Elite Traveler Summer 2022

EXPLORE QATAR

Aerial view of Qatar’s skyline

GUIDE TO QATAR

It appears that they’ve been missing out. Opened just before the pandemic and one of the world’s most architecturally audacious and beautiful buildings, the National Museum of Qatar is a notable showstopper among a collection of cultural attractions unrivaled throughout the region. The timeless mystery and majesty of the surrounding deserts await adventurers, while the hospitality o ff ering incorporates high-end hotels, restaurants and bars from the world’s most reputable brands. Sweeping from the center of ever-evolving Doha to little-known coastal enclaves on the perimeter of the country, here’s Elite Traveler ’s take on the very best of Qatar.

It’s all change in Qatar, which this winter will become the fi rst Middle Eastern nation to host the World Cup. In the capital of Doha, there’s talk of little else. On the Corniche, a countdown clock tallies the remaining hours until it all kicks o ff ; competing countries’ fl ags fl y from boulevards; and a slew of new hotels and attractions are preparing to welcome a global audience who, in truth, might never have considered visiting this immensely prosperous place. Despite Qatar’s superb national airline and international airport that consistently impress long-haul passengers in transit, until now very few leisure travelers have considered vacationing here.

by John O’Ceallaigh