Whitewashed mosque contains the world's largest carpet.

This 23-foot-tall bear stands amid the hustle and bustle of Hamad International Airport.

This fountain pays homage to Qatar's history of pearling, the primary industry before oil.

A state-of-the-art medical facility dedicated to treating beloved birds of prey.

Qatar's oldest market can trace its origins back more than a century.

One of the world's largest shopping malls covers an area of 15 million square feet—and it's still set to grow.

A historic trade hub teeming with gorgeous architecture, colorful goods, and vibrant designs.

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

This 17th-century structure is a beautiful testimony to traditional Persian architecture

A preposterously luxurious hotel with gold-plated iPads, Rolls Royce chauffeurs, and a staff that trains by watching "Downton Abbey."

The world's largest frame offers spectacular views of the city's past and present.

On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.

If you dare visit this fort, fire-breathing hyenas might devour your camels.

This beautifully restored fortification kept the city safe for centuries.

A sinkhole and now a swimming hole, too, full of dazzling turquoise water.

This bazaar is one of the oldest in the Arabian world.