We saw an excellent film about the history of Qatar and the development of the economy from pearl diving to the discovery of oil and natural gas. \u00a0It was a good introduction to this region of the world.<\/p>\n Afterwards, we went to the Falcon Souq to see the shops where Qataris buy their hunting birds. \u00a0Falconry is a very popular sport among wealthy Qatari citizens who pay upwards of $25,000 for each falcon.<\/p>\n Across the street was the famous Souq Waqif \u00a0<\/em>which has been a marketplace for Bedouin nomads for centuries.<\/p>\n Qatari citizens drive white Toyotas, BMWs, or Mercedes SUVs around the city. \u00a0Unlike some other Arabian countries, Qatari women are allowed to drive, however many have chauffeurs.<\/p>\n We had a delicious Middle Eastern\/Syrian lunch in a restaurant called Damaskas One <\/em>which was located on the street behind the Souq. \u00a0We also had some time to explore inside the Souq and the numerous shops outside.<\/p>\n We passed the prominent landmark building of the Abdullah Bin Zaid al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center<\/em>. \u00a0The center’s most distinguished feature is its mosque which has a unique circular minaret.<\/p>\n The next place we visited was the Museum of Islamic Art, which was designed by IM Pei. \u00a0The building stands out as an architectural gem. \u00a0It was built on a man-made island at one end of the Corniche and is surrounded by the extensive landscaped lawns and ornamental trees of MIA Park.<\/p>\n The collection is spread over three floors and the museum houses the largest collection of Islamic art in the world. \u00a0The building is a feast for the eyes and the artworks are fantastic.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gallivantinggrandma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/DSC_1893.jpg\")
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