When we think of Qatar, the first image that probably comes to mind is a place that feels anything but ordinary. A view of tall, elegantly designed skyscrapers gleaming in the desert sun, peaceful mornings filled with the scent of spices, and the lively buzz of narrow market streets where the modern world grows side by side with centuries-old traditions. Qatar is not just a country of rapid development and oil wealth. It is a place where past and future come together with a shared sense of purpose.
As part of the Youth at Hostel International forum, which we described in more detail in our previous post, we travelled to the capital city of Doha, where we had an incredible opportunity to experience the country from several different angles. Not just as regular tourists, but also as representatives of Hostelling International Slovenia, we took part in an event full of ideas, exchanges, discussions on sustainability and intercultural connections. Everything we experienced in Qatar, from the architecture and food to the natural surroundings and conversations with locals, felt even more fascinating because of the topics and discussions raised during the forum. You could say our time in Qatar felt like a kind of open-air classroom, where we picked up lessons about sustainability, respect for tradition and global connection while kayaking, wandering through museums or enjoying dinner together under the stars.
From a cultural point of view, we can say that behind Doha’s sleek and modern appearance lies much more than just glass, steel and luxury cars. It is only when you step away from the modern parts of the city and wander into the lively neighbourhoods with centuries of history that you realise just how much Qataris truly value their past. One of the first evenings, when we joined the other forum participants to visit Souq Waqif, the traditional market area, we were once again reminded of just how full of contrasts Qatar can be. Even the air felt different, filled with the scent of spices and the mouthwatering smell of food drifting out from every street. In the narrow streets, markets selling clothes, birds, gold and local art all blend together. Despite how it may look at first, it is not just a staged show for tourists. It is a lively market, where locals still come to buy fresh ingredients, pick up gifts or simply enjoy a cup of tea with friends.
Despite the country's incredible progress, from economic growth to the modernisation of its entire infrastructure, Qatar firmly holds on to its culture. In every area, you can feel the pride in its history, whether in clothing, language, food and, above all, in hospitality. We noticed it right away during our meals, especially when we tried traditional dishes at one of the local restaurants. They served us majboos, a rice dish with lamb, and with great enthusiasm told us how the food is still made using family recipes that have been passed down through generations.
This cultural element is also a key part of the topic of sustainable tourism, which was one of the main focuses of the forum. Keeping a place’s identity alive without turning it into something made just for tourists is a challenge many countries deal with. Qatar, on the other hand, aims to show that by protecting its heritage and promoting it in a thoughtful way, it is possible to create a kind of tourism that supports and strengthens the local community rather than pushing it aside. That gave us plenty of ideas on how a similar approach could be used in shaping tourism back home.
When we hear the word sustainability, we often imagine complicated projects, piles of paperwork and long-term strategies. But in Qatar, we truly saw for the first time what sustainability looks like in practice. On one of the trips organised as part of the forum, we visited Al Khor, an area known for its vast mangrove forests, where we took part in a mangrove planting activity. There, we first listened to a fascinating talk by local guides, who explained how these trees not only prevent erosion and protect the coastline during storms, but also absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide and help keep the balance in even the harshest environments, like the Qatari desert. Every tree we planted felt like a small step towards a more sustainable future and a way of contributing to the forum's wider purpose.
After planting the trees, we made the most of the limited time and set off on a night-time kayak trip through the shallow bay. That moment in nature was simple but unforgettable, and one of the highlights of the whole trip. For the first time that week, we truly understood what it means to slow down and see the surroundings as a living ecosystem – not something to compete with, but something to work with.
Qatar may not have lush forests or glacial rivers like we are used to in Slovenia, but that is exactly why it places such strong importance on protecting areas like Al Khor. Protecting the mangroves, looking after water sources and developing technology to use this kind of energy more efficiently all show that, despite its natural limitations, the country is taking responsibility for its future. This idea fitted perfectly with the themes we explored at the forum, especially the thought that every nation can look for solutions within its own context, using its own resources and staying true to its cultural roots.
Doha, as the capital is not just a city of the future. Much of the city is marked by massive skyscrapers, with shapes that can only be described as futuristic, built using the latest technology. Behind all the glamour, there is an interesting story of how Qatar is building a modern state without forgetting its past.
As part of the forum, we had the chance to visit several city attractions, including the National Museum of Qatar. The link between past and present is clear from the moment you see the museum’s exterior. Its shape is inspired by the so-called desert rose, a natural formation typical of the region, created from heated desert sand shaped by the wind into something that looks like a blooming rose. Inside, the museum tells the story of Qatar's rise from scattered desert tribes to one of the leading countries in nearly every field. At least in our opinion, it might just be one of the best museums in the world. Every room and every section are supported by interactive technology that gives visitors a completely new perspective on each topic. It presents the balance between modern museum technology and respect for history in an incredibly engaging way.
Visiting the museum was especially important to us because we felt a genuine desire to learn, both from the locals and from us as visitors. Modern infrastructure is not just a way to show off power, but a tool to connect people with their roots. The same goes for other landmarks, like the Museum of Islamic Art, whose collections not only document history but also encourage understanding of the country’s religion and culture. And it is this connection between people through culture that we see as the foundation of any community focused on sustainability.
Looking back on our time in Qatar, we can see how places like these, which in many countries might just be tourist spots, are very much alive at the heart of social conversation in Qatar. Everything, from the architecture to the exhibits, carries a clear message of the people’s journey from humble beginnings to the present day.
When people talk about Qatar, the conversation often turns to the country's relatively small size, both in terms of area and population. However, the country has an incredibly diverse society. More than 80% of the population are foreigners coming from all over the world, from neighbouring Arab countries to the Philippines, India, Africa and Europe. In such an environment, you might expect a divided population or even distance between people, but our daily experiences told a completely different story.
The first contact with the hostel staff was warm and relaxed. People wanted to help us, share stories about their journey to Qatar, and often they were eager to hear ours as well. From bus drivers to vendors, from volunteers to local guides, every conversation was an opportunity to see people from a completely different perspective.
Perhaps the most symbolic place where all this comes together is Flag Plaza, a square where hundreds of flags from countries that have diplomatic ties with Qatar fly proudly. Walking among the flags, you quickly realise that national borders may be nothing more than an illusion, at least in this setting, where they are working to create a community made up of many people who, at first glance, seem to have more differences than similarities. Flag Plaza with its parks symbolises a space of openness and connection. There, families, young people, travellers and visitors from all over the world come together, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
This experience also connected with several topics we covered during the forum. It was especially relevant to the 2023 session on SDG13, where we discussed involving young people in decision-making, the importance of cultural diversity in tourism, and how diversity itself can become a real strength. In such an environment, it is possible to build connections not only between cultures but also between generations and values.
If I had to sum up our second forum experience in Qatar in one sentence, it would be this: sustainability begins with understanding. By that, we mean understanding nature, history, culture and, most importantly, people. Everything we experienced there confirmed that true sustainable development is not just about laws or infrastructure, but mainly about how we relate to our community, natural resources, the place we live in and, above all, to each other.
From the point of view of attending the forum, this experience was truly invaluable. Meeting young people from other countries, discussing different views on tourism, working in groups and thinking about the future all gave us plenty of new ideas and confidence that each of us can make a difference. Slovenia may never host the FIFA World Cup, but it can develop equally strong local initiatives, educate young people, preserve cultural heritage and build tourism that respects both people and nature. In the end, we left Doha feeling very grateful, not just for the endless hospitality of the organisers, but also for the lessons the country had taught us.
Visiting Qatar was not just about seeing the sights, but a deep insight into a world where bridges are built between the past and the future. In every detail no matter how small, from architecture to nature and human connections you can see the vision of a country that wants to play an important role in the modern world while never forgetting its roots. Our journey to Qatar was much more than just a trip. It was an educational experience, a source of inspiration and a starting point for further personal growth.
Vanesa and Luka
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