Desert Safari
A trip to the inland sea, in the middle of the desert, is a splendid way to spend the day. Experienced tour operators add to the adventure by expertly steering their four-wheel drive vehicles up and down 60-metre sand dunes along the way. Each air conditioned vehicle comes fully equipped with all necessary gear to ensure a safe but dramatic tour of the mysterious desert. As you travel over the sand dunes, you will get an unequalled view of the desert and, if you listen closely, you can hear the sands shift as you descend down the slopes. A lunch and swim in the warm inland sea will nicely top off your adventure before you make the journey back to the city. Be sure to bring swimsuit, sunscreen, and don’t forget your camera.
You can book a Desert safari, Live in History tour or an Overnight Camping trip at the Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort with
Guest Relations or directly at the QIT (Qatar International Tours) desk.
Email us to reserve your trip before arrival.
Cruises
Surrounded by the Arabian Gulf on three sides of the peninsula, there are plenty of opportunities for water sports and cruising. Two artificial reefs have been built for scuba-diving and create a welcoming environment for marine life. The Dhow is the traditional Qatari fishing boat, usually in wood and with two levels. Trips can be organised during the day or by night with meals and entertainment on board or on an island. Reservations and details are available at the Sheraton Doha from
Guest Relations and/or the QIT desk
Diving
The warm, shallow waters of the Gulf make Qatar an ideal place for beginner divers. For enthusiastic divers, there is enough interest to keep divers happily occupied, and many people acquire their skills here. Constructed of sunken cars and oil-drums, two artificial reefs have been built for scuba-diving and create a welcoming environment for marine life, including a large variety of fish, crustaceans and corals.
Boating and Sailing
Sailing is a wonderful pastime and several private companies offer dinghies and windsurfers for rent, as well as sailing lessons for novice and experienced sailors. A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow in Doha Bay provides a stunning view of Doha at night, while luxury yachts can be rented for half- and full-day fishing trips. Reservations and details are available at the Sheraton Doha from Guest Relations and/or the QIT desk.
Water Sports
There are both jet-skiing and water-skiing rentals, as well as pedal boat, water cycle, and kayak rentals. And for the extremely adventurous, try parasailing, surfing, or wind-surfing. Equipment is available through most hotels. Reservations and details are available at the Sheraton Doha from Guest Relations and/or the QIT desk.
Deep-Sea Fishing and Water Sports
A true fishing enthusiast could not ask for more! Whether you’re an expert or a novice, you will enjoy this experience. While you fish, a delicious barbecue will be prepared onboard.
The Sheraton Doha Guest Relations and/or QIT (Qatar International Tours) can book and/or organize for you and your group a variety of water based activities: Fishing Trip, Dhow Trip – day or night, Deep Sea Diving, Sailing, Water Skiing, Parasailing, Banana Boat Ride, Windsurfing
Shopping
From the large shopping complexes to the tiny stalls of the souqs, eager shoppers will find everything they need and more. The Sheraton Doha operates a regular free shuttle bus to and from the City Centre.
Golfing
For the enthusiastic golfer, a visit to the Doha Golf Club is absolutely a must. This 18-hole, 7,181-yard, par 72 championship course was designed by Peter Harradine and has played host to major international golfing championships. Namely, the prestigious Qatar Masters, part of the European Tour. There is also available a nine-hole floodlit academy course and a splendid clubhouse with three restaurants and a golf shop. The long-established Mesaiseed Golf Course offers an outstanding course and has tennis courts and a swimming pool.
Special discounted rates are available for Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel guests – advance booking required. Contact Guest Relations for bookings (+974 485 4028).
Corniche
A stroll along the Corniche is a must during your stay. This seven-kilometre stretch of coastline runs parallel to the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and is used by walkers and runners, as well as the more adventurous roller-bladers. It offers a relaxing environment for family picnics and a nearby park for children. Fully landscaped with ample parking, the Corniche is the ideal place to unwind.
Palm Tree Island
Situated about a ten-minute dhow trip from the Corniche, Palm Tree Islands offers entertainment for the whole family. Swimming pools and beach access with shallow and deeper swimming areas, children’s play area, beautiful gardens as well as restaurants and cafés. A day spent on Palm Tree Island is a most welcome opportunity for relaxation.
Oryx Farm and Equestrian Club
Visitors can see the Oryx in its natural surroundings at the Oryx Farm located in Shahaniya. The national animal of Qatar, the Oryx isn’t found anywhere else in the world in such large numbers. The beauty of the Arabian horses is well-known throughout the world. The pure-bred Arab show and race horses at Al Shaqab Stud Farm provide a great opportunity to enjoy these horses close up. Other facilities include the Qatar Race and Equestrian Club, where visitors are welcome to view its stables, and the Rayyan Racing and Equestrian Club, where races and show-jumping events are held. There are organized tours from the Sheraton Doha for guests – contact the Guest Relations or a QIT representative at the hotel to book your tour.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is one of the oldest sports most favoured in this country. The Equestrian Club organizes a number of seasonal horse race meetings, in which competition becomes more intense with hefty financial prizes offered for winners. International horse beauty contests held in the country are the focus of attention and appreciation locally, regionally, and internationally. Occasional rides organised by the Club can be booked with Guest Relations at the Sheraton Doha
Falconry
In Qatar today, the tradition of falconry remains a major sporting activity during the hunting season from October to March. An important bond is created between owners and falcons, and the birds are treated with great care and respect. Tourists can watch falcons at the Iranian souq.
Cinemas
For those who wish to catch the latest film, there are several cinemas located in some of the large shopping centres, including The Landmark and The Mall, as well as Gulf Cinema on C-Ring Road. Click here for BCC Movies, showing at the City Centre.
Ice Skating/Bowling
The City Centre Doha has ice skating rinks where you can rent skates by the hour. Qatar Bowling Centre offers ten-pin bowling in a 32-lane facility, and the City Centre Doha has two bowling alleys – one for ladies only.
Tennis and Squash Courts/Swimming Pools/Fitness Centres/Spas
The major hotels offer a variety of facilities including tennis and squash courts, swimming pools, and fitness equipment. After exercising, you can relax with a massage at the hotels’ health and spa facilities or make an appointment at one of the many Chinese and Indian massage centres.
The largest Health & Recreation Centre is at the Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort. A total 70 acres of private gardens, lagoon, pools, sandy beach and an extensive gym – with many services and facilities.
Historical Sights
Qatar’s fortresses date back to the 17th century through to early 20th century, as exemplified by its architectural styles. Mostly erected for defense purposes and often by the coast. The most known is Al Zubarah fort, now turned museum. Others include Marrooub, Al-Thughb, Al-Rakyiat, Umm Salal Mohammed and Al-Wajbah Fort; but also Al-Ghuwair Castle and Al-Rakiyat Fort. Al-Jassasiya, in the northeast, is also known by its pre-historical stone engravings.
