D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Katara Cultural Village
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Discover the highlights of Doha
LEARN MORE
Wider Qatar
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Lusail
Wider Qatar
A guide to Doha’s diverse neighbourhoods
LEARN MORE
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Wider Qatar
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
National Museum of Qatar
Discover the highlights of Doha
LEARN MORE
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Wider Qatar
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
Al Thakira Mangroves
Practical Advice
10 adventures to have in Qatar
LEARN MORE
Qatar essentials
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Wider Qatar
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
Practical Advice
Inland Sea
How I found Qatar as a solo female traveller
LEARN MORE
Qatar essentials
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Wider Qatar
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
Practical Advice
Qatar International Food Festival
Qatar essentials
A cultural calendar to Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
A complete guide to Souq Waqif
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
The sky’s the limit: an architectural guide to Doha
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
Wider Qatar
National Museum of Qatar
Practical Advice
Souq Waqif
Qatar essentials
Discover the highlights of Doha
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
National Museum of Qatar
Wider Qatar
National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar is one of the country’s most remarkable buildings, its design inspired by the desert rose. Inside, immersive exhibits paint a vivid picture of Qatar’s rich heritage…
Practical Advice
BACK
Qatar essentials
Discover the highlights of Doha
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
Souq Waqif
Wider Qatar
One of the oldest parts of Doha, Souq Waqif is the capital’s cultural pulse, where locals come to eat, do their shopping, have their falcons tended to and catch up with old friends…
Practical Advice
BACK
Souq Waqif
Qatar essentials
Discover the highlights of Doha
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
Lusail
D O H A
Doha
The Pearl
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
A guide to Doha’s diverse neighbourhoods
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
The Pearl
The Pearl
Wider Qatar
Akin to a movie set, The Pearl is a neighbourhood of contrasts, where flamingo-pink Venetian townhouses sit beside opulent Arabian palaces and modern Qatari villas.
Practical Advice
BACK
Qatar essentials
A guide to Doha’s diverse neighbourhoods
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
Lusail
D O H A
Doha
Lusail
Wider Qatar
Lusail is where Doha’s architectural ambitions reach a crescendo, with its icon the curving crescent of the Katara Towers, a symbolic building inspired by two crossed scimitar swords – the emblem of Qatar.
Practical Advice
BACK
Qatar essentials
A guide to Doha’s diverse neighbourhoods
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
W I D E R Q A T A R
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
How to spend five days in Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
W I D E R Q A T A R
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
A culinary guide to Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
W I D E R Q A T A R
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
7 wildlife experiences to have in Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
W I D E R Q A T A R
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
10 adventures to have in Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
W I D E R Q A T A R
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
10 experiences you didn’t know you could have in Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
P R A C T I C A L A D V I C E
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
A seasonal guide to Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
P R A C T I C A L A D V I C E
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
Where to stay in Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
P R A C T I C A L A D V I C E
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
What is it really like to travel in Qatar?
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
P R A C T I C A L A D V I C E
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
How I found Qatar as a solo female traveller
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
P R A C T I C A L A D V I C E
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
A cultural calendar to Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
N E E D T O K N O W
Doha
Visas
Getting there & around
Wider Qatar
Local customs
Weather
F A Q
Practical Advice
Is English spoken in Qatar?
What’s the currency of Qatar?
Qatar essentials
What’s it like travelling in Qatar as a female?
What’s the time difference in Qatar?
N E E D T O K N O W
Weather
Qatar experiences two distinct seasons: you have summer (June–September), which is hot and humid, and you have winter, which is lovely and cool (November–March); the shoulder months lie somewhere in between. There is an official rainy season in winter, but generally speaking, you don’t get more than four days of rain (usually torrential) in any one year.
During the year, temperatures don’t reach above 41°C according to official charts, but it can get higher. Add humidity to the mix and summer becomes a tricky time to be in Qatar, though wonderfully quiet. Those who enjoy the beach and cooling off in the water can make the most of endless sunny days. In winter, daytime temperatures are in their mid-20°Cs, and sometimes plummet down to below 10°C.
F A Q
What’s the time difference in Qatar?
Qatar follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.
F A Q
Is English spoken in Qatar?
Arabic is the national language of Qatar but English is widely spoken and commonly used across the country.
N E E D T O K N O W
Local customs
In Qatar it’s polite to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and go down to your knees, especially when walking in places that are frequented by locals. To both cope with the hot weather and be sensitive towards local traditions, try to wear loose clothing that is reasonably covering while out and about or visiting public buildings. When meeting and greeting locals, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which translates as ‘peace be upon you’.
F A Q
What’s it like travelling in Qatar as a female?
Qatar is very safe for female travellers. As travel writer Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey, who lives in Doha, says: “I have always felt safe walking around, day and night, but like anywhere else in the world, I take sensible precautions. In the face of all the misconception, walking around in Qatar feels like a breath of fresh air.”
N E E D T O K N O W
Getting there & around
The UK is well connected with Qatar, with multiple daily direct flights available from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Hamad International Airport in Doha. Within the city of Doha, you’ll find a good public network of buses, a metro system, trams and feeder buses – all of which are relatively easy to negotiate. Alternatively, you can hail Karwa taxis and Uber via an app, with both clean, safe and cheap options.
If you want to explore wider Qatar, car hire is the best option, as the country’s road network is both superb and modern. All you need is an international driving licence, your national driving licence and a credit card with three months of validity.
N E E D T O K N O W
Visas
British nationals don’t need a visa before flying to Qatar and can obtain one on arrival in Qatar. But if you want to save time, apply online via the Hayya portal. However, you will need to arrange health insurance, as well as give confirmation of where you are staying, as part of the visa application process.
F A Q
What’s the currency of Qatar?
The currency of Qatar is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around QAR4.77 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths. However, international credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis.
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Transcript
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Katara Cultural Village
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Discover the highlights of Doha
LEARN MORE
Wider Qatar
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Lusail
Wider Qatar
A guide to Doha’s diverse neighbourhoods
LEARN MORE
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Wider Qatar
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
National Museum of Qatar
Discover the highlights of Doha
LEARN MORE
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Wider Qatar
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
Al Thakira Mangroves
Practical Advice
10 adventures to have in Qatar
LEARN MORE
Qatar essentials
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Wider Qatar
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
Practical Advice
Inland Sea
How I found Qatar as a solo female traveller
LEARN MORE
Qatar essentials
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
H I G H L I G H T S
Doha
THE APPEAL OF QATAR LIES IN ITS MYSTERY
Wider Qatar
But times are changing and the limelight on this fascinating country is growing. From Doha’s highlights to what you can see in the wider country and practical information you can really use, learn about Qatar with our handy guides – before everyone else does…
Practical Advice
Qatar International Food Festival
Qatar essentials
A cultural calendar to Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
A complete guide to Souq Waqif
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
The sky’s the limit: an architectural guide to Doha
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
Wider Qatar
National Museum of Qatar
Practical Advice
Souq Waqif
Qatar essentials
Discover the highlights of Doha
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
National Museum of Qatar
Wider Qatar
National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar is one of the country’s most remarkable buildings, its design inspired by the desert rose. Inside, immersive exhibits paint a vivid picture of Qatar’s rich heritage…
Practical Advice
BACK
Qatar essentials
Discover the highlights of Doha
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
Souq Waqif
Wider Qatar
One of the oldest parts of Doha, Souq Waqif is the capital’s cultural pulse, where locals come to eat, do their shopping, have their falcons tended to and catch up with old friends…
Practical Advice
BACK
Souq Waqif
Qatar essentials
Discover the highlights of Doha
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
Lusail
D O H A
Doha
The Pearl
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
A guide to Doha’s diverse neighbourhoods
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
D O H A
Doha
The Pearl
The Pearl
Wider Qatar
Akin to a movie set, The Pearl is a neighbourhood of contrasts, where flamingo-pink Venetian townhouses sit beside opulent Arabian palaces and modern Qatari villas.
Practical Advice
BACK
Qatar essentials
A guide to Doha’s diverse neighbourhoods
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
Lusail
D O H A
Doha
Lusail
Wider Qatar
Lusail is where Doha’s architectural ambitions reach a crescendo, with its icon the curving crescent of the Katara Towers, a symbolic building inspired by two crossed scimitar swords – the emblem of Qatar.
Practical Advice
BACK
Qatar essentials
A guide to Doha’s diverse neighbourhoods
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
W I D E R Q A T A R
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
How to spend five days in Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
W I D E R Q A T A R
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
A culinary guide to Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
W I D E R Q A T A R
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
7 wildlife experiences to have in Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
W I D E R Q A T A R
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
10 adventures to have in Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
W I D E R Q A T A R
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
10 experiences you didn’t know you could have in Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
P R A C T I C A L A D V I C E
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
A seasonal guide to Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
P R A C T I C A L A D V I C E
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
Where to stay in Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
P R A C T I C A L A D V I C E
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
What is it really like to travel in Qatar?
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
P R A C T I C A L A D V I C E
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
How I found Qatar as a solo female traveller
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
P R A C T I C A L A D V I C E
Doha
Wider Qatar
Practical Advice
Qatar essentials
A cultural calendar to Qatar
LEARN MORE
D I S C O V E R
Qatar
N E E D T O K N O W
Doha
Visas
Getting there & around
Wider Qatar
Local customs
Weather
F A Q
Practical Advice
Is English spoken in Qatar?
What’s the currency of Qatar?
Qatar essentials
What’s it like travelling in Qatar as a female?
What’s the time difference in Qatar?
N E E D T O K N O W
Weather
Qatar experiences two distinct seasons: you have summer (June–September), which is hot and humid, and you have winter, which is lovely and cool (November–March); the shoulder months lie somewhere in between. There is an official rainy season in winter, but generally speaking, you don’t get more than four days of rain (usually torrential) in any one year. During the year, temperatures don’t reach above 41°C according to official charts, but it can get higher. Add humidity to the mix and summer becomes a tricky time to be in Qatar, though wonderfully quiet. Those who enjoy the beach and cooling off in the water can make the most of endless sunny days. In winter, daytime temperatures are in their mid-20°Cs, and sometimes plummet down to below 10°C.
F A Q
What’s the time difference in Qatar?
Qatar follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.
F A Q
Is English spoken in Qatar?
Arabic is the national language of Qatar but English is widely spoken and commonly used across the country.
N E E D T O K N O W
Local customs
In Qatar it’s polite to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and go down to your knees, especially when walking in places that are frequented by locals. To both cope with the hot weather and be sensitive towards local traditions, try to wear loose clothing that is reasonably covering while out and about or visiting public buildings. When meeting and greeting locals, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which translates as ‘peace be upon you’.
F A Q
What’s it like travelling in Qatar as a female?
Qatar is very safe for female travellers. As travel writer Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey, who lives in Doha, says: “I have always felt safe walking around, day and night, but like anywhere else in the world, I take sensible precautions. In the face of all the misconception, walking around in Qatar feels like a breath of fresh air.”
N E E D T O K N O W
Getting there & around
The UK is well connected with Qatar, with multiple daily direct flights available from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Hamad International Airport in Doha. Within the city of Doha, you’ll find a good public network of buses, a metro system, trams and feeder buses – all of which are relatively easy to negotiate. Alternatively, you can hail Karwa taxis and Uber via an app, with both clean, safe and cheap options. If you want to explore wider Qatar, car hire is the best option, as the country’s road network is both superb and modern. All you need is an international driving licence, your national driving licence and a credit card with three months of validity.
N E E D T O K N O W
Visas
British nationals don’t need a visa before flying to Qatar and can obtain one on arrival in Qatar. But if you want to save time, apply online via the Hayya portal. However, you will need to arrange health insurance, as well as give confirmation of where you are staying, as part of the visa application process.
F A Q
What’s the currency of Qatar?
The currency of Qatar is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around QAR4.77 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths. However, international credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis.