Getting to Know Doha’s West Coast, Zekreet, and Richard Serra Sculptures

Welcome to Doha, the modern and urban capital of the State of Qatar! With crystal-clear waters and warm weather year-round, it’s a haven for travelers looking for the perfect Arabian getaway. Home to numerous attractions, cultural gems, and stunning nature reserves, there’s something to appeal to everyone’s taste in this unique metropolis.

In this blog post, we’ll be exploring three of the city’s must-see sights—the west coast, Zekreet, and Richard Serra sculptures. We’ll discuss what they are, what makes them unique, and how to visit them while on your trip. Let’s get started!

Discovering Doha’s West Coast

Doha’s west coast is one of Qatar’s most stunning natural areas. Stretching around 192 km, a variety of shorelines, islands, salt marshes, sand dunes and bayous can be found here. This area is a hub for native flora and fauna and boasts an array of captivating scenery. From mangrove forests and coral reefs to incredible desert landscapes and awe-inspiring sunsets, the west coast offers an authentic peek into Qatar’s coastal beauty.

The region is home to a few of Qatar’s most popular attractions. Visitors aiming to discover a traditional way of life should pay a visit to Zekreet; a local village located just 45 minutes southwest of Doha. Here visitors will find ancient monuments, fascinating sites, and breath-taking views of the nearby desert. In addition to this, visitors can soak up the local culture by shopping at local markets, attending festivals and events or heading out on boat trips to explore nearby coral formations.

Exploring the Mysterious Landscape of Zekreet

Located just 45 minutes southwest of Doha sits Zekreet; a local village brimming with ancient monuments and captivating scenery. The village may appear small at first glance, but its importance increases as you dig deeper. Here visitors will be able to spot various archaeological sites source from thousands of years ago as well as evidence of human settlements dating back to the 16th century.

On top of this, visitors can explore ruins from the 15th-century Portuguese Empire as well as a variety of captivating landmarks such as:

• Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum: This museum offers visitors a look into a personal collection of artifacts from furniture to weaponry and craft items.
• Fujairah Fort: Recently restored by the Qatar National Tourism Council, this imposing fort provides an intriguing glimpse into the area’s defensibility.
• Bayt Shanash: Built in the 18th century and comprised of two story watchtowers made of mud and stone.
• Ghariyat Al Jumail Mosque: This is the largest mosque in the region and was built in the last decade.

Visitors should also note that the location is something that has been used in many films; from World War Z (2013) to Ghost in Shell (2017) these breathtaking landscapes have been featured in blockbusters for over a decade.

Exploring Richard Serra’s Outdoor Sculptures

Another fascinating sight in Doha are Richard Serra’s outdoor sculptures. These artwork exhibited around Doha offer visitors a glimpse into modern art from acclaimed artists from all over the world. In 2017 the renowned sculptor Richard Serra unveiled three large scale sculptures entitled “East-West/West-East’ situated around East Bay Corniche. These artworks were created using only Cor-Ten steel and explore themes such as support structures while offering viewers a unique perspective on the area’s geography. The artwork is also intended to mirror the warm sand tones of the desert as well as provide a space for reflection for visitors.

If you are looking for something more active then why not join one of the many guided tours around Doha’s art galleries and sites? They offer participants an exclusive look behind the scenes as well as information about Qatar’s art scene from past as well as modern times!

Exploring Further Afield

Doha is home to plenty more attractions just waiting to be explored. From traditional markets to shopping centers with some of the world’s leading brands; there is something for everyone. Qatar even offers trips out into the nearby desert which are ideal for anyone looking to search further afield. Here you can camp beneath the stars or try your hand at dune-bashing before retiring back into town for some hearty Qatari cuisine!

So What Are You Waiting For?

Now that you know a bit more about what Doha has to offer why not book your tickets sooner rather than later? A trip to this city is something you won’t forget in a hurry! To get started why not book an activity now via GetYourGuide. Whether you’re looking for exclusive cultural experiences or just wanting to relax by a beach, GetYourGuide has all that you need for your perfect stay in Doha!