Saturday, February 18, 2012

Doha Corniche – Qatar

The most attractive part of Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is undoubtedly Doha Corniche.

Doha Corniche is a seven kilometer [4.4 miles] long, palm-fringed promenade and dual carriageway, which extends in a horseshoe shape around Doha Bay and the city’s sea-front.

The Pearl of Doha Corniche - Qatar
The Pearl of Doha Corniche - Qatar

It is lined with luxury hotels, clubs and apartments; various fine, important government buildings; lovely open, manicured parks with family facilities and public buildings such as museums and a library.
People love to stroll and jog along the corniche, especially during the balmy evenings, taking in the twinkling sights of the city and the Arabian Gulf.
The corniche proper starts just beyond this,near Doha Club. Close to Museum Roundabout, just beyond Doha Club, is the Al Nasaa Restaurant with its notable architecture, featuring traditional wind towers. After this is the Qatar National Museum, based around the restored former palace of the ruling family. The grassy, shaded Museum Park is alongside it.
Across the main road, known as Al Corniche Street, is the fascinating Doha Port area, with its ships, dhows, working boats, fishing boats and pleasure craft. People spend hours gazing at port-side activities.

The Pearl of Doha Corniche - Qatar
The Pearl of Doha Corniche - Qatar

The fine new Museum of Islamic Arts is here, on its own jetty. Then another jetty leads to the largest wooden dhow in the world and the popular dhow restaurants. At the entrance to this jetty is the famous pearl sculpture that features in so many visitors’ photo albums.

Doha Corniche - Qatar
Doha Corniche - Qatar

Continuing westward, you come to the impressive Emiri Diwan building with its lush landscaped gardens and cascading water feature.
The massive, attractive Diwan building is the official home of the Qatar Government.
After this, you come to the imposing Ministry of Foreign Affairs building.
Following the sweep of the attractive Corniche to the north-west, you get to Rumeilah Park, sometimes known as Al Biddah Park, which features a variety of attractions and facilities for families.
The park has restaurants, children’s play areas and the impressive Heritage Village, which was built to resemble a traditional Qatari hamlet. Local crafts and arts are featured and musicians sometimes perform there.

Al-Bidda Park Doha Corniche - Qatar
Al-Bidda Park Doha Corniche - Qatar

Qatar National Theater and the National Council for Culture ,Arts and Heritage are next to Rumeilah Park, followed by the Qatar National Library. This bold, futuristic building is an unmistakeable landmark on the corniche.
Carrying on around the corniche, there are striking examples of of Doha’s architectural achievements, with residential and commercial towers enjoying commanding positions overlooking Doha Bay and the Gulf. Amongst these is the General Post Office. It is always worth knowing where that is in a city!

Doha Corniche - Qatar
Doha Corniche - Qatar

Further along, at the end of the corniche, is the unmistakeable Aztec-pyramid shaped, luxurious Sheraton Hotel, in a prime scenic, very commanding location. Just before you reach it, there is the very pleasant Sheraton Gardens, with hop, cafe, children’s playground and plenty of relaxing space for a picnic.

Doha Corniche - Qatar
Doha Corniche - Qatar

Is there any wonder that Doha Corniche is so popular, both with visitors and locals?
It is a fascinating, attractive place, with wonderful views right across the sea-front of Doha. It is the part of Doha that all visitors comes to, at some time during their stay.

from www.aboutqatar.info

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