Not many princes in the world open the doors to their houses and let people look around their private collection. But in Qatar, Sheikh Faisal does just that. The 5,000-sqm building houses his massive collection of over 3000 items, which include antique cars, ancient Islamic manuscripts, archaeological finds, nautical equipment, gifts the royal family have been presented with from dignitaries all over the world (including a bottle of Old Spice cologne), rugs, stamps, coins, embroidery, and just about any collectible under the sun. The most intriguing find is a selection of Saddam Hussein memorabilia, which includes the suit and handcuffs he wore for his trial, some of his clothing, watches, and his gold-plated AK-47, among others. The place is about 17 miles west of Doha and it opens Mon-Thu & Sat 10am-12pm, 1pm – 3pm, and 4pm-6pm by appointment only. Call +974 4486 1444, or e-mail: sfm.reservation@yahoo.com. To get there from Doha, drive west on Dukhan highway and take the exit for the camel race track; make a u-turn after the WOQOD petrol station, take the fourth exit signposted Al-Samriya and drive back towards Doha about 4 miles until you see a palm tree plantation on the right; turn right and drive about 300 yards up a tree-lined road.
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A Prince's Private Collection
Not many princes in the world open the doors to their houses and let people look around their private collection. But in Qatar, Sheikh Faisal does just that. The 5,000-sqm building houses his massive collection of over 3000 items, which include antique cars, ancient Islamic manuscripts, archaeological finds, nautical equipment, gifts the royal family have been presented with from dignitaries all over the world (including a bottle of Old Spice cologne), rugs, stamps, coins, embroidery, and just about any collectible under the sun. The most intriguing find is a selection of Saddam Hussein memorabilia, which includes the suit and handcuffs he wore for his trial, some of his clothing, watches, and his gold-plated AK-47, among others. The place is about 17 miles west of Doha and it opens Mon-Thu & Sat 10am-12pm, 1pm – 3pm, and 4pm-6pm by appointment only. Call +974 4486 1444, or e-mail: sfm.reservation@yahoo.com. To get there from Doha, drive west on Dukhan highway and take the exit for the camel race track; make a u-turn after the WOQOD petrol station, take the fourth exit signposted Al-Samriya and drive back towards Doha about 4 miles until you see a palm tree plantation on the right; turn right and drive about 300 yards up a tree-lined road.