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Destinations/Middle East/Qatar

Discover Qatar

Qatar fits a continent of ideas into a single sparkling skyline.

A small Gulf country with one of the most ambitious skylines on earth and a deep love for art, sport and hosting.

Capital

Doha

Currency

Qatari Riyal (QAR)

Best Time

November to March

Vibe

Polished, ambitious, hospitable

Budget

$$$

Why Qatar

Qatar concentrates a lot into a small map — world-class museums, futuristic architecture, a heritage souk and the desert all within an hour of each other.

Doha is a city that built a country's worth of museums for everyone, not just itself.

Must Try

  • Karak chai by the corniche
  • Luqaimat (fried sweet dumplings)
  • Saloona — a hearty stew

Must Visit

  • Museum of Islamic Art (the building itself is the point)
  • Souq Waqif at night
  • Katara cultural village

Before You Go

  • Modest dress in public spaces
  • Friday and Saturday are the weekend
  • Alcohol is licensed — only in hotels

Local Legend

The pearl divers' anthem — sung by Qatari men for centuries before petroleum changed everything — is still performed at national festivals. The Pearl Monument on the corniche is the national symbol of the era that built the country before oil.

Explore by Category

What to Visit in Qatar

Cities

  • Doha
  • Katara

Landmarks

  • Museum of Islamic Art (the building itself is the point)
  • Souq Waqif at night
  • Dhow ride along the corniche

Stories from Qatar

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first-day

Local insight

A dhow harbour evening in Doha ended with travellers' skipper steering travellers into the corniche skyline as it lit up one tower at a time. He named every building, then refused to charge for the last hour. 'You stayed for the lights.'

hidden

A local legend

The pearl divers' anthem — sung by Qatari men for centuries before petroleum changed everything — is still performed at national festivals. The Pearl Monument on the corniche is the national symbol of the era that built the country before oil.

sunset

The one line that stays

Doha is a city that built a country's worth of museums for everyone, not just itself.

4 Quizzes about Qatar

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Food Lover Quiz

Which Qatar flavour matches you?

Destination Quiz

Which Qatar corner should you visit first?

Culture Quiz

Test your Qatar custom know-how.

Adventure Quiz

What's your Qatar adventure style?

On the map

Where is Qatar?

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