In many ways, Qatar is the superlative destination for a first-time visitor to the Arabian Gulf.
Given that the Gulf nation hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, much of its tourist infrastructure is brand-new, and has enough beach clubs, five-star hotels and upscale malls to keep even the most discerning luxury traveller happy for a few days, or longer.
It is also home to at least two world-class museums – I.M Pei’s Museum of Islamic Art and Jean Nouvel’s Qatar National Museum – and a number of fascinating historical sites, from Al Zubarah in the north and the rock carvings of Al Jassasiya to the Barzan Towers outside Doha.
Qatar is, of course, an Islamic country, so there are some cultural considerations that first-time travellers to the Middle East may need to bear in mind. It can also get very hot in summer. But with the right preparation, it might just be the best travel idea you ever had.
When is the best time to visit Qatar?
Qatar has a desert climate of hot, humid summers and mild winters. Between May and September temperatures climb from the mid-30s into the mid-40s and beyond, making spending time outdoors uncomfortable. The good news is that there is plenty to do indoors, and like other countries of the Arabian Gulf, it is built for the heat.
That said, the ideal travel window is winter, when cool nights and warm days make for perfect travelling conditions. Peak season is November to March, and over New Year hotels fill up fast and rates (and flight costs) rise accordingly. Consider travelling between September and October and April and May to get the best rates and slightly warmer weather.
Where should I stay in Qatar?
For the time being, 99% of Qatar’s accommodation is in – or very close to – Doha, even if districts like West Bay and Pearl Island are growing in popularity (the latter especially during the hotter months due to its air conditioned walkways connecting key sites). Doha has an excellent transport infrastructure, and every site you would want to visit in Qatar – even Khor Al Adaid on the Saudi border – is less than a two-hour drive away.
This Doha centricity may change in the coming years, though. There are new developments cropping up on the coast – including the over QAR20 billion Simaisma beachside project – but these likely won't be completed until almost 2030. There are also glamping options in some desert resorts but, again, these are often satellites of the major Doha hotels (and best organised through them).
Is it easy to get to and around Qatar?
Hamad International Airport is a major international hub and Qatar Airways is one of the world’s biggest airlines, so you will have no problem getting to Qatar. It is a little over an hour from Dubai and two hours from Riyadh, so perfect for a weekend away.
Once there, the Doha Metro (3 lines, 37 stations) is clean, fast, and affordable (around QAR2 per trip), and connects the airport, city and tourist areas. Anywhere not linked to the Metro (Place Vendome Mall or Lusail, for example) are connected by feeder buses and trams. All signage is in English and Arabic.
Taxis are ubiquitous and relatively cheap, with government-run Karwa taxis joined by two ride sharing platforms, Uber and Careem.
If you want to see a bit of the country outside Doha, such as the western beaches, northern historical sites or the inland sea (Khor Al Adaid) it might be worth hiring a car for a couple of days. Qatar’s roads are very good quality and fuel is cheap.
Top things to do in Qatar
If you have 48 hours in Qatar, the National Museum is an excellent first stop, followed by the Katara Cultural Village, where you can take a dip in the Arabian Gulf and stroll around its shops, cafes, and striking mosques and pigeon towers.
The next day you could visit Souq Waqif for more strolling and coffee drinking, followed by a visit to the Falcon Souq and nearby Falcon Hospital. Finish your trip with a stroll on the corniche and a trip to the Museum of Islamic Art.
With another day, you could take a desert safari to Khor Al Adaid, swim in the lagoon and indulge in one of Qatar’s favourite pastimes, dune bashing.
How much money will I need for a trip to Qatar?
Branded hotel chains in downtown Doha are likely to cost between QAR300-380 a night, and when it comes to luxury – the sky is the limit. Visit during the off season (April, May, September, October) to get better rates in the luxury hotels.
Budget circa QAR180 a day per person for food as a conservative estimate. You can pick up a shawarma and a karak tea from a street-side diner in Doha for next to nothing, but if you want to eat in the malls or the nicer restaurants it can add up – particularly if you’re travelling with children.
Museum entry tends to be between QAR35 and QAR90 although children under 16 are often admitted for free. It is almost always cheaper to book online. Desert safaris cost between QAR180-550 per person but be sure to shop around as it is a very crowded market.
Frequently asked questions about Qatar
Is Qatar safe?
Yes, Qatar is one of the world’s safest countries; violent crime is almost unheard of in Qatar and petty crime is very unusual.
What are the rules for tourists in Qatar?
Dress modestly in public, especially near mosques (cover shoulders and knees) and respect the dress code on public beaches. Even in the family or women-only section, bathers tend to cover shoulders and knees while swimming, and men often wear a t-shirt or rash vest when swimming in the sea (rules are more relaxed for children under 10).
Dos and don’ts
- Do try local dishes like machboos and luqaimat (mini donuts) at Souq Waqif and wash them down with a cup of spiced karak tea.
- Don’t photograph people without permission, especially women or near military sites.
- Do learn a few Arabic greetings (As-salamu alaykum).
- Don’t eat or drink in public during Ramadan daylight hours.
Where do expats live in Qatar?
Most expats live in Doha districts (West Bay, Pearl, Al Sadd) or Lusail, with families often opting for gated communities and villas, and single people for high-rise apartments.
