The taste of money

Bernd
2 days ago
6 min read

2026

Turquoise ceramic monkey sitting down with a hat on its head.

Profile:

An Arab man in traditional white clothing is feeding seagulls by the sea. His wife, dressed in black, is taking pictures with her cell phone. — The lightness of being.

Capital: Doha

Politik: Emirat, Monarchy

Currency: Qatar-Riyal

Religion: Islam

Population: 3,6 million, of which only 710.000 Qatari citizens

Entry requirements: Depending on your country of origin. See: visitqatar.com

This is my first trip there: At first glance, Qatar seems like a carbon copy of Dubai. But appearances are deceiving. Qatar is a small but economically significant state with the largest bank account on the Arabian Peninsula, situated on the Persian Gulf. This wasn't always the case. The emirate borders Saudi Arabia to the south. Those brave enough to venture into the dunes in an off-road vehicle quickly realize that Saudi Arabia is closer than the nearest burger joint, and yet Qatar remains unique.

Security

A triangular warning sign with a camera symbol indicates that the area is under video surveillance.

Based on my subjective impression, Qatar is under comprehensive video surveillance. This makes it a safe travel destination in terms of general and petty crime. The situation is quite different when it comes to financial crime, however, particularly cybercrime and phishing emails.

LGBTQ+: The police specifically monitor dating apps and social media. Individuals can be targeted. Greetings from the Middle Ages.

Business

A colorful train transports children in the square in front of Souq Waqif.

The country's current wealth stems from enormous natural gas and oil reserves, which have made Qatar one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

In 2022, its gross domestic product (GDP) reached $235 billion, equivalent to a GDP of over $71,000 per capita. For comparison, Germany's GDP in 2024 was approximately €51,000. With that kind of wealth, you can certainly afford to smoke an extra shisha in Qatar.

Oha Doha

The eccentric building of the National Museum of Doha consists of 500 disc-shaped, sand-colored concrete elements that interlock. — The National Museum in Doha resembles a desert rose.

The futuristic capital city of Doha, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, has developed into a modern center for business, culture, and international events in recent years. It also impresses with spectacular buildings in a traditional style. These are architectural masterpieces, such as the National Museum, which was designed to resemble a desert rose.

Al Corniche

An oversized, open white seashell with a jagged black edge displays a pearl in the center. In front of it is a fountain with stones and water features. — A reminder of the time of the pearl divers, when Qatar was not yet shining brightly.

The Corniche stretches for approximately 7 km in a crescent shape along Doha's coastline. During the cooler winter months, residents use the Corniche for jogging, cycling, scootering, or simply going for a stroll.

Along the Corniche, dhows are waiting for tourists.

Along the Corniche, you can also book boat tours on traditional dhows or simply enjoy the city's skyline. Some of the main attractions are located here.

Museum of Islamic Art

My rating: ****

From a distance, the almost white, cubic building of the Islamic Museum catches the eye. — Notable: Museum of Islamic Art.

You can spot the distinctive Museum of Islamic Art from a distance.

There he has been sitting since the 12th or 13th century, like a miserable heap with a bewildered expression, probably wondering about his relatives, the humans.

But probably not that much has changed.

Or has it?

Go there and find out for yourselves.

Islam fascinates me, but I can't find a way to connect with this world religion, which once shone with tolerance and scientific achievement and is now increasingly making headlines worldwide due to religious fanaticism and intolerance.

Therefore, I do not understand the magnificent carpets with their idealized patterns, nor the numerous artistic old writings that they have exhibited here. The same applies to Christianity and Judaism for me. Sorry.

The light-filled foyer of the museum is reminiscent of a theater.

It seems that everything is repeating itself here, just like in the countless museums I've had the privilege of visiting around the world. A privileged class commissions religious or secular status symbols at exorbitant prices, crafted with admittedly impressive artistry, in order to remind others of their inferior social standing.

Nevertheless, a visit is worthwhile, if only for the architecture.

The huge window, spanning several floors, shows the turquoise sea. On the opposite side, you can see the Doha skyline. — Like an oversized window of a cathedral: a view from inside the museum out onto the skyline.

Flag Plaza

My rating: **

119 flags are soaring up into the blue sky.

Near the Museum of Islamic Art, you'll find the public square built in 2022. It features 119 flags representing the countries with which Qatar maintains diplomatic relations. The Qatari flag stands in the center. The flags of allied and friendly nations are positioned closest to the Qatari flag.

Water features have been installed in the surrounding squares.

In the immediate vicinity are parks with water features. Water was (and still is) the true wealth in a desert state. Their decorative fountains therefore remain a symbol of fertility and status.

The words "Old Doha Port" are written on the lawn in large white letters.

My rating: *****

We leave the Corniche and arrive at the historic harbor district. The cargo port was creatively redesigned in 2016. The shipping containers were transformed into shops and cafés, reminiscent of Cape Town. The containers were technically upgraded and painted in bright colors. It's located right next to the marina. The pedestrian-friendly area exudes a charming maritime atmosphere.

Brightly painted shipping containers with large window elements exude a Mediterranean flair.

Here too, security guards, mostly from African countries, are stationed everywhere. They usually look quite stern. I call out "Jambo!" to one of them – a word in Swahili (Kiswahili) meaning "Good day!" His face immediately brightens with a friendly smile. We exchange a few words about his home country, Kenya. Shortly afterwards, I say goodbye with "Sawa, asante sana," ("Okay, thank you") and continue on my way to the Mina District.

Mina District

My rating: *****

On the building's facade, there is a graffiti image of a young woman with glasses and large, wide-open eyes.

The picturesque Mina District vaguely reminds me of the artists' village of Sidi Bou Said in northern Tunisia. The traditional buildings, painted in pastel colors, have been partially decorated with graffiti. A gentle splash of color on the coast of Qatar's capital.

The rooftop terrace offers views of surrounding low-rise buildings and a pedestrian street covered with colorful fabrics. The sea is visible in the background.

A huge mosaic-colored canopy protects visitors from the sun.

Once, the harbor was the heart of the action here – and that's still evident today: Old warehouses have been lovingly restored and now gleam in vibrant pastel colors.

It's a blend of Mediterranean charm and Qatari modernity.

Numerous small shops offer handicrafts and souvenirs.

Along the waterfront promenade, kiosks, restaurants, and bars invite visitors to relax with delicious food and drinks.

Those who wish to stay longer will find small guesthouses and hotels.

The town even has a nearby cruise ship terminal, yet it has managed to retain its unique charm.

And, as everywhere in Doha, you'll find numerous sculptures here as well. They pleasantly and unobtrusively liven up the overall appearance of the place. Well, almost, anyway.

Sculptures of blue geese waddle across the square.

But one artistic performance makes me smile.

It will be difficult to translate this part of my travel blog into English. It's about a very German humorist—a comedian, as we would call him today—who is still very popular in all German-speaking countries: Loriot in general, and specifically his cartoon about two elderly gentlemen sitting opposite each other in a bathtub and arguing about a rubber duck.

This oversized toy duck here reminds me exactly of that cartoon.

The picture shows a sculpture of an oversized yellow toy duck. — "Mr. Müller-Lüdenscheid..."

Fish market

My rating: *****

The Mina District also includes the fish market. Now some of my friends will be smirking. After all, I avoid fish markets like the plague.

I can't stand the strong smell. Once, on a guided tour in Libya, I almost threw up.

That's not the case here at all. The historical fish market—at least I think it's historical—is arranged like a work of art.

The building itself is impressive, especially the interior. And the fishy smell is quite manageable.

If you like, you can order a meal right away at the attached fish restaurant.

Enjoy your meal!

Old Doha Miniature

My rating: *****

The miniature theme park depicts a model of life during the time of the pearl divers.

Very few people will be unaware of this park. It showcases a variety of models of Qatar, with many charming details depicting life in bygone times. I had already walked past it when I saw the shimmering turquoise iridescent in the sun.

The scene is meticulously recreated to resemble the 1950s. Here, an old turquoise car drives through the desert.

Various locations have been recreated. You can read about their history on small plaques.

Just imagine being able to stroll through old Doha with a magnifying glass – that's exactly what Old Doha Miniature offers.

Here you can see two camels, scaled down to 1:1000, standing under a palm tree canopy.

This tiny wonderland brings Qatar to life on a miniature scale: from historic souks to mosques with their delicate and fragile minarets.

It's a place that makes even the grains of sand seem to come alive, with intricate details and camels on a 1:1000 scale strolling through tiny alleyways.

If you've never experienced Doha in such a compact, charming, and whimsical way, you should visit Old Doha Miniature, because here they serve up history in miniature, with a wink and a smile!

Admission is free.

My phone shows me that I walked 13 km today. Time to call it a day.

Several portal arches made of concrete and painted in pastel colors invite visitors to take photos.

Doha National Museum

My rating: *****

View of the National Museum, with four flagpoles in front of it displaying the flags of Qatar.

The French architect Jean Nouvel created a museum that resembles a desert rose. The original desert rose is a crystalline formation that forms in desert regions and resembles rose petals.

An elaborately decorated carpet, woven entirely from beads. — Pearl carpet - priceless

Like a futuristic spaceship, it attracts visitors.

The museum showcases the history of Qatar, with jewelry, artifacts, and art, such as a carpet woven entirely from pearls.

The main themes are:

State history

Natural history

Archaeology

Ethnology

Present and future

Interactive projections.

In addition, there is an outdoor area with a Bedouin tent and traditional objects.

Hamad International Airport

My rating: *****+

In the departure area of the airport, a section of the roof was constructed with glass. Trees have been planted beneath it, and a treetop walkway leads through this "jungle."

The airport, named after Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is a final highlight before your departure. Well over 50 million guests arrive annually. The architecture is designed to resemble a wave in the Arabian Gulf. The airport has received numerous awards.

The airport impresses with its art. Here, in a recreated jungle setting, animals eat at a large, long table: rhinoceros, lion, monkey, crocodile, hippopotamus, gorilla...

His 6,000 square meter tropical garden inside the building and the 575 square meter pond create a relaxing airport atmosphere. This is also enhanced by the pleasant daylight that streams through the roof and floods the halls. The artistic sculptures are very amusing to look at.

I wish you a pleasant flight.