Qatar holidays

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.