To celebrate the commencement of Qatar Airways flights from Doha to Sydney, personal travel managers Ric Pattaro, representative for Haberfield and Vicki O’Dea, representative for Lane Cove, joined a famil dedicated to members of CT Partners, to experience Qatar’s capital, Doha. Qatar Airways and Shangri-La’s Hotels and Resorts hosted the two night, three-day famil.
O’Dea said Doha was a fascinating city to visit, with its Islamic traditions, souks and architecture, and an ideal stopover.
“It’s extremely rare to see a city in the making but Doha is very much a modern developing destination. Doha is a dynamic city that offers a new and unique holiday experience for travellers en route to Europe.
“Known as the social heart of Doha, the Souq Waqif is a wonderful place to explore. With its labyrinth of narrow streets and traditional architecture we had an absolute ball exploring and bargaining with the street traders.”
Pattaro was struck by the amazing architecture.
“A visit to Doha wouldn’t be complete without seeing Museum of Islamic Art, it’s a shining example of how Doha is modernising its city yet retaining the heritage and character, a blend of old and new. Rising from its own purpose-built island, the museum is shaped like a postmodern fortress with minimal windows to reduce energy use and houses the largest collection of Islamic art in the world,” said Pattaro.
A significant amount of construction work is currently underway as the city prepares for the 2022 Soccer World Cup.
“Doha doesn’t currently offer any public transport although a light rail system is currently being built. Taxis are aplenty and very inexpensive, as are the boats across the harbour. I highly recommend taking a boat ride at night to view the city lights, it is a spectacular must do,” said O’Dea.
Pattaro said his personal experience of the city offers practical advice for travellers and will make his clients’ trips easy and enjoyable.
“A visa is required on arrival at a cost of 100 Qatari Riyal, it will be processed on your credit card. The currency of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal and is not available to purchase in Australia. Take some Australian dollars and I recommend you change currency at one of the shopping malls. The malls are huge and offer the all the international brands.”
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