Located in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, Qatar blends the timeless traditions of the Middle East with the modern luxuries of the West. The country features a diverse range of landscapes, from the towering sand dunes of the desert to the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. Whether you’re seeking a cultural trip or an adventure, Qatar offers it all.
Table of Contents
Discovering Qatar: What You Need to Know
Qatar is a land of immense history and culture that can be traced back to centuries. From its early days of being sparsely inhabited, it has transformed into one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Today Qatar has a growing population of around 2.8 million people!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO QATAR
During your trip to Qatar make sure you stay connected by purchasing Airalo eSIM online in advance, and avoid the hassle of buying a physical SIM at the airport.
In addition, remember to purchase Heymondo travel insurance that provides coverage against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. It offers great value for money and ensures a stress-free and enjoyable trip!
Population
Qatar is a melting pot of cultures, with a massive expat population of around 160 nationalities. Only 8% of the population is Qatari nationals. You can see the influence of the Arab world, India, Europe, and Africa in architecture, art, food, and sports.
Nature
Qatar has over 560km of stunning coastline, including beaches, lagoons, and mangrove islands that thrive in the salty Gulf waters. The Gulf waters have been home to pearl divers and fishermen for centuries, giving the place a rich history. Qatar is also one of the few places in the world where the desert meets the sea. You can see this phenomenon at the Inland Sea.
Doha
The Doha skyline is a perfect example of how the country has rapidly grown. The oil boom of the 1960s was the reason behind Qatar’s rapid growth and prosperity. Still, the country has its traditional way of life. The ancient Souq Waqif exemplifies Qatar’s commitment to preserving its traditional way of life. In fact, people continue to shop there despite being surrounded by the modern districts of Doha.
Qatar is conveniently positioned as a gateway to Europe and Asia Pacific, making it easy to get around. Whether you’re here for a stopover or it’s your final destination, you can explore Qatar’s diverse landscape and culture. You could witness the sunrise over the desert, swim on the coast at lunchtime, and dine at one of Doha’s best restaurants in the evening, all in a single day.
Doha: The Cultural Hub of Qatar
Looking at the city today, it seems impossible that a few decades ago, Doha was a small town located by the sea without any significant features to boast. After discovering oil, Doha has become a shining metropolis that amazes visitors with its tall skyscrapers illuminating the night sky.
Despite being in the middle of a desert, Doha offers refreshing green outdoor spaces surrounding the city that work as small oases. Doha is also a city of culture. Many museums and galleries exhibit a vast collection of Arabian antiquities, and iconic buildings, designed by world-renowned architects, showcase contemporary art.
As a tourist, it’s amazing to discover how Qatari people take pride in their traditional dress and culture while seamlessly blending with modernity in Doha. Wooden dhow boats float along the picturesque Corniche, adding to the city’s charm and, at the same time, people gather in air-conditioned malls and hotels. You can learn more about reading my Doha Destination Guide: Planning Your Perfect Qatar Getaway.
A Tour of Qatar’s Bustling Cities
Qatar has several small cities and towns in addition to Doha. Some are port towns, while others are significant due to their association with the thriving oil and gas industry. Travelling through Qatar will lead you to discover abandoned villages, archaeological sites, islands with natural mangroves, and beaches with golden sands.
Al Khor
Al Khor, situated in the north, is one of Qatar’s main cities, second only to Doha. It is an important oil and gas industry hub, established in 1972 when pearl trading was Qatar’s primary income source. It is now home to around 250,000 people, oil industry employees and their families. Around Al Khor, there are ancient sites such as the Ain Hleetan Well and the Al Khor Towers, as well as natural sights like Purple Island, Al Farkiah Beach, and the Al Khor Park and Zoo.
Dukhan
Dukhan, an industrial city located in the west part of Qatar, became famous after the discovery of oil in the area. Almost all the people living there are employees of Qatar Petroleum. Dukhan is off-limits to outsiders, and photography is prohibited within the city. However, the area surrounding Dukhan is a popular tourist destination.
You can explore exciting sites and attractions such as Dukhan Beach, the old and abandoned Zekreet Fort, Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East art installation, and Film City, a small mud-rendered Bedouin-style village set against the desert backdrop. There are different opinions regarding the purpose of Film City. Some speculate it was built as a set for a Hollywood or Arabic movie. For sure, it was used again for a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 promotional video.
Madinat Al Shamal, Al Ruwais e Abu Dhalouf
Madinat Al Shamal, located in the northernmost part of Qatar, was established in the 1970s. Although it is the least populated area of Qatar, it is surrounded by abandoned fishing villages and a range of beaches where visitors can relax and soak up the sun throughout the year.
Al Ruwais is a small coastal town to the east of Madinat Ash Shamal that boasts some great landmarks. On the other hand, Abu Dhalouf is located to the west of Madinat Ash Shamal and is almost a part of it. Although it is a quiet town, it has one of the nicest parks in Qatar.
Mesaieed
Mesaieed, located in the southeast of Qatar, is another oil and gas hub recognized as an area of prime importance during the 20th century. In 1949, it became Qatar Petroleum’s tanker terminal to expand Qatar’s oil industry due to the deep waters surrounding the area and its proximity to Doha. Mesaieed is home to employees of Qatar Petroleum, but beautiful beaches and golden sand dunes also surround it.
Exploring the Best of Qatar’s Deserts, Beaches, and Islands
Qatar offers many different landscapes, from the desert to the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. Visitors can explore the rocky desert in the north or the sand dunes in the south and reach the stunning Inland Sea, where the sea meets the desert. With Qatar’s long coastline, you can relax on some of the best beaches in the Middle East. If you prefer to discover the natural beauty, the country also has several sanctuaries for migratory birds and mangrove islands.
Deserts
Qatar boasts a unique landscape with two distinct types of deserts. To the north lies the hamada, the rocky desert, while to the south, the rolling sand dunes stretch out towards the turquoise waters of the Khor Al Udaid, the Inland Sea. These undulating dunes extend from the Rub-al-Khali desert, better known as the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert.
Qatar is particularly special because it is one of the few places on Earth where the desert meets the sea. To appreciate this awe-inspiring landscape fully, a 4WD journey across the sand dunes to the Inland Sea is an absolute must.
In the Qatari desert, you can also find incredible art installations like East-West/West-East by US artist Richard Serra. Four towering steel monoliths emerge in the landscape of Brouq Nature Reserve.
In the desert north of Doha, you can see the art installations of Olafur Eliasson’s Shadows Travelling on the Sea of the Day and Ahmed Al Bahrani’s The Dugong Family, lesser known but equally impactful. Read more on my article Beyond Doha: Unveiling Qatar’s Northern Attractions.
The best time to visit is between October and May, when the temperatures are moderate, around 20 degrees Celsius, compared to the rest of the year. During this season, you can immerse yourself in the traditional desert lifestyle and engage in activities such as camel riding or spending a night in a Bedouin tent.
Beaches
Qatar, with its more than 560 kilometers of coastline, is a beach lover’s paradise. From the northern tip’s strikingly beautiful pink-hued sands to the breezy beaches on the west coast that are perfect for kite surfing, there is no shortage of picturesque beaches that will take your breath away.
For families, there are vibrant city beaches such as the famous Katara Beach, near the Katara Cultural Village, where children can safely play and splash in the shallow waters while teenagers and adults can indulge in various water sports. If you are looking for luxurious city resorts with private beaches, then the Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village and Spa, the Banana Islands Resort Doha by Anantara, or the Marsa Malaz Kempinski resorts are great options.
If you are seeking solitude and want to immerse in nature, then the secluded beaches of Umm Bab can be an excellent choice. Known as Palm Tree beach, it is a hidden gem that offers a serene and peaceful environment. On the other hand, the Al Maroona Beach is another secluded beach that boasts clear pools, where you can spot starfish and hermit crab, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Islands
Qatar boasts several natural and artificial islands that offer a wide range of activities and attractions. One of the most popular islands in Doha, the capital city, is The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island that features luxurious residential areas, high-end shopping centres, and exquisite dining options.
If you’re a nature lover, you can take a day trip to Purple Island, also known as Al Thakhira Mangrove Forest, in the north of the country, near the city of Al Khor. Despite the name, Purple Island is really green, with clear water and flourishing wildlife. This island is a popular destination for bird-watching and kayaking in the middle of the mangroves.
Al Safliya is a small, uninhabited island and a natural paradise with almost no facilities. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers to enjoy the sun and relax. On the southern part of the island, wooden umbrellas lie on the beach, letting visitors enjoy the sun. There are no restrooms or other facilities on the island, though- so if you are planning a visit, make sure you bring your own supplies.
Umm Tais, located in the northern region of Qatar, is a National Park and uninhabited area. The island comprises long stretches of sandy beaches and small islands with mangrove forests. The reserve also serves as a sanctuary for various types of migratory birds.
Things to Know for a Trip to Qatar
Qatar is a fascinating country with a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and nationalities. With around 160 nationalities residing in Qatar, the country is a true melting pot of diversity. Qataris are known for their warmth and hospitality, and it is not uncommon to receive a warm smile or an invitation for a cup of coffee or tea as a gesture of their friendliness. It is customary to start any conversation with a greeting and formalities, which reflects their social traditions.
If you are looking to indulge in some alcoholic beverages, keep in mind that alcohol is only served in licensed establishments like hotels and restaurants, as is the case in other Gulf countries.
Qatar is a remarkably safe country, and you can travel here with peace of mind, whether you are a female solo traveller or travelling with children. Safety is a top priority in Qatar, and the government takes adequate measures to ensure the country remains a secure destination for tourists.
The best time to visit Qatar is from October to May, when temperatures are relatively mild and comfortable. During this period, the humidity is low, and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. However, during the summer, temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius in the desert and Doha, making it challenging to engage in outdoor activities.
While Arabic is the official language of Qatar, English is widely spoken as a second language, making it easier for visitors to communicate with locals and navigate around the country.
Weekends and Opening Times
In Qatar, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, similar to many other Arab countries. While some businesses operate on Fridays, they typically close for two hours from 10am to 12pm to allow for Friday prayers.
As for the daily routines in Qatar, shops, businesses, and restaurants tend to open later in the day and stay open until late in the evening. The souqs, traditional marketplaces, are relatively quiet during the hottest hours of the day but come alive in the evening with bustling activity.
Prayer is an essential part of life in Qatar and occurs five times a day. During prayer times, announced through the city’s loudspeakers, businesses and activities come to a halt as people take time to pray.
How to Dress Appropriately in Qatar
When it comes to attitudes towards dress in Qatar, the general mindset is quite relaxed. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that visitors are expected to show the utmost respect for the local culture. This means avoiding any attire that may be considered excessively revealing in public places.
Qatari nationals, especially, take pride in dressing conservatively in traditional attire. For Qatari men, thobes are the traditional attire. These are tailored white tunics with stiff shirt collars. On the other hand, Qatari women typically dress in abayas, robes, and shaylas, which are headscarves.
It is highly encouraged to dress appropriately while visiting public places such as shopping malls, restaurants, and parks. Clothing should not be transparent, indecently expose parts of the body, or display any offensive pictures or slogans. It’s important to note that you may be asked to leave if you enter one of these areas dressed inappropriately.
Furthermore, any form of nudity is strictly forbidden, including topless sunbathing. To ensure that you respect the local culture, it is generally recommended for all genders to ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered.
Where to stay in Doha
Doha boasts a wide range of beautiful hotels with swimming pools and fitness centers to choose from. DoubleTree by Hilton Doha Old Town is a great modern accommodation in the heart of Doha. For a sea view option, you can choose the Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach. If you prefer to stay in a hotel with an Arabian touch, I can recommend La Maison Hotel Doha, or for a luxurious experience, the incredible Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
In conclusion, Qatar is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore a unique blend of modernity and tradition. From its stunning coastline to its thriving cities, Qatar has something for everyone. You can explore its rich history and culture, enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures, or simply unwind on its beautiful beaches. Let me know in the comment what you think about Qatar and if you plan to visit it soon.