bahrainthismonth.com | MARCH 2025 TRAVEL 42 Where Past Meets Future Few destinations capture the balance between history and progress as effortlessly as Doha. The Souq Waqif, a centuries-old marketplace, transports visitors to a bygone era. Here, the scent of spices fills the air as traders sell gold, perfumes and textiles much as they have for generations. Wandering its narrow alleys, one gets a sense of Qatar’s deep-rooted heritage, unspoiled by time. Yet just minutes away, Msheireb Downtown presents a strikingly different vision. As one of the world’s most sustainable smart cities, it combines heritage-inspired architecture with cutting-edge technology, featuring solar-powered trams, energy-efficient buildings and a pedestrianfriendly design that reflects Qatar’s vision for the future. The contrast continues at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), an architectural masterpiece designed by Jean Nouvel to resemble a desert rose. Inside, the immersive exhibitions trace Qatar’s evolution from its Bedouin roots to its emergence as a leader in energy, finance and culture. Through multimedia storytelling and interactive displays, the museum offers an in-depth look at the country’s past, present and aspirations for the future. The Desert’s Untamed Beauty Beyond the city, Qatar’s vast desert landscape offers an entirely different kind of spectacle. The Sealine Beach area, south of Doha, is a gateway to one of the most breath-taking desert experiences in the world. For thrill-seekers, dune bashing in oversized Monster Buses delivers an adrenaline rush as drivers navigate towering sand dunes with gravity-defying skill. For a slower, more immersive experience, camel rides provide a glimpse into Qatar’s nomadic past, allowing visitors to experience the desert as travellers did centuries ago. At the Visit Qatar Camp, the desert transforms into a cultural festival. Guests can witness traditional calligraphy, participate in a vibrant kite festival or enjoy a horse-riding demonstration. The evening culminates with a culinary competition, where chefs showcase the best of Qatari cuisine under the open sky. As night falls, a fireworks display illuminates the dunes, creating a scene as magical as it is unforgettable. Qatar Heritage, Innovation, Luxury When Bahrain This Month’s Chairman and Publisher, George Middleton, visited Qatar as a guest of Visit Qatar, he discovered that while its glittering skyline and global influence are well known, the true essence of the country lies in the seamless coexistence of heritage, innovation and luxury.
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