Pearls of the Persian Gulf: Doha and Manama

Qatar, Doha

It was a rather moody day when I arrived to Qatar by cruise ship. Doha is the city that I loved the most. I was following my instincts and I started to discover the city my way.
 
I was walking from the traditional DHOW (wooden Qatari boat) harbor to the first sight, the Museum of Islamic Art.

Dhow harbor

Museum of Islamic Art

The architecture of the building is something special already, it's actually built on the sea and it's featuring elements from the ancient Islamic architecture. Inside you will be amazed by the design too, I loved the sealing and the hall.

Inside

Outside

Entrance is free, the collection belongs to the world's greatest and it's collected from three continents:  ceramics, metal works, jewelry, textiles, coins dating from the VII.-th century till the XIX.-th century. If you are interested in art and history, you will love this museum. Gorgeous hand-knotted carpets and jewelries.

Katara – a few minutes for relaxation

My trip was followed by the Katara  beach and cultural village: nice, clean place full of  restaurants.  it looks like a village. One part was under construction, but it looks like always something is under construction here. It's just nice to go for a walk, enjoy a lunch or dinner.

Le Vesuvio Restaurant - Katara

Modern architecture with authentic elements, I loved the atmosphere of Katara. All in all it's a relaxing place, also suitable for families. Cultural and art events often take place here, check the programs before you go.

The sandy beach is perfect for families. I just had a short walk, I enjoyed the view and the sparkle of the sea. One piece custom is advised on the beach.

The Pearl Qatar – the most luxurious sight

Stunning marina with shops, hotels and restaurants spanning on an artificial island. The name Pearl is coming from the fact that there were pearl diving sites here in the past.  The atmosphere is elegant and there is nice music on the street. The complex looks new and neat. Here is a good variety of designer shops, the area is really posh and luxurious with all the brand new buildings and yachts. I enjoyed walking and window shopping here.
 

The charming souk of Doha – Souq Waqif

Even the though this place was renovated in 2006, it dates back hundred years. That was the place where Bedouins and locals were trading and later on a new, but old looking souk was built here.  It looks really authentic and this is where you can feel the most that you are in the Middle-East. The premises are built from local materials such as mud, bamboo and palm fond.  I always love the atmosphere of the souks: observing locals, smelling the traditional spices in the air and wandering around the colorful textiles – it really made my day. If you need traditional goods and souvenirs, or you just like the souks generally, spend an hour here and you won't regret it!

Bahrein, Manama

This is the place where old and modern meet. People were extremely welcoming and friendly. The best way to visit is taking a taxi and stop at the sights I was mostly interested in. In the Persian Gulf it’s cheap to go around by taxi.

Iconic building of Manama

The uniquely shaped building serves as the World Trade Center of Manama. It’s the second tallest building in the capital right now.

WTC

Centre

The Royal Camel Farm

There are about 600 camels all ages. The king loves camels, that’s the reason why they created the farm. Early morning local people come here to buy fresh camel milk. Entrance is free. If you like cute camels, you will definitely see a bunch of them here. The place is close to the highway and to the Saudi border. It’s about a 20 minute-activity at a lovely, quiet place.
 

The Qal'at al-Bahrain – ancient history

It’s the fort of Bahrain, it used to be a Portuguese fort in the 16th century, Portuguese saw the already existing port as a key point to protect their trade routes, so they set up military base at the Bahrain Fort. According to the archaeological findings, the first fort was built already around three thousand years ago. This places also served as trading port over the centuries, since it was the capital of Dilum, an important ancient civilization in the region. It was astonishing to see the ancient ruins and the modern skyscrapers of Manama in the background.

The International Circuit

Even if there are no races, you can visit the grandstand and the gift shop. The venue opened in 2004 and it hosts the GP2 series and the Bahrein Grand Prix. The circuit was designed by a German architect, he was facing the problem, that the premises are in them middle of the desert, they were worried that the sand will interrupt the race, they protect with spraying the sand around the tacks. If you are a fan, don’t skip this program!

Inside Bab al Bahrain Souk

The old souk in the center is nothing special at first sight. On the ground floor there is a food court, falafel was delicious. There are shops on the first floor. The whole place looks like brand-new and nicely designed with all the geometric patterns and light colors.

Snapshots from the cruise ship - Doha

Enjoy your time in Doha and Manama!