What is Qatar known for?

Doha Hamad International Airport serves the Gulf state of Qatar. If you have not booked a private transfer with us, you have a few options for transportation such as bus, taxi or by car.

Bus: Regular Mowasalat bus services 109 and 474 (www.mowasalat.com) operate from the Bus Pavilion, located to the right of the Arrivals Hall, into the city. Payment is via an electronic ‘Karwa” Smartcard which can be purchased at ticket vending machines at Doha Bus Station and Doha Hamad International Airport. The ‘Limited’ version of the card is valid for two journeys within 24 hours of purchase and costs about QR10. The ‘Unlimited’ card costs about QR20 and is valid for unlimited trips around the city, also within 24 hours of purchase.

Taxi: Taxis are operated by the state-owned Mowasalat, and are readily available from the Taxi Pavilion located just outside Arrivals. All taxis are metered and have a starting fair of QR25. The journey time into the city center is 20 minutes or less. Note that only Qatari Riyals in cash are accepted as payment. The same company also offers limousine service.

For people with reduced mobility, call Mowasalat in advance to book a suitable taxi for your needs.

Numerous international and local car rental companies are located at the airport. Service counters can be found across the Arrivals Hall in the passenger terminal. In order to rent a car, tourists will need a driver's license of their home country and a credit card with the required amount of collateral in the account. Travelers who want to rent a car for more than ten days will need to make a temporary driving license in the local governance. It should be noted that the cost of car rental is quite low and start at around $25 a day.

Also, Uber is available in Doha.

How do I get around Doha using public transportation?

The state-of-the art Doha Metro is largely operational, connecting various points of interest across Doha. While currently mostly underground, a tram system is under development, and expected to open shortly.

The automated rail network offers some of the fastest driverless trains in the world, the Doha Metro rapid transit system has three lines: Red, Green and Gold, with 37 stations across 47 miles which converge at the centrally located Msheireb Station, close to Doha's main cultural attractions.

-Red (coastal) Line connects Hamad International Airport to West Bay, Katara Cultural Village, Qatar University and Lusail.

-Green (educational) Line connects Hamad Hospital, Al Bidda park, Qatar Foundation’s Education City and Mall of Qatar.

-Gold (historic) Line runs through Khalifa Stadium, Villaggio Mall, to Souq Waqif and National Museum of Qatar.

Are there any cultural difference that I need to be aware of when traveling to Qatar?

Qatar is a Muslim country and it is expected that visitors dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs down to the knee when outside of their hotel. On the beaches and by the pools you are allowed to wear bikinis, although topless bathing is not allowed. Alcohol is available in most hotels and restaurants located within hotels, although you will find local smaller restaurants will not have an alcohol license. Pork products are not available in Qatar. During Ramadan it is forbidden to eat and drink in public between sunrise and sunset, and most shops and restaurants will be closed during the day. The major hotels will have a secluded restaurant open for visitors to eat in.

When eating with your hands, avoid using your left hand, as that one is deemed unclean. Equally, if you choose to sit on the floor with locals, try not to show the soles of your feet to the other guests.

Where can I eat in Doha?

Doha has many great dining options. You’ll find fast food, regional and cultural cuisine, and fine dining in the top-end hotels.

Katara Cultural Village offers a variety of nicer restaurants including Khan Farouk (Egyptian), Mamig (Armenian), and Vesuvio (Italian), as well as stalls where you can eat chapatti and drink karak, a local favorite snack and drink.

For a more cultural experience, there are many good restaurants and coffee shops in Souq Waqif, located in the city center. Some good options at the Souq include Tajine (Moroccan), Le Gourmet (International), Al Bandar (Seafood/Arab), Al-Adhamiyya (Iraqi), Isfahan Gardens (Persian), and more. A local favorite are the many shwarma restaurants found all over town.

Qatari cuisine is a mix of Lebanese, Yemeni, and Indian. Expect a lot of chicken, lamb, and rice, paired with plenty of salads, dips like hummus and moutabal, fresh fish, and honeyed sweets and dates. Restaurants in Doha are as diverse as the cuisine. You can enjoy a meal at luxurious fine-dining restaurants like Hakkasan or have a more down-to-Earth, but equally delicious meal at Bandar Aden. Head to Al Aker Sweets to enjoy some traditional desserts. You will also find nightclubs and bars for tourists.

Is Doha safe to visit?

Yes, it’s actually one of the safest countries in the world, and occasionally ranks as the safest place on the entire planet. Violent crimes are extremely rare in this country, and when they happen, they’re not usually aimed at foreigners.

When is the best time to visit Qatar?

The best time to visit Qatar is during the less humid dry season, which starts in November and continues through April. The heat, humidity, and precipitation can be oppressive during the summer months, hampering sightseeing opportunities in the emirate.

How many days should I spend in Qatar?

We recommend approximately 3-7 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in Doha.

What is the currency of Qatar?

The currency of Qatar is the Qatari riyal (QR), of which there are 100 dirhams. Have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for riyals upon arrival. Currency exchange desks are available at the airport, most high-end hotels and resorts, and many other places around the country.

Do people speak English in Qatar?

The majority of people in Qatar can speak English, due to its history as a British protectorate and its longstanding place in Qatari schools and in the business community. It will not be difficult to locate English speakers in cities and tourist areas. Arabic is the official language, however; be prepared to learn basic Arabic phrases like hello/goodbye, please/thank you, and the numbers from 1-10, 50, 100, and 1,000. To say `How do you speak English`, say `Hal tatahadath al'injilizia?`