Are you travelling to Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar in 2022? You can either hang around in the hotel while waiting for the match or explore the city and get to know its roots. Here are 10 exciting things you can do between the FIFA World Cup matches:
1. Hit the Beaches:
While you take a trip to watch the world cup, do not miss visiting beaches in Doha. There are many beaches you can explore here, starting from Qetaifan beach, located in the Qetaifan North Island, where you can catch some live concerts performed by international artists as well as residents, along with attending wild beach parties. Be a part of water activities as well and visit retail stores there. The best part is that you will not miss matches as they will be shown live on a large screen.
2. Visit Museum- Baghdad: Eyes delight:
This is a Museum of Islamic Art, one of the city’s best art galleries. The exhibition here demonstrates how Baghdad has been the most influential Islamic city ever created and its role as the city of power, riches, and scholarship. This one is purely for history lovers.
3. Do Not Miss The World of Football Exhibition:
To celebrate the world cup in style, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympics and sports museum has organized an exhibition split into 2 halves- Football for all, all for football that examines the global appeal of football, and The road to Doha that takes you on a journey from the first 1930 FIFA World Cup match in Uruguay to the final at the Lusail Stadium in 2022. Do not miss this exhibition if you are interested in witnessing interesting artefacts and objects that will be added to it following the World Cup.
4. Visit Katara Cultural Village:
If you want to immerse yourself in Qatar’s culture, visiting Katara village is a must. This is honestly not a village as it is situated between the financial district of West Bay and the Pearl residential. You should visit the Katara Gold mosque, a charming amphitheatre that can hold 5000 spectators, Al Thuraya Planetarium, and numerous galleries, take a stroll on the beach and try their eateries.
5. Indulge in Online Sports Betting:
How can you miss out on online sports betting at the FIFA world cup? Numerous secure online sites in Arabic offer sports betting. You should avoid gambling rooms or bookies, as these gambling operators are definitely illegal in Qatar and can get you arrested. However, online betting is a grey area from a legal perspective. Online sports books are operated off-shore from legal gaming jurisdictions. Hence, if you bet online privately, on a dedicated website, e.g. Saudicasinos.com, there should not be an issue.
6. Head to the Pearl:
This largest human-made structure in Qatar is a tourist place that is a must-visit. This luxurious place is home to some of the world’s most carefully curated restaurants and cafes. If you want a taste of an extravagant lifestyle, you should add this place to your itinerary.
7. Walk Along Corniche:
This is a six-kilometre crescent-shaped promenade between the Sheraton Hotel and the Museum of Islamic Art Park. It overlooks famous Doha places like the Museum of National Art and Al Dafna Park. During the tournament, this place has become a street carnival with live performances and more than 15 food and beverage outlets.
8. Experience a Desert Safari:
Adventure sports lovers cannot miss sand dunning when visiting a desert area, and Qatar features 8 vast deserts, among which the biggest one is located south of Doha. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, immerse in an experience of dune bashing, desert safari, sand-boarding, visiting traditional camps, riding camels, getting henna tattoos, and enjoying local performances and great food at camps.
9. Try Traditional Qatari Food:
Another fun thing you should add to your to-do list in Qatar is to try traditional Qatari food. Arab cuisine is a delicacy that you cannot miss during your time in the country. A few famous must-try dishes are Machboos/Kabsa, Balaleet, Al Harees, and Luqaimat.
10. Shop for Souvenirs at Souq Waqif:
Who does not enjoy some shopping time when travelling? You can visit the Souq Waqif. Souq means to market, which is one of the most vibrant in Doha. Local products like woven bags, handmade perfumes, glass ornaments, spices, pearls, and much more will be available. You can also enjoy some local delicacies while taking a break from shopping for souvenirs.