Flight & airport info

World / Asia / Qatar / Doha

The Qatari capital is home to 80% of country's population, and it's growing fast. The country's vast oil and gas riches are being spent on creating a modern city of skyscrapers and shopping malls, but it remains small enough to feel far friendlier than Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The city is also home to Al Jazeera the Arabic international news channel.

Currency

Qatar Riyal (QR)

Visa Requirements

Tourist visas available on entry for EU nationals, Canadians, Americans and Australians. Business visas can be applied for in advance by eligible Qatari companies

Language

Arabic

Timezone

Arabic

Weather

Warm and dry most of the year with very hot and humid summers

Dialling Code

00 974

Electricity

220V (UK-style 3 pin plugs)

Health and Safety

There are no special health requirements for entering Qatar although some doctors recommend immunisation against typhoid and hepatitis A. The quality of healthcare is very high with both state provided heavily subsidised medical care as well as private health clinics. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance are strongly advised.

Useful Links

There are no special health requirements for entering Qatar although some doctors recommend immunisation against typhoid and hepatitis A. The quality of healthcare is very high with both state provided heavily subsidised medical care as well as private health clinics. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance are strongly advised.

Flights to Qatar land at Doha International Airport. Most of the five-star hotels offer  return airport transfers. Karwa are metered taxis and the best way to get to and from the airport which is in the centre of Doha. Most journeys should take about 15 minutes (40QR). Cars can be hired at Doha International Airport (from QR 120 per day).

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif: Once a weekend trading area for the Bedouin, Souq Waqif is now a labyrinth of alleyways lined with shops selling everything from clothing, shoes and perfumes to spices, dried fruit and traditional Arabic incense.  The Souq comes alive in the evening with expatriates and Qataris alike seated outside the Souq restaurants enjoying traditional Arabic food and Arabic coffee whilst smoking shisha (water pipe with flavoured tobacco).

Khor Al Adaid

Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid): Only four wheel drives can reach this breathtaking beach and sea channel which divides Qatar from Saudi Arabia. It is best to go in convoy with someone who knows the route. Local tour companies organise half and full day trips and overnight camps, providing exhilarating drives along the dunes.

Museum of Islamic Art

Qatar Museum of Islamic Art: Situated on a man-made island off Doha's famous corniche, the Qatar Museum of Islamic Art is due to open its doors to the public in December 2008. The museum was designed by Mr I M Pei, who also designed the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, and will showcase Islamic objects and artefacts in its permanent gallery while the temporary gallery will house internationally-curated short-term exhibitions.

Quick Lunch - Sheraton Hotel

La Veranda at the Sheraton Hotel is an authentic Italian restaurant with garden seating and magnificent sea views. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated.

Top Table - La Mer

Situated on the top floor of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, La Mer is synonymous with class and offers fabulous views of Doha's waterfront. Locals say the food is the best in Doha and service is second to none.

Cheap Eat - The One

Trendy Swedish furniture shop The One has its own café which offers delicious food from a clever and funky menu.

On Business - The Sheraton

Perfectly located in West Bay, Doha's financial centre, the Sheraton offers quality and comfort at a reasonable price. The hotel has 26 meeting rooms and a business centre.
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Lap Of Luxury - The Ritz Carlton Doha

Located on its own island in West Bay and with spectacular views over the Arabian Gulf, The Ritz Carlton Doha is Doha's most exclusive hotel address.
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Cheap Sleep - Rydges Hotel

Rydges Hotel is comfortable, clean and conveniently located for both the financial centre and the old commercial district.
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Coffee And Chat - Seasons Tea Lounge

Seasons Tea Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel (The Corniche, 00 974 494 8888) has the air of a luxurious living room offering cosy tranquillity right in the centre of the financial district.

Formal Presentation - Al Sharq Village and Spa

Al Sharq Village and Spa (00 974 425 66 66) with its elegant traditional Arabic décor makes a great environment for meetings. It has six well-equipped meetings rooms that seat between 24 and 380 people.

Evening Drinks - Orion

Orion at the Ramada Hotel (Salwa Rd, C Ring Road, 00 974 428 1428) is popular with businessmen day and night but live music in the evenings means it can get quite loud.

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