Doha Corniche is more than just a waterfront promenade; it’s a captivating journey through Qatar’s heart and soul. With every step, you’ll uncover hidden gems: iconic landmarks, breathtaking art installations, and serene parks.
The commonly known start point is the Halul Cafe – the oldest spot on the Corniche, known for its unchanged, traditional style. From this classic, open-air cafe, the 7-kilometer promenade takes you past key landmarks and vibrant scenes, ending at Costa Coffee in Al Dafna Park. Whether you’re drawn by the serene sea views, the bustling activity of Souq Waqif, or the striking public art installations, the Doha Corniche promises an unforgettable experience, inviting you to explore and embrace the soul of Qatar.
Below is a rundown of why you should visit Doha Corniche:
- Doha Corniche is a perfect place to see how well-organized, clean, and well-kept the country is.
- Whether you’re a sports person, a sea lover, a fan of views, or just love walking around smooth paths, Doha Corniche is sure to cater to you.
- You will pass by Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, Amiri Diwan, Al Bidda Park, and more of Qatar’s historic and tourist hotspots.
- You will spot the greatest milestones & beautiful art installations of Qatar (and take pictures!) during a walk on Doha Corniche! Some of them are the Flag Plaza, Museum of Islamic Art, Orry – the Oryx statue, La’eeb statues (Qatar World Cup 2022 Mascot) and more in detail below.
- It also has an underground tunnel that connects both sides of the road. Four new underground tunnels connect the Corniche to its opposite side areas, the Al Dafna Tunnel, the Corniche Station Tunnel, the West Bay Station Tunnel, and the Museum of Islamic Art Tunnel.
- Keep in mind that Doha Corniche does not have many cafes or restaurants. However, you can find Halul Cafe and Costa Coffee, so make sure to grab some water or snacks to support your walk. You can also find Starbucks and Coffee Beanery at the Corniche Plaza opposite the Orry, Oryx statue.
What will you see at Doha Corniche?
Traditional Dhows
The one thing that you would constantly spot on Doha Corniche is the wooden traditional Dhows. From start to end, you would either see them being docked up or taking a trip. The word Dhow is originally Swahili and is a generic term for a variety of wooden vessels with one or more masts and a triangular-shaped sail attached to a cross beam.
Flag Plaza
Flag Plaza, located near MIA Park, is a new community space and you will see 119 flags representing nations with diplomatic missions accredited by the state, as well the European Flag, the United Nations Flag, and the Gulf Cooperation Council Flag.
El Zein’s Us, Her, Him is another site-specific public installation located at the Flag Plaza, the entrance gate of the Doha Cultural District – a space intended to unify and celebrate individuals of all nationalities. Composed of a series of sculptural benches which span over three hundred and thirteen meters of hand-sculpted limestone, the installation is an abstract reflection on human interactions which conveys the complexity and fundamental importance of human connections.
FIFA 2022 Worldcup Countdown Clock & Amiri Diwan
Didn’t get a chance to visit Qatar during the World Cup 2022? Well, Doha Corniche has an opportunity for you to take a memory with you of the Qatar World Cup 2022. This place houses the memory of the greatest milestone of Qatar, the FIFA World Cup 2022 official countdown clock and a huge art installation. The red clock now shows the current date and time in the country. You can locate the countdown clock here.
On the opposite side, you will spot the Amiri Diwan. The Amiri Diwan is the seat of the rule of the State of Qatar.
World Cup Logo Installation
A mock-up of the World Cup logo statue adorns the Doha skyline and can be viewed from any point along the Doha Corniche. This model is specifically located on an island in the middle of the sea that was previously known as Palm Island.
It is also possible to take souvenir photos with the model and get close to it through short cruises on dhows available along the Doha Corniche (starting from 20 riyals per person)
Skyline screen
Qatar Museums (QM) is showcasing the best of Qatar through a giant LED screen installed at one of Doha’s busiest intersections, ahead of Flag Plaza. It is Qatar’s largest digital screen, providing a unique opportunity to promote events and activities taking place across the city.
Museum of Islamic Art and Park
The iconic waterfront museum is prominently positioned on its own reclaimed island on the Doha Corniche. The cream-colored limestone building stands tall and the exterior captures the changes in light and shade during the day and is well-lit up during the night.
Adjacent to the museum you will notice a huge park, the MIA Park, that stretches to a length that makes a C-shaped path. This is one of Qatar’s most popular parks and a great waterfront location for visitors and residents to unwind, relax, eat out, walk & exercise.
To know all the details about Museum of Islamic Art, click here.
The Pearl Monument & Souq Waqif Park
This is one of the most famous installations. The Pearl Monument depicts an open oyster shell with running water, and it is a popular photo stop on the Corniche. Also, right behind it, you will spot an underground tunnel that will lead you to Souq Waqif Park and eventually to Souq Waqif.
While standing in front of the Pearl Monument, Souq Waqif Park will be on your left. The park is a great spot for adults and children. It has small hills, an amphitheater, a water installation, and a children’s favorite play area.
Al Corniche Waterfront
This point is distinguished by the Toub Toub Ya Bahar by Salman Al-Malek art installation which is a homage to previous generations of Qatari women who waited for the safe return of sailors and divers. It is inspired by an old song from Qatar and it translates to “Oh sea, have mercy on the sailors!” This is another great stop at Corniche to click amazing pictures and admire the city’s beauty.
Corniche View Point & Al Bidda Park (Rumaila Area)
Next up is the Corniche viewpoint which is characterized by the Calligraphy Sculpture by Sabah Arbilli. This artwork has an exciting and intricate design and is based on a poem by H. E. Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani (founder of the State of Qatar). The meaning of the poem is “And amongst the sultans I stood out; as a lanneret floating over mountain peaks.”
On the left, you will see a luscious green park which is Al Bidda Park. It has three huge areas and this one is the Rumaila area. The Rumaila area of the park also houses the huge National Day Deck – The Emir’s Grandstand. Every 18th of December H.H. Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani watches the Qatar National Day Parade from here. Another historical monument, Arches Monument is also housed in this area of Al Bidda Park.
Orry The Oryx Sculpture, Corniche Plaza, Al Masrah Park & Umbrella Park
Orry The Oryx Sculpture is the 30-ft statue of the native animal, Oryx (antelope). It was the mascot of the 2006 Asian Games that Qatar hosted. Next to it is the Corniche Plaza consisting of Starbucks & Coffee Beanery to chill out along with the underground Al Corniche Tunnel that connects to the other side of the road.
Al Masrah Park is another great park to relax and for kids to enjoy the play areas. While exploring the park you will come across a gigantic bright pink sculptural installation called GEKRÖSE by Franz West.
Right next to the gigantic pink installation is the Umbrella Park tunnel. This green tunnel is characterized by interior roofs dotted with colorful umbrellas and sides dotted with green plant pots. It is a popular spot for amazing pictures.
Al Dafna Park
The 7 km walk, from the past to the future, Doha Corniche ends at Al Dafna Park and a famous stopping point is the Costa Coffee. The seafront park is a popular destination for locals and residents in Qatar. It has ample parking for private cars, a children’s play area, exercise areas, a mosque, and toilets.
After this park, the famous West Bay district begins where you will see tall skyscrapers, famous buildings that house popular organizations of Qatar, and a total futuristic feel.
What can you enjoy at Doha Corniche?
Traditional Dhow rides: In order to fully enjoy the beauty of the city and make the most of your experience, it is recommended to try the traditional Dhow boat ride at Doha Corniche. Starting from the Pearl Monument, you will find a number of traditional Dhoq boats docked up waiting for visitors to hop on a water trip.
For a good price of approximately QAR 40 – QAR 60, you can enjoy a 15 minute round trip around the Doha waters with views of the iconic skyline.
Getting to Doha Corniche
The Corniche has its own metro station on the Red Line and this is a great way of getting to and from the area.
Sufficient parking spots are available on the Doha Corniche but they are mostly occupied at peak hours and during the weekends.
Key Information about Doha Corniche
Doha Corniche is a popular tourist spot for residents, accessible at any time of day or night, and ideal for those who enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling. It is best explored on foot, so wearing comfortable shoes is advised.
You will find Halul Cafe at the start of Doha Corniche and after passing several sights, buildings, and milestones, you will end at Costa Coffee in Al Dafna Park.
The Corniche has its own metro station on the Red Line, offering a convenient way to reach the area.
Location: Doha Corniche