Home of dry deserts, traditional Bedouin culture and newly gained wealth, Qatar has risen from what was a well-kept secret from the outside world into a rich developed Arab country that invites the adventure-minded. The main attraction of this small Middle Eastern country is its capital Doha, a city of skyscrapers and shopping malls as well as the gateway to the deserts of Qatar.
The most popular destination in Qatar is its capital Doha that rides high in the cycle of development and modernization. A city of heritage villages, museums showing Islamic arts and residencies of the Sheikhs, Doha is also the best possible place to get in touch with the history of Qatar. More than that, it is the city of skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls and a good starting point for outdoor adventures such as jeep safaris or horseback riding in the surrounding deserts. The sand dune area of Khor Al Udeid (Inland Sea) is especially popular for desert excursions in Qatar. You can also visit the historic towns of Al-Khor and Al Ruwais, or try water sports such as kitesurfing or jet-skiing along the coast of Qatar.
Qatar's tourism attractions: deserts, water sports and modern capital with cultural sights
Located in the Middle East on a peninsula by the Persian Gulf, Qatar is a land of sand-covered plains and extreme heat. Qatar's weather can easily be characterized with one word only: hot! During summer, which lasts from May to September, temperatures generally reach 35°C and can at times climb as high as to 50°C. Although 20°C is easily reached during any time of the year, wintertime temperatures in Qatar are much milder, and offer more tolerable conditions for visitors. However, during the winter rains and sandstorms provide additional challenges to tourism in Qatar, which is why the best time to visit Qatar is either in spring (February, March or April) or in autumn (October and November).The most popular destination in Qatar is its capital Doha that rides high in the cycle of development and modernization. A city of heritage villages, museums showing Islamic arts and residencies of the Sheikhs, Doha is also the best possible place to get in touch with the history of Qatar. More than that, it is the city of skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls and a good starting point for outdoor adventures such as jeep safaris or horseback riding in the surrounding deserts. The sand dune area of Khor Al Udeid (Inland Sea) is especially popular for desert excursions in Qatar. You can also visit the historic towns of Al-Khor and Al Ruwais, or try water sports such as kitesurfing or jet-skiing along the coast of Qatar.
Qatar, a former secret from the outside world
Although road connections to Qatar are available from Saudi Arabia, traveling to Qatar is most often done through the international airport of Doha. Some nationalities can travel to Qatar without a visa, but immigration procedures in Qatar vary depending on nationality of traveler, and can sometimes get complicated, which is why you should check in advance the regulations concerning traveling to Qatar from your country.
Photo: M. Lubiski, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Getting around in Qatar is done by taxis and local buses, in addition to which Qatar also provides you a chance to enjoy some luxury and move around with a limousine service.
Safety. Generally, Qatar is a very safe travel destination where crime and violent attacks against tourists are rare. When traveling in Qatar you should, however, respect local habits and religious culture that include restrictions for things like women's dressing and alcohol use. Drug laws of Qatar are strict and the possession of illegal drugs will lead into severe consequences, which is also true talking of homosexual behavior.
History in brief. From a poor British protectorate by the Persian Gulf to an independent Arab emirate rich from oil and gas, Qatar's history is a story in which the leading role is played by oil money and development. Formerly a society closed from foreigners, the history of tourism in Qatar is short, in spite of which tourism industry in the country shows big rising potential. Tourist services of Qatar mostly represent high quality, and exclusive restaurants and hotels are much easier to find than cheap and modest services. English is commonly spoken in Qatar by many guest workers and educated locals.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Doha, Manama
