Qatar Hotels

Qatar is a country where modernism meets the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East. With Doha's sparkling skyline, magnificent deserts, and historical riches, Qatar offers a unique travel experience. Many diverse experiences await you here, catering to every taste, from the Muslim Art Museum where you can admire significant works of Islamic art, to Souq Waqif, a bustling marketplace that transforms into a shopping haven. Qatar's warm hospitality and modern lifestyle offer visitors an unforgettable discovery.

Things To Know Before Going To Qatar

• Friday prayers, Salat al Jumu'ah, are obligatory religious rituals in Qatar. Restaurants, cafes, and museums don't open until 1 pm to 2 pm on Fridays.
• As Qatar is a Muslim country, tourists are generally expected to cover their shoulders and knees at a minimum.
• Swimsuits are only permitted in hotel pool areas or private beaches. However, swimsuits are prohibited on public beaches.
• Unmarried couples were prohibited from sharing a hotel room.
• Public displays of affection, including hand-holding, are illegal in Qatar.

Cultural and Local Qatar Tips

• Do not shake hands with or touch Qatari women; give them lots of space.
• If you encounter a Qatari man you know with his wife, do not make eye contact with his wife unless he introduces you to her.
• Dress modestly and appropriately for the location.
• Avoid extremely revealing or tight clothes or dressing shabbily.
• People respect you when you're dressed smartly.
• Women should be aware of traditional Islamic etiquette and dress codes, especially in public areas, although Qatar is generally quite progressive and tolerant.
• Get One Pass from Qatar Museum for access to: Qatar National Museum, Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar Sports Museum, Arab Museum of Modern Art, Fire Station Gallery, M7 in Msheireb.

Is Qatar Expensive To Visit?

While Qatar can be an expensive destination, there are ways to manage costs and enjoy a memorable visit on a budget. A one week trip to Qatar usually costs around $1,521 (QAR5,539) for one person and $3,042 (QAR11,078) for two people.

Is Visiting Qatar Worth It?

Visiting Qatar is worth it for its modern luxury and rich cultural heritage. Enjoy stunning architecture, explore the Qatar National Museum, experience desert safaris, relax on pristine beaches, and shop at Souq Waqif. Qatar's safety, cleanliness, and exceptional hospitality make it an ideal travel destination.

Is Qatar Good For Honeymoon?

Qatar is an ideal romantic destination for honeymooners looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. With its crystal-clear beaches, luxurious hotels, and world-class restaurants, Doha offers a perfect atmosphere of luxury and relaxation.

Is Qatar Safe to Visit?

Yes, Qatar has a low crime rate. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crime is rare but can happen. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.

Are Qatar People Friendly?

Qataris are known for their privacy so it's important to be respectful and mindful of their customs. While they may not typically form close friendships with expats, Qatar is renowned for its warm hospitality and welcoming nature, making visitors feel at home.

Best Cities in Qatar 

Here’s your fast Qatar city guide depending on where city you are planning to visit:

Find the best Qatar Hotels here!

Must-See Qatar Attractions

Here are the must-see attractions in Qatar:

• Souq Waqif: Vibrant complex built on an ancient market site, home to the Falcon Souq offering a glimpse into Qatari heritage .
• •Museum of Islamic Art: Largest collection of Islamic art in the world, housed in a striking I.M. Pei-designed building surrounded by a park featuring a Richard Serra sculpture.
• National Museum of Qatar: Inspired by the desert rose, this museum opened in 2019 and gives voice to Qatar's history and people across 11 galleries .
•  Katara Cultural Village: Mix of cultural attractions, entertainment, and leisure activities, including the Katara Beach .
• The Pearl-Qatar: Man-made island featuring Mediterranean-style marinas, residential towers, hotels, premium shopping, and dining .
• Aspire Park: Largest park in Doha, offering walking trails, picnic areas, and recreational activities .
• The Corniche: 7 km waterfront promenade along Doha Bay, with stunning views, recreational activities, and dining options.

The Best Time To Visit Qatar

The best time to visit Qatar is from November to early April when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Here is a breakdown of the seasons in Qatar:

• Winter (December to February): It is the peak tourist season, with cooler temperatures averaging 19-23°C. This is the most popular time due to the comfortable weather and cultural events like the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival in January.
• Spring (March to May): Spring is also good, with warm weather and fewer crowds, but keep in mind that Ramadan occurs during this time, affecting restaurant hours and some cultural activities.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is the least busy time, with warm but tolerable weather and smaller crowds for outdoor activities, festivals, and cultural events.
• Summer (June to August): Summer is the hottest time, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. While Qatar has plenty of air-conditioned attractions to enjoy, it's not ideal for outdoor activities.

Where is Qatar?

Qatar is located in the Middle East, on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and surrounded by the Persian Gulf on all other sides. The country is a peninsula that extends from the Arabian Peninsula into the Persian Gulf.

What is the Capital of Qatar?

The capital of Qatar is Doha, situated on the east coast of the Qatar Peninsula in the Persian Gulf. As the largest city in Qatar, Doha is a bustling metropolis that serves as the country's main financial hub and a prominent global city.

Languages Spoken in Qatar

Arabic is the official language of Qatar, with Qatari Arabic or Gulf Arabic being the local dialect. English is commonly used as a second language and is increasingly becoming a lingua franca, especially in commerce, by people from other countries.

Time Zone of Qatar

The time zone of Qatar is Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is UTC/GMT +3 hours. Qatar does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year.

What Currency Does Qatar Use?

Qatar uses the Qatari Riyal (QAR) as its official currency. 1 Euro equals approximately 4.06 Saudi riyals, and 1 US Dollar equals approximately 3.69 Saudi riyals.

Qatar Flag

The Qatar flag is a horizontal tricolor of green, white, and maroon, with a red triangle at the hoist side. The green color represents the country's fertile land, the white represents the purity of the country's people, and the maroon represents the blood of the martyrs who fought for the country's independence.

Population of Qatar

The current population of Qatar in 2024 is approximately 3 million, a 0.76% increase from 2023.

Strange Laws in Qatar

Here are some of the most notable and interesting laws in Qatar:

• Drugs: Zero-tolerance policy, with severe penalties including lengthy sentences, heavy fines, deportation, and even the death penalty for drug smuggling.
• Alcohol: Legal to consume in licensed bars and restaurants, but public drunkenness is punishable by fines and jailing. Legal drinking age is 21.
• Dress Code: Visitors expected to dress modestly in public and while driving. Women must cover shoulders and avoid short skirts.
• Photography: Filming and photographing sensitive areas can result in arrest. Posting offensive or culturally insensitive material online is a criminal offense.
• Relationships and Sexuality: Public intimacy between unmarried couples, both heterosexual and homosexual, is illegal. Sex outside marriage is a criminal offense.
• Importing Certain Goods: Illegal to import drugs, alcohol, pornography, pork products, and religious books and material. Luggage is scanned upon arrival.
• Offensive Behaviour: Swearing and making obscene gestures are illegal and can result in deportation and jailing.
• Becoming Pregnant Out of Wedlock: Couples can be imprisoned and/or deported if they become pregnant while unmarried.