Qatar holidays

This Persian Gulf nation is blossoming into a travel hotspot with dazzling beaches, futuristic architecture and upscale shopping and dining. You’ll find plenty of unexpected treasures too, from an azure lagoon in the heart of the desert to lush mangroves brimming with wildlife. Whether you’re exploring centuries-old markets or hyper-modern museums, holidays to Qatar honour the past while eyeing the future.

Top destinations in Qatar

Doha

Bordered by the Persian Gulf and a massive desert, Doha is a city of contradictions. Luxury boutiques and modern architecture rub shoulders with traditional souqs in the Qatari capital.

Qatar: fast facts

Language

Arabic

Currency

Qatari riyal (ر.ق)

Time zone

UTC+3 (AST (Arabia))

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Qatar holiday highlights

Doha
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Stroll the markets

Nomadic Bedouin people have gathered in traditional ‘souks’ (markets) for centuries. The most famous is Souq Waqif, in the capital city of Doha. Explore a sprawl of lantern-lit alleyways filled with spices, perfumes and handicrafts alongside Qatari street food and music. Shop for glittering jewellery in the nearby Gold Souq, or learn about the national pastime of falconry at the Falcon Souq.

See futuristic cityscapes

Doha brims with ultra-modern architecture, from the desert rose–shaped National Museum of Qatar to the distinctive Zig Zag Towers. Don’t miss the Qatar National Library, which resembles two folded pieces of paper with a light-filled, spacious interior. Admire the city’s skyline from the Doha Corniche, a waterfront walkway with futuristic buildings on one side and traditional ‘dhows’ (sailboats) on the other.

Explore the desert

Some of the most memorable things to see in Qatar are the surreal desert landscapes — and you can access many of them on a day trip from Doha. Take a 4x4 tour of Khor Al Adaid, where crescent-shaped dunes and salt flats meet a turquoise ‘inland sea’. Discover Neolithic carvings at Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site, or venture into mesmerising underground caves at Dahl Al Misfir.

Things to do in Qatar

Doha
Qatar Tourism

Top attractions

Take a waterfront stroll through Doha’s top sights along the Corniche, a seven-kilometre boulevard with shoreline views. At its southern end, the Museum of Islamic Art draws you in with its dazzling white facade, designed by renowned architect IM Pei. Step inside to discover some 1,400 years of Islamic art. Lastly, don’t miss Souq Waqif, a historic market that reveals centuries-old Qatari traditions.

Beaches

The beaches in Qatar are a vision of beauty. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot popular with locals, head to Umm Bab Beach. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to Banana Island, a crescent-shaped isle known for its water sports. Katara Beach is favoured by families for its calm, shallow waters. Modest dress is required at public beaches, though bikinis are acceptable at private beaches.

Nature

From tropical islands to striking rock formations, Qatar is home to a rich array of natural treasures. Al Thakhira Beach and Purple Island feature lush mangroves teeming with native trees and birdlife. At Al Reem Biosphere Reserve, see Arabian oryx roaming the rocky plains and limestone plateaus. Extensive coral reefs fringe Qatar’s coastline — check out Al Aaliya Island for snorkelling.

Culture and museums

One of the most unique museums in Qatar is the Museum of Islamic Art. This cultural powerhouse features the world’s largest collection of Islamic art in a modern, fortress-inspired building. The National Museum of Qatar is an immersive tour of Qatari history through artefacts, jewellery and manuscripts. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit for its contemporary artworks by Arab artists.

Cuisine

Qatari food is a delicious fusion of Arabian, Indian and Persian flavours. Don’t miss ‘machboos’, a Qatari dish of rice cooked with spices and succulent meat. For breakfast, try ‘karak’, a spiced, sweet tea paired with ‘chapati’ (flatbread), honey and cheese. You’ll find some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Qatar’s capital, where cutting-edge cuisine meets skyline views.

Family friendly

Let curious minds run wild at Doha’s Katara Cultural Village, where ornate mosques meet alleyway art galleries and traditional Qatari restaurants. Or get heart rates elevated at Doha Quest, a futuristic theme park with VR attractions and the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster. Craving a dose of the outdoors? Book an off-road desert safari through the stunning Khor Al Adaid nature reserve.

Find the best time to visit Qatar

Weather in Qatar

March – May: In spring, a condition known as ‘Al Sarayat’ can bring sudden weather changes, with warm weather balanced out by short and sharp thunderstorms.

June – September: Summer temperatures can get over 40°C, but with world-class indoor attractions and fewer crowds, this is a great time to see Qatar’s quieter side. Wear loose clothing and stay hydrated.

October – November: Warm days and mild nights are perfect for beach walks and al fresco dinners. You might get some intermittent showers, but they usually pass quickly.

December – February: With temps hovering around 20°C, winter was made for outdoor adventures. Fill your days with desert safaris, boat trips and beach lounging. Then head to the souks at night — just pack a warm layer.

Events in Qatar

International Kite Festival (January): Watch the skies over Doha come alive with vibrant kites of all shapes and sizes during this annual celebration. Along with daily displays, enjoy kite-making workshops, live music and parades.

Qatar International Food Festival (February): Dive into Qatar’s food scene with live cooking demos, skyline dining experiences and Michelin-rated tasting menus at this popular Doha event.

Qatar National Day (December): Each year, locals celebrate the unification of Qatar with traditional food, handicrafts, cultural performances and fireworks displays. The biggest festivities are usually around Doha.

Eid Al-Fitr (varies): The whole country pulses with life for end-of-Ramadan celebrations. Although it’s a public holiday and some businesses close, you’ll find dance shows, fireworks and traditional music at Katara Cultural Village.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

This is an Islamic country whose culture and etiquette are influenced by the faith. It’s a good idea to dress modestly when visiting attractions — women will need a head covering to enter mosques. Eat with your right hand, as the left is considered impolite. Alcohol is served at some hotels, clubs and bars, but remember that drinking in public is illegal.

Health and safety

One of the biggest risks in Qatar is extreme weather, with summer temperatures sometimes soaring above 40°C. Wear light clothing, drink plenty of water and stay inside during the hottest part of the day. Air pollution can be high in Doha, with dust and sandstorms worsening the situation. Seek medical advice if you have a condition that affects your breathing.

LGBTQ+ travel

Qatari law and the majority of public sentiment are strongly anti-LGBTQ+ — homosexual acts can be punished with jail time. If you are an LGBTQ+ traveller, familiarise yourself with local laws and etiquette before visiting. Exercise extreme caution by dressing conservatively and avoiding public displays of affection and LGBTQ+ symbols.

Budget

It’s possible to have a cheap holiday in Qatar. You can expect to pay around 30 Qatari riyals (QAR) for a cheap meal, while a local non-alcoholic beer is about QAR45, and a cappuccino is around QAR20. A short taxi ride will cost you about QAR40.

Getting around Qatar

Doha
AFLAH P HUSSSAIN

Public transportation

Buses: Qatar’s Karwa bus network is a smooth, mostly electric service that connects Doha with other major towns. Use the Karwa app to book tickets and plan your journey.

Trains: There is no intercity rail network in Qatar. You can use the Doha Metro to get around the capital, or hop on a tram to reach Msheireb, Lusail and Education City.

Taxis: Keep an eye out for turquoise Karwa taxis across Qatar. These government-regulated rides can also be booked using the Karwa Taxi app.

Domestic flights

Qatar has a single main airport, Doha’s Hamad International. But regional travel is easy. The UAE’s major cities, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, are all within easy reach.

Find domestic flights

Driving

Hiring a car will allow you to explore lesser-known parts of the country with more flexibility. A few international car hire companies are based in Doha, including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Europcar. Just stay alert on the roads — speeding and accidents are common.

Check car hire

FAQs about Qatar holidays

Qatar is considered a safe country with low crime rates. Exercise the usual travel precautions like avoiding walking alone at night, keeping belongings secure and respecting local customs. Couples should avoid displaying intimacy in public, and LGBTQ+ travellers should be extremely cautious.
While not the cheapest destination, it’s possible to stay within your budget in Qatar. Make the most of its affordable and efficient public transportation, find cheap food at the souks and visit free attractions like Katara Cultural Village. And skip the bottled water — tap water is safe to drink here.
The official currency is the Qatari riyal (QAR). You’ll find ATMs in most towns and cities, although it’s worth withdrawing cash before heading to remote places. There may be a charge for getting cash out with an international bank account. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants and stores.
Arabic is Qatar’s official language, although English is widely spoken here. Hello in Arabic is ‘ahlaan’, while good morning is ‘sabah alkhayr’. To wish someone a good evening, say ‘masa'a alkhayr’. And please and thank you are ‘min fadlik’ and ‘shukran’.
The best time to visit Qatar is between November and March, as the cooler temperatures are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. For balmy beach weather and thinner crowds, visit in spring, when the deserts bloom with wildflowers. In summer, temperatures soar, but this can be a good time to enjoy air-conditioned attractions and find cheap hotel deals.
Doha is the most popular place to stay in Qatar, and for good reason. The city blends traditional souks and mosques with luxurious malls and world-class museums. It also makes a great hub for day trips to natural wonders like the Singing Sand Dunes and the Inland Sea.

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