Join Us on Our First Day in Qatar

The hot Doha climate welcomed us when we left Hamad International Airport to start our eagerly awaited visit. The first day of our Qatar travel experience started as my wife and I traveled with our young daughters Sanaz (8) and Sanaya (5) during Ramadan. We headed to our hotel after checking into Doha while carrying our baggage with eager hearts prepared to discover all that Qatar had to offer.

Settling into Doha

Our hotel welcome demonstrated the well-known Qatari hospitality extended to us immediately. Hotel check-in occurred without delays while the hotel spaces displayed both contemporary luxury together with traditional Arabic design elements. A group visit to the Qatar National Museum became our first destination since we had just finished washing up ahead of our day’s activities. This museum stood out as the ideal location to show our children the profound significance and spectacular architecture of Qatar’s cultural history.

Arrival at the Qatar National Museum

Our group was captured by surprise when we came near the museum because of its special design. The desert rose design of the building captured Sanaz’s complete interest because of its distinct architectural features. Sanaz said with wonder “It looks like a spaceship” when she saw it while Sanaya turned in circles to count all the petals. Famous French architect Jean Nouvel created this amazing architectural masterpiece which serves as a tribute to Qatar’s geological background and cultural traditions.

When we entered the building, a respite from the Doha heat greeted us because the interiors maintained a pleasant, cool temperature. The museum shows Qatar’s timeline through three distinct sections, which first portray its historical past, followed by the present, and ending with future ambitions. This visit combined educational content with engaging multimedia presentations and historical displays into one seamless presentation.

A Journey Through Time

At our initial stop in the “Beginnings” gallery we studied an educational presentation showing the geological transformation of Qatar. Millions of years of geological changes in both desert and ocean area were presented through exhibit displays at the museum before we explored the historical development of the region. Visitors experienced the same fascination with these realistic displays from marine creatures alongside desert scenery because adults and children shared the same enchantment.

The exhibition about Bedouin life presented Qatar’s history of being a nomadic society through its various displays. Traditional tents and camel saddles and handcrafted jewelry within the displays illustrated how early Qatari people survived and demonstrated their talented craftsmanship. The two girls chose to visit the enormous camel models next to the engaging pearl diving demonstrations as their event highlight. Sanaya’s main interest lay in the ancient artifact replicas with touch interaction but Sanaz completely lost herself in animated films portraying Qatar’s development from an ordinary fishing settlement to a modern global hub.

Engaging the Kids: Discovery Zones

The museum elevated young visitors’ experience to be its top attraction. Well-planned learning spaces across the discovery zones enabled children to participate in physical activities. Together with Sanaz and Sanaya they created desert art using digital screens at this exhibit to represent the beautiful nature of Qatar’s desert landscape during sunset. The storytelling zone in this section contained a comfortable seating area with multicolor decorative cushions which offered children space to listen to Qatari folk stories and historical narratives.

Every space in the museum displayed attractions that fascinated people of all ages because of its strategic planning. Every segment from art displays to history exhibits as well as digital storytelling created an enriching journey that equally delighted both children and adults.

A Quiet Iftar: Experiencing Qatar’s Culinary Heritage

During Ramadan, the museum restaurant did not open its doors because sunset marked its time of operation. The experience with no café operating at specific times during sunset was something we anticipated ahead of time before having our iftar according to tradition. We returned to the hotel to take a rest while waiting for evening dining hours. We started our fasting period by enjoying a tasty biryani purchased from a restaurant close to our location when the sunset.

Qatar’s signature biryani meal represents the harmonious merging of different cultures in the country. The flavorful dish obtained its distinctive scent and taste through an exclusive combination of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Pakistani cooking spices. Every component including the gradual meat preparation and aromatic rice with harmonized spices merged to create an unforgettable dining experience. Our first day in Doha ended peacefully while we shared both feelings of thankfulness and bond with one another.

Reflections on Our First Day

We spent that evening putting our children to sleep while remembering everything we had experienced throughout the day. The Qatar National Museum provided an excellent introduction to our trip by offering educational experiences and immersive displays and unexpected wonders throughout. The slower pace of Ramadan did not dim the energetic and educational experience that the museum provided during this time.

Surprised excitement ran through Sanaz’s voice as she expressed her anticipation for what awaited us next. And neither could we. The exciting discoveries of this stunning city in Doha were making us anticipate with joy to uncover every hidden treasure during upcoming days.

Be ready to join us for our Qatar adventure on Day Two as we discover the vibrant atmosphere of Souq Waqif followed by the cultural wonders of the nation.