Airports and Airlines
Qatar has only one international airport, ie, Hamad International Airport. The airport is a true example of luxury and elegance. With high ceilings, art installations and designer touches at every corner, this is an airport that is an attraction in itself.
Now if you’re tired after a long flight and wish to relax and refresh yourself, the Hamad International Airport even offers top-notch rooms at the Oryx Airport Hotel along with special packages.
When it comes to accommodations, Qatar has no shortage of extremely luxurious 5-star hotels which will make your trip even more worthwhile. W Doha, Mondrain Doha, JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, The Westin Doha Resort and Spa and many more. When planning a trip, there won’t be a shortage of luxury hotels when you’ll go browsing!
Exploring Qatar
The city of Al Rayyan has transformed into one of Qatar’s most thriving metropolitan areas, the city is in the west of Doha. Explore its vibrant streets and you’ll find many world-class facilities from towering skyscrapers and Arab culture. Just around the corner, there are fortresses, museums and historical landmarks that define its fascinating story.
There are several UNESCO world heritage sites like Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, which are not to be missed.
When in Qatar, you might not want to miss locations like Umm Salal `Ali, Doha, Az Za`ayin, Al Khawr etc and The Pearl.
Around 60 km from Doha, lies one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, the ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid, another UNESCO recognized site. It is a natural reserve with its ecosystem, this is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. You can have access to this site only while rolling through the dunes. The scenery will leave you in nature’s awe!
Thriving art and scenic culture
Qatar is officially known as a cultural mosaic. It is home to the second-largest ex-pat community in the world. The reason being that the country has seen a massive surge in job opportunities which has attracted working professionals from around the world to come and work in the country. Qatar has been able to provide a quality lifestyle to visitors while preserving its rich heritage.
The dressing has always been a pivotal thing to watch out for in Qatar. Since the customs and traditions in Qatar are heavily influenced by Islam, there is a certain dress code that the people are expected to follow in the country. Whether you’re headed shopping in Qatar or have a business meeting to attend in the country, there is proper attire for every occasion which varies between men and women.
Religion is an important part of Qatar. The regime and the government of Qatar are linked to Islamic Sharia which very much explains the importance of Islam to the country. Even though Qatar continues to be driven by development happening on a large scale, the country hasn’t forgotten its roots and the natives carry immense faith in Islam.
Doha – The Ultimate Tourist Attraction
Doha, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east of the country, the capital city of Qatar attracts visitors from across the world. Known for its spectacular modern buildings and cultural heritage, Doha has been recently named one of the 7 New Wonder Cities in the World. Emerging as the most sought destination in the world, Doha also happens to be the financial capital of the Middle East.
Set in the MIA Park of the Doha waterfront, the Museum of Islamic Art is an architectural gem and is considered to be one of the well-known places to visit in Doha. It has the largest collection of Islamic art in the world. While the paintings were collected from three continents over 1400 years, the interiors are breathtaking with spectacular geometric patterns of the Islamic world that makes it even more fascinating.
Do not miss out on visiting the Souq Waqif which is a one-stop place for shopping, and dining. It is well known to be one of the top Doha attractions, one can walk around the alleys, admire the architectural marvels, shop for embroideries, spices, etc.
There is no dearth of places to visit in Doha as places like Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Stadium keeps the travellers on their toes by offering enough recreation activities.
Aspire Park is one of the largest parks in the Gulf region and is one of Qatar’s most beautiful landscapes. Another attraction the park has to offer is the Torch Tower/ The Aspire Tower. It is an astonishing 300m high building that served as a giant torch for the 15th Asian Games and is now a beautiful hotel. Don’t forget to add it to your itinerary while planning your holidays to Qatar!
Spread over 1.5 km, the National Museum of Qatar gives voice to Qatar’s unique history and its people from the earliest of times to the present day.
Villaggio Mall is the biggest and the most famous shopping mall in Doha with all international brands and a huge food court with a variety of food options. It also has restaurants, movie theatres, a Gondola theme park for children and a unique Gondola Ride, influenced by the common boat rides in Venice. When bored but too tired to explore, you can always come and relax here!
All these places to visit and the recreational activities keep the tourists engaged and entertained and make their trip worthwhile.
The Pearl – Qatar
The Pearl’s “town-centre”, Medina Centrale is the perfect spot for a family stroll. You can enjoy an open-air walk and some window-shopping in this Spanish-inspired neighbourhood. You can stop at one of the many cafés and restaurants if you need a snack or an appetizer!Residents and visitors can now move around the island on board little blue tuk-tuks. The water taxi is another great option for moving around Porto Arabia and checking out the views. It connects Porto Arabia to the canals of Qanat Quartier, where you will find new restaurants, cafés and shops opening every month.
Just walking along the marina in Porto Arabia and checking out the beautiful yachts parked along the pier is yet another beautiful experience. Though public beaches are restricted to Pearl residents, luxury resort Marsa Malaz Kempinski offers daily passes to visitors who wish to enjoy its private beach and outdoor pools, including a children’s pool.
Located in Medina Centrale, this family entertainment centre offers something for everyone. It features a bowling alley, pool tables, car racing and golf simulators, an array of arcade games, and karaoke rooms available for private hire.
Al Wakra
Al-Wakrah is a city in eastern Qatar, just south of Doha. The town has a history independent from that of the capital, but it has developed into a bedroom community of Doha.Al Wakrah Museum, housed in an old fort built in the early 20th century, displays artefacts of marine life and local history. The museum is closed for refurbishment.
It was built by a prominent local pearl trader in the early 20th century and was fully restored in 2004. Manaratain Mosque was built in the 1940s on the site of earlier mosques, and while not particularly old was built with traditional construction of coral and rock with a baked mud roof. Non-Muslim visitors should refrain from entering but can appreciate the building from the outside.
Dhow harbour, much of Qatar’s fishing fleet is based here, makes for a pleasant backdrop for walking.Get to see the old harbour of the Al Wakra, which has been renovated to accommodate a huge number of traditional dhows and fishing dhows, fishing is one of the favourite past times of many enthusiasts here. The area is mostly filled with fishing enthusiasts who spend hours behind this, and if you are one, you too can join in the line and wait for your bite!
Delicacies of Qatar
The Qatari Cuisine is greatly influenced by close links to Iran, India, and the Arabs from North Africa and the Levant.Different varieties of dates and seafood are central to the food in Qatar.
Machboos, a traditional dish that combines different flavours with meat or seafood, is one of the most popular delicacies to taste in Qatar.Arabian Coffee is another essential part of Qatari Cuisine. This is a coffee that is sweetened or spiced with cardamom.
Warak Enab is one of the best dishes to taste as far as Qatar Cuisine is concerned, is a light snack that can be eaten at any time of the day. Ballet, Majboos, Madrouba, Kousa Mahshi, Luqaimat and Umm Ali are some of the dishes that you must not miss while you’re in Qatar!
Best time to visit Qatar
The best time to visit Doha is between October and the end of April when temperatures are at their most comfortable, the humidity is down and the sun is enjoyable. If you are looking for the time when there’s the most space by the pool, and you can withstand temperatures of 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46.1 degrees Celsius) in the shade, then opt for July and August, when most locals and expatriate workers tend to leave for cooler climates, leaving the hotels and pools empty.
Trip Summary
The country is an incredible blend of culture, religion, art and modernity. It has a lot to offer to the tourists. The way hotels and attractions have been built go all by facilitating the tourists. The stay-ins are in close proximity to the exploration destinations making it very convenient for the tourists. Exploring Qatar will give you a sense of tradition even when you’re strolling in the oh, so, ‘now’ modern country.
Going for a vacation to Qatar is budget-friendly and extremely enjoyable be it for a solo trip or a family one, it facilitates all!
