personal collection of artifacts offers fascinating insights into Arab and Qatari culture.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Zekreet North Beach

Zekreet North Beach

West of Doha, this beach is a great place to get away from the city, relax in solitude and enjoy Qatar’s unique desert and ocean setting.

Zekreet North Beach
East-West / West-East Sculpture

East-West / West-East Sculpture

Travel to Qatar’s sometimes dusty and windswept desert to see an art installation of tall steel pillars rising high over the sands.

East-West / West-East Sculpture
Zekreet Fort

Zekreet Fort

Travel west from Doha to see the remains of a fortress built two centuries ago for protection along the western Pirate Coast of Qatar.

Zekreet Fort

Ash Shahaniya Camel Racetrack

If you’ve ever imagined what the sport of competitive camel racing might look like, this is the place to find out.

Ash Shahaniya Camel Racetrack

Ras Abrouq Rock

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Ras Abrouq Rock during your travels in Zekreet. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Ras Abrouq Rock

Film City

You can learn about the history of Zekreet when you stop by Film City. Discover the area's coral reefs and monuments.

Film City

Dukhan Public Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Dukhan Public Beach during your trip to Dukhan?

Dukhan Public Beach

Zekreet Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Zekreet Beach during your trip to Zekreet? Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Zekreet Beach

Day trip destinations from Al Shahaniya

Al Rayyan

Al Rayyan

Ash Shahaniya

Ash Shahaniya