Doha/Qatar or Abu Dhabi/UAE for layover?
 

I'm doing some prelim planning for a flight from NYC to Sri Lanka and it looks as if the best prices and connection are on Qatar and Eithad.

I'd like to do a 1-2 day layover on my way there, as I've never been to the MidEast before.
Which city would be best suited/most interesting for a short layover? (solo female traveler, if that matters)

Also, any preference on these 2 airlines

Thanks

any comments? thanks