Doha on the Way: A Stopover That Blends Tradition and Modernity
Travellers on the autism spectrum may find it challenging to adapt to new environments, especially in unfamiliar international settings. After years of enduring long overseas trips, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of stopovers—taking a breather in a different city before reaching the final destination.
One stopover city I discovered is Doha, Qatar. As an international hub, Doha offers excellent restaurants, flexible hotel options, and abundant shopping for those looking to explore. Here’s a look at my experience in this vibrant city.
First Impressions of Doha
Arriving in Doha on a stopover en route to Saudi Arabia, I was struck by how modern, clean, and efficient the city is. The atmosphere reminded me of Dubai, which I’ve visited on previous stopovers. In my opinion, Doha feels like a “mini-Dubai”—but with a calmer, more intimate vibe.
Doha has grown into a metropolis largely due to Qatar’s oil wealth. The city offers an impressive blend of cultural tradition and modern luxury, creating an inviting space for travelers from all over the world.
Where I Stayed: The Marriott Marquis in West Bay
I arrived in the early morning and checked into the Marriott Marquis in the West Bay area, near the diplomatic quarter. This neighborhood, with its high-rise hotels and expatriate-friendly environment, offers noise-friendly accommodations for travelers on the autism spectrum. I felt at ease with an upgrade to a room on the 36th floor, where I enjoyed peace and quiet.
View of the West Bay Area from the 36th floor of my Marriott Marquis hotel room in Doha. Higher floors are usually noise-friendly and more suitable for autistic travellers.
Exploring Doha’s Cultural Scene
After settling in, I took an Uber to the Old Town area, where I began my day of exploration at the National Museum of Qatar. I then visited the Museum of Islamic Art to learn more about Islamic culture and history. While I am not an art person, I recommend the Museum of Islamic Art for art enthusiasts and those who want to learn more about Muslim culture.
Museum of Islamic Art is the featured attraction in Doha and has art exhibits from across the Muslim world.
Right next to the museum is a plaza displaying the flags of around 115 UN recognized countries, which was a special treat for me as a world geography enthusiast and flag collector.
The World Flag Plaza, where many of the UN recognized flags are displayed. Being a world flag collector, I enjoyed this place and had fun identifying all the flags.
The Vibrant Souq Waqif
One of Doha’s must-see spots is Souq Waqif, a bustling marketplace full of silk shops, jewelry stores, and authentic Arabic restaurants. For dinner, I treated myself to a delicious meal at Damascus One, a Syrian restaurant that offers a lively ambiance and flavorful dishes. I enjoyed traditional Syrian bread and Damascus kebabs—an ideal meal after a day of walking and exploring.
Note: The souq can be overwhelming, especially during peak hours, as it tends to get crowded and can be a bit stimulating for travellers on the autism spectrum. For safety, I recommend securing your bags, as crowded areas can be hotspots for pickpocketing. While Doha is generally very safe, it's always better to be cautious.
Damasca One Restaurant in Souq Waqif where I feasted on a Syrian style cuisine.
Strolling Along the Corniche
Doha was the proud host of the 2022 World Cup, and I couldn’t leave without seeing the iconic World Cup sign. Though awarded to Qatar in controversial fashion, the tournament featured an epic Cup Final for the ages and took international football to new heights.
Strolled along the Corniche and found the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 sign, celebrating Doha as the host city of the 2022 World Cup
Walking along the Corniche, I admired the city skyline, which reminded me of Hong Kong’s light shows. I met a lovely Pakistani couple here who shared that their two daughters are on the autism spectrum. It was touching to connect over our shared experiences, reminding me of the impact I hope to make by sharing my travel stories as an autism travel blogger.
Views of the Doha skyline from the Corniche at nighttime. This brought back memories from the light show in Hong Kong.
The Katara Cultural Village
The next morning, I started the day with some work before heading to Katara Cultural Village, a complex dedicated to preserving Qatari culture. Here, you’ll find cafes, international restaurants, and stunning views of the Persian Gulf. The amphitheater is a highlight—a modern-day take on Rome’s Colosseum. Feeling exhausted from the heat, I headed back to the hotel later for a rest and dinner at the New York Steakhouse.
Pigeon Towers: These traditional Qatari pigeon towers are symbolic structures that serve as unique nesting spots for pigeons. They showcase the region’s architectural heritage and are an iconic part of Katara’s landscape.
Final Thoughts on Doha
While Doha is undoubtedly a safe and efficient city, I found it lacked the distinct character that makes a place memorable. It feels like a business hub, with a large expat community working in oil, gas, and hospitality sectors, and I had little interaction with locals. The city is also on the pricier side and, for me, didn’t quite deliver the sense of excitement I look for in a travel destination. However, for travelers on the autism spectrum, Doha’s West Bay area provides a comfortable, noise-friendly environment with high-floor hotels.
Would I return? Probably not. However, I do recommend Doha as a stopover for autism travelers, particularly if you stay in the quieter West Bay district.
Next, I’m off to experience a new culture in Saudi Arabia, with my first stop in Riyadh. Stay tuned for more stories from a country that has only recently opened its doors to tourism.
