Kinds of Woman concerning the Globe (GatG) – Journey GatG, Tradition GatG, Desert GatG, Historical past GatG, Purchasing GatG
Should you didn’t know the place Qatar was earlier than, you in all probability have now that it hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022. No matter you consider Qatar, this Center Japanese nation is an rising vacation spot with an genuine tradition.
In case you are planning a visit to Doha, I’ve coated issues to do in Doha and past on this article. Uncover locations to go to in Doha Qatar, what to do in Qatar together with itineraries for Qatar, getting round Doha and the place to remain in Doha, particularly if you’re travelling right here alone.
Contents
Solo Journey in Qatar
Qatar is crime-free making it a particularly secure nation to go to and Girls in Qatar play an energetic half within the nation. Islamic tradition is welcoming to foreigners and tolerant of different religions in order a customer to Qatar you’ll be able to anticipate to be accepted and welcomed. Is Qatar secure for girls? Western girls could get some consideration in Qatar however it’s often simply curious stares and never uncomfortable.
There is no such thing as a costume code for girls however it’s beneficial to respect the tradition by maintaining beachwear on the seaside and dressing appropriately in public. Wi-fi is in every single place and is free to entry and English is broadly spoken too. Should you’re questioning “Is Doha secure?” Sure, it’s. I travelled right here solo and had a cushty time.
Qatari Tradition
Qatari tradition is understood for its hospitality. It’s inside their tradition to share meals, drink and shelter with travellers so you’ll be able to anticipate a heat welcome and old-world courtesy for those who come right here. Make sure that to go to a conventional Qatari market or souq. These markets are excellent place to buy and expertise native tradition.
Qatar remains to be an islamic nation so for those who go to through the holy month of Ramadan you aren’t permitted to eat or drink in public throughout daylight. The weekend in Qatar isn’t Saturday and Sunday. As a substitute the work week runs from Sunday to Thursday so anticipate some companies to be closed on a Friday or Saturday.
About Qatar
Qatar is a sovereign state within the Center East that has been unbiased since 1971. Its lengthy peninsular (11,500 sq. km) extends into the Arabian Gulf and the nation has greater than 500 km of shoreline.
It affords genuine experiences and desert adventures in addition to welcoming hospitality. Apart from museums, seashores and desert safaris, you don’t want that lengthy in Qatar however it’s a good stopover for just a few nights if you’re flying with Qatar Airways. And there are additionally seaside resorts for those who plan to only chill out for just a few days too.
Qatar is a good vacation spot for every type of solos. Energetic solos can expertise sand boarding or dune bashing or take a leisurely stroll alongside the Doha shoreline. Historical past buffs can delve into the previous at Al Zubarah Fort. Ocean solos can dive within the ocean or get their coronary heart pumping with a spread of water sports activities. Wildlife and desert lovers can journey a camel, sleep within the desert and expertise the artwork of falconry.
Or for the buying solo, you’ll be able to take a sightseeing tour, dine in a pleasant restaurant and store to your coronary heart’s content material at one of many many malls earlier than sunbathing on the sandy shoreline or getting pampered at a spa. And whether it is sandy seashores and dunes that you just’re after, Qatar has a lot! There are many issues to do in Doha and past.
Energetic & Journey
There may be loads of journey available right here and one of many enjoyable issues to do in Doha is to take a desert safari Doha tour. Doha is surrounded by desert terrain, making it excellent for the adventurous solo. Expertise dune bashing within the Mesaieed desert within the south or drive an ATV by means of it your self as a substitute.
There are numerous tour operators that provide guided desert safaris, the place you’ll be able to expertise the fantastic thing about the desert and journey a camel. Qatar’s desert landscapes additionally supply a novel alternative to attempt sandboarding, (just like snowboarding however on sand dunes).
One of many high locations to go to in Qatar is Khor Al Adaid. That is the place the waters of the Gulf meet the desert dunes and create a spectacular inland sea. This UNESCO-recognised pure reserve is the place you’ll be able to take a camel journey alongside the seaside, drive throughout sand dunes, spot wildlife or paddle within the Arabian Gulf.
As a result of Doha has a sandy shoreline, you will get energetic and stroll alongside the Doha Corniche waterfront to see the skyline of the town (it appears to be like like a mini Dubai with all of the skyscrapers). Spot the dhows within the water and the high-rise skyscrapers at West Bay. As you stroll alongside, you’ll be able to see the Museum of Islamic Artwork, a surprising piece of structure that sits on the corniche, close to the water’s edge. It’s additionally secure to stroll right here at nightfall or you’ll be able to be part of the joggers as they run across the bay.
Should you love sports activities, Qatar holds some main sporting occasions you can watch within the Khalifa Worldwide Stadium or at one in all its waterfront places. Examine what’s on earlier than you arrive.
Qatar Islamic Museum
Arts & Museums
Qatar is the centre of artwork and tradition within the Gulf. For the arty and museum solo, you’ll discover performances and concert events in addition to public artwork amongst world-class museums and galleries (they even have worldwide artists performing right here). Even the Doha Hearth Station appears to be like like a murals!
Should you don’t have time to see all of the museums, the Museum of Islamic Artwork (MIA) is a high Doha must-see. This well-known museum takes you on a journey by means of 14 centuries of Islamic artwork and showcases a number of the best artwork and artefacts. Or go to the Qatar Nationwide Museum. This museum covers the historical past, tradition, and heritage of Qatar, and options reveals of conventional crafts, costumes, and artefacts.
The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is among the greatest locations to go to in Qatar as it’s also one of the vital distinctive within the Center East. It affords a variety of Qatari historical past akin to handwoven rugs and conventional put on however probably the most attention-grabbing artefacts are the non-public assortment belonging to Sheikh Faisal.
The Msheireb Museums are made up of 4 heritage homes all in a conventional Qatari type which have been restored and became museums overlaying the historical past and evolution of Qatar. You will get a glimpse into conventional Qatari household life and the way it’s altering. See Bin Jelmood Home, Firm Home, Mohammed Bin Jassim Home, and Radwani Home.
A stamp assortment could not often be your factor however the Arab Postal Stamp Museum is price visiting only for the attractive Arab-style constructing that it’s housed in. Inside are stamps from over 22 Arab international locations that date over three many years.
Artwork Galleries
For artwork lovers, there are a number of galleries. The Mathaf Arab Museum of Trendy Artwork is a world-class museum that homes each fashionable and up to date art work in drawings, work and prints.
However you don’t even need to enter an artwork gallery to see art work in Doha. If you find yourself exploring, maintain your eyes peeled for public artwork installations at these places: Anne Geddes: Wholesome Dwelling from the Begin at HMC Girls’s Hospital. Richard Serra: 7 on the Museum of Islamic Artwork Park. Tony Smith: Smoke at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Tradition
There are numerous mosques in Doha and Qatar however the Imam Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque is the most important mosque right here. This beautiful sandstone mosque with greater than 90 domes has incredible views of the capital’s skyline. It’s suggested to book a tour to go to the mosque.
For tradition, one of many issues to do in Qatar is to discover the souqs. Souq Waqif is an genuine expertise that offers you a glimpse into Qatar road life. You’re feeling as if you’re wandering by means of a conventional road as you stroll by means of bustling alleyways with locals consuming espresso and consuming Arabic meals. It’s straightforward to get misplaced within the maze of souks. There are many scrumptious candy retailers to select from.
This genuine conventional Qatari market is a perfect place to purchase souvenirs and a silk scarf. Simply don’t overlook to haggle! Right here can be the place you could find a Falcon Souq. The Center East is the house of falconry and also you see the nationwide chook on this souq. It’s additionally one of many locations to go to in Qatar free of charge.
One other conventional market to take in Qatari tradition is the Al Wakrah Souq. You’ll be able to wander the alleyways and spice stalls and simply lose your self within the environment of this seaside market. Then after you’re all shopped out, you’ll be able to dine in one of many eating places and pattern some seafood by the seaside.
Stroll alongside the promenade, see the Pearl Monument located on the roundabout or simply spend a while seeing the standard picket dhows within the sand. Should you do sunbathe right here, you could put on correct swimwear.
Dhow boats are historical Arabic boats discovered within the Pink Sea and the Center East. Historically used for fishing and different business actions, many are actually used for tourism and dinner cruises alongside the river as a substitute. In Qatar, you’ll be able to ebook a daytime or night dhow cruise.
One other of the locations to go to in Doha is Katara Cultural Village. This space on the waterfront is nice to discover. Close to West Bay, this cultural village is bordered by a seaside and hills. Go to the Katara Mosque and the Gold Mosque (you might want your sun shades for the glare on this one). There’s additionally a Greek amphitheatre with Islamic influences such because the arched entrances.
The village is good for artwork lovers who can discover the Katara Cultural Village galleries. Make sure that to look out for the art work of The Drive of Nature II, and Gandhi’s Three Monkeys at Katara Cultural Village.
Or head to the races (camels that’s!) Simply 20 km west of Doha is Al Shahaniya, a camel race monitor the place you’ll be able to watch these humped mammals race.
Meals – Qatar Eating places
There are a variety of eating places and delicacies right here. Apart from the standard Center Japanese and Arabic eating places, you could find steakhouses inside motels such because the Doh Marriott and Movenpick, Asian Resort within the Grand Hyatt and Intercontinental, Chines on the Oryx Rotana and Radisson Blu, in addition to seafood eating places in Sharq Village & Spa and the Katara.
There are additionally worldwide eating places throughout the Ritz-Carlton and Grand Hyatt to call just some. Get pleasure from Latin American meals at Toro Toro in Marsa Malaz Kempinski, and for vegan meals head to Evergreen Organics at The Pearl.
For espresso and cake or a spot of afternoon tea head to one in all these: Seasons Tea Lounge at 4 Seasons Doha, W Cafe at W Doha Resort & Residences or Cafe Murano at Marsa Malaz Kempiniskix.
Historical past
For historical past lovers, one of many Qatar greatest locations to go to is Al Zubarah Fort. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is harking back to the nation’s turbulent previous. It was once one of many Gulf’s vital ports for each buying and selling and pearl diving, and you’ll discover the archaeological web site right here to be taught extra about its fascinating historical past. It’s removed from Doha (greater than 100 km away) however even the journey right here will transport you to the previous.
In case you are planning to enterprise additional out than the capital and see greater than the Doha locations to go to, Al Shamal is a coastal city that showcases the pearl commerce of the nation. This coastal city dates again to the 18th century and has lots of of shoreline you can stroll alongside.
Within the north lies the Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings. These carvings that lie inside an deserted quarry are stated to be 1,000 years previous. There are roughly 900 carvings right here from fish and scorpions to carvings of dhows.
Nature
For a small nation, there’s a wide range of nature. It’s not simply sand dunes right here. You’ll be able to see rock formations sculpted by the wind at Zikreet Peninsula (together with unspoiled seashores), and gypsum caves at Dhal Al Misfir. Or kayak by means of mangroves at Al Thakira the place you’ll be able to paddle your approach by means of lush Arabic surroundings.
Banana Island
Ocean
If it’s water sports activities that you just’re into, you’ll be able to attempt kitesurfing, parasailing, crusing and kayaking right here. You’ll be able to even attempt your hand at fishing on the fashionable fishing spot known as Al Dhakira. Take a conventional dhow cruise to expertise the ocean with out getting moist or dive with one of many dive centres.
For individuals who need to escape the town centre, Banana Island is the place to go and one of many high issues to do in Qatar for these looking for someplace unique. Simply 20 minutes from the centre you arrive by yacht on a personal island the place you’ll be able to jet ski, paddle board or simply lounge round on a seaside profiting from a day go on this island owned by Anantara.
Or simply go to the seaside. Qatar has many seashores, each on the Gulf coast and on the japanese coast of the peninsula. Simply bear in mind to not stroll round exterior of the seaside in your bikini or swimsuit. Fuwairit Seashore is among the most stunning however it isn’t near the town. You’ll have to rent a automotive and go off-road or get a driver as a substitute because it’s about 100 km exterior of Doha. It’s usually closed in November when the ocean turtles nest right here.
Purchasing in Qatar
For the buying solo, Qatar has many malls with a number of in Doha. Window store on the Al Asmakh Mall (Centrepoint), Metropolis Centre Doha, The Gate Mall, Lagoona Mall, or the Complete Plaza inside Doha itself.
One of many Doha greatest locations to go to is the Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island off the coast of Doha that has been developed right into a luxurious residential and buying district. You don’t even have to buy right here as you’ll be able to simply stroll alongside the marinas and sightsee at this ‘Arabian Riviera.’
Or enterprise exterior the capital for the Ezdan Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Landmark Mall, The Mall, The Pearl-Qatar, Al Khor Mall, Dar Al Salam Mall, Gulf Mall, and the 01 Mall. If it’s a buying expertise you need, Qatar is a good location for it.
The place To Keep in Doha
Much like many of the Center East, Qatar’s lodging is incredible worth for the service and high quality that you just obtain. Qatar has a spread of lodging to select from whether or not you like worldwide manufacturers or price range guesthouses. Look forward to finding spas, swimming pools, gyms and personal seashores included inside 5-star up to date and luxurious lodging. Different choices are boutique motels, residences, beachfront residences and resorts exterior of the town.
Keep inside Doha and also you’ll discover many of the metropolis’s high sights inside strolling distance. West Bay is the primary monetary district with many eating places and locations to buy. Or you might choose to remain close to the Corniche and discover the waterfront promenade as a substitute.
Beneath are beneficial lodging that are particularly good for solo feminine travellers. For all different lodging, click on on the hyperlink under and seek for opinions by different solos.
* Examine costs and availability for all Qatar lodging
Lodging in Qatar
Swiss-Belinn Doha – I stayed on this chain lodge in Oman and liked it. The one in Doha has 24-hour reception with equally as pleasant employees, a alternative of eating places and is near a metro so it’s straightforward to get round. Costs begin from £82/$98 per night time for a superior double room. * Examine costs, dates and availability: Swiss-Belinn Doha
Voco Doha West Bay Suites – Should you choose a studio residence, the voco Doha West Bay Suites has suites and rooms with world-class service and a well being membership and restaurant serving all varieties of delicacies. Costs begin from £88/$105 per night time for a studio. * Examine costs, dates and availability: Voco Doha West Bay Suites
Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Seashore – I like the Wyndham motels. I stayed in a single in Kuwait and suggest them. The one in Doha is fantastically designed and in an important location on West Bay Seashore. Costs begin from £156/$186 an evening for a superior king room. * Examine costs, dates and availability: Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Seashore
Qatar Excursions
Get Your Information – Get Your Information lets you discover top-rated Qatar actions. Utilizing native firms, you’ll be able to select a spread of excursions and actions by means of their platform. Select from a desert safari Qatar with a camel journey, safari and sandboarding expertise, a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket, and a Doha Metropolis Tour of Souq Waqif, Katara and Pearl-Qatar Island.
A few of the excursions require a minimal of two folks or are twice as a lot to do alone for a personal tour however there are some experiences you’ll be able to ebook solo. It’s actually easy to make use of, simply test the opinions in your Doha tour, test the worth and availability then ebook on-line. * Examine Get Your Information excursions, costs and availability
Getting Round Doha
Getting round Doha, the capital of Qatar, is simple on foot however for those who choose to take Qatar transport, there are a number of choices for getting round in Doha:
Taxis: Taxis are available in Doha and are a handy method to get round. You’ll be able to hail a taxi on the road or ebook one by means of a ride-hailing app. You possibly can additionally rent a limousine for those who’re feeling flash or use the Uber app. Good taxi firms are Al Million Taxi, and Karwa Taxi.
Metro: Doha has a contemporary metro system that connects the town centre with a number of suburbs. The metro is a handy method to get round, and it’s also air-conditioned, which is a welcome reduction through the scorching summer time months.
Bus: Doha has a public bus system that connects the town centre with a number of suburbs and can take you across the nation as far north as Al Shamal. Buses are an inexpensive and handy method to get round, however they are often crowded at peak instances.
Automobile Rental: If you wish to have extra flexibility and independence, you’ll be able to hire a automotive in Doha. There are a number of automotive rental firms situated on the airport and within the metropolis centre. I’ve used Uncover Vehicles and suggest them. • Examine automotive rent costs
From Doha Airport
Hamad Worldwide Airport (the Qatar airport code is DOH) is situated about 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of the town centre. There are a number of choices for getting from the airport to the place you might be staying in Qatar.
Taxis can be found on the airport and are a handy method to get to your vacation spot. The fare from the airport to the town centre is often round QAR 60-80 (from $17 USD). The airport is related to the metro system, and you’ll take the Pink Line to get to the town centre. The fare from the airport to the town centre is QAR 5 (about $1.50 USD).
There are a number of bus routes that join the airport with the town centre. The fare is QAR 5 (about $1.50 USD). * Check Rome2Rio for your route You probably have rented a automotive, you might choose to choose it up as quickly as you arrive on the airport. * Examine automotive rent costs
Finest Time To Go to Qatar
Being within the Center East, Qatar has a desert local weather and you’ll anticipate solar all 12 months. 12 months-round sunshine is just about assured in Qatar and it hardly rains besides in winter when it’s only a fast bathe. Go to in January and you’ll anticipate temperatures of 17 levels Celsius. Within the peak of the summer time throughout July temperatures may even get as excessive as 40 levels so you might need to keep away from the summer time months and go to within the spring or autumn months for a extra comfy temperature.
Qatar Itinerary
One-day Qatar Itinerary
Should you’re restricted on time, take a DohaBus metropolis tour and hop on and off all the key sights. It’s a great way of studying extra concerning the nation and getting an summary. Cease on the Museum of Islamic Artwork for a morning of training earlier than hopping again on for a lunch cease at The Pearl-Qatar, subsequent to the marina, earlier than seeing the Katara Cultural Village.
Afternoon – Deal with your self at one of many luxurious spas or spend a day window buying and escaping the solar at one of many elegant buying malls.
OR: Head to Soul Waqif for an genuine road environment and to seize some genuine souvenirs. Souq Waqif is a conventional Arabian market that has been restored and modernized. Right here you’ll be able to store for conventional crafts, spices, and souvenirs and for those who haven’t had lunch you’ll be able to keep right here to take pleasure in some Center Japanese delicacies at one of many many eating places.
If it’s journey that you just’re after, (you might be within the Center East in any case), get your coronary heart pumping on an exhilarating desert safari, throughout sand dunes to Khor Al Adaid. Keep within the desert to expertise the sundown and see the celebs in a Bedouin camp the place you’ll be able to expertise a conventional barbecue, earlier than retiring again to your lodge for the night.
Three-Day Qatar Itinerary
Day One
9 am – Acquire an perception into Qatar’s previous and current on the Msheireb Enrichment Centre located on the Corniche. Not solely does it present an introduction into the heritage and tradition of the nation however you’ll additionally find out about its thrilling plans for future improvement too.
11:00 – Proceed your morning of tradition and studying on the Museum of Islamic Artwork.
13:00 – Soak up the remainder of the Doha websites on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, stopping wherever you need en route.
16:00 – See Doha at night time aboard a dhow cruise. Crusing round Doha Bay you’ll see the Corniche in all its panoramic glory and the spectacular high-rise enterprise district of West Bay.
19:00 – Expertise a conventional market and road life on the vigorous Souq Waqif earlier than soaking within the environment much more by eating at one of many Center Japanese eating places right here.
Day Two
07:00 – Enterprise exterior of Doha to Al Shahaniya to look at the camel races. Then proceed onto Zikreet Peninsula to see uncommon wind-carved rock formations and spend time at unspoiled seashores.
12:00 – Alongside the west coast is Al Zubarah the place you’ll be able to discover the archaeological web site of the nation’s fascinating historical past and fort.
13:00 – Take the east coast again to Doha stopping on the Al Thakira Mangroves and Al Khor metropolis on the best way.
19:00 – Head to Katara Cultural Village for some extra tradition.
Day Three
09:00 – Take advantage of your lodge’s amenities and chill out on the pool or have a spa therapy.
12:00 – Do some last-minute buying at one of many buying malls and cease for a chew to eat too.
15:00 – Journey southward to Souq Waqif Al Wakra earlier than reaching Sealine for a desert safari. That is the place to begin for safaris and you’ll journey throughout the dunes to see the distinctive Inland Sea of Khor Al Adaid.
18:00 – Keep within the desert to pattern a conventional barbecue then keep in a single day to immerse your self in Bedouin hospitality, sleeping below the celebs at a desert camp.
FAQs
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- Can I drink the water? Faucet water is supposed to be okay to drink however you might choose to take a water filter with you. * Examine water filter costs
- Is tipping anticipated? Eating places embrace a service cost however 10% is customary. QR10-20 for lodge porters and QR80 for drivers and tour guides.
- Mounted value or barter? You’ll be able to haggle within the souqs. Should you’re not sure easy methods to haggle this text will assist.
- Any ATMs? You’ll find loads of ATMs and eating places and retailers that settle for bank cards.
- Which aspect of the street do they drive? The fitting-hand aspect of the street.
- Good for vegetarians? There are vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Doha
- Any Seven Wonders of the World? No, however the desert is superb.
My Verdict
