the MIA (Museum of Islamic Art)

the MIA (Museum of Islamic Art), the 'Wa-ter Pots’ fountain, the giant Oyster and Pearl sculpture, the Dhow Harbour (with traditional wooden dhows), and a giant 'Orry' statue (the mascot for the 2006 Asian Games).

Rumeila Park, The Corniche. Formerly known as Al-Bidda Park, this is opposite the Corniche with an outdoor theatre, art gallery, water features, chil-dren’s play area and skateboard/rollerblading half-pipe. There are several shops, a cafeteria and public toilets.

Katara Cultural Village, off of Lusail St, ☎ +974 4408 0000, fax: +974 4408 1000, e-mail: info@katara.net. This building complex is designed to resemble a traditional Qatari village, and includes a large open-air amphitheater, opera house, drama theater, galleries, as well as a number of (expensive) restaurants featuring international cuisine. The gal-leries host changing art and photography exhibits, and various festivals are held here throughout the year.

There is also a public beach here (entry fee QR 100) which offers watersport activities. Modest beach attire is required, i.e. for women a one-piece suit.

Al Jazeera Studios, Wadi Al Sail West (near TV Roundabout), ☎ +974 4489 7446 / 4489 7451 / 4489 7449, fax: +974 4489 7472, e-mail: press.int@aljazeera.net. One of Qatar’s claims to fame is the Al Jazeera news network, which broad-casts to hundreds of millions around the world. The studios are not made to be a tourist attraction, al-though you may be able to contact the office and ask for a tour. A small museum is located on-site, dedi-cated to journalists who have died in the field, along with various timelines and displays about the net-work’s history.

Doha Zoo, Al Rayyan. The zoo is undergoing ma-jor renovation and refurbishment, and is currently closed.

MIA Park, Corniche (adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Art). Oct-May W-M 10:30AM-11:30PM, Jun-Sep W-M 6PM-12AM, closed 1 Jul - 2nd day of Eid. This modern park was built on reclaimed land and affords great views of the West Bay skyline. Visitors can rent bicycles or paddleboats, and enjoy coffee or ice cream at a small café. At the end of the promenade is the monumental sculpture '7' by American sculptor Richard Serra. During the winter the MIA Park Bazaar is held on the first Saturday of every month, offering an eclectic mix of food, arts, crafts, books, and souvenirs. Free.