- Destinations
- Middle East
- Qatar
- Doha
Doha
Doha is the beautiful capital of Qatar, located on the Persian
Gulf and home to the majority of the country's population. In 2006
the city hosted the world's largest Asian Games yet, and has since
continued to thrive. Doha has a very laid-back atmosphere and is a
good base from which to explore the rest of the country. This
destination is also renown for being safe and clean. As a cultural
and commercial centre, the city offers plenty of things to see and
do including shopping and dining, or simply relaxing on its
gorgeous coast or bay area. The Government House is one of the most
prominent landmarks and the National Museum, housed in a splendid
Arabian palace, was opened in 1975. Doha's modern seaport, airport
and telephone links make it very accessible to visitors, supported
by a strong economical base derived from petroleum exports and
shrimp processing, as well as finance and administration
businesses. Hotels are being refurbished across the city, making
this a fantastic destination for travellers.
With the awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar, Doha is
sure to become even more of a tourist haven, as infrastructure is
improved and new tourist attractions are established.
Information & Facts
Climate
Doha has year-round hot, sunny weather with very little
rainfall. Winters are marginally cooler, especially at night, and
there is more chance of rain. Summer temperatures can rise as high
as 104°F (40°C). The best time to visit Doha is between November
and March, when daytime temperature are at their most merciful, and
the threat of sand storms is low.
Eating Out
Visitors to Qatar are spoilt for choice when it comes to
restaurant options in Doha. The cultural diversity of Doha is
particularly evident when it comes to the various restaurant
choices available throughout the city. Whether you're after
traditional middle-eastern delights, spicy Indian curries or
familiar western favourites, you're sure to find a restaurant
serving something to your liking in Doha.
Getting Around
Doha is home to Doha International Airport, Qatar's only
international airport, served regularly by Qatar Airways and in
close proximity to the city. Doha also has an excellent road
network with new highways being developed to further improve access
to the metropole. There is an extensive bus system and good taxi
services in place in and around the city, while plans for a metro
system are also under way. Doha Port is located just off the Doha
Corniche and also provides access to the city.
Kids Attractions
Doha has a lot to offer travellers with kids. Apart from the
selection of shopping malls, kids will be richly entertained at
Aladdin's Kingdom Theme Park. The Doha Zoo should definitely be on
the sightseeing itinerary for any family travelling with children,
while no visit to Doha is complete without stopping in at the
beaches of Palm Tree Island.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely
used.
Money
The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which divides
into 100 dirhams. The Riyal exchange rate is pegged to the US
Dollar at QR 3.65. Money and travellers cheques can be exchanged at
banks, the airport and exchange dealers. To avoid additional
charges it is best to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or
Pounds Sterling. The main bank branches are on Grand Hamad Street
in Doha. Banks are open Saturday to Thursday 8am to 1pm and some
are open into the evening. ATMs are available on the main streets
of the cities and towns, at banks and in shopping malls and most
shops, hotels and restaurants accept international credit
cards.
Night Life
With the dearth of alcohol in Qatar, the country doesn't have
the type of nightlife scene that most western travellers would be
familiar with. However there are numerous Sheesha (smoking) cafes,
and the Corniche is a popular area for those keen on an evening
stroll. The bars in the international hotels such as the
Ritz-Carlton, the Grand Hyatt, Ramada and La Cigale are all popular
nightlife spots for expats and visitors to the country. The Irish
pub at the Sheraton regularly hosts live music events and the
glamourous Skyview Bar at La Cigale attract a vibey clientele.
Tourists wishing to purchase alcoholic beverages are required to
present their passport before being served.
Shopping
Qatar is a premier shopping destination and visitors to the
country will be hard-pressed not to spend some time at one of the
popular malls or traditional
souqs(markets). Doha has a selection of world-class malls
with a range of products from across the globe. With new malls
opening across the city it is wise to ask your hotel where the
newest mall is and what shops are housed there. Doha's largest mall
is City Centre Mall in Al Dafna Area. This mall offers
coutureshopping with high-end brands such as Gucci and
Louis Vuitton, as well as a broad range of electronic goods. City
Centre Mall has an amusement park area for the kids, a Carrefour
for groceries, a banking area, bookshops and a number of other
shops. Villagio Mall on Al Haab Street is another popular shopping
centre. The mall boasts a canal running through the entire centre
as well as ceilings painted to resemble the sky. There is a food
and entertainment area as well as 220 other shops including Boots,
Topshop, Carrefour, Apple and Virgin. Other popular malls in Doha
include Landmark Mall and Hyatt Plaza.
The
souqsin the centre of town are the best places to find
great bargains, but be prepared to haggle. The Iranian Souq (
Souq Waqif) is by far the most popular. Shoppers can find
souvenirs, textiles, carpets and even falcons at this market. Other
souqspopular with tourists include: the Gold Souq near the
bus station, where you can find precious metals and intricate gold
jewellery; and the Omani Souq on Haloul Street, which sells saffron
and other spices as well as incense.
Sightseeing
Doha offers a range of sightseeing activities. Visitors can
enjoy the traditional
souqsor stroll along the Corniche at sunset. Palm Tree
Island, which is only a short boat trip away, is always popular
with sunbathers. Doha has a range of museums and galleries offering
respite from the desert heat, some of the most popular museums
include the National Museum and Doha Fort. The Ethnographic Museum
and the swords and knives on display at the Weaponry Museum are
equally fascinating, and offer visitors a glimpse into the history
of this proud country. Some of the enticing excursions out of the
city offer visitors the chance to see the Arabian Oryx, camel rides
and racing as well as the stark beauty of the seemingly endless
stretch of dune scenery.
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