Doha

Elect's take

"Doha has surprised me with how much it has assembled in such a short time. The Museum of Islamic Art is simply one of the finest museum buildings in the world, and the combination of the souq, the corniche and the desert experiences creates a destination with considerably more substance than many give it credit for."

The Museum of Islamic Art on its own island in Doha Bay is one of the world's great museum buildings, I.M. Pei's masterwork rising from the water in a series of geometric forms that create an extraordinary dialogue between traditional Islamic architecture and contemporary design. The permanent collection of Islamic art spanning 1400 years from three continents is exceptional. The National Museum of Qatar, designed by Jean Nouvel in the form of interlocking rose-shaped desert crystals, provides an outstanding narrative of Qatar's history from sea to desert. Souq Waqif is a beautifully restored traditional market. The Corniche provides a beautiful waterfront walk with views of the extraordinary Doha skyline.