Discover Doha
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Doha.
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Must-see attractions in Doha
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 14 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
In the last few decades Doha has transformed from a small city to a major regional center. The crux of Doha's economy is oil and especially natural gas. Tiny Qatar has the world's third largest proven reserves of natural gas. That wealth has been a boon to Qatar's economy and is reflected in Doha's constantly changing skyline. Everywhere you look gleaming new towers are sprouting from the desert and even the Persian Gulf.
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Doha travel news and stories
Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Doha
Halal restaurants in Doha
Doha’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 15 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
dohaGreens
Stop for lunch or dinner at this fabulous vegetarian joint. There is a diverse range of vegetarian dishes to choose from which are both innovative as well as eclectic albeit divine. These dishes include goat cheese fondue and garlic and bean curd tart. Veggie lovers will love this unique eatery.
dohaAl Shaheen
This lovely restaurant serves delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. The food is pricey but worth it. Reservations are required in this sophisticated and busy restaurant. The décor is wonderful, both chic sophisticated and at the same time simple. Customers are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding bay as well as lovely Arabic music.
dohaAl Bateel
Mouth watering Arabian delights are served here. Fresh ingredients are used to churn out these high quality dishes. There is a wide range of authentic dishes to choose from here. Don’t miss out on dessert. Some delectable ice creams and sorbets are served here. The ship like interior of the restaurant is also quite eclectic.
dohaLa Mer
Although pricey, the food served here is exceptionally good. Famed amongst the elite of Doha the Mediterranean dishes served here are truly divine. Customers are also able to enjoy fantastic views of the sea below.
dohaAl Saha Restaurant
Although pricey, the food served here is exceptionally good. For a taste of Lebanese cuisine come here and treat yourself to some unforgettable Lebanese delights.
dohaLeNotre Paris
Stop for lunch or dinner at this fabulous restaurant. The atmosphere is cool and hip; the deco contemporary. The dishes served are mouth watering. Fans of Parisian cuisine will be much more than satisfied.
Doha masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Where to stay in Doha
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
dohaDoha Marriott Hotel
Do not be fooled by the exterior of this hotel which is quite lackluster; the interior is chic and stylish; some rooms have balconies from which the gleaming waters of the sea below are visible. Facilities are plentiful. These include restaurants, lounges, a fitness centre, spa, outdoor pool and private beach. In room facilities include AC, satellite TV, internet, mini bars, hairdryers and in room safes.
dohaMovenpick Hotel Doha
This fabulous hotel is located alongside the bay. The décor is chic and sophisticated. The facilities are plentiful ensuring guests a comfortable stay. In addition the staff is friendly and extremely helpful. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, a coffee shop, swimming pool, fitness centre, steam room, spa, wireless internet and currency exchange, babysitting and laundry/ dry cleaning services.
dohaFour Seasons Hotel Doha
The magnificent exterior of this hotel is matched inside in terms of the high quality service provided. The interior is stylish and an excellent mix of Qatari and European décor. Hotel facilities include restaurants, a spa, a fitness centre, tennis courts, room service and laundry services. In room facilities include AC, satellite TV, internet, mini bars, hairdryers and in room safes.
dohaRitz Carlton Doha
This is arguably one of the most lavish of Doha’s hotels. The décor is spectacular and sophisticated with white and black gleaming marble, the management has paid attention to details. From the rooms guests will be treated to beautiful views of the beach below. Rooms are spacious and extremely comfortable. Hotel facilities include restaurants, internet, a spa, a fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, boating and jet skiing squash courts, tennis courts, babysitting services, a boutique, room service and laundry service.
dohaSomerset West Bay Doha Hotel
This lavish hotel comprises of about 200 suites comprising of two to three bedrooms. Included within suites is a dining area as well as a kitchen. The space is therefore more than ample. The décor is elegant, sophisticated and simple. The hotel also looks out onto the Arabian Gulf so guests will be treated to breathtaking views of the Gulf below. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, a fitness centre, a children’s playground, wireless internet and laundry services. The location is also extremely central and a majority of Doha’s main attractions are located in the vicinity.
History and today in Doha
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Doha’s Residents
Doha has a population of over 400,000 people. Locals constitute a very small percentage of the total population whilst expatriates account for a sizeable percentage of it.
City Information
Annual Temperature
..........a- January; 1. High: 22 °C 2. Low 12.5 °C; ..........b- February: 1. High 23 °C 2. Low 13 °C
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Public Holidays
28 Dec(2008) - Islamic New Year; 27th June- Accession of the Emir: 3 September- Independence Day 21 September – Eid-ul-Fitr 28 Nov - Eid-ul-Azha
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Fast Facts
-Location: To the East of the Gulf Peninsula lies beautiful Doha bordered by Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E.; -Dialing code: +974; -Emergency/Useful numbers: Police, Fire and Ambulance - 999 Telephone Directory – 180 International calls – 150 Internet Service - 111 Flight Enquiry – 4622999 Doha Airport – 4656666 General Post Office – 4466000 Qatar Tourism Authority - 4411555
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When to go
The best time to visit Doha is in the winter, between November and March. Temperatures are cool and comfortable, sometimes even downright chilly. The average daily temperature ranges from the low 10s to the low 20s. Most of the 7.5 cm of rain that Doha receives annually comes during the winter. There are plenty of outdoor activities, events, and festivals to keep you busy.
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Visa Information
There are a number of different visas available for those wishing to travel to Doha. A tourist visa can be sought in Doha itself upon arrival. The citizens of thirty three countries including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Vatican City, are eligible for such a visa upon arrival. The visa will be issued when travelers prove that their passport is valid for the next six months at least; have proof of hotel bookings or addresses of their hosts’ homes, have sufficient funds for the duration of their trip, have a return ticket and pay the visa fee of 100 Riyals. The tourist visa is valid for two weeks although it can be extended by one more week.
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Doha in a Day
Start early in the morning along the Corniche. First head to the Qatar National Museum. It opens at 09:00 and if you get there early you'll have the place nearly to yourself. Next head to the nearby Museum of Islamic Arts and check out exhibits spanning 1400 years of Islamic civilization. Stop for lunch at one of the many excellent seafood restaurants along the Corniche. Al Shaheen and Al Bander are both excellent choices for lunch.
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Doha History
The Qatari Peninsula has been settled by various civilizations for millenia. Modern Doha was the site of a small fishing village known as Al-Bida prior to 1825. When the first Al Thani sheikh took control of Qatar, he made Doha its capital. The name Doha means 'big tree', and refers to a large tree that stood in the original village. Qatar earned its autonomy in wars with Bahrain in the 1860s and the Ottoman Empire in the 1880s. Two majestic sites dating back to this period include the Al Wajbah and Doha fortresses.
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Shopping in Doha
Explore 17 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
dohaHyatt Plaza
This is another of the many malls that have been established in Doha to cater to the luxury lifestyles of the residents of the city. As in other malls, a diverse range of products are available here, from fashion to accessories to foot wear to music, to beauty and health products are on display for purchase here.
dohaCity Centre Doha
This is a famous shopping mall in Doha which is absolutely gigantic; It sells a diverse range of products. Both International and local brands are represented here. Over three hundred shops are located here. In addition to the traditional handicrafts, leading names in fashion, accessories, footwear, perfumes, and cutlery are located here. A bowling alley, ice skating rink as well as rock climbing facilities are available here.
dohaLandmark Shopping Mall
This is a famous shopping arcade in Doha which sells a diverse range of products. Both International and local brands are represented here. Leading names in fashion, accessories, footwear, sports gear, electronics furniture, perfumes, music and electronics are located here. There is a huge Marks and Spencer and Virgin music store located here too.
dohaVillaggio Mall
This is another of the many malls that have been established in Doha to cater to the luxury lifestyles of the residents of the city. As in other malls, a diverse range of products are available here. A number of international European brands are housed here. This mall is all the more interesting since its interior is supposed to be reflective of Venetian architectural styles. Gondola rides and a cinema are located here for entertainment.
dohaGold Souk
This market is a must stop for any tourist visiting Doha. The market is busy and popular amongst locals and tourists. It is arguably the most well known of Doha’s markets. Numerous stalls are housed under one roof selling gold jewelry. Beautiful necklaces, ear rings and rings of intricate design etc. are available here.
Signature sights in Doha
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Doha
Plan around 10 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
dohaFencing Grand Prix
This annual event is held in Al Sadd Club. It is conducted by the Fencing Federation of Qatar. The event lasts 3 days and is open to all fencers who hold licenses. Winners get an extremely generous cash prize of $30,000.
dohaQatar Masters Golf
This event is held annually and is quite popular amongst the local people as well as golf enthusiasts from the world over. Golfers from the globe over converge on the city of Doha to compete in this tournament. Some of the biggest names in golf are no strangers to the city of Doha. The event is held in Doha Golf Club.
dohaDoha Cultural Festival
This festival is held annually. This event began in 2002. It is held and celebrated with much enthusiasm. There are many activities and festivities that accompany this event. These include International folkloric shows, heritage villages, countryside lifestyles exhibition, horse exhibition, children’s cinema festival, poetry night, musical night, Islamic calligraphy exhibition, costume shows and plays. The event lasts about 10 days and is held at venues throughout Doha including the Visual Arts Center, Alwaseel auditorium, the Ritz Carlton and a number of shopping malls.
dohaEmir GCC Camel Races Final
This event is held annually; the venue is the Al Shahaniya Race track. The finals of the races are always held here turning this into a venue for a select crowd of wealthy camel owners to compete against each other and win prizes. This is more than entertaining for participants
dohaFestival of the Senses
This annual festival is themed around sports. The venue is the Corniche and a number of tents are erected at this time, one each for taste, touch, smell and sight. This festival is unique and very interesting; in that it entails everything to do with sports- the importance of nutrition in sport, the various sporting equipment and gear, the smells associated with these as well as visual displays and photographs chronicling sport related activity over the years. A giant screen displays live sporting events from around the world.
Doha tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
dohaCleopatra Tours
Address: P.O Box 989, Doha
dohaDarwish Travels
These reliable tour operators have many options from which tourists can choose. The tours are similar to those offered by Net Tours. The rates are identical as well. The Doha city tour lasts about four hours and costs about 60 U.S Dollars. Tourists are taken to the Qatar National Museum, a stud farm to see the Qatari ruler’s horses, a number of markets and souks. An alternative tour also lasting four hours takes visitors to a camel track and Oryx farm just outside Doha. This trip costs 75 U.S. Dollars. Other four hour long trips take travelers on a desert safari and this costs about 100 U.S Dollars. Other tours include deep sea fishing, night dhow cruising and overnight desert safari. The rates for these latter tours are revealed on request.
dohaSouth Travels
These tour operators offer a variety of tours of the city of Doha, both half day as well as full day. These include cultural trips, historical tours, shopping tours, desert safaris, fishing trips and a dhow cruise. These last from anywhere between four hours and eight hours. The cost is anywhere between 50 and 130 U.S Dollars. This is an excellent way of discovering Doha. Many of the souks and major attractions are covered in these tours. The guides too speak English fluently making the trips all the more informative.
dohaNet Tours
These tour operators also have a variety of packages to offer. The Doha city tour lasts about four hours and costs about 60 U.S Dollars. Tourists are taken to the Qatar National Museum, a stud farm to see the Qatari ruler’s horses, a number of markets and souks. An alternative tour also lasting four hours takes visitors to a camel track and Oryx farm just outside Doha. This trip costs 75 U.S. Dollars. Other four hour long trips take travelers on a desert safari and this costs about 100 U.S Dollars.
dohaGulf Adventures
These operators offer a variety of packages. In the half day tour of the city lasting roughly three and a half hours, tourists are taken to the historical and cultural sights of Doha. Such a tour costs each person about 80 Qatari Riyal. An alternative tour is the drive around Doha where tourists are able to acquaint themselves with the major attractions of the city without getting off. This two and a half hour ride costs about 55 Qatari Riyal. The good evening Doha tour lasts three and a half hours and costs 180 Qatari Riyals, the objective is to explore beautiful illuminated Doha. Generally speaking sites visited on these tours include the dhow harbor, Qatar National Museum and the traditional souks.
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Doha travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
