On June 1, 2016, Qatar Airways launched its daily flights from Hartsfield-Jackson to Doha, Qatar. With the popularity of Middle Eastern cities like Dubai over the past few years increasing, this route to Doha opens up yet one more desert city for Atlanta residents to visit, even if just for a stopover.
Qatar is one of the world's richest countries, so shopping is a popular pastime. Traditional malls are easy enough to find, housing all of the top designer names from Valentino to Armani. But the Souq Waqif is a traditional market full of local and regional craftwork. It's also a great place to people watch. Locals, expats and visitors walk the streets daily from 8 a.m. through midnight.
For adventure, take a drive to one of Qatar's most impressive natural wonders, Khor Al Adaid. It's known as the Inland Sea because of the ripples of sand dunes next to dried out basins of hardened dirt and sand. Then, there's the sea; this is one of the few places in the world where the sea, The Persian Gulf, encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. It's the perfect location to ride a camel or try your hand at dune bashing. Go off-roading up and down the dunes in a 4x4 sideways and even backwards.
For a break from the modern lights and heights of new Doha, a trip to Katara cultural village will give you the local immersion you crave. It's home to many art galleries and houses, an amphitheater, opera house and a public beach. Katara is home to many activities like festivals and sporting events.
