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Qatar

Independent as of 1971, Qatar transformed itself from poor British protectorate to one of the richest countries on the planet within a short half-century, fueled by the discovery of extensive natural gas and petroleum reserves both inland and offshore. This newfound wealth and power secured the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which makes Qatar the first Middle Eastern (and the smallest ever) country to host the world’s most-watched sporting event. 

A small peninsula protruding out of the Persian Gulf, Qatar measures just 177 miles (188 kilometers) long by 53 miles (85 kilometers) wide. Mostly flat and with no rivers, permanent flowing water sources, or natural lakes, much of the land is desert save for mangroves at Al Khor, scenic salt flats in the southeast and the dazzling skyscraper-strewn capital, Doha. In the dunes, you’ll find ancient forts and contemporary art installations sharing space with camels, sand cats, Asiatic jackals, Arabian ostriches and the nation’s sweetheart, the oryx. In the city, you’ll find museums, mosques, markets, malls and more - arranged around a turquoise bay of bobbing dhow boats, ringed with glass-and-steel and warm sandstone.

Ruled by the Al Thani family as a debated constitutional or absolute monarchy (depending on who you ask), Qatar is a conservative country modeled on Sharia Law. Dressing modestly is expected, alcohol is served only in 5-star hotels and public displays of affection, even physical contact between opposite sexes, is considered taboo. On the other hand, Qataris make up a mere 12% of the population compared to the 88% of expatriates, English is widely spoken and privacy-respecting tolerance is the norm.

For first-timers to the country, Qatar offers a deliciously complex mix of modernity and tradition: robot jockeys sit atop racing camels, falcons are bought at a generations-old souq and treated at a high-tech falcon-dedicated hospital, shisha and tea is consumed cross-legged at the Souq Waqif before a chauffeured drive to the luxurious Hamad International Airport sends you off to your next destination.

Qatar Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Qatar Itineraries

All Itineraries
Multi Country
Classic Qatar

Classic Qatar

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,500
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An Unforgettable Honeymoon: Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Qatar

An Unforgettable Honeymoon: Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Qatar

Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,500
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Qatar With Kids

Qatar With Kids

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Per Person Per Day
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
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Qatar: Adventures By Sand and Sea

Qatar: Adventures By Sand and Sea

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Per Person Per Day
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
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Traditions and Cultures of the Arabian Gulf

Traditions and Cultures of the Arabian Gulf

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,200
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Alwadi Hotel Doha - MGallery
Preferred Hotel

Alwadi Hotel Doha - MGallery

Doha, Qatar

With its positioning at the heart of Qatar’s capital and near the prospering Msheireb Downtown Doha, MGallery’s Alwadi Hotel Doha is a luxurious haven of five-star accommodations amid the bustle of urban life. Doha’s growing status as one of the premier cities in the Persian Gulf means it has a lot to offer modern travelers, and this boutique-style hotel affords access to some of the most up-and-coming and culturally significant parts of the city. A centuries-old market, the Souq Waqif, is directly adjacent to the Alwadi Hotel and can be accessed through a pedestrian underpass, and the Msheireb Downtown Doha area is home to numerous museums, shops, and monuments. The hotel’s 213 rooms and suite strike a balance in aesthetics between Qatari warmth and tasteful modern design. Corridors are richly carpeted in Henna-inspired patterns, Arabic motifs accompany elegant modern art pieces, plush king-size beds come with crisp, fine linens, and luxurious bathroom amenities are standard in all accommodations. Facilities include a spa and fitness center, as well as a swimming pool, and fine dining options are a highlight. Culinary journeys at the Alwadi Hotel routinely feature exquisite ingredients, exotic color palettes, locally inspired tastes and aromas, and top-notch service. The in-house dining repertoire includes three restaurants, two bars, and a lobby lounge, meaning that local cuisine, international classics, gourmet snacks, and tapas are all available for guests.
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Anantara Banana Island
Preferred Hotel

Anantara Banana Island

Doha, Qatar

When guests get off the transfer boat and arrive at the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, they are greeted by an “Island Welcome” of drummers and clapping staff, marking their arrival at this luxurious island that is home to a half-mile-long, crescent-shaped beach. Rooms with relaxing décor and understated Arabic touches are spacious, and they offer fantastic views of the beach and the Arabian Sea beyond. All rooms have indulgent, curved bathtubs, some of which are installed in small atriums. The most impressive units are the thatched-roof villas that float over the ocean and have private pools, but even entry-level accommodations are sure to impress with king-size beds and far-ranging views. There is no shortage of activities at the resort, from the four communal pools surrounded by loungers to the expansive spa with numerous private treatment rooms, hammams, and more. There are also various facilities for guests looking to get some exercise, such as the Fitness Center, tennis court, and nine-hole putting course. There is a bowling alley, a kid’s center, and even a surf pool that creates artificial waves for guests looking to hop on a surfboard. Breakfast is served at Azraq, buffet style, and Riva and Ted’s present classic Italian and throwback Americana-inspired flavors, respectively. Q Lounge & Restaurant is a must for lovers of Indian food, and Al Nahham, which is perched dramatically at the water's edge, serves a variety of local flavors. While there is no alcohol at the resort, flavored shisha tobacco is available, which is a perfect addition to a day of relaxation, and in-room and destination dining can also be arranged. Along with the resort's on-site activities, guests can enjoy the nearby sea by kayaking, wakeboarding, and more.
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Four Seasons Doha
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Doha

Doha, Qatar

Located at the heart of the capital city is the Four Seasons Hotel Doha – a freshly renovated jewel of the Four Seasons brand with a seaside aesthetic and modern appeal. The hotel is ideal for luxury travelers looking for a five-star home-away-from-home during their visit to Qatar, and the spacious guest rooms and facilities are among the finest in the entirety of the prosperous and rapidly developing nation. All rooms and suites have dramatic, panoramic views of the Doha city skyline, and decorative touches balance urban chic with resort-style luxury. Recent renovations to the hotel’s 237 total accommodations were overseen by renowned French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Light, sea-inspired colors dominate in classic and contemporary furnishings, and other design details like mother of pearl inlays and decorative Arab motifs are inspired by national Qatari heritage. Legendary Four Seasons service is available 24 hours a day, and features and amenities range from private elevators to bespoke private dining. Hotel facilities include a spa and fitness center with a pool and tennis court, and an impressive nine food and drink provide guests with an ample selection.
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Mandarin Oriental Doha
Preferred Hotel

Mandarin Oriental Doha

Doha, Qatar

Doha’s status as one of the Persian Gulf’s premier cities has made it a prime destination for visitors to Qatar, and luxury travelers will find legendary hospitality at the Mandarin Oriental, Doha. The hotel has a central location in downtown overlooking the Barahat Msheireb town square and within walking distance from other major tourist landmarks, such as the Souq Waqif marketplace, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the National Museum of Qatar. As in all Mandarin Oriental hotels, spacious rooms and suites rank among the finest accommodations in Qatar thanks to design aesthetics that blend modern international design with classic refinement. Features like separate bath and rain showers, private balconies, and bespoke refreshment consoles complement panoramic views and plush, residentially inspired furnishings. A spa and fitness center round out a range of state-of-the-art facilities, and in-house food and beverage options include cuisine and cocktail options that draw inspiration from around the world. Guests are sure to be impressed with a dining repertoire that includes a French Mediterranean restaurant, multiple international eateries, and even a dessert-specific venue serving homemade gelato and other frozen treats.
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Park Hyatt Doha
Preferred Hotel

Park Hyatt Doha

Doha, Qatar

The Park Hyatt Doha is located in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, which touts itself as the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project. The hotel has a refined air about it with artwork lining its walls and aesthetic sensibilities that are at once elegant and understated. The hotel is also sustainably designed with an eye toward keeping its carbon footprint to a minimum and generating less waste. There are a total of 187 guest rooms at the hotel. Entry-level accommodations span 430 square feet, and the expansive Presidential Suite covers more than 4,000 square feet in size. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, king-size beds, and marble bathrooms with rain showers and deep soaking tubs. Some of the suites even have private dining spaces and outdoor terraces. In terms of dining, the hotel offers an array of choices, both local and international. Its 21st-floor Japanese restaurant provides a great view from its terrace to go along with a refined menu, and the kitchen at Opus, which serves both Qatari and French dishes, is overseen by a Michelin-starred chef. There is also the ground floor Anis, where gourmet meets healthy dining. A major highlight of the Park Hyatt Doha is its massive spa, which covers two floors and invites guests to indulge in personalized treatments or enjoy the sauna, mood showers, and other facilities. On the sixth floor, there is a year-round, semi-covered pool, and the hotel’s Fitness Center is equipped with the latest in weight training and cardiovascular equipment.
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Ritz-Carlton Doha
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Doha

Doha, Qatar

Over the past several decades, Qatar has earned a growing reputation as one of the Persian Gulf’s most prosperous nations. The country’s rapidly developing capital and premier urban metropolis of Doha has distinguished itself as a hotbed for the arts, modern architecture, and bustling commerce. For luxury travelers seeking accommodations while in the capital, the Ritz-Carlton Doha ranks among the city’s finest five-star hospitality options. The hotel’s 374 luxuriously appointed guestrooms with views of the city or the gulf are richly decorated in classic Ritz-Carlton style, and other features like an exclusive Club Level, multiple dining options, a uniquely tailored spa “journey,” and locally renowned outdoor pools help highlight the extraordinary elegance of the Ritz brand. There are also an additional 61 luxury suites and 42 club rooms, and a 235-slip marina with a clubhouse for boats and an eight-slip marina for jet-skis are also on-site. Facilities at the Ritz-Carlton Doha include the aforementioned spa and marina, as well as a modern fitness center, a squash court, two indoor tennis courts, a boutique retail shop, a florist, a hair salon, and more. Guest rooms and suites have plush furnishings handcrafted in Spain and Italy, private balconies, large marble baths, fully stocked refreshment cabinets, and LCD flatscreen televisions. Among the hotel’s staggering array of fine dining options are an upscale American-style steakhouse by the water’s edge, an authentic French brasserie, and a poolside bar serving light snacks and refreshing cocktails.
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St Regis Doha
Preferred Hotel

St Regis Doha

Doha, Qatar

Qatar’s capital of Doha is a rapidly developing urban landscape that has gained a reputation as one of the premier cities in the Persian Gulf. It is a cultural hub with entertainment ranging from world-class shopping to important cultural sites. Among the many five-star options in the city, the St. Regis Doha stands out as a timeless hotel with resort-level facilities and a plethora of gourmet food and beverage options. The hotel’s location on the West Bay adjacent to the Diplomatic District places it conveniently near many of the marquee destinations and attractions in Doha. Wide-ranging views of the gulf waters in the St Regis Doha’s 336 luxury rooms and suites are accompanied by tasteful, Arabian-inspired décor, state-of-the-art technology, and the St. Regis brand’s signature butler service that is available to guests any time, day or night. Luxury travelers staying here also have access to a lineup of spa and fitness facilities that are staffed by highly trained professionals who are knowledgeable in the latest health and wellness techniques and treatments. Where dining is concerned, the St Regis Doha presents an impressive 10 destination restaurants, which has earned the hotel renown as a culinary destination in Doha. Among the culinary offerings available to luxury travelers are a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, an oyster bar, and a club where world-renowned artists stage live performances against a backdrop of the gulf, among many others.
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Rosewood Doha
Pre-Opening Hotel

Rosewood Doha

Doha, Qatar

The new Rosewood Doha is housed within two striking towers of contemporary design inspired by the coral reefs of the Persian Gulf. The property is comprised of 185 guest rooms and suites, 173 serviced apartments and 300 residences. For dining, guests can enjoy food and drinks at eight unique outlets: a bistro, the lobby lounge, a coffee shop and deli, three specialty restaurants, a cigar lounge, as well as an entertainment lounge. Other hotel amenities include a ballroom, event spaces, a state-of-the-art fitness center, the Manor Club executive lounge and Sense, a Rosewood Spa.
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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Qatar

Asia’s diverse weather patterns and seasonal events means you’ll need an expert to help guide you.

  • Qatar has a dry, subtropical desert climate, with little rainfall and very hot, humid summers.
  • December to February is the cool season and January the coolest month, with temperatures ranging from 57°F to 72°F (14°C to 22°C). Though rainfall is scarce, storms can occur during this period.
  • March, April and November are transitional months, with hot, but tolerable, highs of 75°F (24°C).
  • May to October is the hot season, with oven-hot temperatures averaging between 90°F and 109°F (32°C to 43°C), though the mercury has been known to rise to 122°F (50°C) in July and August.
  • Due to Qatar’s small size and flat topography, weather is similar across the country, though the coast tends to feel cooler than inland and urban Doha can feel hotter.
Weather chart for Doha, Qatar

Multi-Country Specialists

Qatar Goes Well With

Travelogues

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Dhow You Believe in Magic?

Author
Travelogues
From Doha to Dubai and from Abu Dhabi to Muscat, a private dhow cruise is a must-do for the Middle East aesthete: transport from centuries ago and luxury for today.
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