You are here: Home > Travel Information > Destination Guides Text size A A A See what people from around the world are saying about cities we fly to and from BrookingsDoha: RT @bilalr: For those in #Doha - don't miss David Miliband & Wadah @KhanfarW on "The Information Revolution" Monday @BrookingsDoha 6:30-7:45pm a minute ago moniraism: RT @JustinSalhani: I said it last night: Analysts in #Doha & #DC need to calm down & stop spreading fear. You can't smell war an ocean away. #lebanon a minute ago Jobs_in_Qatar: Accountant (Female) - Jobs in Qatar – Doha - http://t.co/CUNMA3Bm a minute ago World / Asia / Qatar / Doha | Overview | Fast Facts | Arrive | See | Eat | Sleep | Connect 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. Address: Post Code: Tel No: Currency Qatar Riyal (QR) Address: Post Code: Tel No: 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 Address: Post Code: Tel No: Language Arabic Address: Post Code: Tel No: Timezone GMT +3 (with no summer time saving) Address: Post Code: Tel No: Weather Warm and dry most of the year with very hot and humid summers Address: Post Code: Tel No: Dialling Code 00 974 Address: Post Code: Tel No: Electricity 220V (UK-style 3 pin plugs) Address: Post Code: Tel No: 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. Address: Post Code: Tel No: 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). Address: Post Code: Tel No: 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). Address: Souq Waqif Street Post Code: Tel No: 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. Address: Khor Al Adaid Post Code: Tel No: 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. Address: Corniche, Doha Harbour Post Code: Tel No:+974 422 4444 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. Address: West Bay Post Code: Tel No:00 974 485 444 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. Address: West Bay Post Code: Tel No:00 974 484 8000 Cheap Eat - The One Trendy Swedish furniture shop The One has its own café which offers delicious food from a clever and funky menu. Address: Landmark shopping mall, Al Gharafa Post Code: Tel No:00 974 488 8669 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. Book now Address: Al Corniche Street Post Code: Tel No: 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. Book now Address: West Bay Lagoon Po Box 23400 Post Code: Tel No: Cheap Sleep - Rydges Hotel Rydges Hotel is comfortable, clean and conveniently located for both the financial centre and the old commercial district. Book now Address: Abu Firas Street Post Code: Tel No: 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. Address: The Corniche Post Code: Tel No:00 974 494 8888 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. Address: 00 974 425 66 66 Post Code: Tel No:00 974 425 66 66 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. Address: Salwa Rd, C Ring Road Post Code: Tel No:00 974 428 1428 Print City guides Doha Lowest fares Departure airport -please select- Aberdeen (Dyce) Belfast City Dublin East Midlands Edinburgh Glasgow Leeds Bradford London Heathrow Manchester Norwich
