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Qatar Holidays

Qatar Travel Guide

An intriguing blend of old and new, this rapidly evolving destination is fast becoming one of the most exciting places to visit in the Middle East. Located on a peninsula in the Persian Gulf, the country is home to beautiful beaches and traditional markets as well as glittering skyscrapers in the capital city - Doha. Ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, here you'll find magnificent shopping malls, cafes and restaurants as well as a wonderful waterfront corniche.

There are lots of things to do, whether you're staying for a few days or just stopping over on your way to another destination. Go for a gentle Dhow cruise in the bay, or em-bark on an exhilarating dune-bashing adventure (different here - thanks to the Inland Sea, a rare place where the ocean stretches into the desert). Visit the city's museums and galleries, or go on a spending spree at the luxury malls. More than just shopping centres, you'll find all kinds of entertainment options in the malls, from ice rinks to playgrounds and even an indoor theme park, Angry Birds World.

There are a range of luxurious hotels to choose from - including outposts from the big-name brands including St Regis, Four Seasons, W Doha and The Ritz Carlton.

Downtown Doha is also one of the world's most sustainable city districts - buildings have been orientated to shade the streets, while cars and service vehicles run under-ground to keep them pedestrian-friendly. Rooftop solar panels generate electricity, and the tram network makes getting around easy.

Things to do in Qatar - The Highlights

Best time to visit Qatar

Weather in Qatar

Qatar has a desert climate offering year-round sunshine. Summers are hot, while win-ters are mild and pleasant.

From November - April the weather is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. January is the coolest month, with average highs in the low-to-mid twenties.

June - August are best reserved for sun-worshippers only: temperatures can climb higher than 40°C. It's still possible to enjoy your holiday if you choose to go in the sum-mer (when hotels put out some fantastic deals), as everywhere is air-conditioned. You'll need to stick to indoor activities and take frequent dips in the hotel's chilled pool to keep cool.

Visit between April – September and you will be able to see the beautiful sight of Whale Sharks along the north east coast.

It rarely rains, averaging just 70mm per year (to compare, the UK gets about 70mm in August alone).

Created with Highcharts 4.1.7
Rainfall (cm)

Dining in Qatar

Whether you'll looking for celebrity chefs (Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsay and Nobu all have eateries here), or want to try some local dishes, the dining scene in Qatar is very diverse.

Many of the top restaurants can be found with the hotels - with options ranging from formal fine-dining establishments to casual coffee shops. You'll also find familiar family-friendly restaurants from the likes of Nandos, Carluccios and Wagamamas in the malls.

Local dishes

Luqaimat are Qatar's answer to doughnuts and definitely worth a try. These deep-fried bite-sized dumpling balls are flavoured with saffron and cardamon and, once crispy, dipped into an orange-blossom flavoured syrup, before being finished with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

Savoury favourite recipes include Thareed – The Middle East's take on lasagna, made with carrots, courgette, onions and potatoes, slow-cooked lamb and a hearty tomato sauce, layered with bread rather than pasta.

Where to stay in Qatar

The Pearl

The Pearl is Doha's most sought-after address. This multi-billion dollar artificial island is home to yacht-lined marinas and luxury residences, as well as upscale boutiques, cafes and restaurants. It's also where you'll find the most extravagant and opulent hotels, such as Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl Doha.

The Pearl

The Corniche

This palm-tree-lined waterfront promenade stretches 7 kilometres around the whole of Doha Bay in a horseshoe shape. It's popular in the mornings with joggers but comes alive in the evenings - offering lots of cafes and restaurants with the striking city skyline forming the backdrop. Some of the best hotels on the Corniche include W Doha Hotel & Resi-dences and Four Seasons Hotel Doha.

The Corniche

West Bay

Located in the heart of Doha, West Bay is surrounded by the coastal line and promi-nent business district. West Bay Beach offers an array of facilities and attractions to suit all. You’ll find some of the luxury hotels located in West Bay including The Ritz Carlton Doha.

West Bay

Lusail

The second largest city in Qatar, Lusail is located along the coast and is also home to the iconic world cup stadium. Lusail is locally known as the most technologically ad-vanced smart city and is home to an array of attractions. The stunning Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha enjoys a stunning beachfront location.

Lusail
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Key Information
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Flight Time: 6 hours 40 minutes

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Time Difference: GMT + 2 hours

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Currency: Qatari Riyal

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Language: Arabic, English widely spoken

Qatar Special Offers

Latest Deals on recommended places to stay in Qatar

Search the latest Qatar holidays, combining flights with our hand-picked selection of hotels and resorts. We have highlighted some of our best deals to Qatar , whether a last minute getaway, short city break to Qatar or an all inclusive family holiday. All holidays offers include full financial protection and can be booked online or with a call to our specialist travel consultants. Book your holiday with Ameira Travel early and save.

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