With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ final and Qatar National Day wrapped up in one historic day of celebrations, Qatar Tourism takes a nostalgic look at the first and latest additions to some of the country’s most famous touristic landmarks, in recognition of all Qatar has achieved, on and off the pitches.

From its humble, culturally rich origins as a pearling nation, Qatar is today firmly set on the world tourism map and is set to become the region’s fastest-growing tourism destination by 2030.

Although still firmly rooted in its unique heritage and culture, rapid economic growth in Qatar over the last few decades has seen a flurry of infrastructure spring from the surrounding desert, leading to the suite of world-class hotels and soaring skyscrapers.

Preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ tournament ushered in a particularly impressive programme of new hotels, public beaches and malls in recent years, making its leisure and hospitality landscape virtually unrecognisable from the handful of original hotels and malls from decades earlier.

In celebration of the country’s journey from its first mall to hosting the world’s largest sports tournament, Qatar Tourism takes a nostalgic look at some of the country’s first leisure destinations, including hotels, museums, and parks, and how these have evolved to the present day.

Qatar Tourism Promotions Sector Head Haya Al Noaimi said that over the last few decades, Qatar has been on an incredible journey. From the small number of original five-star hotels in the 1970s and 1980s, there are now endless options that span the length and breadth of the country.

World-class assets, a safe environment and a host of family-friendly activities make Qatar a perfect choice for tourists of all preferences and perfectly poised to meet its goal of welcoming six million visitors a year by 2030.


First Hotel

Then: Gulf Hotel (1973)                                     

Nearly fifty years ago, Qatar’s first five-star hotel opened to the public. The Gulf Hotel’s distinctive, brutalist architecture was one of Doha’s most easily identifiable buildings and set the standard for the country’s hotel industry, which would expand at an impressive pace over the coming decades.

Now: Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha (2022)

Opened in 2022, Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha is Qatar’s first all-inclusive luxury resort now occupying the original Gulf Hotel building. A reimagining of its older brother, this impressive new beach resort offers state-of-the-art facilities and gorgeous views of the Doha skyline.


First Museum

Then: Qatar National Museum (1975)

NMOQMuseums in Qatar have received international acclaim for their fresh take on Middle Eastern museology and the bar was well and truly set when Qatar National Museum opened in 1975. Now known as the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), it is an ode to the country’s heritage and culture. Today, the building has been refreshed to resemble a desert rose and is a truly stunning addition to the Doha skyline.

Now: 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum (2022)

Since 1975, the number of museums in Qatar has swiftly increased. One of the latest additions is the fascinating 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum, a fun and highly interactive international hub for sports history and knowledge, the museum was launched earlier this year. Three new museums – Art Mill, Lusail Museum and Qatar Auto Museum also announced completion by 2030.


First University

Then: Qatar University (1977)

Qatar’s first higher education institution opened its doors to students in 1977 and signalled the beginning of the country’s academic journey. Rigorously focused on academic research, Qatar University offers the country’s broadest range of programmes, with numerous Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees offered across eleven colleges.

Now: Education City (2022)

Since the 1970s, Qatar has heavily invested in building a globally competitive, knowledge-based economy. Qatar Foundation’s truly impressive Education City campus, an extensive, stand-alone 12-sq km site, is home to satellite campuses of internationally renowned universities, home-grown establishments and cutting-edge research facilities.


First Park

Then: Al Muntazah Park (1980)

The place of fond childhood memories for many, Al Muntazah Park is thought to be the oldest public park in Qatar. Now renovated and called Rawdat Al Khail park (2022), it has lush green spaces, kids’ play areas and outdoor exercise equipment that makes it a particularly popular place for families.

Now: Rapid Beautification (Since 2019)

Since 2019, Ashghal’s expansive Beautification Project has seen in excess of 11 million square metres of lush green spaces created across the country, in addition to over 900,000 trees planted in various areas. An impressive 11 public parks have been opened during this time, including the ideally located 5/6 Park, the vibrant Box Park and the Al-Gharaffa Family Park with Qatar’s first airconditioned walking track.


First Shopping Mall

Then: The Mall (1997)

The Mall Shopping Complex, Qatar’s first shopping mall, opened in the late 1990s. Its warm, homely environment and the convenient mixture of stores, food courts and entertainment outlets made it an instant hit with Doha’s thrifty shoppers. Today, it remains one of the city’s most popular malls and a shopping staple for families.

Now: Place Vendôme, Printemps (2022)

2022 has seen some banner additions to the country’s already-vibrant shopping scene. September and October saw the arrival of the first Printemps department store outside of France and the exquisitely designed Place Vendôme mall. Both are already some of the city’s most sought-after spots for luxury shopping and Vendôme’s famous dancing fountains are a regular focal point for celebrations.


First Public Beach

Then: Naturally Beautiful Beaches

Qatar’s gorgeous coastline, crystal clear waters and powder-soft sands offer visitors some of the region’s most naturally beautiful and unique beaches. Nestled amongst the mangroves of Purple Island, Al Khor Beach is home to thousands of plants that turn the water a stunning shade of purple when in full bloom, whilst the rare limestone formations of Zekreet Beach make for one of the country’s most scenic camping spots.

Now: West Bay Beaches (2022)

November 2022 saw the opening of Qatar Tourism’s very much anticipated West Bay Beaches where three separate beaches – B12, West Bay Beach and Doha Sands – run the length of the Doha shoreline. Although all beaches are family-friendly, centrally located and affordable, they each offer a distinctly different look and feel.


First Skyscraper

Then: Pinnacle Residences (1995)

It’s difficult to imagine Doha without its visually arresting skyscrapers. Standing at 387 feet, the Pinnacle Residence apartment block, which opened in the mid-1990s was relatively small by contemporary Middle Eastern standards but marked the beginning of Doha’s swift ascension into the skies.

Now: Fairmont Doha and Raffles Doha; The Ned (2022)

The Fairmont and Raffles Doha are two luxury hotels that face each other in beautifully imposing structures that stand at an impressive 692 feet tall. Fairmont Doha is a masterclass in design and will feature the world’s tallest chandelier; whereas the suite-only Raffles Doha features a spell-binding entrance and offers a personal butler service. It also houses the first international debut of the fine-dining restaurant, Alba by world-renowned chef Enrico Crippa. The restaurant is known for delectable white truffles that are only found in Alba, Italy.

Also debuting in the region is The Ned, which opened last month along the calming waters of the Doha Corniche waterfront. The hotel and exclusive member’s club mark the brand’s third international expansion, following London and New York. The Ned now occupies the former Ministry of Interior building in Qatar.


First Water Park

Then: Aqua Park (2010)

The country’s first water park opened in 2010, offering visitors a giant wave pool, a lazy river ride and various thrilling slides. Today, it is still one of Qatar’s most popular spots for adrenaline-fueled fun.

Now: Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park (2020)

One of the largest theme parks in the Middle East, Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park (below, right) can be found in the heart of the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas. Offering 25 rides, slides and attractions, including the white-knuckle King Cobra slide, this park is a must for the country’s thrill seekers. Another water park – Meryal Water Park – is also set to open in 2023 and will feature the world’s tallest waterslide.


First Buildings at The Pearl-Qatar

Then: Cugini (2008)

Today, The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island with ten areas inspired by Mediterranean towns, is synonymous with luxury shopping, fabulous cuisine and high-end living. In 2008, the island saw its first shopping outlet, Saudi Arabian-owned Cugini, open to the public at the Porto Arabia boardwalk, which would pave the way for rapid expansion across the island.

Now: Corinthia Yacht Club (2022)

Qatar’s rich seafaring past found a proud modern home in the Corinthia Yacht Club, which has recently opened at The Pearl-Qatar. The newly minted, invitation-only private members club is set on the banks of Porto Arabia’s glistening seafront and will reinforce the island’s position as a haven for yachting enthusiasts.


First Major Sporting Tournament

Then: Qatar ExxonMobil Open (Since 1993)

Qataris are, famously, avid sports lovers and have been hosting major sporting events for decades. The country’s international sports hosting journey began with the Qatar ExxonMobil Open tennis tournament in 1993, which has been held annually in Doha ever since.

Now: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ (2022)

Twelve years of boundless imagination, resilience and sheer teamwork since winning the bid has led to the small but mighty Qatar having the privilege of hosting the largest sporting event on the planet. Eight glistening, architecturally magnificent stadiums, each with their own story to tell, were built and prepared for the tournament, some of which will transform into community spaces after the event – such as hospitals, schools, and shops.

There’s plenty to celebrate this year in Qatar. However, the country’s well-defined and research-based tourism strategy will see Qatar’s rich pipeline of leisure and hospitality offerings expand – to 2030 and beyond.


Did you know that Marhaba is the oldest information guide in Qatar? Founded in 1994, the book started as a 32-page guide with a map of Doha. Today, in addition to Marhaba’s active online presence, each Marhaba issue contains over 450 pages and includes sections about the different aspects of living in Qatar. The Marhaba map is also witness to the ever-changing face of Doha. 

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