Located along the Persian Gulf, Doha is the capital of Qatar and one of the fastest developing cities in the region. It has seen unprecedented growth in recent years with an influx of tourists and visitors continuing to flood its shores in search of an Arabian experience. Doha is home to Education City and hosts the Doha Debates, which brings together the best minds in the Arab world to exchange ideas on the region’s political and economic issues. It is also famous for its many sheesha cafes serving fruit-flavored hookahs alongside sumptuous Middle Eastern cuisines.

Even with leaps towards economic growth, Doha has preserved its cultural heritage and the best way to see the many museums that feature them is by renting a car which allows you to beat the heat while enjoying your vacation. One of the most prominent museums here is the Al Khor Museum located in a northern suburb of the city. This two-storey building along the Croniche, overlooking the sea, houses anthropological and archaeological finds from the area. Exhibits range from Neolithic and Bronze Age artifacts to modern Qatari culture, including its pearling and dhow-building industries of the recent past. Each of the floors consists of large rooms measuring forty by six meters and also houses marine life exhibits and marine excavations. The most famous section here is the display of the myth surrounding Ghilan and Mae, who were from Al Khor and were said to be the first female pirates of the Gulf.

There are a few other museums here that are also worth a visit if you want to gain a better understanding of Qatar’s rich cultural heritage. To be able to visit all the museums in Doha with ease and comfort, a car rental service is the best option. The Museum of Islamic Art is a must-see for history buffs for its exquisite and extensive display of artifacts from the Muslim dynasties that ruled Asia, Europe, and Africa, including the Al-Thani dynasty. The Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art exhibits works of art by modern artists from the Arab world and the Museum of Orientalists has a spectacular collection of over 700 pieces of paintings, drawings, watercolors and prints dating back to the 18th century.

The Al Wakrah Museum is dedicated to showcasing the natural history and marine life of the region. The Weapons Museum houses ancient weapons from the 16th to 18th centuries, including ceremonial swords, gold-cased daggers, and khanjars. The Sheikh Faisal Collection is a private collection of the Sheikhs of Al-Thani that includes important archaeological finds, Islamic manuscripts, antique rugs, embroidery, textiles and antique furniture along with historic cars and a 19th century steam powered vehicle.