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Guides for the Business Traveler
Doha (2009)
4 hours in Doha (2009)
Julianna Barnaby takes a taxi tour to soak up the sights and pick up some bargains in Doha
 | Museum of Islamic Art Opened in December 2008, the Museum of Islamic Art is one of the first museums of its kind in the Middle East, and has quickly placed Doha firmly on the international art map. It's housed on a man-made island on the south side of the Corniche in an impressive building by I.M. Pei, and highlights the complex and diverse achievements of Islamic art throughout the centuries.
The 800-piece-strong permanent collection is spread out over 76,740 square feet, and encompasses works from a period spanning 1,300 years, and countries from Spain to India. The collections feature traditional forms of art, such as textiles and ceramics, but the gallery also highlights the importance of calligraphy and science as forms of art. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, in collaboration with other international institutions, seeking to create an international dialogue about Islamic art and heritage.
Open Saturday–Monday, Wednesday–Thursday 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Friday 2 p.m.–8 p.m.; Al Corniche; tel. 974-422-4444; www.mia.org/qa/english
|  | Souks The Gold Souk (off Ali bin Abdullah Street) is the perfect place to while away a few hours, whether you're looking for a special purchase or want to explore the Arabic-styled jewelry on sale in the various small shops. Not only limited to gold, wares on sale include pearls, silver and precious stones and metals worked into beautiful pieces of craftsmanship. If you have a little more time, many of the shops will handmake a piece to your specifications. Alternatively, the centuries-old Souk Waqif (between Al Souq Street and Grand Hamad Street in Al-Jasra; www.soukwaqif.com/english) has been redeveloped to become one of the city's most interesting places to shop. There are shops and stalls offering everything from oudh (traditional Arabic perfume) to exotic herbs and spices.
|  | Michelin-starred Dining One of the city's newest additions to its dining scene, Market by Jean-Georges, in the W Hotel Doha, is the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. In his first foray into Middle Eastern fare (he also runs Spice Market in the same hotel), Vongerichten focuses on fusing flavors from around the world with those of traditional Qatari cuisine, creating a unique and enjoyable experience. The restaurant is laid out in the style of an Arabian souk, and provides ample opportunity to watch as the talented chefs whip up an array of culinary delights in the show kitchen.
West Bay; tel. 974-453-5353; www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels |  | City Center Mall No trip to Doha is complete without a stop at City Center Mall, Doha, the city's largest shopping mall in the Al Dafna area. Home to a number of national and international brands, City Center Mall has over 350 outlets, a cinema, ice-skating rink, bowling alleys, and two food courts, in addition to a number of restaurants and cafés spanning every imaginable cuisine. Electronics tend to be slightly cheaper, and for those wanting to spend big, the mall boasts a number of designer clothing and jewelry brands.
Open Saturday–Thursday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday 3 p.m.–10 p.m.; Conference Center Street; tel. 974-483-9990
|  | Villa Moda Fashion devotees flock to Villa Moda in The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. Owned by the so-called Sheikh of Chic, Kuwaiti Sheikh Majed al-Sabah, the Doha branch of the store stocks up-and-coming and well-known luxury brands, such as Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu, Cosabella, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, for both men and women.
Open daily 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.–9 p.m.; The Ritz-Carlton, Doha; tel. 974-483-3556; www.villa-moda.com |  | Doha Golf Club As one of the stops on the European Tour Race to Dubai, Doha Golf Club has enjoyed an increasing prominence on the worldwide golfing scene, and for good reason. The club features an 18-hole Championship Course, nine-hole Academy Course, driving range, putting green, and an Arabian-styled clubhouse with the necessary facilities. Though the championship course isn't one of the easiest to play, it makes for a rewarding game that puts even the best golfers to the test. Those looking for something slightly less challenging have the option of the Academy Course, which can be played by golfers of all abilities. It's also particularly good if you're on a tight schedule.
Open daily 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; West Bay; tel. 974-496-0777; www.dohagolfclub.com |
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