Doha

Doha, Qatar

Already well-known as a business travel destination, Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar, has emerged in recent years as a rapidly developing tourist destination as well. A modern country built on the deep cultural roots of its Bedouin heritage, Qatar presents visitors with a kaleidoscope of fascinating contrasts and experiences; from the tranquillity of the desert to the lively alleys of the souq, from the impressive coastal fortresses to the dramatic high-rise towers, and from the deserted sandy beaches and mangrove lagoons to the elegant residential districts and green parks.

Population:

2.382 million (2018)

Currency:

Qatari Riyal (QAR)

Emergency Numbers:

Police, Fire, Ambulance: 999

Opening Hours:

Bank open from 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM on Sunday to Thursday while some banks open until 10:00 PM. Supermarket open from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM every day while some supermarkets open until 10:00 PM.

Newspapers:

Doha News
Gulf Times
Qatar Tribune

Doha City

Doha is an attractive and clean city, home to more than half of the nation's population, as well as the majority of Qatar’s hotels, shopping malls, museums, sporting facilities and other tourist attractions.

The city presents a modern face to the world with many traditional and historic features. There is plenty of evidence of Qatar's rapid economic growth in the number of major projects under construction.

The center of the city backs the waterfront Corniche, which extends around the length of the semi-circular Doha Bay.

Dining

Qatar offers a remarkable variety of culinary options. Many restaurants offer an authentic taste of Arabian and Middle Eastern cuisine, including food from North Africa, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran. But all the major cuisines of the world are also well represented here--from French and Italian to Chinese, Japanese, and Indian. Likewise, options range from formal fine dining to relaxed fast food outlets and coffee shops.

Many top restaurants can be found in Qatar’s hotels, including The Pearl-Qatar, Souq Waqif, and Katara Cultural Village. The following selection represents just a small sample of Doha's outstanding restaurant options.

Cafes

One of the most popular leisure pastimes among Qataris and expatriate residents alike is to spend a relaxing hour or two over a cup of coffee and maybe a pastry with friends, discussing the issues of the day and putting the world to rights.

Here is a small selection of some of the city's fine range of cafes.

Shopping

Doha is a shopper’s paradise offering visitors an array of experiences and options, from the comfort and elegance of spacious modern shopping malls to more typically Middle Eastern experience and ambience to be found in the souqs.

Why not try both? The malls are ideal for picking out fashion items and international brands at competitive prices. The souqs are perfect for finding regional souvenirs and gift items while enjoying a taste of Qatari street life.