Doha, Qatar
Cultural village in Qatar
Katara Cultural Village, on Doha's east coast between West Bay and the Pearl, is an arts and culture complex that opened in October 2010 on reclaimed land. It is designed to resemble a traditional Qatari village, with low sand-coloured buildings, flat roofs, shaded alleys and courtyards alongside modern facilities. Its name, Katara, is the oldest known name for the Qatar peninsula, appearing on Ptolemy's maps in the 2nd century AD. It holds art galleries, theatres, concert halls, libraries, a cinema and a conference hall, hosting performances and festivals all year, among them cultural, film and Arabian horse festivals. Landmarks include the open-air, Greek-style amphitheatre facing the sea, the opera house, the Katara Mosque with its turquoise tilework, the small Golden Mosque covered in gold mosaic, and traditional pigeon towers. Along the waterfront runs the 1.5 km Katara Beach, with swimming, pedal boats and kayaking, and a promenade lined with public art, plus the North and South Hills parks and a wide choice of restaurants.
Late afternoon and evening are best, when it cools down, the buildings are lit and families fill the lanes. The village is free; the beach charges entry and requires modest swimwear. Both mosques are places of prayer, so visit in modest dress outside prayer times. Check Katara's website for festivals and shows during your stay.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionDoha, Qatar
