When it comes to tourism in Qatar, Doha takes center-stage. However, off the beaten track lie a few surprises. From vast monoliths to mysterious rock carvings, these hidden gems guide you through the road less traveled.

“East-West/West-East” Statues

In Ras Abrooq Peninsula, Zekreet, a site already famed for its valley of spectacular limestone cliffs, you’ll find a row of gargantuan sculptures by renowned artist Richard Serra. Stretched over a kilometre of the desert, and each standing 14 – 16m, the plinths are a monumental feature of the Brouq nature reserve.

Travel photography and digital pictures: 07/1509 – Richard Serra’s sculpture, East-West/West-East on chalky plateau of Brouq Nature Reserve on Ras Abrouq Peninsula, view from east. Qatar, December 5, 2014

A bizarre and uncanny feat of engineering that recalls some of the world’s most incredible heritage sights, the statues are an awe-inspiring addition to Qatar’s slowly-emerging collection of public art. Behind the project is the young Sheikha al-Mayassa Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, recently named the world’s most powerful person by ArtReview.

Barzan Towers
In the village of Umm Salal Mohammed, 20 km north of Doha and about 10 km from the coast, you’ll find the Barzan towers, two vast watchtowers stretching into the Arabian sky.

Meaning “High Place” in Arabic, the West Barzan tower measures 16 meters high. Formerly built as watchtower, and emerging from the surrounding desert, it provides a wonderful vantage point from which to gaze out to sea.

Alborj Alshargi The East Tower, was originally built as an observatory to the moon’s phases in order to observe Ramadan. It is composed of three levels as well as an external staircase, making it a distinguished feat of architecture in the Gulf Coast.

At the towers’ peak, marvel at the castle of the Qatari Emir, or wander across to the nearby Oasis of verdant trees, a brook and beguiling animals. The site is open to visitors 24 hours a day, making it beautiful midnight spot beneath the stars.

The Sheikh Faisal Museum
Built from the Al Samriya Farm, the Sheikh Faisal Museum is a treasure trove of artefacts dedicated to the promotion of Islamic heritage for the people of Qatar. With 15,000 pieces from 4 continents, you’ll find fossils, scriptures, Islamic textiles, vintage cars, rare coins and the world’s largest private armoury collection

The museum was designated to preserve and display the sublime collection of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim bin Faisal Al-Thani. Moreover, with its traditional Qatari architecture, the building is a vivid reincarnation of history.

Dedicated to preserving and promoting particularly Islamic heritage, it’s testament to the curiosity of one young man, and documents his witnessing of Qatar’s cultural, economic and political transitions. From the traditions of his elders to the metropolis of today, this is a comprehensive insight into Qatar’s path to modernity.

Written by: Alex Glendinning

About the author: Alex Glendinning is a freelance writer with an BA in English and History from the University of Sussex. From P.R. to journalism his work has featured in The Gulf Times and Qatar Today. Read more at clippings.me/sympa and https://innerouterblog.wordpress.com/