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

Classic Qatar

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,500
See Itinerary

An Unforgettable Honeymoon: Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Qatar

Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,500
See Itinerary

Qatar With Kids

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Per Person Per Day
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
See Itinerary

Qatar: Adventures By Sand and Sea

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Per Person Per Day
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
See Itinerary

Traditions and Cultures of the Arabian Gulf

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,200
See Itinerary
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The St. Regis Doha
Preferred Hotel

The 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...
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,...
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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.

Multi-Country Specialists

Qatar Goes Well With

Travelogues

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