Like its neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Qatar has bet big on air transport and built itself into one of the world’s primary airline hubs. Qatar Airways alone has 248 flights *a day* leaving Doha airport to over 45 destinations worldwide.
Many of these are long haul, with both the national airline and others using Doha as a convenient stop-over between the East Coast of the US and Europe and Asia.
But many are short hops to other cities in the Middle East (Dubai is one hour by plane, Istanbul is four), Europe (Athens is 4 1⁄2 hours), or Asia (Mumbai is 3 1⁄2 hours).
While you can drive to other Gulf countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and even Oman from Qatar, it is a long way (seven hours to Dubai from Doha, via Saudi Arabia). Unless you are committed to a road trip, it makes more sense to fly. These are some of our favourite weekend getaways from Doha.
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Arguably, the best short break destination from Doha is Dubai, with frequent daily flights with Qatar Airways taking just over an hour. Once there, hop on the Dubai Metro for a scenic ride along Sheikh Zayed Road, alighting at Downtown Dubai (next to the Burj Khalifa) or Dubai Marina for a fun-filled stay at trendy city hotel or a beach resort and a spot of shopping at the malls.
While there, why not check out Dubai’s eclectic and ever-changing roster of museums, gawp at the architecture, or take the kids to one of the emirate’s world-class waterparks. If you’re staying for the weekend, consider a desert safari or a trip to Dubai Creek and the restored districts of Deira, harking back to the days when the emirate was a fishing village.
2. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Once overshadowed as a city break by its better-known neighbour, Abu Dhabi is growing in popularity due to an ambitious and varied events catalogue and increasing development on its outer islands, like Saadiyat Island, where a new cultural district opened its doors in 2025.
Both Yas and Saadiyat are easily reachable from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and close to other sites including the Eastern Mangrove Boardwalk and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. A short drive from Abu Dhabi is the inland oasis of Al Ain, with one of the country’s highest peaks, and some of its most interesting archaeological sites.
3. Manama, Bahrain
Sadly, the days when it was possible to hop on a ferry and cross the short strait between Qatar and Bahrain are over, and while there has been talk about restarting it, that hasn’t happened yet. Instead, those wanting to visit Manama will have to take a flight from Hamad International Airport.
Manama can feel relatively laidback compared to Doha, but it has a number of interesting historical sites, including Bahrain Fort, the Bahrain National Museum and a lively souq, parts of which date back to 1949. Bahrain is also home to UNESCO-listed Dilmun Burial Mounds, which comprise nearly 12,000 graves dating from 2000 to 1750 BCE.
4. Muscat, Oman
Compared to its free-wheeling wealthy neighbours, there is an old-world, authentic charm to Muscat, a city whose history has not been cast aside in the march towards modernity.
It is home to the Mutrah Souq, where you can shop for spices and souvenirs, and some good museums, including Bait Al Zubair, which showcases Omani heritage, and the National Museum, which contains jewellery, weapons and traditional clothing.
Qurum Beach is a lovely spot for a swim, with soft sand and clear water, while further afield is the Daymaniyat Islands, popular with snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Wadi Shab, a two-hour drive south-east of the city, is a popular spot for hiking with turquoise pools, waterfalls and lush desertscapes.
5. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Saudi capital has been transformed over the last decade and is now one of the region’s most dynamic hubs, with a packed events calendar that includes international music stars and sporting events.
The government has poured money into cultural projects, including the revitalisation of sites like Diriyah and expansion of the city’s remarkable National Museum. Just outside the city, Wadi Hanifah – an ancient watercourse that historically supplied this city with its water – has been meticulously restored and is now the centrepoint for a public park.
When you’ve finished exploring old Riyadh, head to the King Abdullah Financial District to see what’s new, with high-end sushi spots and trendy mocktail bars, and then check out the sprawling Boulevard City for gardens, fountains, shops and entertainment venues.
6. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
A little further – with a 2 1/2 hour flight time from Doha – is Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s coastal city and the centre of the Hejaz, home to ancient sites and souqs, a coral-fronted old town (Al Balad), resorts and beaches and a fascinating food culture.
Browse for local handicrafts, dates and souvenirs in the souq in Al Balad and take some time to stop into its museums, including Bait Nassif, and tour the ancient mosque at Al Sha’fi. In the afternoon, head to the corniche for juice and tea and a stroll.
As with Riyadh, be sure to check out the city events schedule and time your trip to coincide with Balad Beast, a music festival that turns the old city into a sprawling music venue and street food hub across four stages and featuring over 70 local and international artists.
7. Amman, Jordan
Perhaps one of the Middle East’s most underrated cities, Jordan’s capital, Amman, has ancient ruins, fantastic food and an edgy underground art and music scene centred on Rainbow Street, an uber-trendy thoroughfare that is home to shops, cafes, galleries and music venues. From backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, Amman has a range of accommodation for all budgets. It is also an unparalleled jumping off point for Jordan’s myriad sites like Wadi Rum, Jerash and the Dead Sea.
