USEFUL QATAR TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR FIRST TRIP

 

Looking for the best Qatar tips before you travel to this Middle Eastern country? Our Qatar travel tips guide has you covered. From Qatar etiquette, dos and don’ts in Qatar, and tipping, to coping with the weather, and how to visit respectfully.

---

Pin and save for planning your trip!

 

---

---

If you are travelling to Qatar, knowing some facts about the country beforehand will ensure you make the most out of your trip. The capital city of Doha offers visitors a chance to explore rich culture, heritage, and exciting architecture.

We loved visiting Qatar, albeit on a short layover. Planning and preparing for your own trip is definitely easier if you know the dos and don’ts in Qatar. From what to wear, tipping, and drinking alcohol, to the importance of the national bird, and how to get around the city.

These are the things to know before going to Qatar. Read on for our top travel tips and explore Qatar with ease.

---

BASIC QATAR TRAVEL TIPS

• Currency: the Qatari Riyal is the only currency used in the country.
• Language: the official language is Arabic, but English is commonly spoken.
• Time Zone: GMT +3
• Traffic: driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
• Electric Supply: standard voltage is 240 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Plug sockets are the same as in the UK. Otherwise, a voltage converter is needed.
• Qatar Visa Requirements: visitors from more than 95 countries around the world are permitted to enter Qatar with a visa upon arrival at the country’s entry points.

---

ESSENTIAL AND PRACTICAL QATAR TIPS

 

1. TIME YOUR VISIT TO QATAR WISELY

As a desert country temperatures get extremely hot. Summer temperatures can reach into the mid 40’s degree Celsius, and that’s in the shade! Shopping malls, and taxis have air conditioning, but you can forget strolling around on foot, as the heat will be unbearable for many people.

The best time to visit Qatar is during the winter months (October-May), when temperatures are cool enough that you can walk around outside. We visited in February and had no problems walking around parks, souqs, and open spaces.

These are also the months when most exhibitions and events take place, so prices will be higher.

Another consideration besides the weather, is whether to time your visit during the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset so your travel plans will have to be flexible.

• Most restaurants and cafes will be closed during the day, except for some hotels. Museums, shops, and souqs have restricted opening & closing times.
• You will however have the chance to experience the breaking of the fast after sunset.

---

2. MAKE USE OF QATAR AIRWAYS STOPOVER PACKAGES

 

If you are flying with Qatar Airways, why not make use of one of the world’s best value stopover deals in Qatar. You can now enjoy a city break and turn one holiday destination into two, even if you only have a one day layover in Doha.

With a 48, or 36-hour stopover you can get a real taste of what the city has to offer. Qatar’s tourism board have devised several programs which enable passengers transiting through Doha’s Hama International Airport to enjoy great deals at 4- and 5-star hotels.

Book your stopover through Qatar Airways, and enjoy a hassle-free stay at a great hotel, on the way to your destination.

Even if you have a short transit time, there’s certainly no need to while away your transit time at the airport. If your transit is 6 hours or more, why not join a city tour of Doha, or head into the desert on a safari.

---

3. DRESS APPROPRIATELY

Qatar is a Muslim country, and locals dress very conservatively. While tourists are not expected to dress in traditional Qatari clothing, both women and men are expected to cover their shoulders and knees whilst walking around the city.

If you are visiting local mosques, women must wear a scarf over their hair, and cover up your knees and shoulders. Dress code and attire is strictly enforced during the holy month of Ramadan.

Basically, showing too much bare flesh is frowned upon, and insensitive to local tradition. Dressing in anything too short or clingy is frowned upon, and not deemed respectful. It is perfectly acceptable to wear swimwear in hotel pools, and private beach resorts.

---

4. DON’T COME WITH PRECONCEPTIONS THAT ARE INCORRECT

 

With the furore that surrounded FIFA World Cup, don’t be misguided by others’ opinions before you arrive. While some of the dos and don’ts in Qatar may differ from those in your own country, it is all about respecting another’s customs, and culture.

With the rise in international visitors, Qatar is a country that continues to work towards change.

---

5. SAFETY IS NOT AN ISSUE

Is Qatar a safe country to visit? Absolutely. In fact according to Numbeo Crime Index, Doha consistently ranks among the top 3 safest cities in the world. If you are going to Qatar as a solo female traveller, you will feel perfectly safe.

In fact, there are even “family carriages” on the metro if you prefer sitting with other females.

---

6. DOHA METRO IS FANTASTIC AND THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND

 

Doha is very easy to navigate using public transport and taxis.

The state-of-the art Doha Metro is incredibly clean, efficient, and cheap. The transit system has 3 lines (Red, Gold, Green) which are close to Doha’s main cultural attractions.

Hop on Doha Metro to reach busy hubs within the city, including Katara Cultural Village, Doha Corniche, Souq Waqif, the airport, West Bay, and the National Museum.

With a day ticket costing just 6AED for unlimited trips, the metro is a steal. Simply purchase tickets in the station, where helpful staff are on hand to assist you. At the time of writing the metro runs:

• Sunday to Wednesday – 05.30am and 11.59pm
• Thursday – 5.30am until 1am
• Friday – 2pm until 1am
• Saturday – 06.00am until 11.59pm

These times can change, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, so check up-to-date timings on the official site.

To reach more out-of-the-way sights such as The Pearl, and Lusail, simply book a taxi or Uber using the app.

One thing that surprised us on our recent trip was the time it took to cross the street at main junctions. Traffic lights and pedestrian crossings at intersections use sensors, and you can literally be stood waiting to cross the road for at least 5 minutes or more.

---

7. BE SURE TO UNDERSTAND LOCAL ETIQUETTE

There are some interesting things to know before going to Qatar regarding local culture.

• As in all Middle Eastern countries, overt public displays of affection in public are frowned upon.
• Many men will not shake a lady’s hand as a gesture of respect. Similarly, Qatari women will not shake hands with men.
• Avoid eating or passing food with your left hand.
• Coffee drinking is an integral part of Qatari culture, and locals hold their coffee cups in their right hand.
• Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited. Don’t worry though, most hotels have outdoor restaurants, and bars where you can enjoy a tipple.
• As a conservative country, it is advisable not to talk about sex, religion, or politics in Qatar. 
• The falcon is Qatar’s national bird, and highly revered. View them in the Falcon Souq at Souq Waqif.

Despite the country’s modern and western appearance, it’s important to remember that it has a conservative heritage. Therefore, it is important to observe its culture and social etiquette.

If you’d like to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Qatari culture, Embrace Doha offers various tours, and cultural experiences for visitors.

---

8. THERE ARE NO HARD AND FAST RULES ABOUT TIPPING

It is good practice to leave a customary tip of 10-15% as a gesture of goodwill and satisfaction. This applies to Qatar restaurants, cafes, and bars, plus Qatar taxi rides, so make sure you have some cash in small notes.

However, tipping is not mandatory as most hospitality outlets in Qatar include a service charge in the bill.

---

9. QATAR IS A KEY PLAYER ON THE ART SCENE

 

Qatar may have modern sophisticated shopping malls, and cutting-edge architecture, but look around and you will see some dynamic art, and art installations. Some to look out for include:

• Artist Richard Serra’s 7 looms 24 meters above MIA Park
• Jean-Michel Othoniel’s “ALFA” At the National Museum of Qatar
• Artist Kaws Small Lie sculptures as a centerpiece of Hamad International Airport.
• Katara Art Center
• Museum of Islamic Art

---

10. FRIDAY IS THE START OF THE WEEKEND

Fridays in Qatar are a time for prayers, spending quality time with family, and relaxing. All businesses and commercial outlets close from around 10am-12pm, during prayers. Some museums, and eateries are closed in the mornings.

• Doha metro doesn’t start running until 2pm.
• Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar both open at 1.30pm on Fridays.

Just be mindful that your itinerary will have to be flexible if your visit falls on a Friday.

---

11. BE SURE TO TRY LOCAL CUISINE

Two staples to try during your visit are Karak (tea), and Chapati. We didn’t try the tea as it is made with condensed milk, sugar, and cardamon, which sounded far too sweet. Chapati is a flatbread which can be served with either cheese or honey, and can be found at food stalls, and local cafes.

Karak and Chapati is a favourite local breakfast for many Qataris.

---

12. TAKE A TRIP TO THE DESERT

If you have the time, take a tour to see the vast undulating sand dunes of Qatar’s desert, which hold a stark beauty to the polished modern side of Doha. View a spectacular landscape, and enjoy some fun activities such as sand boarding, a camel ride, or going to the Inland Sea.

 

---

13. QATAR IS AFFORDABLE AND EASY ON YOUR WALLET

Qatar is a wealthy nation, and you would be forgiven for assuming that a visit here would be expensive. However, with a few tips under your sleeve, you can easily visit Qatar on a budget.

• make use of Qatar Airways fantastic stopover deals where hotels can cost from as little as US$14 for one night.
• get around using the efficient and cheap metro system.
• drink tap water and skip alcohol.
• skip expensive restaurants, and eat at food stalls which serve tasty local treats at low prices.
• explore the many free things to do in Doha. Wander around Katara Cultural Village, and beautiful parks such as MIA Park.

---

WHERE TO STAY IN DOHA

We stayed at Embassy Suites by Hilton Doha Old Town, which had spacious rooms at a great price. There are numerous recommended Doha hotels to choose from, depending on your preferred style, and budget.

---

We hope these Qatar tips come in handy when you are planning your trip. If you’ve visited, and have something to add, let us know in the comments below! 

---

Found this guide useful? Don’t forget to bookmark it and share with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images.

 

---