Unique Things You Can Only See In Qatar
In the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, all eyes are on host country Qatar. Located in the Persian Gulf, it’s among the world’s wealthiest countries, which is reflected in the extraordinary architecture, mind-blowing technology, and extravagant ways of life that you’ll find there. Even the natural landscape itself is very different to other places on Earth. Here, we take a look at some of the most remarkable things that you’ll only see in this small but mighty kingdom.
1. Desert meets sea
Think of a typical desert, and what features do you see inside your head? Well, presumably lots of sand and sun. What certainly doesn’t spring to mind, though, is water. Yet in Qatar the sea and the desert are actually right beside one another. That’s about as unusual a geographical feature as you’re ever likely to encounter.
2. Robot camel jockeys
Camel racing’s a beloved hobby in Qatar but it’s changed a lot over the years. Back in the day, it was actually children who rode the animals during races. This was obviously very dangerous, so in 2004 new jockeys started to be used. They weren’t grown-up human jockeys, though, but rather robot ones.
3. A giant airport teddy bear
If you fly into Hamad International Airport, you’re in for a big surprise. Most airports around the world tend to be very similar but this one has a crucial difference. Inside the main terminal building you’ll find a gargantuan teddy bear sitting around. This thing weighs something like 22 tons and it cost close to $7 million to make.
4. A vast car graveyard in the desert
If you happen to be driving about 12 miles outside of Doha, don’t be surprised if you end up feeling like you’ve slipped into the set of Mad Max. In reality, you’ve probably stumbled across the Al Wukair Scrapyard. This is a sort of car graveyard, where something like 20,000 vehicles have been dumped in the desert.
