8 Things to See in Doha: Why it’s Worth More than a Transit, Doha, Qatar

The rise of Qatar Airways over the last decade has seen Doha, the capital of Qatar, become a major Middle Eastern aviation hub. Its state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport (which now also boasts a lush rainforest precinct known as The Orchard) is right up there rivalling its Gulf neighbour Dubai International Airport, and even took out the coveted title of ‘World’s Best Airport’ in both 2021 and 2022. Qatar Airways’ expansive network, aided by a home base whose enviable location facilitates numerous non-stop flights to every inhabited continent, means Doha is now a highly frequented transit stop for people from all over the world.

I personally have lost count how many times I have passed through the airport travelling between Australia and Europe/the Middle East. But, until October 2023, ‘passing through’ was indeed the extent of my experience in the State of Qatar. Many a time I had looked out the plane window - at the vast desert sands that look so soft and pastel-like when you fly in on an early-morning flight from Australia, or at the glittering Doha skyline that you sometimes hover past on evening flights - and thought how, one day, I should really actually stop in Doha and experience the city for myself. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).