
This sandy peninsula in the Persian Gulf only opened its doors to international tourism in 1989. With much of the country’s terrain dominated by sand dunes and salt flats, the best place to visit is the modern capital of Doha with its striking blend of traditional Arabic and contemporary architecture. In this metropolitan oasis, modern and even luxurious hotels can be found as well as towering sand dunes and unusual rock formations. If you would like to soak up some of the eternal sun, there are some lovely sandy beaches in the southern regions.
When compared to its neighbour, Saudi Arabia, Qatar has relatively liberal laws, yet is still not as liberal as some of its other Gulf neighbours like the UAE or Bahrain. Women can legally drive in Qatar, whereas they cannot in Saudi Arabia.
The country has undergone a period of liberalization and modernisation during the reign of the current Emir, who came to power in 1995. Under his rule, Qatar became the first Arab country in the Persian Gulf where women gained the right to vote as well as holding senior positions in government. For the most part women can dress as they please in public, although in practice local Qatari women generally don the black abaya cloak and head covering. Also before the liberalisation, it was forbidden for men to wear shorts in public. The laws of Qatar tolerate alcohol to a certain extent. However, public bars and nightclubs in Qatar operate only in expensive hotels and clubs.
Every day is sunny and hot and rain is very rare, occurring only in the winter. In the last half century, Qatar has developed from a small and rather poor country, where pearl fishing was the predominant occupation, to one of the richest Gulf States, largely due to the development of its abundant oil and gas resources.
- About Qatar
- Activities for Children in Qatar
- Activities in Qatar
- Al Khor Qatar
- Al Ruwais Qatar
- Al Wakra Qatar
- Al Zubara Qatar
- Car Hire in Qatar
- Doha Airport
- Doha Cultural Festival
- Doha Golf Club
- Doha Skyline
- Dukhan Qatar
- Flight to Qatar
- Horse Racing in Qatar
- Qatar Accommodation
- Qatar Airport
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- Ramadan in Qatar
- Restaurants in Qatar
- Sailing in Qatar
- Sightseeing in Qatar
- Taxi in Qatar
- Things to do in Qatar
- Umm Said Qatar
- Umm Salal Mohammed
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In the last half century, Qatar has developed from a small and rather poor country, where pearl fishing was the predominant occupation, to one of the richest Gulf states, largely due to the development of its abundant oil and gas resources. The country, by and large, is an expanse of sand dunes and salt flats, although the now-vibrant city of Doha presents an interesting mix of traditional Arabic and striking modern architecture. The multiple domes of the city’s Grand Mosque and the Abu Bakir al-Siddiq Mosque are particularly noteworthy. In the north of the country, where most of the historic sites are found, Umm Salal Mohammed features the ruins of a 19th-century fort. Qatar’s second-largest city is Al Khor which has developed around a natural, shallow harbour.

Qatar is a very family-orientated country and visitors will find that most activities on offer are suitable for children as well as adults. There are family parks and family days at the malls and most evenings on the Corniche, you’ll see many families enjoying a picnic together. At the Landmark Mall, Circus Land features abundant activities for youngsters, as does Extreme World at the City Center Mall.
Muslim festivals are set according to local observation of the moon’s phases, and vary annually.
The view from the plane as you descend into Doha airport will give you an idea of what’s in store: a spectacular view of the capital shows off the contrast between the glistening modern architecture and the traditional Islamic buildings. There are opportunities for desert-based adventures, shopping expeditions and days filled with water sports. The country boasts state-of-the-art sporting facilities, fascinating museums, luxurious accommodations and fine dining venues.
Air
Gulf Air (GF) and Qatar Airways (QR) are the major operators serving Qatar, with regularly scheduled flights arriving from cities in the Gulf region as well as many other cities across the globe. The approximate flight time from London to Doha is 8 hours, 25 minutes; no direct flights connect Qatar with the US.

The national currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR). 1 riyal is equal to 100 dirhams. Banknotes are available in denominations of QR500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are found in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 dirhams. Only the 50 and 25 dirham coins are in wide circulation, however, as the minting of smaller coins was discontinued in the 1970s.

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Held in March each year, the cultural festival is the biggest event of its kind in the country, presenting an exciting programme of events including music, poetry, theatre and dance. The festival, organised by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage, draws local residents and visitors from around the world to this international celebration of culture. Highlights in the past have included exhibitions and demonstrations of traditional crafts and the art of falconry. The best among the indoor athletics disciplines are decided in Doha this year over 3 days of intense competition. The Qatar Marine Sports Federation presents the best in Class 1 powerboat racing at the Qatar Grand Prix, held along the Doha Corniche. Two races are held during the five days here. The popularity of this event is on the increase, particularly as a local driver won the championship in 2005. |
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