Doha, Capital city in Persian Gulf, Qatar
Doha sits on the east coast of the peninsula, where glass and steel towers rise across several kilometers. A curved waterfront promenade links different districts that hold parks and open squares between the buildings.
A modest fishing settlement in the 1820s developed into a regional pearl trading hub. Following independence in 1971, the town underwent rapid transformation and expanded into the modern capital.
Markets like Souq Waqif draw residents and visitors who walk between spice stalls and fabric shops. Traditional coffee roasters and small restaurants serve regional dishes, while street vendors offer perfume and jewelry.
Most people live and work in air-conditioned spaces because summer heat regularly exceeds 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Schedule outdoor activities for the cooler evening hours or the winter months between November and March.
The skyline pairs traditional wind towers with contemporary high-rises, blending old desert construction techniques with modern international designs. Several older neighborhoods retain their original low-rise form with narrow lanes and flat-roofed houses.
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