QATAR TRAVEL GUIDE
Qatar is a peninsular Arab country whose terrain comprises arid desert and a long Persian (Arab) Gulf shoreline of beaches and dunes. Qatar is a pint-sized country in the Middle East, but what it lacks in size it makes up in energy. This extremely progressive country is trying to accomplish in decades what some countries have attained in centuries.
One of the first Gulf countries to discover oil, Qatar’s reserve today is modest, but its natural gas reserves rank it as a very resource-rich nation. Also on the coast is the capital, Doha, known for its futuristic skyscrapers and other ultramodern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design, such as the limestone Museum of Islamic Art. Not exactly a tourist hotspot yet, the country welcome the traveller with its magnificent hotels, glorious beaches and enthusiastic water sports.
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QATAR QUICK FACTS
- Capital: Doha
- Government: Traditional monarchy
- Currency: Qatari riyal (QAR)
- Area: 11,437 km2
- Population: 2,782 million (2018)
- Language: Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
- Religion:Muslim 67% (Christianity and Hinduism both at 13.8%)
- Electricity: 240V/50Hz (UK plug)
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QATAR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 2nd Tuesday of February, National Sports Day
- 3 September, Independence Day
- 18 December, National Day
Also, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
FESTIVALS IN QATAR
BEST TIME TO VISIT QATAR
QATAR WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Qatar has a desert climate. The country experiences long summers from May to September characterised by intense dry heat, with temperatures rising above 45°C. Winter temperatures are mild but may fall below 5°C. Rainfall is only experienced during the winter with the northern parts of the country receiving 30% more rainfall than the south. Qatar is impacted by Shamal winds, which cause sand and dust storms throughout the year.
QATAR TOURIST SEASONS
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
FEBRUARY
HOT
COLD
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WET
MARCH
HOT
COLD
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WET
APRIL
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
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WET
MAY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
DECEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
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SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN QATAR
HIKING & CYCLING IN QATAR
Qatar's climate is not very well suited to hikers. Summers are scorching and humid, while winter is only a little cooler. The most popular outdoor activities are "dune bashing" by 4 wheel drive or quad bikes.
BEACH OPTIONS IN QATAR
If you're visiting the beaches in Qatar, be aware that you may need to wear appropriate clothing ie nothing too revealing. Some of the most popular beach resorts are: Banana Island Resort Doha, Katara Beach, Simaisma and A Murwab Resort.
SURFING IN QATAR
KITESURF IN QATAR
No matter whether you are an advanced kitesurfer looking for a challenge, or a beginner that is still learning the skills, Qatar will have what you are looking for. With mostly shallow open water, plenty of space without any traffic and mild temperatures that won’t scare you away! The season is generally from January to June.
For more details on kite surfing in Qatar expand this section!
HEALTH RISKS IN QATAR
Be aware of possible health risks in
Qatar
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
For the latest travel health notices and recommended precautions click
QATAR TRAVEL TIPS
SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF QATAR
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FLIGHTS
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ACCOMMODATION
Hostelworld is the number one resource for researching and booking hostels. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as in our experience they consistently return the cheapest rates.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance will protect you against unexoected illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. We never travel without travel insurance and we have using World Nomads for a number of years. Our favorite companies that offer the best options and value are:
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