Sheikh Faisal Museum & Camel Race Track
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Port
Doha, Qatar
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$90
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Your destination is Al Shahaniya, a one-hour drive from the pier and the heart of Qatar.
Here you will visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim AlThani Museum, whose dazzling collections offer something for everyone. Culture vultures, history buffs, adventurers, art-lovers and serial vacationers -- welcome! This is one of the largest private museums in the world. More than 150,000 pieces reside here in the grand Qatari fort at Al Samriya. Its distinctive, breathtaking exterior is built of local stone and designed to preserve and showcase the extraordinary artifacts collected by Sheikh Faisal. The building's return to historic Qatari architecture resonates in the context of modern-day Doha, while the facility itself pushes forward on research, education and entertainment in inimitable Gulf style.
At the nearby Camel Race Track, you'll learn all about camel racing. Visitors are charmed by the prospect of viewing the fiercely competitive and very expensive sport of Sheikhs. Domestic and international tournaments are held here on Fridays from November to February. Professional camel racing started in Qatar in 1972. Remote-controlled, toddler-size robotic camel jockeys, clothed in colorful racing silks, ride these lanky creatures across the sands, creating quite the spectacle and a truly unique blend of modern and ancient sport and amusement.
After a day full of interesting images, head back to the port and contemplate the extraordinary heritage of Qatar.
Please note:
Camel training in progress cannot be guaranteed while you are at the race track. Camels are sensitive to flash photography -- please be mindful of this and turn your flash off. During special events, you may not be allowed to leave the coach. In that event, you will be able to take photos from the coach which will move trackside. You will not visit the camel stalls. Modest attire is required; shoulders and knees must be covered. Please do not take photos of the local people without asking permission. Do not take photos of police officers. Wear light, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.